Early Summer Plant Pests and Diseases - Wednesday Walk & Talk Grower Discussion Group

June 12, 2013


Cornell Vegetable Program staff will lead a crop walk and discuss major pests and diseases for early summer production. Attendees will learn scouting skills and management techniques.

Wednesday Walk & Talk is for growers in and around Allegany and Cattaraugus Counties and will meet every 2nd Wednesday of the month.  This discussion group is for new, beginning, and even more experienced vegetable farmers who wish to regularly interact with each other and the CVP. Growers will gather on a local farm to learn about the topic of the month, see various aspects of the host operation, and share their experiences.  Wednesday Walk & Talk is free to join.

Why might you consider joining the discussion group? New and beginning farmers will have the opportunity to network and exchange information on a regular basis, which will help the group collectively develop their skills and knowledge by hearing what does and does not work well. Groups will look for insects and diseases in the field to help train participants to better identify and manage problems in their own fields. Meetings will be held on the farms of established growers, which will allow participants an opportunity to see practices at successful operations and to interact with the seasoned producers. CVP personnel will deliver focused, grower requested programming on topics such as pest and disease management, marketing, and season extension and will teach valuable skills such as scouting, best management practices, and good handling practices for food safety. Members of the group can take advantage of the direct, frequent, face-to-face meetings to bring samples to CVP personnel, ask the advice of the group, and discuss current trends, opportunities, and concerns regarding vegetable production. 

To join this monthly grower discussion group, contact Elizabeth Buck.