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?

Events - month view

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October 2017

Mechanical Cultivation Equipment Demo Day

Event Offers DEC Credits

October 3, 2017
1:00pm- 4:45pm
Goshen, NY

Mechanical Cultivation Equipment Demo Day
Come see the latest mechanical cultivation technology in action! A range of equipment will be showcased, including the first demonstration of a robotic cultivator in NY!

Demonstrations will include:
Garford Robocrop Camera Guided In-Row Weeder
Terrateck Cultitrack Equipment Carrier/Cultivating Tractor
KULT-Kress Steerable Argus Hoe and Duo
Willsie Hydraweeder

In addition to the demonstrations, Ethan Grundberg, ENYCHP and Dr. Bryan Brown, NYS IPM will review how mechanical cultivation fits into an overall Integrated Weed Management strategy. Brown will also describe some of his research on stacking cultivation tools to increase effectiveness.

This is a FREE event, but please pre-register if you plan to attend. 1.25 DEC Credits will be available.

Cover Crop and Soil Health Field Day

October 12, 2017
9:30am-2:30pm
Schoharie, NY

Cover Crop and Soil Health Field Day
Join us for a day of cover crop and soil health presentations, field tours, and a farmer panel! This field day is presented by USDA-NRCS, ENYCHP, SARE & SUNY Cobleskill. 

Allium Leafminer Management Meeting

Event Offers DEC Credits

October 19, 2017
3:15pm- 5:00pm
Goshen, NY

Allium Leafminer Management Meeting
This meeting if free with pre-registration! 1.5 DEC credits are available

Topics will include:  Biology and Host Range of Allium Leafminer, Scouting and Monitoring for Allium Leafminer, Insecticide Efficacy Field Trial Preliminary Results

Contact Ethan at eg572@cornell.edu or 617-455-1893 for more information.

What is my job? Hiring, training and evaluating farm employees effectively

October 24, 2017
5-8 pm
Essex, NY

What is my job?  Hiring, training and evaluating farm employees effectively

(New Date) How well do your employees understand their jobs?

Everyone wants farm employees who know what to do without being told. Unfortunately most people you hire or manage can't read minds. This workshop will help you develop effective tools for training and evaluating new employees or employees moving into new positions.


Soil Health Listening Session

October 26, 2017
6:00-9:00pm
Essex, NY

Soil Health Listening Session
Agriculture producers and growers are invited to a Listening Session on Soil Health

November 2017

Good to Great - Improving Agriculture Labor Management

November 7 - March 6, 2018

A 4-part workshop by USDA - Northeast Extension RMA, The Cornell Farmworker Program, and CCE. 
Your employees are your most valuable resources.

For workshop times and locations click view details.

Marketing Your Farm as a Great Place to Work

November 7, 2017
5-8 pm
Canandaigua, NY

Marketing Your Farm as a Great Place to Work

Do you have a lot of staff turnover?  Do you want to improve your communication skills with your employees? This workshop is for you.


Growing Better Brassicas

Event Offers DEC Credits

November 7, 2017
9:30am- 3:00pm
Saratoga, NY

Growing Better Brassicas

Join us for a day of information exchange between growers, industry representatives, and university researchers with the goal of better understanding how to grow great brassica crops! This day will be filled with short presentations about topics ranging from transplant production to plant spacing and disease management, followed by ample time for growers to ask questions and discuss topics with panelists and each other.

The crops we will focus on during this day are broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts, but many topics will be relevant to other brassicas as well.

3 DEC Credits will be available.



Apple Breeding Meeting & the Opportunity to Taste Advanced Selections

November 21, 2017
1:00 - 3:30 pm
Geneva, NY

Come to view and sample some of the apple selections from the Cornell Apple Breeding Program. Susan Brown and Kevin Maloney will give an introduction and update on progress in the apple breeding program. We also invite growers to comment on their own variety testing results and share comments on future industry needs.

For registration & comment sharing info please click view details.

Apple Tree Insurance Producer Listening Session

November 28, 2017
8:30am- 10:00am
Highland, NY

Apple Tree Insurance Producer Listening Session

The purpose of this listening session is to gather information regarding the specific needs and desires of growers in order to assist us in developing a program that will best benefit the apple industry.  For those that can not attend in person, an online conference option will be proved. 

 


Apple Tree Insurance Producer Listening Session

November 28, 2017
8:30am-10:00am
Highland, NY

The purpose of this listening session is to gather information regarding the specific needs and desires of growers in order to assist us in developing a program that will best benefit the apple industry. For those that can not attend in person, an online conference option will be proved.

Click view details for more information.

Marketing Your Farm as a Great Place to Work

November 29, 2017
1-4 pm
Essex, NY

Marketing Your Farm as a Great Place to Work

(New Date) Do you have a lot of staff turnover?  Do you want to improve your communication skills about your farm business with your employees? Do you need an employee handbook? This workshop is for you.


What is my job? Hiring, training and evaluating farm employees effectively

November 29, 2017
5-8 pm
Essex, NY

What is my job?  Hiring, training and evaluating farm employees effectively

(New Date) How well do your employees understand their jobs?

Everyone wants farm employees who know what to do without being told. Unfortunately most people you hire or manage can't read minds. This workshop will help you develop effective tools for training and evaluating new employees or employees moving into new positions.


Winter Storage of Vegetable Crops

November 30, 2017
9:30am- 3:30pm
Saratoga, NY

Winter Storage of Vegetable Crops
Join us for a day focused on winter storage of vegetable crops!  Topics will include: Growing a healthy Crop and keeping it that way in storage, storage conditions, construction of coolers, controls and thermostats, monitoring and more advanced controls


December 2017

PSA Grower Training Course

December 18, 2017
8:30am-4:00pm
Troy, NY

The course will provide a foundation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) and co-management information, FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirements, and details on how to develop a farm food safety plan.

The Course is designed for fruit and vegetable growers and others interested in learning about produce safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule, Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs), and co-management of natural resources and food safety. The PSA Grower Training Course is one way to satisfy the FSMA Produce Safety Rule requirement outlined in 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.

Course is funded by The Local Economies project and CCE Orange County

Registration is Mandatory.  Please register at:  http://cceorangecounty.org/events/2017/12/18/fsma-produce-safety-alliance-grower-training-course 

Register by phone: Richard Traverso - 845-344-1234


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 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

2026 Winter Fruit Schools

Event Offers DEC Credits

February 4, 2026 : 2026 Winter Fruit School - Niagara County
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!  


February 5, 2026 : 2026 Winter Fruit School - Wayne County
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!  

2026 Orleans County - DEC Certified Pesticide Applicator License Pre-Exam Training

March 9, 2026 : DEC Certified Applicator Pre-Exam Training Day 1
Albion, NY

This training is only for those with experience and does not qualify for the 30-hour official DEC training - you are exempt from the 30 hour training (and eligible for this coaching session) if you have pesticide application experience, either through working on your own farm or through employment on another farm.


March 13, 2026 : DEC Certified Applicator Pre-Exam Training Day 2
Albion, NY

This training is only for those with experience and does not qualify for the 30-hour official DEC training - you are exempt from the 30 hour training (and eligible for this coaching session) if you have pesticide application experience, either through working on your own farm or through employment on another farm.

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.