Lake Ontario Fruit Program Enrollment

Program Areas

  • Food Safety
  • Variety Evaluation
  • Market Development
  • Pest Management
  • Cultural Practices

Enrollment Benefits

  • Telephone / Email Consultations
  • Fruit Newsletter?
  • Direct Mailings
  • Educational Meetings & Conferences
  • In-Field Educational Opportunities
  • On-Farm Research Trials

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  • Issues of Fruit Newletters
  • Helpful Diagnostic Tool:
      What's wrong with my crop?

Events - month view

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April 2020

Cancelled - Respirator Fit Testing Clinics in WNY & Finger Lakes 2020

April 1, 2020
May 14, 2020

Appointment by schedule only: Cancelled
Western New York & Finger Lakes Locations

View Details for Update on Annual Fit Testing Requirements and Temporary Exemptions here https://www.nycamh.org/programs-and-services/respirator-fit-test-clinics.php

Valent Pome Fruit Portfolio Webinars - Free

April 1, 2020 : Webinar #1: Pre-Season
12-12:30pm
Webinar - Register to receive meeting log-in instructions & link

Topics that will be covered:

  • Extend pollination period to enhance fruit set in apples, pears and cherries
  • Improve fruit set following a frost event
  • Improved branching and revitalizing blind wood
  • Improved vigor on new plantings
  • Control of San Jose scale and codling moth
  • Long-lasting weed control in young orchards

OSHA Compliant Fit Testing and Training in Pultneyville - CANCELLED - see for link with temporary enforcement guidance

April 1, 2020 : April 1 - OSHA Compliant Fit Testing and Training in Pultneyville
CANCELLED
Pultneyville Lodge
Pultneyville, NY

Click details for temporary enforcement guidance on Annual Fit Testing.         

- CANCELLED - In a collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension Wayne County, Wayne County Farm Bureau and the Finger Lakes Occupational Health Services (FLOHS), we are offering the opportunity for Fit Test and Training provided by the FLOHS.

REVISED PROGRAM: 2020 DEC Special Permit Training

April 3, 2020
April 3 is the registration deadline ONLY. Program date and time TBD
Already Registered? You will be contacted with details on how to participate in revised program

REVISED PROGRAM: 2020 DEC Special Permit Training

UPDATE: NYS DEC has approved a revised Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Special Permit Training (SPT) Program for 2020 that accommodates current restrictions on public meetings, recommendations for social distancing, and projected delays in H2A guest worker processing.  Our previously announced SPT in-person training sessions scheduled in Wayne and Orleans counties for April 7 and 8 have been cancelled.  However, a recorded webinar is being developed that will satisfy the requirements. Registration deadline for this Revised Special Permit Training is April 3rd.

View Details for more info.

Special Permits (SP) will only be issued for specific pesticide labels and SP trainees will have to pass a test. This will relieve the certified pesticide applicator from "on-site within voice contact" supervision of non-certified pesticide applicators when they are handling federally-restricted-use pesticides for which they hold a Special Permit.

Workers requiring general pesticide training/Agricultural Worker Protection Standard Handler training who do not need special permits are welcome to take the class; they will not be tested and will receive a course participation certificate.

CANCELLED - In-Person 2020 Worker Protection Standard Training & DEC Special Permit Training

April 7, 2020 : Wayne County In-Person Special Permit Training Cancelled
Cornell Cooperative Extension Wayne County

CANCELLED - In-Person 2020 Worker Protection Standard Training & DEC Special Permit Training

THIS IN-PERSON EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED BUT A REVISED PROGRAM HAS BEEN DEVELOPED.  REVISED PROGRAM & REGISTRATION

Special Permits (SP) will only be issued for specific pesticide labels and SP trainees will have to pass a test. This will relieve the certified pesticide applicator from "on-site within voice contact" supervision of non-certified pesticide applicators when they are handling federally-restricted-use pesticides for which they hold a Special Permit.

Workers requiring general pesticide training/Agricultural Worker Protection Standard Handler training who do not need special permits are welcome to take the class; they will not be tested and will receive a course participation certificate.

Valent Pome Fruit Portfolio Webinars - Free

April 8, 2020 : Webinar #2: Pre-thinning
12-12:30pm
Webinar - Register to receive meeting log-in instructions & link

Topics that will be covered:

  • Timing and use of PGR to optimize fruit size and quality
  • Thinning and sizing
  • Russet control plus improved fruit quality
  • Codling moth, leaf rollers and San Jose scale protection

CANCELLED - In-Person 2020 Worker Protection Standard Training & DEC Special Permit Training

April 8, 2020 : Orleans County In-Person Special Permit Training Cancelled
Orleans County Cooperative Extension

CANCELLED - In-Person 2020 Worker Protection Standard Training & DEC Special Permit Training

THIS IN-PERSON EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED BUT A REVISED PROGRAM HAS BEEN DEVELOPED.  REVISED PROGRAM & REGISTRATION

Special Permits (SP) will only be issued for specific pesticide labels and SP trainees will have to pass a test. This will relieve the certified pesticide applicator from "on-site within voice contact" supervision of non-certified pesticide applicators when they are handling federally-restricted-use pesticides for which they hold a Special Permit.

Workers requiring general pesticide training/Agricultural Worker Protection Standard Handler training who do not need special permits are welcome to take the class; they will not be tested and will receive a course participation certificate.

OSHA Compliant Fit Testing and Training in Pultneyville - CANCELLED - see for link with temporary enforcement guidance

April 9, 2020 : April 9 - OSHA Compliant Fit Testing and Training in Pultneyville
8:30am - 4:30pm - each day will have time slots on the hour at 9, 10, & 11am & 1, 2, 3pm.
Pultneyville Lodge
Pultneyville, NY

Crop Insurance Listening Session: Feasibility of Revenue Coverage for Apples

April 28, 2020
9am
Online

The USDA Risk Management Agency and Agralytica will conduct a listening session for grower and stakeholder feedback about potential revenue coverage options for apple crop insurance.

For New York State stakeholders the sessions will be:

  • April 28th at 9am for NYS Apple Growers
  • May 4th 9am for East Coast Insurance Agents
  • May 5th 3pm for East Coast Insurance Providers and Adjusters
  • Best Management Practices for U-Pick During the COVID-19 Pandemic

    April 30, 2020
    12:30pm - 1:30pm
    Online

    In light of what we understand about the spread of COVID-19, new management practices will be needed to protect your U-Pick farm team and your customers. This will take some more planning as well as possibly adding more staff to your team. 

    Join free webinar today - click details for link.

    May 2020

    CCE LOF 'Spring Pink Meeting' - Actual Date May 11

    May 11, 2020
    Noon - 1pm, Eastern Time
    Online

    Join the us for the first virtual CCE LOF 'Spring Pink Meeting' via Zoom.  Monday May 11 from Noon -1pm.  Be sure to preregister for this free Zoom webinar.

    Spotted Lanternfly Workshop - Online

    May 13, 2020
    9:30am - Noon
    Online; pre-registration required

    Spotted Lanternfly Workshop - Online

    Pre-registration for this free webinar is required.

    Extended Registration for REVISED PROGRAM: 2020 DEC Special Permit Training

    May 15, 2020
    Extended Registration for Special Permit Training
    For anyone who missed the April 3rd registration deadline, now is your chance to register.

    Late Registration Now Available for Special Permit Training - for those who were unable to register by April 3rd, there is still time.  If you have already registered please do not re-register you will be contacted in the near future with detailed instructions.

    UPDATE: NYS DEC has approved a revised Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Special Permit Training (SPT) Program for 2020 that accommodates current restrictions on public meetings, recommendations for social distancing, and projected delays in H2A guest worker processing.  Our previously announced SPT in-person training sessions scheduled in Wayne and Orleans counties for April 7 and 8 have been cancelled.  However, a recorded webinar is being developed that will satisfy the requirements. Registration deadline for this Revised Special Permit Training is April 3rd.

    View Details for more info.

    Special Permits (SP) will only be issued for specific pesticide labels and SP trainees will have to pass a test. This will relieve the certified pesticide applicator from "on-site within voice contact" supervision of non-certified pesticide applicators when they are handling federally-restricted-use pesticides for which they hold a Special Permit.

    Workers requiring general pesticide training/Agricultural Worker Protection Standard Handler training who do not need special permits are welcome to take the class; they will not be tested and will receive a course participation certificate

    Spring Meeting Series

    May 21, 2020 : Spring Bloom Meeting
    Noon - 1pm
    Online - please register via link in description

    Dr. Terence Robinson & Mario Miranda Sazo will be providing recommendations for bloom thinning in biennial varieties (plus Gala), with up-to-date information based on assessments of freeze damage across the region. This meeting will be recorded.

    Spring Meeting Series

    May 27, 2020 : Spring Petal Fall Thinning Recommendations Meeting Part 1
    Noon - 1pm
    Online, please register via link in the description.

    Spring Meeting Series

    Description: A fairly short meeting. Terence Robinson and Mario Miranda Sazo will be making early thinning recommendations based on assessments over the past several days. There will be plenty of time for Q&A, and the webinar will be recorded and posted to our website soon after.


    Spring Meeting Series

    May 29, 2020 : "Annual" Spring Petal Fall Thinning Meeting Part 2
    Noon - 1:30 PM
    Zoom Webinar

    Spring Meeting Series

    "Annual" Spring Petal Fall Thinning Meeting Part 2-

    Please register through Zoom link by clicking on view  details below and scrolling down to the May 29 Webinar.

    This will be a more comprehensive webinar that will be similar to the field meetings we had Pre-COVID, which will include IPM/pest management updates from Cornell faculty, pollination information, a labor update, COVID-19 information, a national crop update, and an update on thinning recommendations from Mario. There will be time for Q&A. It will be recorded and posted on our website later as well.


    June 2020

    Spring Meeting Series

    June 5, 2020 : Western NY 10-13 mm Thinning Spray Recommendations
    Noon - 1 PM
    Zoom webinar

    Spring Meeting Series

    Dr. Terence Robinson will present his recommendations for the all-important 10-13 mm thinning sprays. This will be based on overall response to thinners though petal fall, and the carbohydrate model predictions with the current weather forecasts. Terence and Mario will be available after to answer your questions.

    Please register through Zoom link by clicking on view  details below and scrolling down to the June 5 Webinar.



    Lunchtime Q & A Session, Tuesday, June 9: Managing Field Crews during COVID-19: What Actions Should Apple Growers Take?

    June 9, 2020
    12pm - 1pm
    Online

    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.

    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.

    Q & A Session, Wed June 24th - Managing Fruit and Vegetable Farms During COVID-19: What Actions Should Farms Take?

    June 24, 2020
    7pm - 8:15pm
    Online Webinar

    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 Cornell ag specialists for a Question and Answer session on June 24th, 2020, at 7pm, that will address common questions that fruit and vegetable growers have about managing their farms during COVID-19.

    Summer Insect Management in Cherry - Keeping Covered for SWD

    June 29, 2020
    12pm - 1pm
    Zoom Meeting

    Please join us for a webinar to learn about managing spotted wing drosophila and fruit flies in cherries this summer! 

    more crops
    Apples

    Apples

    Apricots

    Apricots

    Asian Pears

    Asian Pears

    Blueberries

    Blueberries

    Cherries

    Cherries

    Currants

    Currants

    Gooseberries

    Gooseberries

    Nectarines

    Nectarines

    Peaches

    Peaches

    Pears

    Pears

    Plums

    Plums

    Raspberries / Blackberries

    Raspberries / Blackberries

    Strawberries

    Strawberries

    Unusual Fruit

    Unusual Fruit

    more crops

    Upcoming Events

    2024 LOF Advisory Committee Meeting - WNY Winter Fruit Conference Topics

    December 6, 2024
    Rochester, NY

    Please join us for our winter advisory meeting, join the team and provide input for the 3rd Annual WNY Tree Fruit Conference on February 4-5 in Rochester. Please pre-register by December 2th.

    Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course Yates County

    December 18, 2024
    Penn Yan, NY

    Fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety as well as growers who are covered by the FSMA Produce Safety Rule or who anticipate being covered in the future should consider taking this course.

    The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in ยง 112.22(c) that requires 'At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.'

    From Seed to Success: Turn Your Idea into an Actionable Plan

    January 7, 2025 : Session 1: The 30,000-foot view, what are you trying to accomplish? What resources do you have?

    Unit 1: Introduction to Business Planning and the Business Plan (Liz Higgins)

    • Session 1: The 30,000-foot view, what are you trying to accomplish? What resources do you have?

    January 14, 2025 : Session 2: Introduction to Project Management

    Unit 1: Introduction to Business Planning and the Business Plan (Liz Higgins)

    • Session 2: Introduction to Project Management

    January 21, 2025 : Session 3: How Business Planning Becomes a Business Plan

    Unit 1: Introduction to Business Planning and the Business Plan (Liz Higgins)

    • Session 3: How Business Planning Becomes a Business Plan

    January 28, 2025 : Session 4: Your Market and Your Competition

    Unit 2: Developing a Marketing Plan for Your Farm (Bonnie Nelsen)

     Session 4: Your Market and Your Competition


    February 4, 2025 : Session 5: Revenue and Product Mix to Achieve Your Goals

    Unit 2: Developing a Marketing Plan for Your Farm (Bonnie Nelsen)

    • Session 5:  Revenue and Product Mix to Achieve Your Goals

    February 11, 2025 : Session 6: Marketing Plan and Evaluation of Marketing Efforts

    Unit 2: Developing a Marketing Plan for Your Farm (Bonnie Nelsen)

    • Session 6: Marketing Plan and Evaluation of Marketing Efforts

    February 18, 2025 : Session 7: The Basics of Financial Statements

    Unit 3: Developing a Financial Plan for Your Farm Business (Steve Hadcock)

    • Session 7: The Basics of Financial Statements


    February 25, 2025 : Session 8: Enhancing Confidence in Your Numbers

    Unit 3: Developing a Financial Plan for Your Farm Business (Steve Hadcock)

    • Session 8: Enhancing Confidence in Your Numbers



    March 4, 2025 : Session 9: Using Financial Statements and Financial Information to Plan and Evaluate an Enterprise

    Unit 3: Developing a Financial Plan for Your Farm Business (Steve Hadcock)

    • Session 9: Using Financial Statements and Financial Information to Plan and Evaluate an Enterprise

    Announcements

    Fire blight management survey

    Understanding your perspective on fire blight management systems.

    Your input on fire blight management systems is crucial for guiding future research efforts - please help us out by completing a quick survey at https://opinion.wsu.edu/AppleManagement/

    Hearing your views and experience from the field will be very valuable in making our research and recommendations realistic and actionable. PLUS you will receive an electronic gift card for $25. The survey will only take 20 min of your time.

    Your opinions are important to us, even if you did not have issues with fire blight control and antibiotic resistance in your orchard.


    Business Updates



    Save the Date! - Scroll down for Upcoming Events

    Have you missed a meeting recently? Scroll down for available recordings or pdf links or visits our YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/LakeOntarioFruitProgram

    2024 Events:

    6 Dec - Lake Ontario Fruit Program Advisory Committee Meeting - 10am -2pm, Gates Public Library, register now 


    2025 Events:


    17 Jan - 27 Feb - Ag Supervisory Leadership Course 104 - Register Now

    Feb 4-5, 2025 - Western NY Fruit Conference - DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Rochester

    7 & 8 May - 2025 Respirator Fit Testing Clinics - CCE Orleans


    Webinar Recordings & Additional Meeting Materials

    Check out the recordings of some recent webinars and/or conference materials from in person events: Recordings and Playlists are available at https://www.youtube.com/c/LakeOntarioFruitProgram

    Recording of Precision Apple Cropload MANagement PACMAN technologies at the 2nd Annual WNY Fruit Grower Tour. https://youtu.be/yE6thvf4z0E

    2024 Virtual Orchard Meetup Series - Water Wisdom: 






    2024 Winter Fruit Webinars playlist on the NYS IPM Program YouTube Channel


    PACMAN Details and Resources, Meeting Recording Links below:




    Scaffolds podcast

    Many of you probably read Art Agnello's statewide tree fruit updates and recommendations newsletter, "Scaffolds". Dr. Monique Rivera is bringing it back, but in a new audio version. Episode one was recorded this week, and is now available for free online at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/scaffolds


    NYS Tree Decline Survey

    Your answers could help find the solution to tree decline in the orchard.

    Food Safety Virtual Office Hours

    Cornell Institute of Food Safety "Virtual Office Hours", Tuesdays Noon to 1pm https://cals.cornell.edu/institute-for-food-safety/resources/virtual-office-hours

    Past recorded virtual office hours can be found on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLZJs5b7KUuvfcquH3ZtQHo5dSmF2m5MdQ


    Pollinator Resouces

    Now available Pollinator Resource Links


    Meeting Recordings Now Available

    Did you miss the recent meeting?  Check and see if we recorded it and added it to our website or Lake Ontario Fruit Program YouTube Channel.

    Honeycrisp Meetup recordings available here.

    Why are my trees growing so poorly? recording available here.

    Additional Recorded Webinars listing with recording and resource link are available at



    New Publication on Growing Pawpaws

    Are you a fan of pawpaws? These custardy fruits can be hard to come across, so this guide provides information on how to grow your own pawpaw from seed, and how to care for grafted seedlings. Pdf on growing now available.​ https://lof.cce.cornell.edu/submission.php?id=799&crumb=crops|crops|unusual_fruit|crop*50

    New Weed Management Technology Survey

    Want to move away from herbicide reliance? Are you using novel technologies to manage weeds? We want to know about it to inform our weed science research. A team of weed scientists from University of California Davis, Oregon State University, and Cornell University are asking berry, tree fruit, tree nut, and vine crop growers to take 5 to 10 minutes and answer this short and anonymous survey. Weed Technology Survey link: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bEpfAijoP7puQDP

    For more information on this survey please visit http://blogs.cornell.edu/swd1/2020/12/02/new-weed-management-technology/


    Pollinator Webinar Series - Summer 2020

    The Pollinator Webinar Series presented by Penn State cover bee health and pollination services.



    Bloom Pesticides for Pollinator Health

    A reference table created by Janet van Zoeren and Anna Wallis, is now available at https://lof.cce.cornell.edu/submission.php?id=711&crumb=pests|pests.