2024 Virtual Orchard Meetup Series 'Water Wisdom: Navigating Tree Fruit Production Through Drought and Deluge'
Since 2021, the North American Summer Virtual Meetup Program has brought together growers, researchers, Extension, and government to have a conversation about important tree fruit topics. Connecting industry leaders across North America, over 20 experts are involved in these 90-minute online forums, interacting with more than 1,000 participants. Our fourth series will focus on "Water Wisdom: Navigating Tree Fruit Production Through Drought and Deluge". Over the past decade, growers have experienced unpredictable rainfall, water availability challenges, droughts and deluges. We want to explore methods for adapting to these challenges and discuss alternatives for efficient irrigation practices, including advances in irrigation technologies that help growers produce high quality fruit. In addition to the primary speakers, viewers are invited to share solutions, ask questions, and interact with the specialists and grower panelists. Preregistration is not required to attend. To join, simply go to the Meet-Up Zoom Site:
https://treefruit.wsu.edu/event/2023-virtual-orchard-meetup-summer-series-managing-the-uncontrollable/2024-06-06/. If you can't access, copy and paste the URL in your browser:
https://bit.ly/2024-virtual-meetup
Topics
- JUNE 6: Trends in Water Availability
- JUNE 13: Role of Water in Tree Fruit Physiology & Quality
- JUNE 20: Smart Watering: Practices for Irrigation Management
- JUNE 27: Water Wisdom Unplugged: Panelist Q&A
While each meeting builds off the one preceding it—and we hope you can attend all three—they also function as
"standalone" meetings if you are not able to attend them all. You can download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Whether you are a fruit grower with ample experience, one that has modest experience, or one that is just getting started, Virtual Orchard Meetups will be the right setting for you to ask questions and find alternative
solutions.
Event Details
Trends in Water Availability
Event Details
Date
June 13, 2024
Time
7PM (EDT)
Location
Zoom
Host
Role of Water in Tree Fruit Physiology & Quality
Our fourth series will focus on "Water Wisdom: Navigating Tree Fruit Production Through Drought and Deluge". Connect with industry leaders across North America, over 20 experts as they discuss this topic in these 90-minute online forums, and more than 1,000 participants.
Recorded Meeting on YouTube:
Event Details
Date
June 20, 2024
Time
7PM (EDT)
Location
Zoom
Host
Smart Watering: Practices for Irrigation Management
Our fourth series will focus on "Water Wisdom: Navigating Tree Fruit Production Through Drought and Deluge". Connect with industry leaders across North America, over 20 experts as they discuss this topic in these 90-minute online forums, and more than 1,000 participants.
Recording on YouTube:
Event Details
Date
June 27, 2024
Time
7PM (EDT)
Location
Zoom
Host
Water Wisdom Unplugged: Panelist Q&A
Our fourth series will focus on "Water Wisdom: Navigating Tree Fruit Production Through Drought and Deluge". Connect with industry leaders across North America, over 20 experts as they discuss this topic in these 90-minute online forums, and more than 1,000 participants.
Apples
Apricots
Asian Pears
Blueberries
Cherries
Currants
Gooseberries
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Plums
Raspberries / Blackberries
Strawberries
Unusual Fruit
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.
Cornell Fruit Field Day
July 30, 2026
Geneva, NY
Join Cornell researchers in Geneva for Fruit Field Day, returning after 10 years, to tour research plots, learn from experts—including Terence Robinson with 40+ years in tree fruit research—and explore the latest orchard technologies and practices.