Allium Leafminer (ALM) Update

April 8, 2021

Allium leafminer (ALM), a relatively new invasive species in the region, can cause devastating losses to scallions and leeks. Teresa Rusinek and Ethan Grundberg discuss their research to identify effective management strategies for the pest with host Crystal Stewart-Courtens.


Northeast SARE Progress Report: https://projects.sare.org/project-reports/one19-336/

Details the findings from Rusinek and Grundberg’s research to evaluate row cover and insect netting compared to two applications of Entrust and M-Pede to manage ALM.

University of Massachusetts 2020 Pests of the Year ALM Presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IadfeJ1dWVo for the recording and https://cornell.box.com/s/wbtigjuuc82ufktu1ghfb0b2dh166mk5 for the slides in PDF

ALM Lookalikes and Visual Lifecycle PDF: https://cornell.box.com/s/q2rdq3vuih5xzoy8dwfu63mm5q980drn

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Shining UV Light on Plant Pathogen Management

March 17, 2021

ENYCHP vegetable production specialist Teresa Rusinek is joined by Nick Skinner, UV researcher at the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute; grower Larry Eckhardt from Kinderhook Creek Farm and vegetable specialist Charles Bornt to discuss the development and implementation of ultra violet light dosing as a tool to manage some of the most challenging diseases in cucurbit crop production.

For more information on UV technology for plant pathogen management, check out the website: http://lightandplanthealth.org/

www.lightandplanthealth.org

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Into the Weeds (New York State IPM)Highlight

February 25, 2021

Today we’d like to highlight a new podcast called “Into the Weeds” from our colleague Dr. Bryan Brown, the Integrated Weed Management Specialist with the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program based in Geneva, New York. In this fascinating episode, Bryan Brown, and guest Cerruti Hooks, Associate Professor & Extension Specialist at the University of Maryland, discuss how we can tailor our weed management to increase populations of beneficial insects. Some key terms used in this episode include "herbivores," referring to insects that feed on our crops, "predators," referring to organisms that feed on herbivores, and "parasitoids," referring to insects that deposit their larvae in herbivores, where they feed, develop, and eventually kill the host.

For more information on weed IPM, check out their website: https://nysipm.cornell.edu/agriculture/weed-ipm/ A transcript of this episode is available at the following link: https://cornell.box.com/s/xihbn6j5t3ic31q368g1smwe2ibxobdu

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Winter Storage Considerations For Vegetables With Chris Callahan And Andy Chamberlin

November 4, 2020

ENYCHP specialists Elisabeth Hodgdon and Crystal Stewart-Courtens discuss postharvest storage conditions to maintain vegetable quality over the winter, and food safety tips with Chris Callahan and Andy Chamberlin from UVM Extension.

Resources for episode description:
UVM Extension Ag Engineering Blog: go.uvm.edu/ageng
Spray Tables for Farm Use: go.uvm.edu/spraytables
Coolbots for Farm Use: go.uvm.edu/coolbot
DIY Concrete Mixed Root Washer: https://agengpodcast.com/2020/06/29/diy-motorized-root-washer-for-200-ep31/
Sisters Hill Farm Bunch Washer: https://youtu.be/JfXQmeRgk2c
Crop Storage Resources: http://go.uvm.edu/storage
Crop Planner Tool: http://go.uvm.edu/cropplanner
Bins: http://go.uvm.edu/bins.
Project Planning for Postharvest Efficiency, Profitability & Food Safety (Free 8-Part Packshed Webinar): go.uvm.edu/phwebinar

Where to connect with UVM Ag Engineering on social media:
Instagram: Instagram.com/uvmextageng
Facebook: facebook.com/uvmextageng
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwLVR4LaVPtvm4m3XW5Kv9w
Podcast: agengpodcast.com

Register for the Cornell Vegetable Program’s FREE virtual “Food Safety & Wash/Pack Facilities” workshop from 8:45 am – 1:15 pm on Nov. 16th:
https://cornell.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0pdeitpzopHddDRSBpt_dWf2eptEhenK0h

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2020 Biweekly Vegetable News Podcast - Episode 12 9/30/20

September 30, 2020

The September 30, 2020 edition of the Eastern New York Vegetable News covers the following topics:

Farmers Benefits from the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 or CFAP (1:10)
Reflections on the Challenges and Successes Faced by Vegetable Growers in 2020 (4:40)

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2020 Biweekly Vegetable News Podcast - Episode 11- 9/10/20

September 10, 2020

The September 10, 2020 edition of the Eastern New York Vegetable News covers the following topics:
Planning for Fall Garlic Planting (1:15)
The Beginning of the Fall Flight of Allium Leafminer (9:32)
Managing Cabbage Aphids and Cucurbit Downy Mildew (11:31)

Here are links to resources mentioned in this episode:
Brassica Pest Collaborative website with links to recorded webinars, research reports, factsheets, and more:
https://ag.umass.edu/vegetable/resources/brassica-pest-collaborative

listen now

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2020 Biweekly Vegetable News Podcast - Episode 10- 8/26/20

August 26, 2020

The August 26th, 2020 edition of the Eastern New York Vegetable News covers the following topics:

Gauging Winter Squash Maturity and Best Harvest Practices (1:05)
Managing Nitrogen in Overwintered Spinach (9:32)
Preparing for the Fall Flight of the Allium Leafminer (14:49)
Virtual Winter Meeting Planning (20:48)
Cucurbit Downy Mildew Regional Update (25:27)

Here are links to resources mentioned in this episode:

Managing Nitrogen in Overwintered Spinach

Northern New York Agricultural Development Program grant reports with overwintered spinach fertility research results (2017, 2018 and 2019 Advancing Vegetable Production reports)https://www.nnyagdev.org/index.php/horticulture/nny-horticultural-research/nny-vegetable-research/

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2020 Biweekly Vegetable News Podcast - Episode 9- 8/12/20

August 12, 2020

The August 12, 2020 edition of the Eastern New York Vegetable News covers the following topics:
• Onion Postharvest Considerations (1:10)
• Managing Alternaria Leaf Spot and Head Rot in Broccoli (9:51)
• Brassica Downy Mildew Getting an Early Start (16:28)
• Produce Safety Considerations Following a Storm (20:58)

Here are links to resources mentioned in this episode:

Onion Postharvest Considerations
Postharvest Cooling and Handling of Onions
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/postharvest-cooling-and-handling-of-onions

Forced Air Cooling on the Farm
https://blog.uvm.edu/cwcallah/files/2018/10/UVM-Ext-Forced-Air-Cooling-Fact-sheet-v1.0-2018-10-03-draft-1.2-AC-Edits.pdf

Managing Alternaria Leaf Spot and Head Rot in Broccoli
Sue Scheufele “Can Alternaria Leaf Spot Be Managed Organically?” www.hort.cornell.edu/expo/proceedin…Alternaria.pdf

Christy Hoepting “Control of Alternaria head rot in broccoli featuring exciting results from 2018 on‐farm fungicide trial” www.hort.cornell.edu/expo/pdf/20190…y-hoepting.pdf

Brassica Downy Mildew Getting an Early Start
Images of brassica downy mildew on transplants can be found at http://livegpath.cals.cornell.edu/gallery/crucifers-cole-crops/downy-mildew-on-cabbage/

Produce Safety Considerations Following a Storm:
FDA fact sheet on dropped produce: https://www.fda.gov/media/129568/download

FDA guidance for flooded produce: https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/search-fda-guidance-documents/guidance-industry-evaluating-safety-flood-affected-food-crops-human-consumption

NY FarmNet: https://help.nyfarmnet.org/contacts/new

listen now

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2020 Biweekly Vegetable News Podcast - Episode 8- 7/29/20

July 29, 2020

The July 29, 2020 edition of the Eastern New York Vegetable News covers the following topics:
• Stink bug injury and gold flecking in tomatoes (1:14)
• Pandemic unemployment assistance and COVID-19 tax credits for paid leave (5:51)
• Pest management in wash/pack sheds (8:43)
• 2020 Pea variety trial research results (13:41)
• Irrigation for berry production (28:26)

Here are links to research and resources mentioned in this episode:

Pandemic unemployment insurance
https://dol.ny.gov/pandemic-unemployment-assistance

COVID-19 Tax credits for paid leave
https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/covid-19-related-tax-credits-for-required-paid-leave-provided-by-small-and-midsize-businesses-faqs

Pest management in wash/pack sheds and water testing reminder
Map to locate a water testing lab near you:
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1C8KHM6jJszj9auYQttUbVtPKtb4eEBSJ&ll=42.61785481629028%2C-74.43670986250001&z=6

2020 Pea variety trial research results
Research report: https://rvpadmin.cce.cornell.edu/uploads/doc_908.pdf

Irrigation for Berry Production
For more in depth information about choosing an irrigation system, refer to the Pennsylvania State University Ag Alternatives fact sheet titled: Irrigation for Fruit and Vegetable Production.
https://rvpadmin.cce.cornell.edu/uploads/doc_910.pdf

Stink Bug Injury and Gold Flecking in Tomatoes
https://rvpadmin.cce.cornell.edu/uploads/doc_909.pdf

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2020 Biweekly Vegetable News Podcast - Episode 7- 7/15/20

July 15, 2020

The July 15th, 2020 edition of the Eastern New York Vegetable News covers the following topics:
• Early Blight and Leaf Pruning in Tomatoes (1:01)
• Cucurbit Powdery Mildew Management (7:40)
• Summer Cover Crop Options (14:23)
• You Pick Successes (19:53)

Here are links to research and resources mentioned in this episode:

Cucurbit Powdery Mildew:
Dr. Meg McGrath’s full article with 2020 management recommendations: https://cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/blogs.cornell.edu/dist/1/7446/files/2020/05/Cucurbit-Powdery-Mildew-MGT-2020-McGrath.pdf

OMRI-Approved Powdery Mildew Fungicides compiled by Dr. Meg McGrath: https://cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/blogs.cornell.edu/dist/1/7446/files/2020/05/Organic-Fungicides-Cucurbit-Powdery-Mildew-LIST-2020-McGrath.pdf

Organic Powdery Mildew Management Research Results by Dr. Meg McGrath: http://blogs.cornell.edu/livegpath/research/organic-disease-management/organic-management-of-powdery-mildew-in-cucurbit-crops/

Dr. Meg McGrath’s Disesase Resistant Variety Tables: http://vegetablemdonline.ppath.cornell.edu/Tables/TableList.htm

Summer cover crops:

Hodgdon EA, Warren ND, Smith RD, and Sideman RG, In-season and carry-over effects of cover crops on productivity and weed suppression. Agron J 108(4): 1624-1635. http://dx.doi.org/10.2134/agronj2015.0419
**Please email eh528@cornell.edu for a copy of this research paper, as it is only available with subscription to the journal**

Cover Crop Decision Tool. http://covercrop.org/cover-crop-decision-tool

Climate Smart Farming Winter Cover Crop Scheduler. Developed by Thomas Bjorkman, Kitty O’Neil, and Brian Belcher. http://climatesmartfarming.org/tools/csf-winter-cover-crop-planting-scheduler/

Northeast Cover Crop Handbook, by Marianne Sarrantonio. 1994. Rodale Institute. **Available for purchase from Johnny’s Selected Seeds, Fedco Seeds, and more**

You Pick Successes:

You Pick Best Management Practices fact sheet can be found here: https://rvpadmin.cce.cornell.edu/uploads/doc_864.pdf

Creating New York adapted Tomatoes with Resistance to Multiple Fungal and Bacterial Diseases:

https://rvpadmin.cce.cornell.edu/uploads/doc_901.pdf

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2020 Biweekly Vegetable News Podcast - Episode 6 7/1/20

July 2, 2020

The July 1st, 2020 edition of the Eastern New York Vegetable News covers the following topics:

Cucurbit Downy Mildew Update (1:05)
Changes to the Paycheck Protection Program (9:10)
Managing Caterpillar Pests in Brassicas (12:53)
Strawberry Renovation (17:56)
Developing a Safety Plan to Comply with NY Forward Phased Re-Opening Requirements (24:12)

Here are links to additional resources mentioned in the episode:

NY Forward Safety Plans
Introductory “how to” video for writing your plan:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2PH3wCgdhc&feature=youtu.be

Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development NY Forward business safety plan support for farms
https://agworkforce.cals.cornell.edu/ny-forward-business-safety-plan/
• Plan templates
• Guidance and considerations for plan writing
• Links to “how to” videos
• Links to additional resources such as log templates, hand washing station plans, and more
• Webinar recordings

NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets novel coronavirus page: Guidance documents for farm businesses in multiple languages
https://agriculture.ny.gov/coronavirus

Strawberry Renovation
For more in-depth information re: strawberry renovation, visit http://www.hort.cornell.edu/fruit/nybn/newslettpdfs/2014/nybn1306.pdf.

listen now

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2020 Biweekly Vegetable News Podcast- Episode 5- 6/17/20

June 17, 2020

The June 17th, 2020 edition of the Eastern New York Vegetable News covers the following topics:

Blossom End Rot and Soil Moisture Management in Fruiting Crops (1:07)
Stemphylium Leaf Blight Management and Onion Report (3:54)
Scaping, Scouting, and Irrigating Garlic (9:08)
Two-Spotted Spider Mites (14:29)
Spotted Wing Drosophila Update (17:48)

Here are links to additional resources mentioned in the episode:


Stemphylium Leaf Blight
Christy Hoepting’s SLB Fungicide Trials from 2019
https://cornell.app.box.com/file/630801014836

Dr. Frank Hay’s SLB Resistance Screening Report from Orange County Onion School in 2020
https://cornell.app.box.com/file/630798240824

Spider Mites
Notes:
**For best insecticidal control, be sure to cover undersides of leaves.

Resources:
Biological Control of Two-Spotted Spider Mites, by Leanne Pundt, UConn Extension. http://ipm.uconn.edu/documents/raw2/html/664.php?aid=664

Two-Spotted Spider Mite, by Ruth Hazzard, UMass Extension. https://ag.umass.edu/vegetable/fact-sheets/two-spotted-spider-mite

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2020 Biweekly Vegetable News Podcast- Episode 4- 6/3/20

June 3, 2020

The June 3rd, 2020 edition of the Eastern New York Vegetable News covers the following topics:

Sweet Potato Slip Handling and Planting (1:14)
Abiotic Disorders of Transplants (aka Hot Cold Wet Dry) (8:28)
Striped Cucumber Beetle PSA (15:13)
Options for Managing Onion Thrips in 2020 (19:23)
Managing Wireworms in Root Crops (31:43)
Berry News (31:43)

Here are links to additional resources mentioned in the episode:

Striped cucumber beetle PSA
Note: Row covers used for cucumber beetle management must be removed during flowering to allow for pollination, unless parthenocarpic varieties are grown.

Perimeter trap cropping for yellow and green summer squash, by T. Jude Boucher, formerly of University of Connecticut.
http://ipm.uconn.edu/documents/raw2/Perimeter%20Trap%20Cropping%20for%20Yellow%20and%20Green%20Summer%20Squash/Perimeter%20Trap%20Cropping%20for%20Yellow%20and%20Green%20Summer%20Squash.php

Setting up traps
DIY traps for striped cucumber beetle management, by Christie Shee, Perdue University. The milk jug trap was developed by Jaime Piñero, currently at the University of Massachusetts.
https://vegcropshotline.org/article/diy-traps-for-striped-cucumber-beetle-management/#:~:text=Beetles%20are%20attracted%20to%20the,for%20live%20striped%20cucumber%20beetles.

Cucumber beetle trap directions for assembly and use, from Agbio. This is one of several commercial trap designs available.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.arbico-organics.com/images/Cucumber_Beetle_Trap_Instructions.jpg

Managing Wireworms Root Crops, by Teresa Rusinek
https://rvpadmin.cce.cornell.edu/uploads/doc_879.pdf

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2020 Biweekly Vegetable News Podcast- Episode 3- 5/20/20

May 20, 2020

The May 20th, 2020 edition of the Eastern New York Vegetable News covers the following topics:

Spring Spinach Pests and Diseases (1:11)
Pythium Root Rot Symptoms and Management (6:53)
Business Safety Plans for Phase 1 Re-opening in NY (11:27)
Angular Leaf Spot of Strawberry (12:56)
A Conversation with Sue Scheufele, UMass Extension, on Managing Common Brassica Pests (19:05)

Here are links to additional resources mentioned in the episode:

Spring Spinach Pests:
From Rutgers Cooperative Extension, Plant and Pest Advisory 4/2/20
Spinach Anthracnose
https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/anthracnose-spinach-2020-scaled.jpg

Spinach Downy Mildew and Leafminer
https://rvpadmin.cce.cornell.edu/uploads/doc_869.pdf

Spinach White Rust
https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Spinach-WR-2020-scaled.jpg

Pythium Root Rot:
https://plant-pest-advisory.rutgers.edu/damping-off-identifying-and-controlling-early-season-pathogens-2-2-3/

Business Safety Plans:
New York Forward Plans https://forward.ny.gov/industries-reopening-phase

CFAP Final Rule and program information https://www.farmers.gov/cfap

Angular Leaf Spot of Strawberry:
Source: Penn State Extension fact sheet

Brassica Pests:
**Although Sue discusses applying Entrust as a tray drench to seedlings prior to planting for research purposes, this is an off-label use. Entrust is currently labeled for application to soil in the field. Always consult the pesticide label prior to use. The label is the law.**

Brassica Pest Collaborative webinar recordings: https://ag.umass.edu/vegetable/resources/brassica-pest-collaborative
UMass research reports on management of brassica pests: https://ag.umass.edu/vegetable/resources-services/brassica-pest-collaborative/research-reports-on-management-of-brassica

Sue Scheufele’s contact information:
https://ag.umass.edu/people/susan-b-scheufele

listen now

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2020 Biweekly Vegetable News Podcast- Episode 2- 5/6/20

May 6, 2020

The May 6th, 2020 edition of the Eastern New York Vegetable News covers the following topics:

Cabbage Maggot PSA (1:22)
Recommendations for U-Pick Operations During the Pandemic (6:12)
Updates to EIDL Loans, NY Nourish, and Hand Sanitizer Distribution (13:02)
Tips for Avoiding Phytotoxicity Using Soaps, Oils, and EC Formulations (14:52)
Preparing High Tunnels for Summer Crops (20:04)

Here are links to additional resources mentioned in the episode:

Cabbage Maggot PSA:
NEWA cabbage maggot flight predictions. Available from: http://newa.cornell.edu/index.php?page=cabbage-magot

“The Lorsban “ban” – Cabbage maggot control without it,” Brian Nault, Empire State Producers Expo presentation, Jan. 15, 2020. Available from: https://cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/blogs.cornell.edu/dist/c/3798/files/2020/01/2020_EMPIRE-EXPO_CABBAGE-MAGGOT_NAULT_FINAL.pdf

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2020 Biweekly Vegetable News Podcast - Episode 1 - 4/22/20

April 22, 2020

The April 22nd, 2020 edition of the Eastern New York Vegetable News covers the following topics:

Updates to Federal Emergency Funding for Businesses (1:23)
Managing Vegetable Transplant Fertility (4:12)
Early Season Allium Fertility and Pest Management Tips (10:20)
COVID-19 Guidance for Farmers’ Markets and CSAs (30:27)
To Do List for Berry Growers (37:01)

Here are links to additional resources mentioned in the episode:
Federal Emergency Funding Update
Link to CCE webinar on April 23th at 7:00 pm on disaster funding for farms https://cnydfc.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=1183
Article from Roll Call outlining the provisions in the new spending bill https://www.rollcall.com/2020/04/21/white-house-congress-seal-deal-on-new-coronavirus-aid-bill/
Paycheck Protection Program https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp
SBA EIDL Application Site https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/economic-injury-disaster-loan-emergency-advance
USDA AMS Food Box Program Website https://www.ams.usda.gov/selling-food-to-usda/usda-food-box-distribution-program
USDA AMS Food Box Program Questions USDAFoodBoxDistributionProgram@usda.gov
USDA H2A Updates https://www.farmers.gov/manage/h2a

Managing Transplant Fertility
Water Quality, Injector Calibration and Stock Solution preparation, Ammonium Toxicity
http://www.greenhouse.cornell.edu/crops/factsheets/pHGreenhouseCrops.pdf
http://www.greenhouse.cornell.edu/crops/factsheets/FertilizerInjector.pdf
http://www.greenhouse.cornell.edu/crops/factsheets/AmmoniumToxicity.pdf

Early Season Allium Management

Garlic Fertility Recommendations
https://enych.cce.cornell.edu/submission.php?id=550&crumb=crops|crops|garlic|crop*14
Eriophyid Mite Information
https://rvpadmin.cce.cornell.edu/uploads/doc_774.pdf
NEWA Onion Maggot Model
http://newa.cornell.edu/index.php?page=onion-maggot
More Information on Research Using Entrust SC as Tray Drench and Dip for Onion Maggots
https://cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/blogs.cornell.edu/dist/c/3798/files/2020/01/2020_NOFA-NY_ONION-PEST-MANAGEMENT_NAULT.pdf

COVID-19 Guidance for Farmers’ Markets and CSAs
NYSDAM Interim Guidance for the Operation of Farmers’ Markets
https://agriculture.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/04/interimguidancefarmersmarkets.pdf
‘Tent Talk’ podcast episode: “Reformatted markets and frayed nerves”
https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/tent-talk/e/68960821?autoplay=true
Considerations for Fruit and Vegetable Growers Related to Coronavirus & COVID-19
https://blog.uvm.edu/cwcallah/2020/03/18/considerations-for-fruit-and-vegetable-growers-related-to-coronavirus-covid-19/

listen now

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COVID-19 Cash Flow Management

April 13, 2020

Dr. Stephen Weir, Agricultural Business Professor with SUNY Cobleskill, and Liz Higgins, ENYCH Ag Business Management Specialist discuss strategies to help farms manage their cash flow and get through the COVID-19 Pandemic, and more.

Resources:

• Dr. Weir’s website at SUNY Cobleskill https://www.cobleskill.edu/academics/schools/agriculture-and-natural-resources/agriculture-food-management/agricultural-business-management.aspx
• 12 Month Cash Flow Statement, SCORE https://www.score.org/resource/12-month-cash-flow-statement
• Info on Paycheck Protection Program from SBA https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/loans/coronavirus-relief-options/paycheck-protection-program-ppp
• Liz’s COVID-19 twitter account (for program updates) @19_CCE
• Baby shark handwashing video - https://youtu.be/L89nN03pBzI
• Eastern NY Commercial Hort Team Website and Links to Resources http://enych.cce.cornell.edu


Cornell COVID-19 Resources:
General Questions & Links:
https://eden.cce.cornell.edu/
Food Production, Processing & Safety Questions:
https://instituteforfoodsafety.cornell.edu/coronavirus-covid-19/
Employment & Agricultural Workforce Questions:
http://agworkforce.cals.cornell.edu/
Cornell Small Farms Resiliency Resources:
https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/resources/farm-resilience/
Financial & Mental Health Resources for Farmers:
https://www.nyfarmnet.org/

listen now

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COVID-19 Employee Health, Paycheck Protection Program, and Sick Leave for Farms

April 9, 2020

Dr. Rich Stup, Agricultural Workforce Development Specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension, discusses strategies to keep employees healthy and reduce risks of COVID-19 disruptions to workflow during the pandemic. Stup also discusses updates to the status of H2A visa-holders, changes to policies impacting paid sick leave, details of the Paycheck Protection Program of the CARES Act, allowances for compliance with respirator fit test requirements, recommendations for sanitation of employee housing, and more.

Resources:

Recording of Webinar with Drs. Rich Stup, Betsy Bihn (Cornell Institute for Food Safety), and Anu Rangarajan (Cornell Small Farms Program): https://vod.video.cornell.edu/media/COVID-19+and+Your+Produce+Farm+webinar+recording+edited%2C+April+3%2C+2020/1_cjuqtd6r

PDF of Slides from the Webinar: https://cornell.app.box.com/s/affrmbqbflnovwy282bfs0lk3cemjyal

Short Educational Videos on COVID-19 in Spanish and Mam (Guatemala): www.farmworkers.cornell.edu www.trabajadores.cornell.edu

CDC Educational Resources in Non-English Resources: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/pubs/other-languages?Sort=Lang%3A%3Aasc

COVID-19 Farmworker Resources in Spanish: https://cornell.app.box.com/s/5qpchzethwwu9c5edypg7y5dnxsuzklj

COVID-19 Farmworker Resources in English: https://cornell.app.box.com/s/ac5hhk7bnfiq3nrxi8pctyqm0ae4yr5z

NY On Pause 10 Point Plan: https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/new-york-state-pause

COVID-19 NY Paid Leave Policy Information: https://paidfamilyleave.ny.gov/COVID19

Paycheck Protection Program of the CARES Act Details from Liz Higgins: http://agworkforce.cals.cornell.edu/2020/04/02/cares-acts-emergency-resources-for-farm-businesses-paycheck-protection-loan-program/

Cornell COVID-19 Resources:
General Questions & Links:
https://eden.cce.cornell.edu/
Food Production, Processing & Safety Questions:
https://instituteforfoodsafety.cornell.edu/coronavirus-covid-19/
Employment & Agricultural Workforce Questions:
http://agworkforce.cals.cornell.edu/
Cornell Small Farms Resiliency Resources:
https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/resources/farm-resilience/
Financial & Mental Health Resources for Farmers:
https://www.nyfarmnet.org/

listen now

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COVID- 19 Sanitation and Hygiene

April 2, 2020

Elisabeth Hodgdon, Regional Vegetable Crops Specialist and Produce Safety Alliance Lead Trainer, discusses how farms should develop sanitation and employee hygiene protocols in response to COVID-19. Hodgdon covers which areas of the farm to prioritize for cleaning and sanitizing, how to select labeled sanitizers, distinctions between cleaning and sanitizing, how to develop Standard Operations Procedures (SOPs), considerations for safe use of gloves, some handwashing basics, and more.

If you have questions or recommendations for topics to cover on future episodes focused on COVID-19, please email eg572@cornell.edu or call (845) 293-3832 and leave a message.

Resources:
EPA “List N,” disinfectants for SARS-CoV-2
https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/list-n-disinfectants-use-against-sars-cov-2

NYS registered disinfectants based on EPA List N:
https://www.dec.ny.gov/docs/materials_minerals_pdf/covid19.pdf

The Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) website has a “resources” tab that has links to various food safety documents, including an Excel sheet of sanitizer information, farm food safety plan templates, record templates, and more. You can also view a list of upcoming standardized PSA Grower Training Courses nationwide, which farms are required to attend if their farm is covered by FSMA. Website: https://producesafetyalliance.cornell.edu/

The Northeast Center to Advance Food Safety (NECAFS) online clearinghouse is a curated source of over 400 food safety resources of all kinds. Enter keywords into the search bar to find resources related to specific topics. Here, you can find links to a regional water testing lab map, multiple DIY hand washing station plans, safe manure and composting use fact sheets, and much much more. Website: https://www.uvm.edu/extension/necafs/clearinghouse/home

Cornell Vegetable Program list of food safety resources, including SOPs for wash/pack, cleaning and sanitizing tools and equipment, videos on how to use sanitizers, and more. Website: https://cvp.cce.cornell.edu/food_safety.php#topbox

How to build a low cost handwashing station:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1c0VIhOCm5KsUa1kBkp-wedtJV_5PHsfV/view

Cornell farm food safety plan template document (commonly used template by farms in NYS):
https://gaps.cornell.edu/educational-materials/farm-food-safety-plan-template/

Bare Hands vs Gloves, by Penn State:
http://foodsafety.psu.edu/angel/fssbook/unit_2/module_4/docs/Bare_Hands_or_Gloves.pdf

Farm Employee Hygiene Policies and Sanitation Checklists Developed by Farms in Vermont (scroll to bottom of the page): http://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/Covid-19.html

Basic Elements of Equipment Cleaning and Sanitizing in Food Processing and Handling Operations from University of Florida: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/FS/FS07700.pdf

Cornell COVID-19 Resources:
General Questions & Links:
https://eden.cce.cornell.edu/
Food Production, Processing & Safety Questions:
https://instituteforfoodsafety.cornell.edu/coronavirus-covid-19/
Employment & Agricultural Workforce Questions:
http://agworkforce.cals.cornell.edu/
Cornell Small Farms Resiliency Resources:
https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/resources/farm-resilience/
Financial & Mental Health Resources for Farmers:
https://www.nyfarmnet.org/

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Consumer Messaging and Online Sales in Response to COVID-19

March 31, 2020

Erin Enouen, owner and operator of Long Season Farm in Kerhonkson, NY (https://www.longseasonfarm.com/), shares her strategies for using social media to connect with consumers, implementing an online sales system, and coordinating drop-offs and on-farm pick-ups in response to COVID-19.

If you have questions or recommendations for topics to cover on future episodes focused on COVID-19, please email eg572@cornell.edu or call (845) 293-3832 and leave a message.

Resources:

Cornell COVID-19 Resources:
General Questions & Links:
https://eden.cce.cornell.edu/
Food Production, Processing & Safety Questions:
https://instituteforfoodsafety.cornell.edu/coronavirus-covid-19/
Employment & Agricultural Workforce Questions:
http://agworkforce.cals.cornell.edu/
Cornell Small Farms Resiliency Resources:
https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/resources/farm-resilience/
Financial & Mental Health Resources for Farmers:
https://www.nyfarmnet.org/

Cornell Cooperative Extension Eastern NY Commercial Hort Program Selling on-line and taking credit cards: https://cornell.box.com/s/1b9zl5beevqgxhclw5ql4sltuxv1lyww
Cornell Small Farms Program- Selling Real Farm Products in a Virtual Marketplace: https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/2019/07/selling-real-farm-products-in-a-virtual-marketplace/
Webinar Organized by Oregon Tilth Reviewing 5 Popular Online Sales Platforms for Farms: https://tilth.org/education/resources/online-sales-platforms-for-farmers/

Google Doc Review of Online Sales Systems Compiled by Washington Young Farmers Coalition:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Oc1xfgx9qbE8gH1E6-5-hgHrE5OBwV3DPVKLRQieNeE/edit

Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association- COVID-19 resources, including pricing and links to online sales platforms: http://www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/Covid-19.html

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COVID-19 Impact on Farm Businesses in New York

March 27, 2020

Agricultural Business Management specialist Liz Higgins discusses some of the impacts of COVID-19 on farms in New York. Higgins clarifies the designation of horticultural operations as essential businesses, talks about social distancing protocols for retail operations, discusses impacts on H2A visa employees, and presents some financial resources for farms suffering financial loss due to the pandemic.

If you have questions or recommendations for topics to cover on future episodes focused on COVID-19, please email eg572@cornell.edu or call (845) 293-3832 and leave a message.

Resources:

Cornell COVID-19 Resources:
General Questions & Links:
https://eden.cce.cornell.edu/
Food Production, Processing & Safety Questions:
https://instituteforfoodsafety.cornell.edu/coronavirus-covid-19/
Employment & Agricultural Workforce Questions:
http://agworkforce.cals.cornell.edu/
Cornell Small Farms Resiliency Resources:
https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/resources/farm-resilience/
Financial & Mental Health Resources for Farmers:
https://www.nyfarmnet.org/

Interim Guidance for Horticulture (March 24) NYS Ag and Markets https://agriculture.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/03/guidanceforthehorticultureindustry.pdf

Link to request designation as an “essential business” in NYS (only for businesses not covered by exemptions under Executive Order 202.6) https://esd.ny.gov/content/request-designation-essential-business-purposes-executive-order-2026

Updates from USDA on H2A visa situation due to COVID-19 https://www.farmers.gov/manage/h2a

COVID-19 and Your Produce Farm webinar April 2nd from 10-11:30: Steps that produce farm managers and individuals working with fruit and vegetable farms should consider to protect their workforce, their business, and their markets https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_i_YI5CX8QXmEMHO2GLKKiA

Guidance from New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets on Cleaning and Disinfection of Food Retail Stores:
https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/system/files/documents/2020/03/cleaningfoodstorescovid-19.pdf

Guidance from the New York Farmers’ Market Federation:
http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com/wp-content/uploads/Covid-19-Guidelines-for-Farmers-Markets-updated.pdf

American Farmland Trust Farmer Relief Fund: Grants for up to $1,000 per farm
https://farmland.org/farmer-relief-fund/

Ulster County Project Resilience:
https://ulstercountyny.gov/sites/default/files/documents/environment/Project%20Resilience_Guidelines%20for%20Restaurants_3.18.20.pdf

Small Business Association Disaster Loan Assistance:
https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela

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Swede Midge Management and Research

March 24, 2020

Cornell Cooperative Extension vegetable specialists Elisabeth Hodgdon and Christy Hoepting discuss current effective management strategies and ongoing research on the invasive brassica pest Swede Midge.

Resources:
Organic Management of Swede Midge Fact Sheet:
https://hdl.handle.net/1813/55087

Swede Midge Information Center for the U.S.
http://web.entomology.cornell.edu/shelton/swede-midge/index.html

Better Know a Pest: Swede Midge Video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3_o3SSPY90

New Developments for Managing Swede Midge in Brassicas on Small Organic Farms:
https://organic.cals.cornell.edu/sites/organic.cals.cornell.edu/files/shared/documents/Hoepting%20poster%20pdf.pdf

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Tomato Disease Resistance

February 17, 2020

Teresa Rusinek discusses new tomato varieties being developed by Dr. Martha Mutchler-Chu at Cornell University with improved resistance to early blight, late blight, septoria leaf spot, and other foliar diseases. Rusinek also covers the basic biology and current management options for the primary tomato foliar diseases, including bacterial spot and speck, found in Eastern New York.

Dr. Meg McGrath: What’s New in Managing Tomato Diseases in 2019 (fungicide efficacy trials for several tomato foliar diseases, including OMRI options)
http://vegetablemdonline.ppath.cornell.edu/NewsArticles/Tomato%20Diseases-McGrath-NJ%20ACTS-2019-NY.pdf

Tomato Disease Resistance Breeding http://vegetablemdonline.ppath.cornell.edu/NewsArticles/Cornell%20Disease%20Resistant%20Tomatoes-2019.pdf

Hot Water Treatment
http://vegetablemdonline.ppath.cornell.edu/NewsArticles/HotWaterSeedTreatment.html

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Farm Employee Management and Human Resources

January 30, 2020

Ag Business Specialist Liz Higgins discusses challenges faced by farms in advancing employee management and human resources skills in the region. Liz specifically shares her thoughts on employee retention, employee on-boarding, developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), transitioning to H2A visa program employees, and implications of the Farm Laborer Fair Labor Practices Act in New York.



Liz Higgins can be reached at emh56@cornell.edu.

Ethan Grundberg can be reached at eg572@cornell.edu



Cornell Cooperative Extension Agriculutral Workforce Specialist Dr. Rich Stup has a website with great resources on developing SOPs, onboarding employees, and more: http://agworkforce.cals.cornell.edu/

listen now