New York State has a little more than 700 acres of blueberries in production yielding about 2 million pounds of blueberries annually making it the 9th most important blueberry production state in the nation.  Increased consumer interest in dark colored fruit containing high amounts of healthful antioxidants has resulted in many more acres being planted over the past several years. This is despite the soil pH requirement of 4.5 that blueberries, a member of the acid-loving Ericaceae family require.

It takes nearly 8 years for blueberries to reach their mature production, but a well maintained planting can remain economically viable for up to 40 years or more yielding in excess of 10,000 lbs/acre. Ninety-five percent of this production is hand-picked and sold as fresh fruit with the remaining 5% going to value added products.

Highbush blueberries are grown throughout the majority of the state, but in northern NY and the Adirondacks, cultivars that are crosses between the Maine low-bush and northern high-bush blueberries result in a smaller bush that is much more winter hardy. The threat from late spring frosts remains a challenge to blueberry growers throughout the state. Blueberries have a relatively small pest complex making it a favorite berry for organic production.

For more information about blueberry production, visit the Cornell Berry website.


More Blueberries Content

Farm Financial Education for Women - Annies Project

November 12 - January 14, 2019
9:00am to 2:00pm
Kingston, NY

This 4-part series is designed for women who are farm owners or farm managers, or who anticipate moving into a decision-making position on a farm.  The program runs from November through January.

Certificates will be awarded from Annie's Project to those who complete all sessions and who have applied to have the program qualify for FSA borrower training.

Reduced Tillage on Muck Soils: Results and Farmer Discussion from 2018 Trials

December 13, 2018
10:15am-12:00pm
Pine Island, NY

Join Ethan Grundberg and Chuck Bornt of CCE ENYCHP on Thursday, December 13th for a review and discussion of the 2018 reduced tillage trials on muck soils. They will cover cover crops used, equipment, cultural practices and the goals and results of the trials. 

The Heirloom Orchard: A Three-Day Series on Estate Orchard Management

December 15, 2018
5:00PM-8:00PM
Highland, NY

Join Peter Jentsch & Dr. Srdan Acimovic, homeowners and management professionals for a three-week series, each evening discussion and workshop focusing on 3 hours devoted to establishing
and maintaining new or existing estate orchards using 3 with apple and cider tastings, hands-on experience in our research orchards. Dec 8th, 15th, 22nd.

ENYCHP Fruit and Vegetable Conference Feb 19-22

Join us for the 2nd Annual Eastern NY Fruit and Vegetable Conference! This year we will be expanding our conference to include a third day and many exciting new sessions. Speakers, topic details, and registration information will be available soon. Mark your calendars, and don't miss this great line-up!

Resources from CCE ENYCHP!

We are developing new ways to connect with the CCE ENYCHP team this year! We have a Youtube page located at this link. Check out videos on Table Grape Production, Pest Updates and the 20 Minute Ag Manager - in 4 Minutes series. 
The text alerts will be reserved for important crop alerts that could impact management decisions immediately. For instance, if there were an outbreak of Late Blight in the area, this would be transmitted to vegetable growers.

Farmers can choose the crop for which they wish to receive updates. Additionally they can request that Ag Business Alerts be sent to them. These alerts might include due dates for crop insurance deadlines, market opportunities etc.

Text alerts are easy to access. Just click on the link below and fill out a very short registration form. It takes just seconds to do - access to important information has never been so easy!!