Tree Fruit Nutrition Training with John Kempf
John Kempf has outlined the science behind a strategically applied nutrition-based system in pome fruit production, mainly in Oregon and Washington orchards, and more recently in the Northeast. Using field observations, John has provided an interpretive framework with which to decipher the nutritional requirements of trees, targeting nutrient type and developmental phase of the crop. At the recent 2019 CCE LOF Winter Fruit Schools, John gave insights into the movement of minerals within the tree and how this applies to the remediation of issues apple growers face such as fire blight, bitter rot, and bitter pit.
Based on positive feedback received from several growers who attended John Kempf's talks at the recent 2019 CCE LOF Winter Fruit Schools, additional educational opportunities to continue learning about tree fruit nutrition and much more have been offered. On March 5th there was a webinar entitled "Integrated Nutritional Management for Pome Fruit Production with John Kempf" that covered Sap analysis & Nutrition management of Honeycrisp focusing on bitter pit resistance. The webinar was recorded and the link available, along with the additional downloadable resources discussed there in, at the bottom of this page.
In addition, there will also be an orchard walk, or mini-tour of 2-3 Honeycrisp blocks (including at least one site to be planted in the spring of 2019), at VanDeWalle Fruit Farm on Saturday March 30th, from 8:30 am to noon. The orchard walk will cover aspects related to site preparation and how to manage for high-quality soils (organic matter, soil physical condition, and nutrient availability). Management of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus, and the important role of micronutrients for young and mature Honeycrisp trees, will be discussed with John and grower host Scott VanDeWalle, who has followed some of John's recommendations. Register for the orchard walk using the link below.
Resources:
Integrated Nutritional Management for Pome Fruit Production with John Kempf Webinar recorded March 5
Orchard Walk with John Kempf March 30 Register Now for this Free Event
View a variety of John's previous webinars (including a recent one on promoting and maintaining plant health).
Honeycrisp (pdf; 69KB)
- Honeycrisp program John referenced on the webinar
Apple and Pear Sap Sampling Guide (pdf; 839KB)
- Sap analysis guide John referenced on the webinar
Apples
Apricots
Asian Pears
Blueberries
Cherries
Currants
Gooseberries
Nectarines
Peaches
Pears
Plums
Raspberries / Blackberries
Strawberries
Unusual Fruit
Upcoming Events
Cornell and New York Cider Association's Hard Cider Tours (Attendees)
July 28 - July 29, 2026 : Cornell Research and Lab Testing Updates and New York Cider Association's Hard Cider Tours
Ithaca, NY
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Join Cornell & the New York Cider Association for:
July 28 (PM) Tours and Updates on Cornell Research and Lab Testing at both Cornell Orchards in Ithaca and Lansing. There is are snack options at South Hill Cidery (attendees pay)
July 29 (all Day) - Annual New York Cider Summer Tour at about 5 cideries, including lunch at Finger Lakes Cider House (included in registration) . Also includes bus for the first 30 registrants.
There is a discounted hotel block at the Courtyard by Marriott Ithaca Airport/University for 169.00 USD - 179.00 USD per night
Last Day to Book : Sunday, July 12, 2026
Start Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
End Date: Wednesday, July 29, 2026
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2026 Apple Socials
July 17, 2026 : Orleans County - Apple Social
Lyndonville, NY
Apple Socials Return for a Third Year, proudly sponsored by Valent and American Fruit Grower magazine.
July 29, 2026 : Wayne County - Apple Social
Williamson, NY
Please join us at this casual networking event for all apple industry folks from Western NY, proudly sponsored by Valent.
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. At the catered lunch, network with industry, and visit sponsor displays and equipment. Our keynote speaker is Commissioner of Agriculture Richard Ball. DEC credits available.