Contact Us
Contact Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture

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

Elizabeth Higgins
Team Leader, Business Management SpecialistHudson Valley Lab
3357 US Hwy 9W
Highland, NY 12528
phone 845.691.7151
cell 518.949.3722
email Elizabeth

Mike Basedow
Tree Fruit SpecialistCCE Clinton County
6064 NY-22
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
phone 518-561-7450
cell 518-410-6823
email Mike

Dan Donahue
Tree Fruit SpecialistCCE ENYCHP
3357 Route 9W
Highland, NY 12528
phone 845-691-7117
cell 518-322-7812
email Dan

Ethan Grundberg
Vegetable SpecialistCCE Orange County
18 Seward Ave, Suite 300
Middletown, NY 10940
phone 845-344-1234
cell 617-455-1893
email Ethan

Elisabeth Hodgdon
Vegetable SpecialistCCE Clinton County
6064 NY-22
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
phone 518-561-7450
cell 518-650-5323
email Elisabeth

Heather Kase
Berry SpecialistHudson Valley Research Lab
3357 Route 9W
Highland, NY 12528
cell 518-925-3089
email Heather
Jennifer Stanton
Program AssistantCCE Clinton County
6064 NY-22
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
phone 518-561-7450
email Jennifer

Teresa Rusinek
Vegetable SpecialistHudson Valley Laboratory
3357 Route 9W
Highland, NY 12528
phone 845-691-7117
cell 845-389-3562
email Teresa

Jeremy Schuster
Viticulture SpecialistHudson Valley Lab
3357 US Highway 9W
Highland, NY 12528
cell 845-372-4780
email Jeremy

Crystal Stewart-Courtens
Extension Vegetable Specialist134 Miller Road
Johnstown, NY 12095
cell 518-775-0018
email Crystal

Maire Ullrich
Vegetable SpecialistCCE Orange County
18 Seward Avenue
Suite 300
Middletown, NY 10940
phone 845-344-1234
cell 845-742-4342
fax 845-343-7471
email Maire

Sarah Elone
Program AssistantCCE ENYCHP
Hudson Valley Lab
3357 US Hwy 9W
Highland, NY 12528
email Sarah
Marcie Vohnoutka
Communications CoordinatorRensselaer County
99 Troy Road
Suite 203
East Greenbush, NY 12061
phone 518-272-4210
email Marcie

Upcoming Events
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
The fifth annual CCE Cut Flower Webinar Series begins on January 6, 2026 and continues over 5 weeks on Tuesdays. This is a very popular series of online events you won't want to miss, with topflight speakers, a wide variety of subjects concerning growing cut flowers and plenty of interaction between speakers and attendees.
Tuesdays 1pm-3pm January 6, 2026 - February 3, 2026 (The webinar held on February 3 will run 1pm-4pm)
Cost: $60.00 for all five sessions, $20 for single sessions
Webinars will be recorded, and all the recordings will be sent to registrants for future review.
Expanding Farm Sales: Markets, Profits, and Branding Series
January 10, 2026
Looking to diversify where you sell your farm products? This four-part workshop series helps farmers explore new opportunities in direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and institutional markets. Learn how to meet buyer expectations, price for profitability, and build lasting relationships that support your business goals. Participants will strengthen marketing and communication skills, evaluate which sales channels best fit their farm, and connect with buyers, distributors, and local partners who can help expand their reach. Whether you're just starting out or ready to grow your market presence, this program will help you chart the right path for your farm's future.
Four Session Series: Saturdays from 10AM to Noon, January 10-January 31, 2026
Attend at one of three locations: Schoharie Extension Center - Cobleskill, NY; Otsego Education Center - Cooperstown, NY; Via Zoom
Pre-registration is requested! Fee: $25 Register Here
Any questions can be directed to Kelley Doolin at kmd322@cornell.edu
