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:
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Events - month view

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January 2026

ENYCH Listed Event

2026 Winter Cut Flower Webinar Series

Event Offers DEC Credits

January 6, 2026
1pm - 3pm
Online via Zoom

The fifth annual CCE Cut Flower Webinar Series begins on January 6, 2026 and continues over 5 weeks on Tuesdays. This is a very popular series of online events you won't want to miss, with topflight speakers, a wide variety of subjects concerning growing cut flowers and plenty of interaction between speakers and attendees.  

Tuesdays 1pm-3pm January 6, 2026 - February 3, 2026 (The webinar held on February 3 will run 1pm-4pm)

Cost: $60.00 for all five sessions, $20 for single sessions

Webinars will be recorded, and all the recordings will be sent to registrants for future review.

ENYCH Listed Event

Expanding Farm Sales: Markets, Profits, and Branding Series

January 10, 2026
10am - 12pm
Schoharie Extension Center - Cobleskill, NY OR Otsego Education Center - Cooperstown, NY OR Via Zoom

Looking to diversify where you sell your farm products? This four-part workshop series helps farmers explore new opportunities in direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and institutional markets. Learn how to meet buyer expectations, price for profitability, and build lasting relationships that support your business goals. Participants will strengthen marketing and communication skills, evaluate which sales channels best fit their farm, and connect with buyers, distributors, and local partners who can help expand their reach. Whether you're just starting out or ready to grow your market presence, this program will help you chart the right path for your farm's future.

Four Session Series: Saturdays from 10AM to Noon, January 10-January 31, 2026

Attend at one of three locations: Schoharie Extension Center - Cobleskill, NY; Otsego Education Center - Cooperstown, NY; Via Zoom

Pre-registration is requested! Fee: $25 Register Here

Any questions can be directed to Kelley Doolin at kmd322@cornell.edu

The Past, the Present, and the Future of PACMAN Webinar

January 12, 2026
11am - 3pm
Zoom Webinar

The Past, the Present, and the Future of PACMAN Webinar

Join nationally recognized scientists and extension specialists for a nationwide PACMAN webinar presenting five years of research findings and outlining emerging directions and collaborative opportunities for the next phase of the project.

2026 Dyson Agricultural Food

January 12, 2026
9am - 3pm
Stocking Hall, Cornell University
Ithaca, NY

ENYCH Listed Event

I thought I was covered for that! Farm Insurance Webinar Series, Jan-Feb 2026

January 13, 2026 : Session 1: Insurance and Risk Management 101
12:00-1:30
Zoom

I thought I was covered for that! Farm Insurance Webinar Series, Jan-Feb 2026

Insurance and Risk Management 101. This first webinar will cover many of the general provisions found in insurance policies and describe some of the terms to be aware of when you are considering your options. Steve Hadcock, Capital District Hort Team and Greg Murk, FarmNet. 

ENYCH Listed Event

Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam Prep Course

January 13 - January 14, 2026
8:30am - 12:30pm
Online via Zoom

Join ENYCHP specialists for an in-depth review of topics covered on the NYS DEC pesticide applicator certification exam. This two-day virtual course includes explanation of key concepts on the core exam, test-taking tips for the core and category exam, practice questions, and Q&A with instructors. Course materials, including program recordings, practice exams, and DEC materials will be available to registrants after the program. This training is geared toward certification categories 1A (agricultural plant), 21 (field and forage), 22 (fruit), and 23 (vegetable). 

ENYCH Listed Event

2026 Becker Forum - Save the Date

January 14, 2026 : Save the Date - 2026 Becker Forum
TBD (all day)
Cornell AgriTech
Geneva, NY

The Becker Forum, an annual gathering of growers, farm managers, and industry experts, offers a comprehensive program tailored to address the most pressing challenges facing the agricultural community today. The day will feature a series of informative sessions designed to equip attendees with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate these complex issues successfully.

ENYCH Listed Event

I thought I was covered for that! Farm Insurance Webinar Series, Jan-Feb 2026

January 20, 2026 : Session 2: Liability Insurance
12:00-1:30
Zoom

I thought I was covered for that! Farm Insurance Webinar Series, Jan-Feb 2026

Coverage for the risk that your business will cause harm to someone.  Are you having people on your farm or selling a food product?  You might need liability insurance. Robert Hadad, Cornell Vegetable Program, Elizabeth Higgins, Eastern NY Commercial Hort Program.

ENYCH Listed Event

2026 Greenhouse Growers School

Event Offers DEC Credits

January 21, 2026 : 2026 Greenhouse Growers School
8:00am - 4:45pm
CCE Albany County
Voorheesville, NY

This event is in-person but the speakers in the morning session will present virtually. The cost to attend this event is $60 per person. $10 discount for members of New York State Flower Industries. A discount of 50% will be given to additional attendees from the same greenhouse/farm. Lunch is included. Pre-registration is required. Walk-ins will NOT be allowed. Please register by January 16, 2026.

2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinars

January 22, 2026 : Blueberry Pruning and Soil Health to Minimize Pests and Maximize Yield
11:00am - 12:30pm
Online via Zoom

Week 1: Blueberry Pruning and Soil Health to Minimize Pests and Maximize Yield

ENYCH Listed Event

2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinar Series

Event Offers DEC Credits

January 22, 2026 : Blueberry Pruning and Soil Health to Minimize Pests and Maximize Yield
11:00am to 12:30pm
Online via Zoom

Week 1: Blueberry Pruning and Soil Health to Minimize Pests and Maximize Yield

ENYCH Listed Event

I thought I was covered for that! Farm Insurance Webinar Series, Jan-Feb 2026

January 27, 2026 : Session 3:Protecting Yourself from Disasters (Crop Insurance, USDA FSA programs and Flood Insurance)
12:00-1:30
Zoom

I thought I was covered for that! Farm Insurance Webinar Series, Jan-Feb 2026

Are you protected from a weather event on your farm? Learn about your options for Disaster Coverage (crop insurance, FSA programs, flood insurance). Elizabeth Higgins, Eastern NY Commercial Hort Program.

2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinars

January 29, 2026 : Cost of Production for Fruit Crops
11:00am - 12:30pm
Online via Zoom

Week 2:  Cost of Production for Fruit Crops - A new tool for tree fruit, updates on berry production in NY, and strategies for tracking and using expense data.

ENYCH Listed Event

2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinar Series

January 29, 2026 : Cost of Production for Fruit Crops
11:00AM - 12:30PM
Online via Zoom

Week 2: Cost of Production for Fruit Crops - A new tool for tree fruit, updates on berry production in NY, and strategies for tracking and using expense data 

February 2026

ENYCH Listed Event

I thought I was covered for that! Farm Insurance Webinar Series, Jan-Feb 2026

February 3, 2026 : Session 4: Insuring People (health, life and disability insurance)
12:00-1:30
Zoom

I thought I was covered for that! Farm Insurance Webinar Series, Jan-Feb 2026

Options for health insurance, life insurance and disability insurance, and how they can help farmers and their employees. Maire Ullrich, CCE Orange County and Lucas Smith, Cornell Ag Workforce Development 

2026 Winter Fruit Schools

Event Offers DEC Credits

February 4, 2026 : 2026 Winter Fruit School - Niagara County
Sign-in 7:30am, 8:30am - 4:30pm
CCE Niagara
Lockport, NY

CCE-LOF are excited to bring you a return to LOF's Winter Fruit Schools, in which there will be two nearly identical programs on consecutive days in two locations in LOF's territory. We are in the process of putting together the program, and have garnered key input from our growers, businesses, and other personnel.  Please note registration cost increases after January 27th, Registration Now!  

ENYCH Listed Event

2026 Northeast Extension Fruit Consortium Winter Webinar Series

Event Offers DEC Credits

February 4, 2026 : Management of Up and Coming Strawberry Diseases in the Northeastern United States
12pm - 1pm
Online via Zoom

Session 1: Management of Up and Coming Strawberry Diseases in the Northeastern United States

ENYCH Listed Event

How to Diversify or Scale Up with Confidence for Profitability - Inspired by Annie's Project

February 4, 2026
February 11, 2026
February 25, 2026

11:00-2:00 PM
Zoom or in person at various locations in NYS

How to Diversify or Scale Up with Confidence for Profitability - Inspired by Annie's Project

Do you have an idea for a new enterprise to add value to your farm? Maybe you're considering scaling up for a potential market opportunity but just aren't sure if it's a good fit for your business. Join Cornell Cooperative Extensions of Allegany County, Broome County, Madison County, Onondaga County, Niagara County, Tioga County, the Niagara Small Business Development Center, and the Eastern NY Commercial Horticulture Team for a hybrid series on Wednesdays in February, starting on February 4th that will answer these questions and more.   Annie's Project seeks to empower farm women through education, networks and resources. We welcome, and encourage, learning and sharing amongst farm women as we help you grow as decision-makers and leaders on your farm.

2026 Winter Fruit Schools

February 5, 2026 : 2026 Winter Fruit School - Wayne County
Sign-in 7:30am, 8:30am - 4:30pm
Rootstock Cider & Spirits
Williamson, NY

CCE-LOF are excited to bring you a return to LOF's Winter Fruit Schools, in which there will be two nearly identical programs on consecutive days in two locations in LOF's territory. We are in the process of putting together the program, and have garnered key input from our growers, businesses, and other personnel.  Please note registration cost increases after January 27th, Registration Now!  

ENYCH Listed Event

I thought I was covered for that! Farm Insurance Webinar Series, Jan-Feb 2026

February 10, 2026 : Session 5: Property Insurance
12:00-1:30
Zoom

I thought I was covered for that! Farm Insurance Webinar Series, Jan-Feb 2026

Insuring your infrastructure, equipment, and livestock from loss. Learn about the types of coverage, and the risks they reduce. Colin Hostetter, Tri-County Ag Team, Desiree Keever, CCE Delaware County and Steve Glick, Kevin Daniels Agency.

ENYCH Listed Event

2026 Northeast Extension Fruit Consortium Winter Webinar Series

February 11, 2026 : Kiwiberry Production in the Northeast
12pm - 1pm
Online via Zoom

Session 2: Kiwiberry Production in the Northeast

2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinars

February 12, 2026 : Fire Blight Management Updates
11:00am - 1:00pm
Online via Zoom

Week 3: Fire Blight Management Updates - Pathogen Biology, Defense Inducers, Biopesticides, and Pruning Therapies

ENYCH Listed Event

2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinar Series

Event Offers DEC Credits

February 12, 2026 : Fire Blight Management Updates
11:00AM - 1:00PM
Online via Zoom

Week 3: Fire Blight Management Updates - Pathogen Biology, Defense Inducers, Biopesticides, and Pruning Therapies

ENYCH Listed Event

2026 Northeast Extension Fruit Consortium Winter Webinar Series

February 18, 2026 : Heat Mitigation- Sunburn and Fruit Coloring
12pm - 1pm
Online via Zoom

Session 3: Heat Mitigation- Sunburn and Fruit Coloring

2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinars

February 19, 2026 : Pink and Petal Fall Insecticides - Can We Strike the Right Balance?
11:00am - 12:30pm
Online via Zoom

Week 4: Pink and Petal Fall Insecticides - Can We Strike the Right Balance? 

ENYCH Listed Event

2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinar Series

Event Offers DEC Credits

February 19, 2026 : Pink and Petal Fall Insecticides- Can We Strike the Right Balance?
11:00AM - 12:30PM
Online via Zoom

Week 4: Pink and Petal Fall Insecticides - Can We Strike the Right Balance? 

ENYCH Listed Event

2026 Eastern New York Fruit and Vegetable Conference

Event Offers DEC Credits

February 25 - February 26, 2026 : 2026 Eastern NY Fruit and Vegetable Conference: February 25-26, 2026
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
The Crowne Plaza Desmond Hotel & Conference Center
Albany, NY

Join us for our Annual Eastern NY Fruit and Vegetable Conference with two days filled with informative sessions on Tree Fruit, Vegetables, Small Fruit, Grapes, Greenhouse and a special Food Safety Wash and Pack session!  While there you can also visit with more than 50 exhibiotrs!

ENYCH Listed Event

Tree Fruit Scouting - Online Course

February 25, 2026 : Tree Fruit Scouting - Online Course
6:30pm - 8pm
Online via Zoom

Live Webinars February 25-March 25, 2026

Five sessions, Wednesdays 6:30-8 pm

March 2026

ENYCH Listed Event

2026 Northeast Extension Fruit Consortium Winter Webinar Series

Event Offers DEC Credits

March 4, 2026 : USEPA Endangered Species Act Strategies and Pesticide Use
12pm - 1pm
Online via Zoom

Session 5: USEPA Endangered Species Act Strategies and Pesticide Use

ENYCH Listed Event

New Farm Manager Skills Day - Get the Tools You Need to Grow Your People (Hudson Valley)

March 10, 2026 : New Farm Manager Skills Day - Get the Tools You Need to Grow Your People
10:00am-3:30pm
CCE Dutchess County
Millbrook, NY

Are you moving into a supervisory farm management role this season and want to get off to a good start?  Are you an experienced manager who wants to connect with other "people" managers and work on your skills?  This one-day workshop is for you! 

ENYCH Listed Event

2026 Northeast Extension Fruit Consortium Winter Webinar Series

March 11, 2026 : Practical Drought Management for Fruit Growers
12pm - 1pm
Online via Zoom

Session 6: Practical Drought Management for Fruit Growers

2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinars

March 12, 2026 : Inoculating Orchards with Mycorrhizal Fungi
11:00am - 12:30pm
Online via Zoom

Week 5: Inoculating Orchards with Mycorrhizal Fungi

ENYCH Listed Event

2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinar Series

March 12, 2026 : Inoculating Orchards with Mycorrhizal Fungi
11:00AM - 12:30PM
Online via Zoom

Week 5: Inoculating Orchards with Mycorrhizal Fungi

ENYCH Listed Event

New Farm Manager Skills Day - Get the Tools You Need to Grow Your People (Capital District, Mohawk Valley)

March 17, 2026 : New Farm Manager Skills Day - Get the Tools You Need to Grow Your People
10:00am-3:30pm
CCE Schoharie County
Cobleskill, NY

Are you moving into a supervisory farm management role this season and want to get off to a good start?  Are you an experienced manager who wants to connect with other "people" managers and work on your skills?  This one-day workshop is for you! 

2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinars

March 19, 2026 : St. Peachtrick's Day - Cherry Pruning Strategies and Plum Varieties for the Northeast
11:00am - 12:30pm
Online via Zoom

Week 6: St. Peachtrick's Day - Cherry Pruning Strategies and Plum Varieties for the Northeast

ENYCH Listed Event

2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinar Series

March 19, 2026 : St. Peachtrick's Day - Cherry Pruning Strategies and Plum Varieties for the Northeast
11:00AM - 12:30PM
Online via Zoom

Week 6: St. Peachtrick's Day - Cherry Pruning Strategies and Plum Varieties for the Northeast

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

2026 Dyson Agricultural Food

January 12, 2026
Ithaca, NY

The Past, the Present, and the Future of PACMAN Webinar

January 12, 2026

Join nationally recognized scientists and extension specialists for a nationwide PACMAN webinar presenting five years of research findings and outlining emerging directions and collaborative opportunities for the next phase of the project.

2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinars

January 22, 2026 : Blueberry Pruning and Soil Health to Minimize Pests and Maximize Yield

Week 1: Blueberry Pruning and Soil Health to Minimize Pests and Maximize Yield


January 29, 2026 : Cost of Production for Fruit Crops

Week 2:  Cost of Production for Fruit Crops - A new tool for tree fruit, updates on berry production in NY, and strategies for tracking and using expense data.


February 12, 2026 : Fire Blight Management Updates

Week 3: Fire Blight Management Updates - Pathogen Biology, Defense Inducers, Biopesticides, and Pruning Therapies


February 19, 2026 : Pink and Petal Fall Insecticides - Can We Strike the Right Balance?

Week 4: Pink and Petal Fall Insecticides - Can We Strike the Right Balance? 


March 12, 2026 : Inoculating Orchards with Mycorrhizal Fungi

Week 5: Inoculating Orchards with Mycorrhizal Fungi


March 19, 2026 : St. Peachtrick's Day - Cherry Pruning Strategies and Plum Varieties for the Northeast

Week 6: St. Peachtrick's Day - Cherry Pruning Strategies and Plum Varieties for the Northeast

Announcements

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

2026 Events:

for more details click on event title

12 Jan - The Past, the Present, and the Future of PACMAN - 11am - 3pm EST, Webinar, Free, Register Now! 


13 & 14 Jan - Part 2: Pesticide Applicator Exam Prep - 8:30am-12:30pm, Online, $40, Register Now!

22 Jan - 2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinars: Blueberry Pruning and Soil Health to Minimize Pests and Maximize Yield - 11am - 12:30pm, Online, Register Now! 


4 Feb - LOF Winter Fruit Schools - Sign-in 7:30am, 8:30am-4:30pm, CCE Niagara, Register Now!

5 Feb - LOF Winter Fruit Schools - Sign-in 7:30am, 8:30am-4:30pm, Rootstock Cider & Spirits, Register Now!

12 Feb - 2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinars: Fire Blight Management Updates - 11am - 1pm, Online, Register Now!

19 Feb - 2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinars: Pink and Petal Fall Insecticides - Can We Strike the Right Balance? - 11am - 12:30pm, Online, Register Now!

23-25 Feb - NY Farm to School Summit - Saratoga Springs, Register Now!

27 Feb - 2026 International Virtual Orchard Meetup and SPARC - 1:30-3pm, Webinar, Details to follow!

11 Mar - 2026 USDA-SCRI SPARC Heat School - all day, Wenatchee, WA, Details to follow!

12 Mar - 2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinars: Inoculating Orchards with Mycorrhizal Fungi - 11am - 12:30pm, Online, Register Now!

19 Mar - 2026 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinars: St. Peachtrick's Day - Cherry Pruning Strategies and Plum Varieties for the Northeast - 11am - 12:30pm, Online, Register Now!

30 July - 2026  Cornell Fruit Field Day, Geneva.  Stay tuned for updates.


In Memory of Robert Brown II

With Deep Sadness, We Honor the Memory of Robert Brown II: A Cherished Friend, an Influential Leader in the Western NY Apple Industry, and a Remarkable Contributor to the Core Mission of CCE (May 23, 1955 -- November 23, 2025) see details https://lof.cce.cornell.edu/submission.php?id=976&crumb=crops|crops|apples|crop*38

NEWA weather stations moving to a new dashboard!

NEWA weather stations purchased through Rainwise (now owned by KestrelMet) are moving to a new dashboard!



NYCAMH Fit Testing Requirements

Considering NYCAMH for your respirator fit testing?

Here are some key facts and helpful tips about medical clearance:

Medical Clearance ? Fit Testing (They are not the same!)

Before you can wear a respirator or be fit tested, OSHA requires a medical evaluation under the Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134). This evaluation must be conducted by a licensed healthcare provider to determine if you are physically able to use a respirator safely.

read details

2025 Cornell Winter Fruit Webinar Recordings

Recordings now available on the NYIPM YouTube Channel 2025 Cornell Winter Webinar playlist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ccj8IT-8eI&list=PLoNb8lODb49u16HwAqx7Y_TS5S3vdkrON

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:




Business Updates



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.