Attend the 2025 Becker Forum on Wednesday, 2/5, in Geneva

The New York State Vegetable Growers Association (NYSVGA) is pleased to announce the 2025 Becker Forum, a key event for agriculture professionals, will be held on Wednesday, February 5, at Cornell AgriTech, Jordan Hall, in Geneva. This year’s forum will focus on crucial topics for farm operators, including H-2A visa fundamentals, immigration enforcement, and heat safety in agriculture.

The Becker Forum, an annual gathering of growers, farm managers, and industry experts, offers a comprehensive program tailored to address the most pressing challenges facing the agricultural community today. The day will feature a series of informative sessions designed to equip attendees with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate these complex issues successfully.

Program Highlights:

• H-2A Fundamentals: How to Use H-2A On A Dairy or Crop Farm
  Learn how the H-2A program can support both dairy and crop operations by bringing in seasonal foreign labor. Experts will walk through the processes, benefits, and challenges involved.

• Producer Perspectives on H-2A
  Hear directly from agricultural producers who have successfully utilized the H-2A program, offering valuable insights into real-world applications and challenges.

• I-9 and Immigration Enforcement
  Understand the latest updates on I-9 compliance and immigration enforcement, ensuring your farm is adhering to all federal regulations.

• Washington Policy Update
  A comprehensive briefing on current and upcoming legislative changes that may impact agriculture, labor, and immigration policies.

• H-2A Tax Preparation
  Learn about the tax implications and best practices for managing H-2A wages and related costs.

• Heat Safety in Agriculture
  Discuss strategies for keeping workers safe in extreme heat conditions, a critical issue for those working in outdoor agricultural environments.

• Union Update by Grow NY Farms
  Stay informed on the latest union activities and labor issues in the New York State agricultural industry.

Schedule:

• 8:30 AM – Check-in opens

• 8:50 AM – Program begins

• 4:30 PM – Program concludes

The Becker Forum provides a unique opportunity for networking, professional development, and staying up to date with the latest industry trends and regulations. This event is a must-attend for anyone involved in farm management, labor, or agriculture policy.

Registration:
ADVANCED REGISTRATION
$90/person

WALK-INS
$120/person

For more information and to register for the event, please visit nysvga.org/expo/information.

Contact:
For inquiries, please contact the NYS Veg Growers Association at nysvegetablegrowers@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2025 Becker Forum at Cornell AgriTech!

Berry Disease Snapshot: Blueberry Powdery Mildew

By David Strickland and Kerik Cox
Cornell AgriTech

Disease Snapshot: Blueberry Powdery Mildew

Causal pathogen: Microsphaera vaccinii

When to watch for it: July through season’s end

First line of defense: Use of resistant cultivars

Summary:

The signs of M. vaccinii infection do not typically appear until midsummer, when white fungal growth appears on the upper leaf surface. Leaf reddening may occur as chlorotic spots with reddish borders, and the leaf surface may become puckered. This reddening may be mistaken for symptoms of red ringspot virus (RRSV) infection but can be distinguished by the presence of water-soaked areas on the leaf’s lower surface opposite the chlorotic areas. If left uncontrolled, blueberry powdery mildew may lead to premature defoliation and a long-term reduction in bush productivity.

The planting of resistant cultivars is the best option for management of powdery mildew. Fungicide applications should begin just after petal fall, which targets primary inoculum. If these infections are managed early, an epidemic can be avoided. Suggested products are oils (e.g. stylet oils) or sterol biosynthesis inhibiting fungicides such as propiconazole (on 14-day intervals). Remember that fungicide products containing sulfur should not be applied within a 2-week period of an oil product application due to the potential for phytotoxic effects. Postharvest burning of infected leaf matter has not been shown to decrease the incidence of disease in subsequent years.