
Chuck Bornt
Team Leader, Extension Vegetable SpecialistCCE Rensselaer County
99 Troy Road
Suite 203
East Greenbush, NY 12061
phone 518-272-4210 x125
cell 518-859-6213
fax 518-272-1648
email Chuck
Areas of Interest
Reduced Tillage, Production Systems, Pest ID and Control
CropsCucumbers, Melons, Potatoes, Pumpkins / Gourds, Squash - Summer, Squash- Winter, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes
Background
Growing up on a vegetable farm in NY sparked Chuck Bornt's interest in all aspects of crop production. Chuck completed his undergraduate studies at SUNY Cobleskill and his master degree at the University of New Hampshire, Durham in Plant Biology. Chuck's experience as a Cornell Cooperative Extension Area Specialist began in 1998 in Western NY. His attention turned to vegetable production in the Capital Region in 2002. Today, Chuck spends much of his time with growers, determining the vegetable industry needs for research and educational outreach.

Upcoming Events
Leading the Farm Team: Supervisory Skills for New Managers
April 14, 2026 : Session 1: Becoming a Supervisor
The transition from working alongside employees to supervising them can be challenging. This session explores the shift from individual contributor to supervisor and the mindset and skills needed to lead a team effectively. Participants will learn about the role of a supervisor, key leadership behaviors, and how to build trust and credibility with employees.
April 21, 2026 : Session 2: Improving Performance
This session will introduce the performance triad—clear expectations, training, and feedback—to support employee success. We will discuss practical communication strategies, how to give constructive feedback, and how supervisors can help employees improve their performance over time.
April 28, 2026 : Session 3: Managing Conflict
Supervisors are responsible for maintaining a professional and respectful workplace. This session covers some of the legal and ethical responsibilities of supervisors and the responsibilities managers have in addressing workplace concerns.
Participants will also explore common sources of workplace conflict, learn to recognize potential biases that can influence management decisions, and discuss practical approaches for addressing difficult situations and resolving conflicts at work.
