Contact Us
Contact Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture

Chuck Bornt
Team Leader, Extension Vegetable SpecialistCCE Rensselaer County
99 Troy Road
Suite 203
East Greenbush, NY 12061
phone 518-272-4210 x125
cell 518-859-6213
fax 518-272-1648
email Chuck

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

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

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

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

Heather Kase
Berry SpecialistHudson Valley Research Lab
3357 Route 9W
Highland, NY 12528
cell 518-925-3089
email Heather
Jennifer Stanton
Program AssistantCCE Clinton County
6064 NY-22
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
phone 518-561-7450
email Jennifer

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

Sarah Elone
Program AssistantCCE ENYCHP
Hudson Valley Lab
3357 US Hwy 9W
Highland, NY 12528
email Sarah
Marcie Vohnoutka
Communications CoordinatorRensselaer County
99 Troy Road
Suite 203
East Greenbush, NY 12061
phone 518-272-4210
email Marcie

Upcoming Events
Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam Prep Course
January 13 - January 14, 2026
Join ENYCHP specialists for an in-depth review of topics covered on the NYS DEC pesticide applicator certification exam. This two-day virtual course includes explanation of key concepts on the core exam, test-taking tips for the core and category exam, practice questions, and Q&A with instructors. Course materials, including program recordings, practice exams, and DEC materials will be available to registrants after the program. This training is geared toward certification categories 1A (agricultural plant), 21 (field and forage), 22 (fruit), and 23 (vegetable).
I thought I was covered for that! Farm Insurance Webinar Series, Jan-Feb 2026
January 13, 2026 : Session 1: Insurance and Risk Management 101
Insurance and Risk Management 101. This first webinar will cover many of the general provisions found in insurance policies and describe some of the terms to be aware of when you are considering your options. Steve Hadcock, Capital District Hort Team and Greg Murk, FarmNet.
January 20, 2026 : Session 2: Liability Insurance
Coverage for the risk that your business will cause harm to someone. Are you having people on your farm or selling a food product? You might need liability insurance. Robert Hadad, Cornell Vegetable Program, Elizabeth Higgins, Eastern NY Commercial Hort Program.
January 27, 2026 : Session 3:Protecting Yourself from Disasters (Crop Insurance, USDA FSA programs and Flood Insurance)
Are you protected from a weather event on your farm? Learn about your options for Disaster Coverage (crop insurance, FSA programs, flood insurance). Elizabeth Higgins, Eastern NY Commercial Hort Program.
February 3, 2026 : Session 4: Insuring People (health, life and disability insurance)
Options for health insurance, life insurance and disability insurance, and how they can help farmers and their employees. Maire Ullrich, CCE Orange County and Lucas Smith, Cornell Ag Workforce Development
February 10, 2026 : Session 5: Property Insurance
Insuring your infrastructure, equipment, and livestock from loss. Learn about the types of coverage, and the risks they reduce. Colin Hostetter, Tri-County Ag Team, Desiree Keever, CCE Delaware County and Steve Glick, Kevin Daniels Agency.
2026 Becker Forum - Save the Date
January 14, 2026 : Save the Date - 2026 Becker Forum
Geneva, NY
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.
