With Deep Sadness, We Honor the 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)
Robert R. Brown II (Bob), 70, seventh generation farmer at Orchard Dale Fruit Farms, business owner of Brown's Berry Patch and founding partner of Lake Ridge Fruit Company in Albion, passed away Sunday (Nov. 23, 2025). Robert was born May 23, 1955, in Albion, NY, son of Ralph Reynolds and Claire Clement Brown. He was a graduate of Albion High School and Cornell University (College of Agriculture and Life Sciences) where he studied Pomology. Growing up outside of the farm he enjoyed horses and was active in 4H. At Cornell he was a proud member of the Polo team and Alpha Gamma Rho Fraternity. Serving his community was central to who Bob was. During his professional farming career he was a proud member of many associations: Orleans Cornell Cooperative Extension, Genesee Orleans Alumni Cornell Club, International Fruit Tree Association, New York Apple Association and the Albion Rotary Club. He also was a former director on Albion Federal Savings and Loan, the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station (Cornell AgriTech), Cornell University Agricultural Advisory Board, Carlton Town Planning Board, and served on the Farm Credit of Western New York and Farm Credit East board of directors. Most of all Bob's life was devoted to family, friends and the succession of agriculture. Survivors include his loving wife, Deborah (Beers) Brown; two children, Robert R. (Beth) Brown III of Waterport, Sarah (Scott) Brown Bennett of Harwood, MD; mother, Claire Clement Brown; grandchildren, Emaline Brown, Addison Brown and Robert Bennett; siblings, Dr Leslie (Clark) Couse, Eric (Margy) Brown, Jill (Jon) Matthews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research give.michaeljfox.org and Holy Family Parish-St. Joseph's Church. To share a special memory of Robert, please visit:
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or send flowers to the family in memory of Robert R. Brown II, please visit our flower store:
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Make a donation to Michael J. Fox Foundation in memory of Robert R. Brown II:
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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!
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