Lunchtime Q & A Session, Tuesday, June 9: Managing Field Crews during COVID-19: What Actions Should Apple Growers Take?
Event Details
Date
June 9, 2020
Time
12pm - 1pm
Location
Online
Host
Lake Ontario Fruit ProgramMark Wiltberger
Q & A Session: Managing Field Crews during COVID-19:
What Actions Should Apple Growers Take? Tuesday, June 9, 12-1 PM
Mark Wiltberger
As New York "Reopens" business during the COVID-19 crisis, business owners are evaluating what actions they need to take to protect themselves, their employees, and their customers, and to help public officials contain the spread of COVID-19.
Join a panel of experts for a Question and Answer lunchtime session on June 9th, 2020 at noon that will address common questions that apple growers and other producers have about managing their field crew.
Although these issues are a concern for apple growers across the state, the session is highly relevant to all farms with seasonal workers, and to storage, packing, and other food facilities. Dr. David Bell, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for Orleans and Genesee Counties, and other expert panelists will answer questions, including:
- What actions are the most important for me to take right now as a business owner?
- When should my crew wear face coverings and what other preventative measures should they be taking?
- What happens if one of my crew members tests positive for COVID-19?
- What sleeping, residential, and employee housing considerations should I keep in mind?
- What actions should I consider taking now to prepare for Fall harvest?
- How do I make a NY Forward Business Safety Plan?
- What assistance or guidance should I expect from my local health department?
Participants are encouraged to register early and enter a question at the time of registration. Questions asked during the session will be addressed as time allows.
Panelists will include:
- Dr. David Bell, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Coordinator for the Genesee and Orleans County Health Departments
- Dr. Richard Stup, Cornell Extension Agricultural Workforce Development
- Dr. Elizabeth Bihn, Institute for Food Safety at Cornell
- Mark Wiltberger, Cornell Cooperative Extension Business Management Specialist, Lake Ontario Fruit Program
This Q & A session will be held via Zoom on Tuesday June 9th, from 12pm to 1pm. Register here: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_vdT-4XF8SBGfoXBeTI41BA
Upcoming Events
2026 Virtual Orchard Meetup Series
February 27, 2026 : Session 1 - The Impacts of Weather on Pome Fruit Quality and Storability: Lessons Learned
The Impacts of Weather on Pome Fruit Quality and Storability: Lessons from 2025 - The first meetup will be conducted live on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 10:30pm (PST)/1:30pm (EST). The webinar will last 90 minutes. The format will include brief presentations by two SPARC scientists, followed by a packer/grower panel of industry leaders across North America. The meetup will conclude with an open discussion in a very inclusive virtual format. Viewers are invited to share solutions, ask questions, and interact with scientists and panelists. The program is free of charge.
June 11, 2026 : Session 2
Details to follow.
June 18, 2026
Details to follow.
June 25, 2026 : Session 4
Details to follow.
2026 Tree Fruit Scouting Online Course
February 25, 2026 : Week 1 - IPM Fundamentals + Tools
This course trains tree fruit growers, orchard employees, industry professionals and interested students on the biology, identification and monitoring of major economically significant orchard pests, using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. This course is FREE and provides an annual opportunity for growers to refresh their knowledge in advance of the growing season. Register by February 18th.
March 4, 2026 : Week 2 - Insects: Part 1
This course trains tree fruit growers, orchard employees, industry professionals and interested students on the biology, identification and monitoring of major economically significant orchard pests, using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. This course is FREE and provides an annual opportunity for growers to refresh their knowledge in advance of the growing season. Register by February 18th.
March 11, 2026 : Week 3 - Insects: Part 2
This course trains tree fruit growers, orchard employees, industry professionals and interested students on the biology, identification and monitoring of major economically significant orchard pests, using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. This course is FREE and provides an annual opportunity for growers to refresh their knowledge in advance of the growing season. Register by February 18th.
March 18, 2026 : Week 4 - Diseases
This course trains tree fruit growers, orchard employees, industry professionals and interested students on the biology, identification and monitoring of major economically significant orchard pests, using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. This course is FREE and provides an annual opportunity for growers to refresh their knowledge in advance of the growing season. Register by February 18th.
March 25, 2026 : Week 5 - Weeds, Wildlife, + Wrap-Up
This course trains tree fruit growers, orchard employees, industry professionals and interested students on the biology, identification and monitoring of major economically significant orchard pests, using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. This course is FREE and provides an annual opportunity for growers to refresh their knowledge in advance of the growing season. Register by February 18th.
