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

Enrollee Login

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

Not an Enrollee? Enroll Now!

Online Enrollment Form

Not an Enrollee? Enroll Now!

Online Enrollment Form

Events - month view

view earlier monthsearlier months

September 2023

ENYCH Listed Event

Spotted Lanternfly in the Hudson Valley

September 7, 2023
2:00pm
Hudson Valley Research Lab or Zoom
Highland, NY

Round Table Discussion:

Identifying SLF

Where to scout

What it means for your vineyard and winery

How to manage SLF

When: September 7th at 2:00 pm

Where: In person at Hudson Valley Research Lab

 or Zoom: 

https://cornell.zoom.us/j/99896574465?pwd=L080QWFmeGc0ZldVUDRHb1NLclphdz09

ENYCH Listed Event

How to Write a Successful Grant for Your Farm Business

September 13, 2023
10:00am-11:00am
online

Looking for grants for your ag business?  Attend this webinar to learn tips and tricks for writing a successful grant application from a successful grant writer and grant reviewer. 

October 2023

ENYCH Listed Event

New online course! Transition to Supervisor in Spanish / ¡Nuevo curso virtual! Transición a supervisor en ESPAÑOL

October 18, 2023
on-line course

¡El Liderazgo de Supervisión Agrícola ahora ofrecerá el curso completo de "Transición a supervisor" en ESPAÑOL y todo virtual! Aprenderá estos temas: cómo desarrollar relaciones laborales efectivas, habilidades esenciales de la comunicación, cómo ser el líder de un grupo multicultural, y cómo construir mejores relaciones de trabajo para tener un equipo efectivo de trabajo. ¡La inscripción está disponible!

Los materiales del curso estarán disponibles el 18 de octubre de 2023 y sessiones de Zoom se llevarán a cabo todos los martes de 13:00-14:00 horas, del 24 de octubre al 21 de noviembre.

Agricultural Supervisory Leadership will now offer the complete "Transition to Supervisor" course in SPANISH and all virtual! You will learn these topics: how to develop effective working relationships, essential communication skills, how to be the leader of a multicultural group, and how to build better working relationships to have an effective work team. Registration is open!

Course materials will be available on October 18, 2023, and weekly Zoom sessions will take place every Tuesday from 1-2 PM ET from October 24 to November 21.

Fire Blight Informational Webinar Series

October 18, 2023 : Using weather and environmental conditions to optimize biologicals and biopesticides for bloom produ
7 - 8pm (EST)
Webinar

The team leading the national fire blight SCRI grant "Comprehensive Fire Blight Management for the United States" is hosting a webinar series. This multi-state series will address new research on best management practices for fire blight control. 

November 2023

ENYCH Listed Event

Soil Health for Vegetable Growers Workshop

Event Offers DEC Credits

November 1, 2023
9:30am - 2:30pm
Whallonsburg Grange
Essex, NY

Join us for presentations, discussions, and hands-on demonstrations focusing on soil health concepts and best management practices for vegetable growers. Topics include tarping, maintaining soil health in high tunnels, cover cropping, reduced tillage, compost microbiology, and more.

1.75 DEC pesticide recertification credits available in categories 1A, 10, and 23.

ENYCH Listed Event

Back again this November: Organizing Work for High-Quality Results

November 8, 2023
on-line course

Organizing Work for High-Quality Results teaches farm supervisors how to develop clear expectations and delegate effectively. Learn how to implement a quality management system on your farm, create your own standard operating procedures, and develop processes to streamline work and improve results. This course is appropriate for both new and experienced farm supervisors and managers, as well as those preparing to become supervisors. All participants will learn leadership concepts and practice skills that will improve their ability to build a positive workplace and get results through leading others. Course topics include: setting clear expectations, effective delegation, quality management systems, workplace organization, and aligning HR management with social responsibility expectations.

Materials release November 8, 2023, and live weekly Zoom discussions will be held from 3 to 4 PM ET each Tuesday from November 14 through December 19. Continuing education credits will be offered.

ENYCH Listed Event

Essex County Farm Asset Protection Strategies: Safeguarding Agricultural Legacies for Future Generations

November 14, 2023
10:00am - 2:30pm
Whallonsburg Grange Hall
Essex, NY

Nicole Tommell and Steve Hadcock will host a workshop with CCE Essex on various farm asset protection strategies. Nicole is a Farm Management Specialist with the Central New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Team. Steve Hadcock is a Beginning Farmer specialist with the Capital Area Agricultural and Horticultural Program. Nicole and Steve have many years of experience working with farm families on farm management and estate planning topics.

Topics included are:

  • How can I use my current records to gauge how well my business is doing? Various suggestions will assist you in looking at your records differently.
  • What can I do to retain employees? Ideas will be shared on how to get new employees off to a good start. Also, ideas on how to help retain employees as well.
  • Am I ready to consider diversifying my business? Thoughts on how to approach evaluating the diversification of your farm business will be shared.
  • When and how do I start the succession process? It is never too early to begin discussing farm succession/transfer. Topics will be covered to help you feel confident to begin the process for your business. Shared topics may help you with your process if you have already started.

Each participant will receive written materials and a flash drive containing various resources. 

The workshop will be held on Tuesday November 14th at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall from 10-2:30. Locally sourced morning refreshments and lunch are provided.

Please register here by Nov 7th: Register Here This event is free

For more information about the workshop content, contact Steve Hadcock at seh11@cornell.edu or 518-380-1497.

ENYCH Listed Event

Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course

Event Offers DEC Credits

November 15, 2023
8:00am to 5:00pm
Canajoharie Volunteer Fire Department
Canajoharie, NY

Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023

8 am - 5 pm

Canajoharie Volunteer Fire Department

75 Erie Boulevard, Canajoharie, NY

Public parking is available across the street from the training venue.

Registration: $10 per farm

Includes course manual ($50 value), certificate of course completion ($35 value), lunch, and other refreshments. Please indicate on the registration form if you have dietary restrictions we should know about.  

Deadline to register: Monday, Nov. 13th at noon or until course is filled (max. 30 participants)

2.00 DEC pesticide recertification credits available in Categories 1A, 10, 22, and 23

ENYCH Listed Event

Orange County Farm Asset Protection Strategies: Safeguarding Agricultural Legacies for Future Generations

November 17, 2023
10:00am - 2:30pm
CCE Orange County
Middletown, NY

Nicole Tommell and Steve Hadcock will host a workshop with CCE Orange on various farm asset protection strategies. Nicole is a Farm Management Specialist with the Central New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Team. Steve Hadcock is a Beginning Farmer specialist with the Capital Area Agricultural and Horticultural Program. Nicole and Steve have many years of experience working with farm families on farm management and estate planning topics.

Topics included are:

  • How can I use my current records to gauge how well my business is doing? Various suggestions will assist you in looking at your records differently.
  • What can I do to retain employees? Ideas will be shared on how to get new employees off to a good start. Also, ideas on how to help retain employees as well.
  • Am I ready to consider diversifying my business? Thoughts on how to approach evaluating the diversification of your farm business will be shared.
  • When and how do I start the succession process? It is never too early to begin discussing farm succession/transfer. Topics will be covered to help you feel confident to begin the process for your business. Shared topics may help you with your process if you have already started.

Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided. 
Each participant will receive written materials and a flash drive containing various resources.

The workshop will be held on Tuesday November 17th at the CCE Orange County Office, 18 Seward Ave, Ste 300, Middletown, NY 10940.

Register here, cost is $10: Register here

For more information on how to register,
contact Nathaniel Lartey at nl498@cornell.edu or 845-344-1234 Ext 251 or (C): 917-635-9966. 

For more information about the workshop content, contact Steve Hadcock.
Steve may be reached at seh11@cornell.edu or 518-380-1497.

ENYCH Listed Event

Schoharie County Farm Asset Protection Strategies: Safeguarding Agricultural Legacies for Future Generations

November 20, 2023
10:00am - 2:30pm
CCE Schoharie
Cobleskill, NY

Monday, November 20th from 10am to 2:30pm at CCE Schoharie, 173 S Grand St, Cobleskill, NY 12034

Nicole Tommell and Steve Hadcock will host a workshop with CCE Schoharie on various farm asset protection strategies. Nicole is a Farm Management Specialist with the Central New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Team. Steve Hadcock is a Beginning Farmer specialist with the Capital Area Agricultural and Horticultural Program. Nicole and Steve have many years of experience working with farm families on farm management and estate planning topics.

Topics included are:

  • How can I use my current records to gauge how well my business is doing? Various suggestions will assist you in looking at your records differently.
  • What can I do to retain employees? Ideas will be shared on how to get new employees off to a good start. Also, ideas on how to help retain employees as well.
  • Am I ready to consider diversifying my business? Thoughts on how to approach evaluating the diversification of your farm business will be shared.
  • When and how do I start the succession process? It is never too early to begin discussing farm succession/transfer. Topics will be covered to help you feel confident to begin the process for your business. Shared topics may help you with your process if you have already started.

Each participant will receive written materials and a flash drive containing various resources. 

Morning refreshments and lunch are provided.

Registration is $10.Register here

For more information about the workshop content, contact Steve Hadcock at seh11@cornell.edu or 518-380-1497.

ENYCH Listed Event

Saratoga County Farm Asset Protection Strategies: Safeguarding Agricultural Legacies for Future Generations

November 21, 2023
10:00am - 2:30pm
CCE Saratoga
Ballston Spa, NY

Tuesday, November 21th from 10am to 2:30pm at CCE Saratoga, 50 W High St, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

Nicole Tommell and Steve Hadcock will host a workshop with CCE Saratoga on various farm asset protection strategies. Nicole is a Farm Management Specialist with the Central New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Team. Steve Hadcock is a Beginning Farmer specialist with the Capital Area Agricultural and Horticultural Program. Nicole and Steve have many years of experience working with farm families on farm management and estate planning topics.

Topics included are:

  • How can I use my current records to gauge how well my business is doing? Various suggestions will assist you in looking at your records differently.
  • What can I do to retain employees? Ideas will be shared on how to get new employees off to a good start. Also, ideas on how to help retain employees as well.
  • Am I ready to consider diversifying my business? Thoughts on how to approach evaluating the diversification of your farm business will be shared.
  • When and how do I start the succession process? It is never too early to begin discussing farm succession/transfer. Topics will be covered to help you feel confident to begin the process for your business. Shared topics may help you with your process if you have already started.

Each participant will receive written materials and a flash drive containing various resources. 

Morning refreshments and lunch are provided.

Registration is $10. Register here

For more information about the workshop content, contact Steve Hadcock at seh11@cornell.edu or 518-380-1497.

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 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 Dr. Terence Robinson with 40+ years in tree fruit research—and explore the latest orchard technologies and practices.

Announcements

2026 NY Apple Pathology Season: Apple Scab Updates

Apple Scab 2026 Updates Text for news letters and videos:
https://blogs.cornell.edu/coxlab/


2026 Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program

2026 Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program
$1.7 Million Available for New York Beginning Farmers
New York Farm Viability Institute is pleased to announce that the 2026 NYS Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program (BFCG) is now open as of March 16. The BFCG is a competitive funding opportunity administered in partnership with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. The program will provide 1.7 million to support beginning farmers in building financially sustainable, independent, commercial agricultural enterprises throughout New York State. RFP closes on June 14, 2026.
Additional details on the project including applicant eligibility, supported project activities, and upcoming informational webinars can be found here: 2026 Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program - NYFVI.ORG https://nyfvi.org/grant-programs/producer-grants/beginning-farmer/2026-bf/


SPARC Orchard Roundup Podcast

Check out the first SPARC Orchard Roundup episode. In less than 15 minutes you'll get a sense for what we are seeing across regions in terms of bud stage, flower bud phenology, return bloom, and bud survival. You'll also hear about how phenology varies north to south within each state, and some tips on what weather patterns this winter (past for some, still occurring for others) and spring contributed to what we are seeing.

Find and follow the SPARC Orchard Roundup podcast on your preferred platform. We are on Spotify, Apple, Podcast Index, Podcast Addict, Podchaser, Pocket Casts, Listen Notes, and Player FM.

For links to more ways to listen and the full article visit https://treefruit.wsu.edu/article/whats-budding-across-the-country/

Cornell Crop and Pest Management Guidelines

Cornell Integrated Pest Management has announced a pause in Crop and Pest Management Guideline production for 2026 to allow time to restructure and modernize the program for the future.

The 2025 editions will remain available through the Cornell Store (print while supplies last; online versions available until 2027). https://www.cornellstore.com/books/cornell-cooperative-ext-pmep-guidelines?page=1

An exception is the 2026-2027 New York/New England Greenhouse/Herbaceous Ornamentals Guidelines, which will be published as planned.

Updates will be shared as progress continues.

2026 Respirator Fit Testing!

2026 Respirator Fit Testing Opportunities:

To help ensure a comfortable and well-coordinated clinic for all participants, event time and location details will be provided at the time of registration.

April 2026 - Wayne County - is full for additional testing opportunities contact URMC or NYCAMH

May 2026 - Orleans County - Registration Open Now - https://www.nycamh.org/services/training/respirator-fit-testing/



Clean Sweep NY

The Spring 2026 collection will take place from May 5-8, 2026, in Western, New York. For more information about CleanSweepNY or to request a registration form for the Spring 2026 collection, please email (cleansweep@dec.ny.gov) or call 518-225-8146.

Tuesday, May 5 - Depew (Erie County)
Wednesday, May 6 - Lockport (Niagara County)
Thursday, May 7 - Spencerport (Monroe County)
Friday, May 8 - Waterloo (Seneca County)

More information about CleanSweepNY can be found at https://dec.ny.gov/environmental-protection/pesticides/special-initiatives


Now Hiring!

Join Cornell Cooperative Extension's Lake Ontario Fruit Program -- a full-time, hybrid role supporting commercial fruit growers through education, applied research, and industry collaboration in western New York. See more details to determine if this role is right for you.

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

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




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

2026 Recordings & Materials


2025 Recordings & Materials




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:




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

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.