Small Fruit Opportunities for Small Farms
Event Details
Date
July 11, 2023
Time
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Location
Cornell Willsboro Research Farm
48 Sayward Ln
Willsboro, NY 12996
Cost
Pre-Register : $10.00
Host
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture$10 per farm
Pre register by Monday, July 10th at 9 am
Join us for a field afternoon at the Cornell Willsboro Research Farm and Juniper Hill Farm in Essex County to learn about growing small fruit crops in northern New York. We'll discuss considerations for site selection, varieties, pruning, integrated pest management, marketing, and more. In addition to strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, we'll cover novelty small fruits and nuts for specialty markets and hear from local producers who grow them.
1.75 DEC credits approved in categories 1A, 10, and 22
Rain date: This event will be held at the same time on Thursday, July 13th if thunderstorms and/or significant rain are predicted on the 11th
Agenda:
12:50 pm: Arrive early if signing in for DEC credits
1 pm: Welcome & Introductions, refreshments (Elisabeth Hodgdon, CCE ENYCHP)
1:10 pm: Strawberry systems overview and overwintering material evaluation (Elisabeth Hodgdon, CCE ENYCHP)
1:30 pm: Growing hazelnuts in northern New York (Mike Davis, Cornell Willsboro Research Farm)
1:45 pm: Managing spotted wing drosophila in berry crops: trap options and research results, checking fruit for larvae, IPM overview (Laura McDermott, CCE ENYCHP)
2:05 pm: Juneberries, honeyberries, and Aronia variety evaluation (Mike Davis, Cornell Willsboro Research Farm)
2:35 pm: Specialty fruit grower panel discussion (Jenna Mulbury, Northern Orchard and Duane Smith, Seaway Coldhardy Grapes, others TBD)
3:00 pm: Climate change mitigation opportunities with perennial crops, funding opportunities (Jenna Walczak, CCE Harvest NY)
3:30 pm: Services available to commercial fruit growers from Essex County Soil & Water Conservation District (Alice Halloran, Essex Co SWCD)
3:40 pm: Depart for Juniper Hill Farm (drive on your own or carpool, meet at blueberry field on Stowersville Rd, Lewis at 44°17'52.9"N 73°30'09.1"W)
4:10 pm: Organic blueberry establishment at Juniper Hill Farm
5 pm: Adjourn, collect DEC credit certificates

Upcoming Events
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February 11, 2026
February 25, 2026
Do you have an idea for a new enterprise to add value to your farm? Maybe you're considering scaling up for a potential market opportunity but just aren't sure if it's a good fit for your business. Join Cornell Cooperative Extensions of Allegany County, Broome County, Madison County, Onondaga County, Niagara County, Tioga County, the Niagara Small Business Development Center, and the Eastern NY Commercial Horticulture Team for a hybrid series on Wednesdays in February, starting on February 4th that will answer these questions and more. Annie's Project seeks to empower farm women through education, networks and resources. We welcome, and encourage, learning and sharing amongst farm women as we help you grow as decision-makers and leaders on your farm.
2026 Eastern New York Fruit and Vegetable Conference
February 25 - February 26, 2026 : 2026 Eastern NY Fruit and Vegetable Conference: February 25-26, 2026
Albany, NY
Join us for our Annual Eastern NY Fruit and Vegetable Conference with two days filled with informative sessions on Tree Fruit, Vegetables, Small Fruit, Grapes, Greenhouse and a special Food Safety Wash and Pack session! While there you can also visit with more than 50 exhibiotrs!
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February 25, 2026 : Tree Fruit Scouting - Online Course
Live Webinars February 25-March 25, 2026
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