Organic
The number of organic farmers in NYS continues to rise, driven in part by the increasing demand from consumers for produce that is free of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture program has been working with organic farmers to determine their needs and offer alternatives to conventional production methods.
Organic Production Guides
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Organic Production Guides for fruits, vegetables and dairy are available through the NYS Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. They outline general practices for growing vegetable and fruit crops using organic integrated pest management techniques.
Resource Guide for Organic Insect and Disease Management, Second Edition
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Organic farmers rely primarily on preventive, cultural and integrated methods of pest and disease management. However, there are a number of materials available for use that can complement and support organic management. This guide was developed to provide a useful and scientifically accurate reference for organic farmers and agricultural professionals searching for information on best practices, available materials and perhaps most importantly, the efficacy of materials that are permitted for use in organic systems.
The High Cost of Fertilizer and Best Practices for Management
Chuck Bornt, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Growers saw fertilizer prices spike in 2021 but are now seeing them hit even harder in 2022, resulting in sky high prices or an estimated increase around 80% since last year. Supply chain disruptions continue to wreak havoc and a fire at a U.S. fertilizer plant at the end of January are only just some of the factors fueling the dramatic increase. With all that being said, countless studies have proven a strong correlation between nitrogen (N) and crop yield; as nitrogen rates increase so does crop yield. So, how can growers maintain yield goals while balancing the high cost of fertilizer?
Hot Water Seed Treatment Using a Sous Vide Device
Amy Ivy, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Learn to use a sous vide device to heat treat seeds as a simple, economical way to control diseases.
Recording of Fitting Cover Crops in Vegetable Systems Webinar Nov 8, 2018
Amy Ivy, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
This is a recording of an hour long webinar held by Amy Ivy and Chuck Bornt of the Eastern NY Commercial Horticulture Program and Mike Davis of the Cornell University Willsboro Research Farm on Nov 8, 2018.
A copy of the PowerPoint is included in the 'read details' section below. With funding from the Northern NY Agricultural Development Program.
Supplemental Heat for Winter Greens Production: What's the Cost?
Ethan Grundberg, Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Winter high tunnel production has increased significantly in the region. However, there is serious disagreement among growers about the potential value and true costs of supplemental heating through the winter. A NE SARE Partnership Grant supported work to research the impact of forced air heating at 33 degrees and 40 degrees on nitrogen uptake, yield, and propane use over the winter: here are some initial results.
Zonix Biofungicide Label
2016 Conventional Potato Variety Trial Results
Anne Mills, Field Technician
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
View this slideshow for user friendly data and photos from the conventional potato variety trial held in Schoharie County, NY.
2016 Carrot Variety Trial
Anne Mills, Field Technician
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
What makes a great carrot? The Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Programs carrot variety trial will help you find out! Check out this slideshow to learn about the carrot varieties we grew and see which ones would make the cut to grow on your farm.
2016 Beet Variety Trial
Anne Mills, Field Technician
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
What makes a great beet? The Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Programs beet variety trial will help you find out! Check out this slideshow to learn about the beet varieties we grew and see which ones would make the cut to grow on your farm.
NOFA Garlic Presentation
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Presentation providing an overview to garlic production by Ed Fraser of Fraser's Garlic and Crystal Stewart.
2015 Beet Variety Trial Photo Slideshow!
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Garlic Bloat Nematode Fact Sheet and Sample Submission Form
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
An updated sample submission form and fact sheet about Garlic Bloat Nematode.
How Copper Sprays Work and Avoiding Phytotoxicity
Copper has been widely used in both conventional and organic production for some time. Copper was one of the first elements used as a plant fungicide (the other was Sulfur). Its discovery can be traced back to the famous origin of Bordeaux mixture, containing a mixture of copper sulfate (CuSO4) and slaked lime, and used for downy mildew control in French vineyards.
Garlic Weed Control
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
View the following document for the latest information for weed control in garlic, in both organic and conventional practices.
Leek Moth Control and Information
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Leek Moth was detected in four home gardens in Plattsburg, NY in 2009. It was first detected in Ontario, Canada in 1997 where it has become problematic especially to small-scale, organic growers in eastern Ontario and to commercial producers in western Quebec, who have limited insecticides available to them.
Leek Moth continues its spread to more farms and gardens across the U.S., a new comprehensive website is available to aid in the identification and management of this pest. This Cornell website features maps of the distribution of leek moth, protocols on insect monitoring and identification, best management practices for farms and home gardens, a photo gallery of damage symptoms and a comprehensive resource section.
Visit the Leek Moth website.
Spring Garlic Recommendations
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Garlic fertility and weed control recommendations for March through May.
Apples
Apricots
Asparagus
Beets
Blueberries
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cherries
Cucumbers
Dry Beans
Eggplant
Ethnic Vegetables
Garlic
Grapes
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Lettuce / Leafy Greens
Melons
Nectarines
Onions
Parsnips
Peaches
Pears
Peas
Peppers
Plums
Potatoes
Pumpkins / Gourds
Radishes
Raspberries / Blackberries
Rhubarb
Rutabaga
Snap Beans
Squash - Summer
Squash- Winter
Strawberries
Sweet Corn
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnips
Upcoming Events
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.
How to Diversify or Scale Up with Confidence for Profitability - Inspired by Annie's Project
February 4, 2026
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 Northeast Extension Fruit Consortium Winter Webinar Series
February 4, 2026 : Management of Up and Coming Strawberry Diseases in the Northeastern United States
Session 1: Management of Up and Coming Strawberry Diseases in the Northeastern United States
February 11, 2026 : Kiwiberry Production in the Northeast
Session 2: Kiwiberry Production in the Northeast
February 18, 2026 : Heat Mitigation- Sunburn and Fruit Coloring
Session 3: Heat Mitigation- Sunburn and Fruit Coloring
February 18, 2026 : The Dating Game- Updates in Lepidopteran Mating Disruption
Session 4: The Dating Game- Updates in Lepidopteran Mating Disruption
March 4, 2026 : USEPA Endangered Species Act Strategies and Pesticide Use
Session 5: USEPA Endangered Species Act Strategies and Pesticide Use
March 11, 2026 : Practical Drought Management for Fruit Growers
Session 6: Practical Drought Management for Fruit Growers