Free Mental Health First Aid Trainings for Ag Communities of New York State

Did you know that farmers are more likely than the general population to die by suicide?

NY FarmNet is collaborating with county Cornell Cooperative Extension offices this fall to offer free, full day, in person Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses. Farmers, agribusiness workers, and anyone who interacts with the agricultural community in New York is encouraged to attend. Trainings run from 8am to 5pm, and lunch will be provided from a local eatery with a one hour break.

Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. You’ll build skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to those who are struggling. You’ll also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.

After the course, you will be able to:

• Recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.

• Understand how to interact with a person in crisis and connect them with help.

• Use self-care tools and techniques.

The instructors for these courses are part of a recently trained cohort that work within the NY agricultural community. They include representatives from NY FarmNet, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Farm Bureau, Young Farmers Coalition, NY Center for Ag Medicine and Health (NYCAMH), and Black Farmers United NYS. 

Scheduled full day MHFA trainings for this fall include:

Tuesday, October 18 in Hudson/Columbia County

Wednesday, October 19 in Cortland/Cortland County

Friday, October 21 in Ithaca/Cornell University/Tompkins County

Tuesday, October 25 in Middletown/Orange County

Wednesday, November 2 in Binghamton/Broome County

Monday, November 7 in Lockport/Niagara County

Tuesday, November 8 in Fonda/Montgomery County

To register, go to www.nyfarmnet.org/trainings. If we don’t yet have a training scheduled in your area, check back soon, or contact NY FarmNet at 1-800-547-3276 or nyfarmnet@cornell.edu.

These free trainings are made possible by funding from the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food & Agriculture. They have invested nearly $25 million in addressing farmer behavioral health on a state by state basis as part of the Farm and Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) through state Departments of Agriculture.

This work is supported by 7 U.S.C. 5936, Section 7522 of FCEA of 2008, Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), Grant No. 2021-70035-35550, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

UNH Seeks Commercial Farmers to Trial Advanced Kiwiberry Selections

The University of New Hampshire Kiwiberry Research and Breeding Program is now 10 years old, and has nearly 20 advanced breeding lines ready for multi-locational testing. They’re looking for 25 farmers across the northeast who are interested in participating in a grant-funded project that will support participatory evaluation of these potential new varieties, starting spring 2023.

If you are a current or aspiring kiwiberry producer, have an interest in new varieties, wish to receive more technical training, and have room for at least 12 vines, please complete this short questionnaire. If you would like to learn more about kiwiberry, a production guide developed by our program is available online at this link.

New study looks at the susceptibility of fruit fungal communities to SWD

Naturally occurring yeast on fruit is the subject of a new study on how SWD are attracted to berries. (Photo by Robert Bogdan for Pexels.)

A new study out of Europe examines which types of naturally occurring yeasts attract SWD. The authors of the report conclude that the fungi, specifically Saccharomycetales yeast communities, are more abundant on raspberry. The authors believe awareness of this fact might lead them to better understand what drives SWD susceptibility of different fruit crops at different sites. They suggest that it may also inform the “seeding” of fruit with engineered fungal/yeast communities, in order to reduce their vulnerability to the pest.

The abstract states:

“Fungal metabolic volatiles attract Drosophila suzukii which oviposits in ripening fruits, but there are few data describing the fungal microbiomes of commercial fruits susceptible to this insect pest. We tested the hypothesis that fruit type and ripening stage have a significant effect on fruit surface fungal communities using DNA metabarcoding approaches and found strong support for differences in all three fungal community biodiversity metrics analysed (numbers, types, and abundances of taxa). There was an average fivefold greater difference in fungal communities between sites with different fruit types (strawberry, cherry, raspberry, and blueberry) than across fruit developmental stages, demonstrating site and/or fruit type is the greater factor defining fungal community assemblage. The addition of a fungal internal standard (Plectosphaerella cucumerina) showed cherry had relatively static fungal populations across ripening. Raspberry had a greater prevalence of Saccharomycetales yeasts attractive to D. suzukii, including Hanseniaspora uvarum, which aligns with reports that raspberry is among the fruits with greatest susceptibility and attraction to D. suzukii. Greater knowledge of how yeast communities change during fruit maturation and between species or sites may be valuable for developing methods to manipulate fruit microbiomes for use in integrated pest management strategies to control D. suzukii.”

Read the full paper here.

https://rdcu.be/cR4WP

Farmers Market Week Goes Global for 2022

Summer farmers market photo by Mark Dalton for Pexels.

By the Farmers Market Coalition

WASHINGTON — The national Farmers Market Coalition (FMC) is excited to announce a partnership with the World Farmers Markets Coalition (WFMC) in the celebration of Farmers Market Week on August 7th – 13th, 2022. In its 23rd year, National Farmers Market Week is led annually by FMC and is a fixture of the summer season for farmers markets across the United States. FMC is thrilled to invite WFMC to join in the celebrations this year and take National Farmers Market Week to an international scale. WFMC is a budding organization that brings together farmers market coalitions, associations and support organizations in nations around the world. FMC in the United States is one of the largest member organizations of the WFMC and, as one of the founding members, has helped shape the organization through its founding. WFMC was recently officially incorporated as a legal entity in Italy, and continues to see rapid growth in activities and membership thanks to support from the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

During the first week of August every year, farmers markets from Alaska to Florida celebrate everything that makes farmers markets important. As local food systems with short supply chains, they are resilient, dependable and provide an essential service to the communities they feed as well as the farmers and ranchers that rely on them. Not only do farmers markets increase access to fresh and nutritious produce, but they also facilitate personal connections between farmers, shoppers and community members. These important community benefits are not unique to farmers markets in the United States, and the WFMC is thrilled to invite more market organizations from around the world to join in the celebration.

This year’s Farmers Market Week slogan is farmers markets don’t just happen, highlighting the importance of farmers market operators, and everything that happens behind the scenes to make vibrant farmers markets thrive in communities across the country. This is well aligned with the mission of the WFMC that seeks to support farmers market management around the globe and promote shared learning about farmers market operations across national lines.

By inviting the WFMC to celebrate and expanding National Farmers Market Week to International Farmers Market Week, FMC believes that the celebration of farmers markets will have a much wider reach and a greater impact in highlighting the value of farmers markets. Farmers markets have massive local economic, ecological and social benefits in communities around the world that add up to huge collective global impacts.

To join in the celebration of International Farmers Market Week, farmers market organizations, organizations that work with food and agriculture, and anyone else interested in joining the festivity can use the hashtag #FarmersMarketWeek on social media and can tag the Farmers Market Coalition (@fmc.org) on all social media channels. FMC provides a toolkit on their website full of free social media templates and graphics for organizations to use. FMC will also host daily conversations with farmers market leaders on their Facebook page at 10am PT / 1pm ET during International Farmers Market Week. The celebration of National Farmers Market Week in the United States and the creation of the toolkit for farmers markets is made possible thanks to sponsorship from Mother Earth News Fair, Square, Farm Aid, Farm Credit, and American Farmland Trust.

In-person, farmers markets around the world will be celebrating on the ground at their farmers markets and inviting market visitors to celebrate with them. Farmers market customers can get out there and support by shopping at their local market!

“Farmers markets serve as the center of community connection, economic development and local food systems resilience in thousands of communities across the country,” shares Ben Feldman, Farmers Market Coalition Executive Director. “This year, we are thrilled that the WFMC will be joining us in celebration and elevating the important work of the people who make farmers markets happen.”

“The absolute best thing you can do to support farmers markets during International Farmers Market Week?” asks Richard McCarthy, President of the World Farmers Markets Coalition. “Think globally by acting locally, and get out there and make some delicious meals with food sourced from your local farmers market!”

USDA Accepts 2 Million Acres in Offers Through Conservation Reserve Program

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is accepting more than 2 million acres in offers from agricultural producers and landowners through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) general signup, which included nearly 500 acres in New York. This is the first of the program’s multiple signups occurring in 2022. With about 3.4 million acres expiring this year, Vilsack encourages producers and landowners to consider the Grassland and Continuous signups, both of which are currently open.  

“Our conservation programs are voluntary, and at the end of the day, producers are making market-based decisions as the program was designed to allow and encourages,” said Jim Barber, FSA State Executive Director in New York. “We recognize the Conservation Reserve Program is an important tool in helping mitigate climate change and conserve natural resources, and this announcement is just the first opportunity for producers to take advantage of the program. Producers are still looking at options under the working-lands Grassland Conservation Reserve Program, the more targeted buffer-type practices under Continuous CRP, and partnership opportunities through the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP).  For farmers who have decided to return all or a portion of their land into production agriculture, USDA will also be reaching out to ensure they understand and can take advantage of options to either prepare the land for production or transition it to beginning farmers.” 

Producers submitted re-enrollment offers for just over half of expiring acres, similar to the rate in 2021. Offers for new land under General CRP were considerably lower compared to last year’s numbers, with fewer than 400,000 acres being offered this year versus over 700,000 acres offered last year. 

Submitting and accepting a CRP offer is the start of the process; producers still need to develop a conservation plan before enrolling their land on October 1, 2022. Each year, during the window between offer acceptance and land enrollment, some producers change their mind and ultimately decide not to enroll some accepted acres without penalty.

The three other types of CRP—Grasslands, Continuous, and CREP—are still available for either working-lands or targeted, often smaller sub-field, offers. Producers have submitted offers on nearly 260,000 acres through the Continuous and CREP signup so far this year. The Grassland signup – which last year had its highest participation ever – closes May 13, 2022. 

Through CRP, producers and landowners establish long-term, resource-conserving plant species, such as approved grasses or trees, to control soil erosion, improve soil health and water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat on agricultural land. In addition to the other well-documented benefits, lands enrolled in CRP are playing a key role in climate change mitigation efforts across the country.  

In 2021, FSA introduced improvements to the program, which included a new Climate-Smart Practice Incentive to increase carbon sequestration and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This incentive provides a 3%, 5% or 10% incentive payment based on the predominant vegetation type for the practices enrolled – from grasses to trees to wetland restoration.  

While the General Signup is closed, producers and landowners can still apply for the Continuous and Grassland signups by contacting their local USDA Service Center.  

May Berry Maintenance

May Berry Maintenance

Adapted from Cornell ENYCHP’s Berry News

Strawberries

• Inspect irrigation equipment and row cover. Make sure you have an adequate temperature detection system at the field level, especially for frost protection.

• Red stele, the common name for root and crown rot of strawberry, is caused by the fungus Phytophthora fragariae. Leather rot of the fruit is caused by Phytophthora cactorum. Earlier in the season, Ridomil and phosphorus acid products (such as ProPhyt) are recommended as soil drenches in fields where flooding was a problem last fall. Those same products can be added to bloom sprays if extended wet fields or overhead iirrigation because of frost were problems, or if leather rot has been a problem in past years. Add these products at first bloom. Straw mulch helps minimize the water splashing that spreads leather rot.

• Spray early for best leaf spot control, if leaf spot incidence has been increasing in your area.

• Consider strawberry pre‐plant herbicide options. Prowl H20 or Chateau are both great. Depending on your weed pests, you may want to try Dual magnum or Goal 2XL. Both of them have timing limitations, so read the label carefully.

Blueberries

• Green tip sprays for mummyberry and Botrytis should be applied now. Abound and Indar are labelled for both diseases, but there are other choices as well. Check the guidelines on the label.

• Prepare for nutrient applications in May and again in early June. Review foliar tests. Apply sulfur if soil pH is higher than 5.2 – 200#/A is the maintenance rate that should be applied 1‐2 times annually to prevent soil pH from creeping up. Remember that the target pH is 4.5. Make sure soil boron or foliar boron tests show that those levels are appropriate.

• To improve pollination of blueberries, plan on adding bumblebee hives into the planting. Stocking density of hives varies greatly depending on the variety of berry you are growing. Ask your local extension agent for details.

Brambles

• Brambles are breaking dormancy in all but most northern locations.

• Complete the necessary pruning, to keep cane density at no more than 4 canes per square foot. There may be some winter injury, so look for that and prune it out.

• Bud break is the trigger for sprays to control anthracnose, spur blight, and cane blight.

• Apply early season herbicides. Casoron 4G (granular) can be used in caneberries. The same caveats listed above for blueberry apply. Casoron CS can be applied a bit later, but still needs to be incorporated by rainfall, before weed germination; it is labeled for blackberry and raspberries if applied before new shoot emergence. Don’t delay: you are running out of time, and the southernmost counties are likely too far along to use Casoron safely and effectively.

• Watch for raspberry fruitworm feeding on new leaves.

Juneberries (Saskatoons)

• Now is the time to spray for apple curculio and/or saskatoon sawfly if you’ve had damage in past years. The larval stages of these insects feed inside the developing berries, resulting in fruit losses or the presence of insects inside fruits at harvest. Treat if damage to berries exceeded 10% last season. Products include Molt‐X (10 fl oz/A) or SuffOil‐X (1 – 2 gal/100 gal) or PyGanic 1.4 ECII (16‐64 fl oz/A).

• There are relatively few pesticides registered for use on this crop. Even for products that are registered, there is limited information on the efficacy of the active ingredients against specific saskatoon pests. Therefore, the recommendations are based largely on how well the pesticides are known to work on related pest species on other fruit crops.

Ribes

• Powdery mildew sprays (many organic options including oil, Kailgreen, sulfur and Actinovate, but also Rally, Cabrio, and Rampart) should begin now if this has been a problem in the past.

Sprayer Maintenance and Setup Reminders

By Dan Donahue, CCE-ENYCHP, Hudson Valley

Poorly maintained sprayers are a risk to the operator, the environment, and your checkbook. Protect yourself from potential contamination as you work on the sprayer. As we approach the start of the spray season, give each of your spray rigs a complete review, test, and calibration.

Items to check include:

·    Tank integrity

·    Condition of hoses, clamps, and belts

·    Condition of tires

·    Condition of the bearings, u-joints, CV joints and coupler in the PTO driveline.

·    Is the pressure gage working?

·    Are there any leaks?

·    Is the agitation system working properly?

·    Is the pump operating at its design pressure?

·    Non-Viton pump seals or rollers (or equivalent) will require more frequent attention and replacement as they are less durable.

·    Nozzles wear with use and are considered replacement items. Ceramic nozzles are the most durable, traditional brass nozzle wears much more quickly.

·    Airblast sprayers are generally set up to apply 2/3 of the spray volume into the to half of the tree canopy.

Check your calibration. Many ways to do it. One easy way it to spray out a full tank of water on a measured orchard. 500 gallon tank at 100 gallons per acre will cover 5 acres. In this example, if your target rate was 2 lbs./A, but you cover 6 acres instead of 5, your actual rate is 1.67 lbs./A. No surprise if the pesticide does not work as expected. On the other hand, if covering 4 acres on a 5 acre tank increases your effective application rate from 2 lbs./A up to 2.5 lbs./A which may be off-label and increases your pesticide cost by 20%/A.

Consider slowing down: Excellent coverage is essential to good pesticide performance. Mite, Scale, and Oil applications require extra-thorough coverage, high water rates and reduced tractor speeds.

Alternate Row-Middle Spraying: When choosing to drive down every-other row middle, be certain that your sprayer is calibrated to apply the correct rate/A. If your sprayer is set up for every row-middle, but you drive every-other row middle, you will reduce the application rate/A. by half. If alternate row-middle spraying is your standard program, be sure to “alternate” the actual row-middles travelled with each application to ensure even coverage over time. Use a paint color scheme on the trellis anchor posts to denote which row middles are in the “A-Group”. Instruct your sprayer operators to drive the “A-Group” middles for one application, and then the alternative or “B-Group” middles for the next application, helping to minimize operator disorientation in the orchard.

Visit our airblast calibration article on the Produce pages.

Travel to Costa Rica with other Berry Growers in December 2022!

The Costa Rica Agritourism and Cultural Study Tour, hosted by Laura McDermott and organized by Explorations by Thor, an international travel company that specializes in agricultural tours, is scheduled for December 3-11, 2022. Don’t miss this opportunity to travel, learn and relax with other farmers. It will be a blast!

This one-of-a-kind guided excursion is an educational and entertaining way to visit another country, update your understanding of what’s happening in our industry, and network with fellow berry production and agritourism professionals. Friends and family with an interest in agriculture are also welcome. The tour includes a full itinerary, plus hotels, most meals, and in-country transportation. Guests will visit a wide variety of Costa Rican agriculture, and still have time for cultural highlights.

The trip is designed specifically for members of the berry and agritourism industry. Participants need to arrange their own transportation into San Jose International Airport (SJO) on December 3 and out of Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR) on December 11. Hotel rooms, most meals, transportation, bilingual guides, tours/technical visits, and gratuities for driver and guide are all included. Estimated pricing of $2,450 is based on double occupancy, per person.

On December 3, we’ll stay at the San Jose Hilton. Tours begin on day two. Here’s a look at the full itinerary:

On day two, we’ll visit a coffee plantation and a chocolate factory near San Jose, and enjoy some downtime in the city.

On day three, we’ll head out early to Irazu Volcano, the highest active volcano in the country. If the weather is clear, we’ll be able to see the Caribbean Sea from the crater’s rim. 

While in the highlands we’ll visit a berry farm that is growing blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and Aztec gooseberries or goldenberries. After lunch, we’ll visit a berry producers’ marketing co-op, and then continue to visit the Center for Tropical Agronomy Research & Education (CATIE). We’ll tour the botanical garden and enjoy a presentation about agritourism enhancement at CATIE. We’ll end at the Hotel Suerre in Guapiles, in the heart of the banana-growing region of Costa Rica.

On day four, we’ll visit Costa Rica’s “green dam,” the largest hydroelectric dam in Central America and the second-largest infrastructure project, after the Panama Canal, in Central America. Costa Rica obtains nearly 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric. Meet with representatives and discuss how the dam is connected to the agriculture community.

We’ll visit a local farmer who has developed a side business of taking foreigners on farm tours. We will also stop at a papaya farm and meet with a former Dole agritourism director. 

On day five, we’ll enjoy a pineapple tour in the morning. After lunch, we’ll travel to and take a guided walk through La Paz Waterfall Gardens, one of the best eco parks in Costa Rica. The group will travel to a strawberry farm dedicated to agritourism in Fraijanes, and dine at a local’s home that evening. We will stay at the Hotel Martino in Alajuela that night.

On day six, we’ll depart for Guanacaste and the best beaches in Costa Rica! Enroute, we’ll visit a large-scale farm of palm oil, sugarcane, dragon fruit, rice and quarter horses. We’ll follow it with a barbecue lunch, and touring a commercial rice mill on the way to the Bosque del Mar hotel on the Pacific Ocean.

On day 7, the group will visit Hacienda El Viejo and take a guided wildlife tour boat ride in the wetlands. The evening will be free, for you to explore on your own.

On day 8, we’ll have free time to relax by the beach or take in any optional activities in the area, which include catamaran snorkel and sail, sportfishing, and ziplining. Or visit Flamingo beach via your guide and driver to do some shopping and enjoy lunch on the town. A farewell dinner in Hermosa Beach will round out the entire tour.

Participants need to arrange their own transportation into San Jose International Airport (SJO) on December 3 and out of Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR) on December 11. Hotel rooms, most meals, transportation, bilingual Guide(s), tours/technical visits, gratuities for driver and guide are all included.  Estimated pricing is based on double occupancy, per person - $2,450.

Reservation/payment deadlines: $250 nonrefundable deposit due by August 1, 2022; the remainder is due by October 15. The single supplement is $575.

Minimum capacity of 20 people must be met. Technical visits are subject to change, but replacements of equal value will be arranged. Full covid vaccination and a valid passport is required of participants.

Space is limited! Register soon to reserve your spot.  For more information, please contact Laura McDermott, lgm4@cornell.edu.  For specific tour information and help with air travel, contact Explorations by Thor, info@explorationsbythor.com, 859.459.0500.

Join Us for the 2022 Berry Session at the Empire State Producers EXPO

The Empire State Producers EXPO, January 11-13, is right around the corner. Due to the surge in covid cases, the 2022 Berry Session have been moved online. This session is scheduled for Wednesday, January 12, and will run from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A mix of researchers, growers, and business owners will share their findings over the course of four sessions.

Visit the Producers EXPO website to see registration and pricing information. To register for the Berry Sessions only, fill out the form and pay via PayPal ($55) here.

8:45–10:15 a.m.

The first Berry Session of the day focuses on containerized berry production. Dr. Neil Mattson (Cornell University) will go over the trends in commercially-grown greenhouse strawberries, and their applicability to Northeastern farms. Senior Extension Associate Kathy Demchak (Penn State University) will review her research on container-growing strawberries and caneberries.  

10:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

The second Berry Session reviews blueberry production. Researchers from the United States Department of Agriculture will present on the latest breeding efforts, and Dr. Thierry Bescanon (Rutgers University) will discuss the best approaches to manage weeds in blueberry plantings. Liz Machoff (Empire Drip Supply, and the NYSBGA board president) will explain the principles of water acidification in drip irrigation. The session will close with a meeting hosted by the New York State Berry Growers Association.  

1:30–2:15 p.m.

The third Berry Session is dedicated to the economics and sustainability of berry crop production. Business owner David Duda (Dudas Blues, and an NYSBGA board member) will discuss the role of value-added products in his business. Dr. Kris Park (Cornell University) will review a New York State pricing survey of berry growers, and provide economic insights. Dr. Heather Grab (Cornell University) will share her findings on balancing pollinator care and weed management in strawberries.  

2:45–4:00 p.m

The fourth Berry Session explores lesser-known berries and nut crops that are suitable for the Northeast. Ph.D. Candidate Samantha Bosco (Cornell University) will share her knowledge of nuts as a crop and food source. Dr. Iago Hale (University of New Hampshire) will discuss the characteristics of hardy kiwifruit when grown as a commercial crop. Coming down from Northern NY, Dr. Mike Davis will present on juneberries, and grower Duane Smith will provide a summary of his experience growing honeyberries.

View the rest of the EXPO sessions below.

Join Cornell CCE for a Fall Strawberry Workshop

Wagoner Bees and Produce, 11137 Wayne Rd., Fillmore, NY

October 20, 2021, 5:30–7:30 PM

Come join Cornell CCE Western NY for an on-farm discussion of winter preparation for strawberry beds, and a demonstration of a solar-powered harvester. Bring a dug-up strawberry plant with you for a hands-on diagnostic exercise. 

1.0 DEC credits are available in categories 10, 1a, 21, 22, and 23.

This workshop is FREE to attend! Pre-registration is requested; email Anya Osatuke at aco56@cornell.edu or call/text 607-752-2793 with your name, phone number (if available), and number of attendees.
 
AGENDA
 
5:30 PM | Welcome and Introductions & NYS DEC Credit sign-up –Lynn Bliven, CCE Allegany
 
5:40 PM | Planting Tour and Harvester Demonstration – Deb Wagoner, Wagoner Bees and Produce, Fillmore, NY

Grower-led discussion of weed control techniques including types of plastic mulch and how they are used to prevent weed infestation in strawberry systems. Irrigation scheduling and a labeling system used for cultivar tracking will also be covered.  Demonstration of mechanized strawberry harvester.
 
6:00 PM | Weed Control – Bryan Brown, NYS IPM
Fall weed control options for new and established strawberry plantings. Cultural weed control options for actively fruiting dayneutrals. Brief review of differences in herbicide applications when growing on plasticulture vs. open field.
 
6:30 PM | Fall Troubleshooting – Anya Osatuke, CCE Harvest NY
Review of common late-fall pests, pathogens, and abiotic disorders in June-bearing and dayneutral strawberries. Hands-on diagnosis of strawberry crowns that growers bring to the workshop.
 
7:00 PM | Fertility Management – Anya Osatuke
Comparison of best practices for fertilizing and renovating dayneutrals and June-bearing strawberries. Overview of differences in applying N, P, and K fertilizer between field culture and plasticulture.
 
7:20 PM | Winter Mulch Application – Anya Osatuke
Review of the seasonal factors determining when to apply a winter mulch to a strawberry planting. Overview of seasonal and site factors affecting the timing of winter mulch removal in the spring.
 
7:30PM | Adjourn

Anya Osatuke Named Cornell CCE’s Western NY Berry Extension Specialist

Anya Osatuke, Western NY Berry Extension Specialist for Cornell CCE.

Growers in Western New York will be seeing a new face around the Cornell CCE offices. Get to know Anya Osatuke, who joins the team as Western New York Berry Extension Specialist.

Anya grew up in Ohio near Cincinnati, the daughter of Russian immigrants. She spent her summers eating honeyberries, currants, gooseberries, and strawberries while visiting her grandparents in Russia.

Anya studied botany and Russian at Miami University of Ohio, and moved on to Cornell University to get a master’s in horticulture. At Cornell, Anya was mentored by Dr. Marvin Pritts and Dr. Gavin Sacks. She studied how strawberry production methods can affect the chemistry of the fruits. After graduation, Anya continued to work with Pritts to measure how weather can influence strawberry fruit quality.

As the Western New York Berry Extension Specialist, Anya is eager to work with growers to help grow and market their berries and small fruits. Every Thursday from 12:30 to 1:30pm, Anya co-hosts Berry Office Hours, an informal Zoom Q&A session with Eastern New York Berry Specialist Laura McDermott.

Contact Anya at 607-752-2793 or aco56@cornell.edu.

To join the Thursday-afternoon Berry Office House sessions, use this link or call 646-876-9923.

2021 Berry Production Workshop

September 15, 2021, Kennedy
October 5, STEPHENTOWN
4:00pm-6:00pm

2021 season review of SWD management techniques
Free; register here.

Note: Due to severe weather, the Stephentown workshop was postponed until October 5. Sign up using the link above, then join us at The Berry Patch, 15589 State Rt. 22, Stephentown.

Join researchers, growers, and expert speakers for a two-hour review of Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) management techniques. We’ll cover the basics of SWD monitoring of adult and larvae populations and also discuss implementing a pesticide program.

This free program will focus on what has been learned about designing an exclusion netting support system that provides long-term control of SWD and maximum utility for berry farmers.

Exclusion netting is being used on field blueberries where it controls SWD while also excluding birds and moderating impacts of hail and heavy rain. Raspberries and strawberries also benefit from exclusion netting on the sides of high tunnels.

1.5 DEC credits available in categories 1A, 10, and 22.

AGENDA - STEPHENTOWN

4:00 pm | Welcome, Introductions & NYS DEC credit sign-up – Laura McDermott, CCE ENYCHP

4:05 pm | Brief Overview of SWD – Laura McDermott, CCE ENYCHP . Insect monitoring, fruit infestation monitoring, insecticide management and cultural management techniques will be discussed.

4:20 pm | Overview of Exclusion Netting – Dale Ila Riggs, The Berry Patch, and Ted Storozum, TekKnit, Quebec. Brief review of work undertaken and effectiveness of netting in open field and high tunnel systems. Discussion of adaptations made to netting material and the need for structural design.

4:50 pm | Structural Considerations When Installing Exclusion Netting – Chris Callahan, University of Vermont, and Paul Lucas, Gintec, Ontario, CA. The past two seasons has provided lots of new information about designing the support structure for Exclusion Netting. Gintec owner Paul Lucas has played a critical advisory role in this portion of the project and has decades of experience with protected agriculture systems. Cost information for the SWD exclusion netting and structure will be included. 

5:20 pm | Exclusion Netting on Fall Raspberries – Dale Ila Riggs, The Berry Patch. Research on using field netting for fall raspberries and incorporating it into a high tunnel system.

5:30 pm | Views from Other Growers – TBD. Growers that have adopted exclusion netting will share their successes and struggles with the netting. 

5:45 pm | Hands-On Removal of Netting – Attendees will watch and assist with removal of netting panels to better understand the requirements and ease of using netting. Netting storage and winter care will be discussed.

6:00 pm | Adjourn

AGENDA - KENNEDY

4:00 pm | Welcome and Introductions & NYS DEC credit sign-up – Anya Osatuke, CCE Harvest NY.

4:05 pm | Brief Overview of SWD – Greg Loeb, Cornell University. Insect monitoring, fruit infestation monitoring, insecticide management and cultural management techniques will be discussed

4:20 pm | Overview of Exclusion Netting – Greg Loeb and Stephen Hesler, Cornell University. Brief review of work undertaken and effectiveness of netting in open field and high tunnel systems. Discussion of adaptations made to netting material and the need for structural design.

4:50 pm | Structural Considerations when Installing Exclusion Netting – Stephen Hesler, Cornell University, and John Abers, Abers Acres. The past two seasons has provided lots of new information about designing the support structure for Exclusion Netting, but every farm is unique and Abers Acres owner will discuss how they installed the netting. Cost information about the SWD exclusion netting and structure will be included. 

5:20 pm  |  Exclusion Netting on Fall Raspberries – Greg Loeb, Cornell University. Research on using field netting for fall raspberries and incorporating it into a high tunnel system.

5:30 pm | Views from Other Growers – TBD. Growers that have adopted exclusion netting will share their successes and struggles with the netting. 

5:45 pm | Hands-On Removal of Netting – Attendees will watch and assist with removal of netting panels to better understand the requirements and ease of using netting. Netting storage and winter care will be discussed.

6:00 pm | Adjourn

A Final Farewell

By Elizabeth Malchoff, President of the New York State Berry Growers Association

Paul Baker, the New York State Berry Growers Association executive secretary for more than a decade, passed away May 26, 2021, as a result of injuries sustained during an automobile accident. Paul was a friend and fierce champion of agriculture in New York State and the country. He was exceptional at juggling priorities as well as job requirements. Paul also served as executive director of the New York State Horticultural Society and Ag Affiliates.

Paul was instrumental in securing meetings with critical state legislators that assisted in securing funding and policy changes imperative to the agricultural community. He was very well spoken and could articulate the message in such a way that he was able to bring relevance on any topic to any audience. This gift made him an invaluable asset as a representative of the agricultural community. Paul enjoyed playing the devil’s advocate and encouraged us to grow our understanding of the opposition’s views, to be better prepared to face such challenges.    

During the time of inception of the Farmworker Fair Labor Practices Act, Paul recommended and facilitated meetings with legislators that were in favor of reducing the overtime threshold, and insisted that we, as industry representatives, be allowed to have a seat at the table when discussing the changes to the labor laws affecting farmers. I believe, based on Paul’s recommendation and the combined persistence of our conversations with legislators across the board, that the wage labor review board was adopted. This board is critical because it allows growers to have a representative present at future discussions. Without Paul’s ideas and recommendation, this review board might not have been part of the policy change.  

Paul was an intrical part of the Becker Forum. He hosted, led discussions, and secured speakers for grower awareness. A few years ago, Paul was asked to help develop this event as a way for growers to stay updated and informed of legislative policy changes, and discuss the more difficult bureaucratic regulations. Paul knew growers struggled in this area, and it was his attempt to support the grower in some of the more challenging aspects of commercial farming. Through his contacts, he brought in important speakers that could answer the growers’ questions and hear their concerns directly, ranging from legislators to Ag& Market reps. He even planned grower-based panels to facilitate raw and genuine grower discussions and education. Many growers that I know made it a priority to attend this event, because it offered so much value and education that the growers otherwise would struggle to find. Thanks to Paul’s knowledge of agriculture and his constant monitoring of our legislative environment, both state and federal, he was able to create the most effective and relevant grower-based meeting available.

Paul had his finger on the pulse with state and federal policy. He worked tirelessly at scouring the political landscape, keeping us updated on various state and federal policy discussions and potential changes. He had an uncanny ability to connect with people and understand the words not spoken, giving him invaluable insight into where various parties stood on the issues. Without his guidance, these organizations would not have been as effective in securing funds for research or influencing policy changes as they have been. A great portion of the success of the NYSBGA, the NYS Horticultural Society, and Agricultural Affiliates is due to Paul and his relentless efforts as a steward of the agricultural industry of New York State as a whole.

As a person, Paul was one of these people that was just easy to talk to. He was always calm and collected, but never afraid to tell it like it is. He was always supportive and encouraging, even if the encouragement was not what you wanted to hear. He was never afraid of a difficult conversation and flourished in a debate. It was like he knew what the opposition was thinking and countered before they could attack. He was always professional and respectful, so difficult conversations were less uncomfortable and more productive. He would also check us, when we started getting into too much “grower talk,” and would constantly remind us that we needed to discuss topics on the level of our audience to be more effective. He would often give subtle tips and feedback after a legislative meeting, on what we could improve or say to be more effective in the next meeting. He genuinely cared, and full-heartedly fought for, the agriculture community. He was an invaluable asset whose knowledge and presence are irreplaceable. The agricultural community has lost a huge champion whose void will be felt for years to come.

Berry Disease Snapshot: Mycosphaerella Leaf Spot of Strawberry

By David Strickland and Kerik Cox

Cornell AgriTech

Disease Snapshot: Mycosphaerella Leaf Spot of Strawberry (Bird’s Eye Spot, White Spot)

Causal Pathogen: Mycosphaerella fragariae

When to watch for it: Year round

First line of defense: Plant disease-free nursery stock

Summary:

Infections can occur on fruit (black seed), petioles, stolons, and leaves. Foliar lesions first appear as irregular purple spots on both the upper and lower surfaces of the leaf. Lesions develop a brown to white center as they mature, with a rusty brown border surrounding the necrotic area of the lesion. Severe infection on a susceptible cultivar will kill the leaf as lesions coalesce over the entire surface. Symptom expression varies by cultivar, temperature, and strain of M. fragariae. M. fragariae can overwinter as lesions on living leaves under snow cover, as conidia from overwintering dense masses of mycelia (sclerotia), and as sexually recombinant ascospores. Conidia from sclerotia are rain-dispersed from dead leaves in the field in the early spring, and ascospores are disseminated by wind. Virtually all parts of the plant are susceptible regardless of age, but lesions are most severe on middle-aged leaves. Severely infected plants are less likely to survive the winter, and those that do will have a reduced number of flowers in the spring.

Resistance reports have varied by state, and resistant cultivars may or may not be an effective means of disease control. Removing dead plant matter before winter will reduce inoculum carry over between seasons.  Fungicide applications are recommended for plantings with susceptible varieties in the early season to eliminate overwintering inoculum.

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.

Have You Renovated Your Strawberries?

The early strawberry season has ended, and although we might have been a little disappointed with the size—Cornell researchers theorize that this was because of frost and a very dry spring—most of our member farms were satisfied with their crop yields, if not the profusion of SWD that came on strong after a brief delay.

If you grow June-bearing strawberries, crop renovation is an essential, yet often overlooked, task—especially with the population of SWD still. Remember to remove leftover fruit, which can be a breeding ground for the pest, cut back on mowing if the hot temperatures persist, and cover the crowns with ½ inch of soil.

For a step-by-step guide to renovating strawberries, visit the Cornell blog.

Berry Disease Snapshot: Rhizopus Rot of Strawberry (Leak)

Soft, collapsed strawberries that begin to mold can be a sign of rhizopus rot.

By David Strickland and Kerik Cox
Cornell AgriTech

Berry Disease Snapshot: Rhizopus Rot of Strawberry (Leak)

Causal pathogen: Rhizopus stolonifer, R. sexualis

When to watch for it: During the fruit-ripening period

First line of defense: At harvest, rapidly cool harvested fruit below 45°F

Summary:

Primarily a postharvest rot, Rhizopus rot may also occur in the field on ripe fruit. Modern storage and shipping have reduced this disease’s incidence worldwide, but it may readily appear if fruit are not cared for properly. Fruits infected with Rhizopus spp. appear slightly discolored, gradually turning light brown. The fruits rapidly soften and collapse, allowing their juices to leak out. Under humid conditions, white fluffy mycelium with large black sporangia appear. Rhizopus spp. can successfully overwinter on leftover plant material and in soil.

Protective broad-spectrum fungicides can be used to control Rhizopus rot in the field. Rhizopus spp. can only infect wounded fruit, so a vigilant insecticide program to manage fruit-feeding insects is encouraged. At harvest, Rhizopus rot is best controlled by rapidly cooling berries and maintaining storage temperatures below 45°F.

How to Improve U-Pick Berry Operations Based on Customer Satisfaction

By Zoey Yang, MS candidate in the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management
Cornell University

During the summer of 2019, Cornell researchers conducted a study sponsored by the NYS Berry Growers Association. The study examined customer satisfaction at u-pick berry operations across farms in Upstate New York. This study aims to give some ways to not only improve sales performance for berry farms but also bring better experiences for customers.

U-pick is a direct marketing channel where customers can harvest fruit and vegetables by themselves, often paying a lower price and receiving fresher products. Crops, such as berries, that need intensive labor are well-suited for u-pick operations. Even though customer satisfaction has been studied in several fields, there are a very few studies focusing on the berry industry especially in u-pick operations. The goal of this study was to provide farmers with more marketing insights using customer satisfaction tools.

Participating Farms

Among the six farms participating in the study, two of them were strawberry farms; one, blueberry-only; and three, both strawberry and blueberry. Customer satisfaction surveys were given to u-pick customers among six berry farms from beginning of June to the end of August, as needed given the different harvesting times for strawberries and blueberries. Customers were asked to rate their overall satisfaction and individual satisfaction attributes, using a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being poor and 5 being excellent. Questions about amount spending, purchase intension, demography, and other variables were also included in survey.

The number of usable surveys was 312. The results are shown in Table 1. Overall customer satisfaction for all farms was very high (4.71), with 225 customers rating the overall satisfaction 5 (excellent), 82 rating it 4 (very good). Only 5 surveys rated it below 4.  Twenty-two percent of customers were first-time customers, and 83.9% and 98.7% of customers responded, yes, they would visit this farm again this year and next year respectively. One hundred percent would recommend the farm to their friends.  Average spending was $26.58.

Analyzing 14 different attributes into meaningful and usable information can be difficult. Therefore, the individual customer satisfaction attributes were analyzed in a way to group them into 3 general satisfaction factors that are described as experience, retailing and convenience. Table 2 shows the individual attributes into each of the factors and average score of each factor.

Researchers then looked at the relationship between these grouped satisfaction factors and the amount that customers spent at the farms. Differences between the farms, berry type, weather and demographic variables were controlled for.

Study Results

From the results, grouped factors experience and convenience are significantly important. One rating point higher in experience and convenience is associated with $3.14 and $ 5.17 more on the customers’ spending respectively. Even though attributes of retailing are significant in customer satisfaction studies such as winery, they are not in this study. One potential reason is because there are not many variations of retailing attributes in the data set. Another one may be related to the nature of u-pick operation. In New York wineries, wine tasting rooms are the major source of wine sales and highly dependent on the services of staffs. However, u-pick operations do not need many staff services. Therefore, retailing attributes may not impact sales of u-pick on berry farms. 

After analyzing each attribute separately, we also find among experience attributes, “Taste of u-pick berries” and “Information upon entry” are significant and positively affect amount spent. One score higher in “Taste of u-pick berries” transfers to $2.68 higher in spending. As for “Information upon entry, the effect is $2.57 higher with respect to amount spent. “Ease of parking” and “Farm location” are significant attributes to convenience and one score higher is associated with $3.67 and $2.81 higher in amount spending respectively. In addition, the control variables, education and male are statistically important to amount spent. Customers visiting in the strawberry season spent $8.87 more than those visiting in blueberry season. Graph 1 shows these results.

Study Recommendations

Given evidence from the analyses, this study suggests that u-pick berry operations should pay attention to the attributes that effect experience and convenience. For example, farm customers usually used Google searches or recommendations from their family and friends when selecting the farm.  Using social networks such as YouTube and Instagram to advertise and provide information will link this information with the significant attributes “Information upon entry” and “Farm location” together. In addition, signs such as directions to the farms should be clear to customers upon arrival. When customers arrive at the U-pick operation, information related to parking, amenities, picking directions and berries should be explained by signs or farm staff. Showing a story or history about the farm could be a bonus to generate a more satisfied customer experience. Meanwhile, maintaining good quality berries is always important. Ensuring a high quality of berry could not only affect the berry price but also the generation of word of mouth advertising. Implication suggestions for berry farms can be adjusted to suit for all types of u-pick operations.

“Smart Marketing” is a marketing newsletter for extension publication in local newsletters and for placement in local media. It reviews elements critical to successful marketing in the food and agricultural industry.  Please cite or acknowledge when using this material.  Past articles are available at:  Smart Marketing.

Guidelines for PYO Farms during the COVID-19 Pandemic

From Cornell University:

U-Pick is a critical direct marketing approach for many of our farms and provides customers with a unique connection to fresh produce grown close to home. In light of what we understand about the spread of COVID-19, new management practices will be needed to protect your farm team and your customers. This document provides recommended practices and communication strategies for U-Pick operations for the 2020 season.

These actions will help protect you and your team as well as reassure customers that you are taking steps to protect them and the produce you grow.

Read the article here. Then download a printable version of Cornell’s “Best Management Practices for U-Pick Farms during the COVID-19 Pandemic” that you can share with your staff.

Looking for information on protecting staff and customers in your farm store? Read these articles from NYS Ag and Markets.

1. Guidance for Cleaning Retail Food Stores (issued in conjunction with the New York State Department of Health)

2. Guidance for Home Delivery 

3. Guidance for Protecting Vulnerable Populations 

COVID-19 Assistance for Farms, from the NYS Department of Agriculture

In a new press release, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets made a variety of announcements, including on emergency relief funding, easing restrictions on ag products in stores, keeping farms and farm stores in business, and more. Here are the details.

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today outlined several actions the Department of Agriculture and Markets has taken to assist the agricultural industry during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many sectors of the industry, including New York’s dairy farmers, have faced extreme economic difficulties with the loss of wholesale markets, such as schools and restaurants, and uncertain consumer demand. The Commissioner, in a joint letter with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, last week urged the United States Department of Agriculture to support New York’s farmers with immediate emergency relief funding. Read the letter here.

Commissioner Ball said, “The COVID-19 pandemic has affected our agricultural community, as it has all of us, in so many ways. The challenges and disruptions our farmers are facing are like nothing we have seen before and our farmers are experiencing extreme economic difficulties. The Department is working, with all its partners, to seek relief for New York producers, and find new avenues for New York products while providing guidance and resources that allow many of our vital agricultural businesses to continue their operations.”

The Department has convened members of the Milk Marketing Advisory Council and continues discussions with food banks across the state, in coordination with the NYS Department of Health’s Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program, to identify ways to alleviate the surplus challenges that are impacting New York’s dairy, specialty crop farmers, and seafood producers. The Department is also working closely with the New York Farm Bureau to address industry concerns and provide critical updates.

In addition, the Department is working to address limits being placed on the sale of dairy and other agricultural products in grocery stores, in coordination with the Food Industry Alliance, the Retail Council of New York State, the Business Council of New York State, New York Farm Bureau, and the state’s retail grocery stores.

Guidance to Maintain Businesses

To keep the agricultural community informed on the most recent Executive Orders as they relate to COVID-19, the Department has issued guidance documents for its farmers’ markets, retail food and food manufacturing firms, fisheries, and animal care operations to help them maintain business safely.

It has also granted restaurants approval to sell grocery items, allowing additional revenue for restaurants and an additional market outlet for farmers and food businesses. In addition, fisheries have been permitted to temporarily sell and/or process seafood directly to the end consumer. A list of guidance provided to the industry is below:

• Guidance for the Operation of Farmers’ Markets

• For Restaurants: Interim Guidance to Sell Grocery Items

• Guidance for Fish Processors and Retail

• Guidance for Animal Care Operations

• Guidance for Food Manufacturing Facilities

All guidance documents and additional details are located on the Department’s website at agriculture.ny.gov/coronavirus, which is updated on a regular basis and as new information becomes available. The Department has also compiled and published a general resource guide for the agricultural community, which includes information on important actions and resources to help New York’s agricultural businesses, and information on other areas, such as food safety, companion animals, mental health, and more. The resource guide is available at agriculture.ny.gov/covid-19-resource-guide.

In addition, New York State has set up a COVID-19 hotline at 1-888-364-3065 and a space to submit questions online.