Innovations in Apple Farming with CCE Specialist Mario Miranda Sazo
Listen in this episode of Extension Out Loud, as Mario Miranda Sazo, fruit extension specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension's Lake Ontario Fruit Program, explains how digital tools and modern agricultural techniques are reshaping apple production. Advanced drone imagery now generates precise blossom-density maps, giving growers critical insight into bloom variability and tree performance. By integrating drone-based monitoring, precision crop management, and improved grafting methods, CCE specialists and Cornell researchers are helping New York's apple industry boost yields, enhance fruit quality, and strengthen orchard sustainability.
Check out Mario's interview with Extension Out Loud at https://open.spotify.com/episo...
Upcoming Events
2026 Tree Fruit Scouting Online Course
February 25, 2026 : Week 1 - IPM Fundamentals + Tools
This course trains tree fruit growers, orchard employees, industry professionals and interested students on the biology, identification and monitoring of major economically significant orchard pests, using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. This course is FREE and provides an annual opportunity for growers to refresh their knowledge in advance of the growing season. Register by February 18th.
March 4, 2026 : Week 2 - Insects: Part 1
This course trains tree fruit growers, orchard employees, industry professionals and interested students on the biology, identification and monitoring of major economically significant orchard pests, using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. This course is FREE and provides an annual opportunity for growers to refresh their knowledge in advance of the growing season. Register by February 18th.
March 11, 2026 : Week 3 - Insects: Part 2
This course trains tree fruit growers, orchard employees, industry professionals and interested students on the biology, identification and monitoring of major economically significant orchard pests, using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. This course is FREE and provides an annual opportunity for growers to refresh their knowledge in advance of the growing season. Register by February 18th.
March 18, 2026 : Week 4 - Diseases
This course trains tree fruit growers, orchard employees, industry professionals and interested students on the biology, identification and monitoring of major economically significant orchard pests, using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. This course is FREE and provides an annual opportunity for growers to refresh their knowledge in advance of the growing season. Register by February 18th.
March 25, 2026 : Week 5 - Weeds, Wildlife, + Wrap-Up
This course trains tree fruit growers, orchard employees, industry professionals and interested students on the biology, identification and monitoring of major economically significant orchard pests, using an integrated pest management (IPM) approach. This course is FREE and provides an annual opportunity for growers to refresh their knowledge in advance of the growing season. Register by February 18th.
2026 Eastern New York Fruit and Vegetable Conference
February 25 - February 26, 2026
Albany , NY
The Annual Eastern NY Fruit and Vegetable Conference is 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 exhibitors!
