Specialists
Chuck Bornt
Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Areas of Interest: Reduced Tillage, Production Systems, Pest ID and Control
Crops: Cucumbers, Melons, Potatoes, Pumpkins / Gourds, Squash - Summer, Squash- Winter, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes
Elizabeth Higgins
Team Leader, Business Management Specialist
Areas of Interest: Business Management & Planning, Risk Management, Agricultural Economics
Mike Basedow
Tree Fruit Specialist
Areas of Interest: Cultural practices, training systems, beginning orchards, cider orchards
Crops: Apples, Cherries, Peaches, Pears, Plums
Dan Donahue
Tree Fruit Specialist
Areas of Interest: Horticulture, orchard management, post harvest technology
Crops: Apples, Apricots, Peaches, Pears, Plums
Ethan Grundberg
Vegetable Specialist
Areas of Interest: Organic Production Systems, Small Farm Equipment, IPM, Cover Crops
Elisabeth Hodgdon
Vegetable Specialist
Areas of Interest: Pest management, high tunnel production, season extension, organic agriculture
Heather Kase
Berry Specialist
Crops: Blueberries, Raspberries / Blackberries, Strawberries, Currants, Gooseberries, Unusual Fruit
Teresa Rusinek
Vegetable Specialist
Areas of Interest: Pest ID, Pest Control Recommendations, Biocontrols, Greenhouse Vegetables and Ornamentals
Crops: Squash - Summer, Squash- Winter, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes
Jeremy Schuster
Viticulture Specialist
Areas of Interest: Viticulture
Crops: Grapes
Crystal Stewart-Courtens
Extension Vegetable Specialist
Areas of Interest: Small and Beginning Farms, Organic Production Systems, Garlic
Maire Ullrich
Vegetable Specialist
Areas of Interest: Muck Soils, Onions, Ethnic Vegetables, Marketing, Labor Relations
Crops: Carrots, Ethnic Vegetables, Lettuce / Leafy Greens, Onions
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
How to Obtain a Pesticide Applicator License
December 17, 2025
Thinking about becoming a certified pesticide applicator in New York, but aren't sure where to start? Join DEC representative Kenneth Klubek for a discussion on who needs to become a certified pesticide applicator, certification types, examination procedures, and recertification. Participants will have ample opportunity to ask questions during the program.
Ag Labor Road Show IX
December 1, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 1
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
December 9, 2025 : Save the Date - Ag Labor Road Show In-Person Event (Greenwich, NY)
Greenwich, NY
The Roadshow delivers essential updates on labor law, regulations, and workforce best practices—tailored for farm owners, managers, and ag service providers. Sessions also focus on practical strategies to boost communication, strengthen retention, and build a positive workplace culture.
The in-person session for Eastern NY is December 9 - Elks Lodge, Greenwich, NY - full day in person session
Additional in-person sessions are:
December 10 - Hilton Garden Inn, Watertown, NY, December 17 - Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY, December 18 - Genesee Community College, Batavia, NY
December 22, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 2
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
2026 Winter Cut Flower Webinar Series
January 6, 2026 : Session 1: Cut Flower Cost Calculator Updates and Woody Cuts
Session 1: Cut Flower Cost Calculator Updates and Woody Cuts
January 13, 2026 : Session 2: Perennials and Industry Trends
Session 2: Perennials and Industry Trends
January 20, 2026 : Session 3: Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Biochar
Session 3: Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Biochar
January 27, 2026 : Session 4: Beneficial Insects and Propagation Techniques
Session 4: Beneficial Insects and Propagation Techniques
February 3, 2026 : Session 5: Fungal and Insect Pests and Market Trends
Session 5: Fungal and Insect Pests and Market Trends