Late Season Rescue Thinning with Ethephon
Ethrel for Rescue Thinning in Eastern New York - Dan Donahue
Our colleagues in Massachusetts and New Jersey have conducted extensive research over the years on the use of Ethephon as a "rescue thinner" when fruits reach the 20-25 mm stage. I've posted a fact sheet and a power point presentation on the ENYCHP website that offers excellent guidance on the use of this material as a thinner. With this seasons bumper fruit set, coupled with weak thinner performance, ethephon should be considered as an option, but please follow the links below and study the information provided before acting. Ethephon can be a strong thinner, very sensitive to temperatures in the several days following application, capable of defruiting the tree in some circumstances. Thank you to Win and Wes for giving ENYCHP permission to post this information.
Rescue Thinning with Ethephon PowerPoint/pdf Talk (pdf; 4398KB)
- Author: Win Cowgill presented at the Connecticut Pomological Society
Fact sheet- F-129R UMASS-Rutgers- Late Season Rescue Thinning with Ethephon (pdf; 682KB)
- Authors: Wesley Autio, Win Cowgill
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Pesticide Applicator Certification Exam Prep Course
January 13 - January 14, 2026
Join ENYCHP specialists for an in-depth review of topics covered on the NYS DEC pesticide applicator certification exam. This two-day virtual course includes explanation of key concepts on the core exam, test-taking tips for the core and category exam, practice questions, and Q&A with instructors. Course materials, including program recordings, practice exams, and DEC materials will be available to registrants after the program. This training is geared toward certification categories 1A (agricultural plant), 21 (field and forage), 22 (fruit), and 23 (vegetable).
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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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January 14, 2026 : Save the Date - 2026 Becker Forum
Geneva, NY
The Becker Forum, an annual gathering of growers, farm managers, and industry experts, offers a comprehensive program tailored to address the most pressing challenges facing the agricultural community today. The day will feature a series of informative sessions designed to equip attendees with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate these complex issues successfully.