Lake Ontario Fruit Program Enrollment

Program Areas

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

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

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Events - month view

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May 2024

2024 WNY and Capital Region Virtual Petal Fall Thinning Meeting

May 13, 2024
4pm - 5pm
Virtual

Join CCE-ENYCHP & CCE-LOF program specialist Mike Basedow, Craig Kahlke, and Mario Miranda Sazo for regional phenology updates.  Guest speakers include Jim Eve & Vaughn Gingerich providing additional phenology updates in Wayne County and Dr. Terence Robinson providing thinning recommendation for both regions. 

ENYCH Listed Event

Southern Hudson Valley Thinning Meeting

May 15, 2024 : Southern Hudson Valley Thinning Meeting
9:00 am
Milton, NY

Southern Hudson Valley Thinning Meeting

Please join pomologist Win Cowgill (Rutgers professor emeritus) of Win Enterprises and Dan Donahue for a discussion of apple chemical thinning strategies for 2024. As usual, there will be a morning meeting in Ulster County followed by an afternoon meeting in Columbia County.

Greg Clarke and James Wargo of Valent will join us to discuss the use of a new thinner, Accede, in peaches and apples. Accede has been developed as a "late" thinner in apple (15+ mm), which could be a valuable tool this season.

Drs. Andres Delgado and Scott Cosseboom of the Hudson Valley Laboratory, and Dr. Anna Wallis of the Cornell IPM Program will be on hand to discuss all things pest management. Liz Higgins, our ENYCHP production economist will be on hand as well.

As we've done in recent years, Dan and Win will tour Hudson Valley orchards the day before, 14-May, making observations on fruit set and crop load status, which they'll report on at the meetings on 15-May.

The meeting is intended to be brief, on-point, and interactive. Bring your observations, questions, and opinions!

ENYCH Listed Event

What is my vine trying to tell me?

May 15, 2024 : What is my vine trying to tell me?
4:30 - 6:00 p.m.
Clinton County CCE
Plattsburgh, NY

What is my vine trying to tell me?

Are your grapevines showing signs of discoloration or stunted growth? Don't ignore these warning signs! Join us on May 15th at the Clinton County CCE office to learn about the essential nutrients that grapevines require to thrive, identify the symptoms of nutrient deficiencies, and how to fix them. Don't miss out on this opportunity to improve your grapevine cultivation skills! Attendance is free, but registration is required.

ENYCH Listed Event

Northern Hudson Valley Thinning Meeting

May 15, 2024 : Northern Hudson Valley Thinning Meeting
2:30 pm
Cornell Cooperative Extension - Hudson Office
Hudson, NY

Northern Hudson Valley Thinning Meeting

Please join pomologist Win Cowgill (Rutgers professor emeritus) of Win Enterprises and Dan Donahue for a discussion of apple chemical thinning strategies for 2024. As usual, there will be a morning meeting in Ulster County followed by an afternoon meeting in Columbia County.

 Greg Clarke and James Wargo of Valent will join us to discuss the use of a new thinner, Accede, in peaches and apples. Accede has been developed as a "late" thinner in apple (15+ mm), which could be a valuable tool this season.

Drs. Andres Delgado and Scott Cosseboom of the Hudson Valley Laboratory, and Dr. Anna Wallis of the Cornell IPM Program will be on hand to discuss all things pest management. Liz Higgins, our ENYCHP production economist will be on hand as well.

 As we've done in recent years, Dan and Win will tour Hudson Valley orchards the day before, 14-May, making observations on fruit set and crop load status, which they'll report on at the meetings on 15-May.

The meeting is intended to be brief, on-point, and interactive. Bring your observations, questions, and opinions!

ENYCH Listed Event

Champlain Valley Virtual Petal Fall Meeting

May 20, 2024 : Champlain Valley Virtual Petal Fall Meeting - Zoom
4:00pm-5:00pm
Zoom

Mike will review his observations from the field, and we will then hear from Dr. Robinson for his thinning suggestions for the petal fall application window.

Free to attend, no registration required, simply click on the following zoom link to join: https://cornell.zoom.us/j/96803343516?pwd=akxBSlB5NWRyc0ZVaWxhcXlVVmM1UT09

Meeting ID: 968 0334 3516

Passcode: 420188

ENYCH Listed Event

How man's best friend can help find Spotted Lanternfly

May 21, 2024
3:00 - 4:30 p.m.
Dutchess County CCE
Millbrook, NY

How man's best friend can help find Spotted Lanternfly

Come and join us at the Dutchess County CCE office on May 21st for a special demonstration by Jennifer Fimbel, the Agriculture and Horticulture Program Leader with Dutchess County CCE. You will get to see her SLF K9 Cole in action as they demonstrate how man's best friend can be used to detect the Spotted Lanternfly. Attendance is free, but registration is required

ENYCH Listed Event

What is my vine trying to tell me?

May 22, 2024 : What is my vine trying to tell me?
3:00 -5:00 p.m.
Washington County Fair Grounds
Greenwich, NY

What is my vine trying to tell me?

Are your grapevines showing signs of discoloration or stunted growth? Don't ignore these warning signs! Join us on May 22nd at the Washington County Fair Grounds to learn about the essential nutrients that grapevines require to thrive, identify the symptoms of nutrient deficiencies, and how to fix them. Don't miss out on this opportunity to improve your grapevine cultivation skills! Attendance is free, but registration is required. 

Western NY 8-12 mm Thinning Meeting

May 22, 2024
4-5pm
Zoom

Join CCE LOF's Craig, Mario, and Janet as they share updates and highlights from WNY orchards.  Additional updates and thinning recommendations will be provided by consultants Jim Eve & Vaughn Gingerich and Cornell's Dr. Terence Robinson.

ENYCH Listed Event

Capital Region Fruit Set Thinning Meeting

May 22, 2024 : Capital Region Fruit Set Thinning Meeting
5:30pm to 7:30pm
Saratoga 4-H Training Center
Ballston Spa, NY

Mike will review his observations from the field, and we will then hear from Dr. Robinson remotely about his thinning suggestions for the 10-12mm thinning window. We will then hear from Dr. Anna Wallis, Dr. Andres Antolinez, and Dr. Scott Cosseboom for pest management updates.  Free to attend, no registration is required. 

This program is sponsored by Valent

ENYCH Listed Event

Champlain Valley Fruit Set Thinning Meeting

May 28, 2024 : Champlain Valley Fruit Set Thinning Meeting
3pm - 4pm
Zoom

Mike will review his observations from the field, and we will then hear from Dr. Robinson about his thinning suggestions for the 10-12mm thinning window. We will then hear from Dr. Anna Wallis, Dr. Andres Antolinez, and Dr. Scott Cosseboom for pest management updates.  

To join, simply click on the zoom link at 3PM on Tuesday: https://cornell.zoom.us/j/93411218328?pwd=RUpFNlY3Nm5nS0tkUjdDWEU0cklCdz09

Bilingual Orchard IPM Training for Farm Employees

May 29, 2024
5:30pm - 8pm
Orchard Dale Fruit Farms
Waterport, NY

Join LOF's Janet van Zoeren and Mario Miranda Sazo and NYS IPM's Anna Wallis. It will feature both educational IPM trainings, along with time for farm employees to socialize and learn from each other

2024 Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings

Event Offers DEC Credits

May 30, 2024 : Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings 2 of 4
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Coulter Farms
Lockport, NY

Join specialists Janet Van Zoeren, Anya Osatuke, Robert Hadad, and Anna Wallis for a conversation about fruit and berry phenology, pest management, food safety and water quality, at a new location each month.

June 2024

ENYCH Listed Event

June Produce Field Meeting

Event Offers DEC Credits

June 5, 2024 : June Produce Field Meeting
6:00pm to 8:00pm
Abner Zook's Farm
Fort Plain, NY

Come join us for a discussion on greenhouse production, IPM techniques in the greenhouse, and a discussion of IPM strategies for tomatoes, cole crops and cucurbits. 

Meeting is free and open to the public.

2 DEC credits in categories 1A and 23 are available. 

2024 Virtual Orchard Meetup Series 'Water Wisdom: Navigating Tree Fruit Production Through Drought and Deluge'

June 6, 2024 : Trends in Water Availability
7PM (EDT)
Zoom

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. 

2024 Virtual Orchard Meetup Series 'Water Wisdom: Navigating Tree Fruit Production Through Drought and Deluge'

June 13, 2024 : Role of Water in Tree Fruit Physiology & Quality
7PM (EDT)
Zoom

Western NY Hard Cider Tour - Registration Closed- contact Craig at cjk37@cornell.edu - if any spots are still available

June 14, 2024
10am - 3:45pm
Starts at Clarksburg Cider
Lancaster, NY

Join specialists and researchers from CCE and Cornell on tour across WNY to local Cideries and orchards as they discuss production, varieties, agri-entertainment, cider varieties, and current trials.

2024 Virtual Orchard Meetup Series 'Water Wisdom: Navigating Tree Fruit Production Through Drought and Deluge'

June 20, 2024 : Smart Watering: Practices for Irrigation Management
7PM (EDT)
Zoom

ENYCH Listed Event

Weed Management in Perennial Fruit Crops - Field Workshop

Event Offers DEC Credits

June 20, 2024 : Weed Management in Perennial Fruit Crops - Field Workshop
9:00am - 11:30am
Mead's Orchard
Tivoli, NY

Join us on the morning of June 20th as we hear from Cornell University weed management specialists Dr. Lynn Sosnoskie and Dr. Yu Jiang, who will discuss their recent research on autonomous orchard weeding systems.  

We will also hear from Mike Basedow of CCE ENYCH and learn about the ongoing results of herbicide research trials he is conducting.  Bryan Brown of NYS IPM will discuss pre-plant preparations and mulches that could be useful for controlling weeds without herbicides.   

Identifying the differences between weed species and key differences between annuals and perennials that factor into management will also be covered.     

This workshop is FREE to attend, but we ask that you please register ahead 

ENYCH Listed Event

Champlain Valley Orchard Weed Management Field Trial Review

Event Offers DEC Credits

June 21, 2024 : Champlain Valley Orchard Weed Management Field Trial Review
9:00am to 11:30am
Northern Orchard Walker Block
Peru, NY

Friday June 21, 9-11:30AM

Meet at the Northern Orchard Walker block at 688 River Rd, Peru, NY

Join the ENYCHP on the morning of June 21st as we hear from Dr. Lynn Sosnoskie and Dr. Yu Jiang about their recent research looking at autonomous orchard crop management and weeding technologies.   We will then visit three of Mike's active herbicide research plots to see firsthand the level of control the trial treatments are providing during the critical weed free period. 

2.5 DEC Credits are available for this meeting in categories 22, 1A, and 10. Free to attend, but we ask that you please register ahead 

Virtual IPM Orchard Scout Training 2

Event Offers DEC Credits

June 25, 2024
1:30 - 3 PM
Zoom - no registration necessary

Join Anna Wallis (NYSIPM Program), Mike Basedow (CCE ENYCHP), and Janet van Zoeren (CCE LOFT) for a second live, virtual training  on scouting of major insect pest of apple orchards.

ENYCH Listed Event

Virtual Orchard IPM Scout Training 2

June 25, 2024 : Virtual Orchard IPM Scout Training 2
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Zoom

Virtual Orchard IPM Scout Training 2

Tuesday June 25, 1:30-3:30PM   

Join us for the second live, virtual training on scouting of major insect pests of apple orchards. Anna Wallis (NYSIPM Program), Mike Basedow (CCE ENYCHP), and Janet van Zoeren (CCE LOFT), will broadcast from orchards in their region to discuss best practices for monitoring. We will review monitoring/scouting procedures for major economically significant pests. We will also share resources available for helping with identification of pests and forecasting pest activity.  

Who is this for? Farmers, farm employees, and industry members with IPM & pest management responsibilities, looking for new or refresher training.

ENYCH Listed Event

Agricultural Supervisory Leadership Certificate Program - ASL 105: Employee Development and Training

June 25 - June 30, 2024 : ASL 105: Employee Development and Training

Online course is delivered through the user-friendly platform, Moodle. Materials will be available starting June 19, and live Zoom discussions will occur every Tuesday at 3 PM ET from June 25 to July 30, 2024. 

Topic areas include:

  • Setting clear expectations for farm teams
  • Designing engaging training programs
  • Providing effective performance feedback 
  • Streamlining onboarding processes for new hires
  • Cultivating a culture of continuous learning and growth
  • Personalized coaching and career planning strategies for farm personnel

ENYCH Listed Event

COPY - Agricultural Supervisory Leadership Certificate Program - ASL 105: Employee Development and Training

June 25 - June 30, 2024 : ASL 105: Employee Development and Training

Online course is delivered through the user-friendly platform, Moodle. Materials will be available starting June 19, and live Zoom discussions will occur every Tuesday at 3 PM ET from June 25 to July 30, 2024. 

Topic areas include:

  • Setting clear expectations for farm teams
  • Designing engaging training programs
  • Providing effective performance feedback 
  • Streamlining onboarding processes for new hires
  • Cultivating a culture of continuous learning and growth
  • Personalized coaching and career planning strategies for farm personnel

2024 Virtual Orchard Meetup Series 'Water Wisdom: Navigating Tree Fruit Production Through Drought and Deluge'

June 27, 2024 : Water Wisdom Unplugged: Panelist Q&A
7PM (EDT)
Zoom

2024 Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings

Event Offers DEC Credits

June 27, 2024 : Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings 3 of 4
6:30pm-8:30pm
Lakeview Apple Orchards
Penn Yan, NY

Join specialists Janet Van Zoeren, Anya Osatuke, Robert Hadad, and Anna Wallis for a conversation about fruit and berry phenology, pest management, food safety and water quality, at a new location each month.

NYS Honeyberry Conference

June 29, 2024
8:30am - 4:30pm
CiTi BOCES
Mexico, NY

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County (CCE Oswego County) and Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest NY (CCE Harvest NY) will be hosting a state-wide conference on a new emerging fruit called Honeyberry, also known as Haskap (Lonicera caerulea).

July 2024

ENYCH Listed Event

Airblast Sprayer Calibration Workshop

Event Offers DEC Credits

July 9, 2024 : Airblast Sprayer Calibration Workshop
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Samascott Orchards (Farm location, not market)
Kinderhook, NY

University of New Hampshire Extension Field Specialist Emeritus, George Hamilton will demonstrate the importance of and best techniques to calibrate air blast sprayers. Proper calibration will ensure effective, efficient, economical and legal spraying.  Inadequate spray coverage is usually the cause of poor spray efficacy and additional spray applications. Overuse of some sprays results in unhealthy residues and can lead to fines.

Calibration should be done several times each season, or when you incorporate any new equipment or repairs - from the tractor to the nozzle.  Join us for a refresher or send new employees for training.  This workshop is open for any grower that relies on an airblast sprayer to deliver plant protectants to fruit or vegetable crops. 

ENYCH Listed Event

Willsboro Farm Open House

July 10, 2024 : Willsboro Farm Open House
1:30pm - 4:00pm
Willsboro Research Farm
Willsboro, NY

The Cornell University Willsboro Research Farm will hold an open house on Wednesday, July 10 from 1:30pm to 4:00pm.  A tour of the facilities and research plots will leave the main office (48 Sayward Lane, Willsboro) at 2:00pm.  Light refreshments will be provided. 

ENYCH Listed Event

Boom Sprayer Calibration Workshop

Event Offers DEC Credits

July 10, 2024 : Boom Sprayer Calibration Workshop
10:00am - 12:00pm
Altobelli Family Farm
Kinderhook, NY

THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN CANCELLED DUE TO LOW REGISTRATION.

UNH Field Specialist Emeritus, George Hamilton will demonstrate the importance of and best techniques to calibrate boom sprayers. Proper calibration will ensure effective, efficient, economical, and legal spraying.  Inadequate spray coverage is usually the cause of poor spray efficacy and additional spray applications. Overuse of some sprays results in unhealthy residues and can lead to fines.

Join us for a refresher or send new employees for training.  This workshop is open for any grower who relies on a boom sprayer to deliver plant protectants to fruit or vegetable crops. DEC Pesticide applicator recertification credits will be available.  $20 per farm - Pre-registration required (Please include the total number of people attending when you register ...space is limited).  

Apple Social

July 16, 2024 : Orleans County - Apple Social
6pm - 9pm
LynOaken Farms Market and Winery
Medina, NY

Apple Social

Please join us at this casual networking event for all apple industry folks from Western NY, proudly sponsored by Valent. There will just a brief introduction of the Lake Ontario Fruit Program, and from each of the four specialists.

AEWR Update & Progressive Discipline Overview Webinar

July 24, 2024
1PM
Free Zoom

Join Seso Labor's in-house H-2A legal team as they provide an update on the new AEWR, as well as an overview of the DOL's recent Progressive Discipline Final Rule.

2024 Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings

Event Offers DEC Credits

July 25, 2024 : Tree Fruit & Small Fruit Twilight Meetings 4 of 4
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Simpelaar
Mexico, NY

Join specialists Janet Van Zoeren, Anya Osatuke, Robert Hadad, and Anna Wallis for a conversation about fruit and berry phenology, pest management, food safety and water quality, at a new location each month.

Apple Social

July 31, 2024 : Wayne County - Apple Social
6pm - 9pm
VanAcker Farms
Williamson, NY

Apple Social

Please join us at this casual networking event for all apple industry folks from Western NY, proudly sponsored by Valent. There will just a brief introduction of the Lake Ontario Fruit Program, and from each of the four specialists.

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.

Save the Date - Western NY Fruit Conference - February 4-5, 2025

Event Offers DEC Credits

February 4 - February 5, 2025 : Western NY Fruit Conference
Rochester, NY

For the 2nd year in a row, we'll be having the Western NY Fruit Conference at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Rochester!  It will be another 1 1/2 day conference. Stay tuned for program and registration info as we get closer.

Announcements

NERME Farm Grant Interest Survey - HMR & Audit/UL

NEED FREE HELP WITH HRM AND AUDIT/ULP COMPLIANCE ON YOUR FARM? IT'S POSSIBLE! Just take click the link and fill out the survey.
https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7WFe9dfU4dfct8y

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:

22-23 Oct - Farm & Food Workers Relief Program Application - Online & In Person, Apply Now

6 Dec - Lake Ontario Fruit Program Advisory Committee Meeting - more details to come 

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



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.