Contact Us
Contact Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture

Chuck Bornt
Team Leader, Extension Vegetable SpecialistCCE Rensselaer County
61 State Street
Troy, NY 12180
phone 518-272-4210 x125
cell 518-859-6213
fax 518-272-1648
email Chuck

Mike Basedow
Tree Fruit SpecialistCCE Clinton County
6064 NY-22
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
phone 518-561-7450
cell 518-410-6823
email Mike

Dan Donahue
Tree Fruit SpecialistCCE ENYCHP
3357 Route 9W
Highland, NY 12528
phone 845-691-7117
cell 518-322-7812
email Dan
Natasha Field
Field TechnicianCapital District
email Natasha

Ethan Grundberg
Vegetable SpecialistCCE Orange County
18 Seward Ave, Suite 300
Middletown, NY 10940
phone 845-344-1234
cell 617-455-1893
email Ethan

Elizabeth Higgins
Business Management SpecialistHudson Valley Lab
3357 US Hwy 9W
Highland, NY 12528
phone 845.691.7151
cell 518.949.3722
email Elizabeth

Elisabeth Hodgdon
Vegetable SpecialistCCE Clinton County
6064 NY-22
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
phone 518-561-7450
cell 518-650-5323
email Elisabeth

Laura McDermott
Team Leader, Small Fruit and Vegetable SpecialistCCE Washington County
415 Lower Main Street
Hudson Falls, NY 12839
phone 518-746-2562
cell 518-791-5038
fax 518-746-2419
email Laura

Teresa Rusinek
Vegetable SpecialistHudson Valley Laboratory
3357 Route 9W
Highland, NY 12528
phone 845-691-7117
cell 845-389-3562
email Teresa

Jeremy Schuster
Viticulture SpecialistHudson Valley Lab
3357 US Highway 9W
Highland, NY 12528
cell 845-372-4780
email Jeremy

Crystal Stewart-Courtens
Extension Vegetable Specialist134 Miller Road
Johnstown, NY 12095
cell 518-775-0018
email Crystal

Maire Ullrich
Vegetable SpecialistCCE Orange County
18 Seward Avenue
Suite 300
Middletown, NY 10940
phone 845-344-1234
cell 845-742-4342
fax 845-343-7471
email Maire
Andy Galimberti
Field TechnicianCCE Clinton County
email Andy

Kaitlyn McNamee
Field Technicianemail Kaitlyn

Miles Todaro
Field Technicianemail Miles


Upcoming Events
Farm Business Plan Writing Program
December 6, 2023 : Kickoff Week: Laying the Groundwork for Your Success
Take your farming enterprise to the next level with our dynamic 9-week online program! Join experts Liz Higgins and Bonnie Nelsen in a journey tailored for existing farm owners. Whether you're aiming for a loan, a grant, or strategic growth, our program offers the perfect blend of flexibility and expert guidance, helping you write, refine and enhance your farm business plan. Our structured approach simplifies each section of the business plan, integrating innovative resources like ChatGPT (AI) for enhanced writing assistance. Work with your farm's team, at your own pace, supported by the seasoned Farm Business Management Specialists from Cornell Cooperative Extension. Join us to turn your vision into a strategic and actionable plan, setting the stage for your farm's success!"
First Zoom Session December 6, 2023, 3:30-4:30
December 13, 2023 : Week 2: Sharpening Your Focus - Tailoring Your Plan
As we dive into Week 2, it's time to get clear about the 'why' and 'who' of your business plan. Is it a roadmap for your own farm's growth? A key to unlock loans or grants? Or a blueprint for a new agricultural venture? Understanding the purpose and audience of your plan is crucial.
Zoom Session December 13, 2023, 3:30-4:30
January 10, 2024 : Week 4: Laying the Foundation - Strategy and Competitive Edge
Welcome to Week 4 (after the break)! Now, we're getting into the heart of your business plan - the sections that really define the essence of your farm business.
Zoom Session January 10, 2024, 3:30-4:30
January 17, 2024 : Week 5: The Financial Frontier - Making Your Numbers Talk
As we step into Week 5, we're tackling one of the most critical parts of your business plan: Financial Projections. Whether you're starting fresh or expanding your farm, these numbers are the pulse of your future success.
Zoom session January 17, 2024, 3:30-4:30
January 24, 2024 : Week 6: Navigating the Market Maze - Strategies and Safeguards
Welcome to Week 6, where we explore the landscape of your market and how to navigate it successfully. This week is all about understanding your place in the market and preparing for the unexpected.
Zoom Session January 24, 2024, 3:30-4:30
January 31 - February 1, 2024 : Week 7: Cultivating Team Strength - Management and Operations
In Week 7, we turn our attention to the core of your farming operation: your team and how you work together. Just like a well-oiled tractor or a perfectly timed planting season, the efficiency and harmony of your team can make a huge difference in your farm's success.
Zoom Session, January 31, 2024, 3:30-4:30
February 7, 2024 : Week 8: Flex week - TBD
Zoom Session, February 7, 2024, 3:30-4:30
February 14, 2024 : Week 9: The Grand Finale - Crafting Your Executive Summary
We've arrived at Week 9, the culmination of our journey where we weave together the threads of your business plan into a compelling tapestry. This week is all about creating a powerful executive summary - the window through which investors, lenders, and partners glimpse into your farm's future.
Zoom Session, February 14, 2024, 3:30-4:30
New York Labor Roadshow VII
December 15, 2023
Greenwich, NY
New York Labor Roadshow VII: December 2023 Offered by New York's Ag Workforce Development Council
New York's Ag Workforce Development Council (AWDC) is currently organizing Labor Roadshow VII. The Eastern NY event will be held on December 15 in Greenwich, NY from 8:30-4:15.