Leeks

Leek is an expensive crop to grow, because it is labor intensive. Hand labor is required for all stages of production including: transplanting, weeding, harvesting, washing and packing.
Information on cultural practices and pests of leeks can be found in the Leek Pest Management Strategic Plan.
Relevant Events
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Meeting for Auction Growers (Ontario)

June 27, 2023
Rushville, NY
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Meeting for Auction Growers (FLPA)

July 12, 2023
Penn Yan, NY
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Meeting for Auction Growers (Seneca)

August 2, 2023
Romulus, NY
Video: New York State Produce Auctions

Currently, there are 8 produce auctions in New York State. These auctions are aggregation points that allow local farmers to sell their produce in wholesale lots to buyers from across the region. To document the economic impact of produce auctions on agriculture, local businesses, family farms, and produce buyers, the Cornell Vegetable Program worked with Harvest New York to survey top sellers and buyers.
A new Cornell Vegetable Program video shares general information about produce auctions, how buyers and sellers use the auctions to expand their businesses, and how local communities benefit from them.
Crop Cooling and Storage
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program

On-Farm Cold Storage of Fall-Harvested Fruit and Vegetable Crops is an in-depth look at the planning and designing cooling for late season and winter storage but it also is useful for general cooling as well. This was written by Scott Sanford, Distinguished Outreach Specialist, UW-Extension, and John Hendrickson, Outreach Program Manager, Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Video: Farm Food Safety as if Someone's Life Depended On It
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program

This video is an overview of Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) through on-farm risk assessment. Cornell Cooperative Extension, along with the National GAPs Program and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, has developed and implemented a nationally-recognized training program in GAPs to prepare New York growers for the marketplace's increased vigilance in food safety. You can learn more about that program through this video, as well as updates on the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), and economic information on the implementation of GAPs collected from growers through extensive interviews.
Extending the Harvest Season with Fall Production
Robert Hadad, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program

Late season production starts in mid spring. For a successful crop, start with a detailed plan. Designate an area specific for late season production so that management can take place in one spot rather than all over the farm. This will make cultivation, pest management, using row cover, and harvesting more efficient to manage.
Leek Moth Control and Information
Christy Hoepting, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program

Leek Moth was detected in four home gardens in Plattsburg, NY in 2009. It was first detected in Ontario, Canada in 1997 where it has become problematic especially to small-scale, organic growers in eastern Ontario and to commercial producers in western Quebec, who have limited insecticides available to them.
Leek Moth continues its spread to more farms and gardens across the U.S., a new comprehensive website is available to aid in the identification and management of this pest. This Cornell website features maps of the distribution of leek moth, protocols on insect monitoring and identification, best management practices for farms and home gardens, a photo gallery of damage symptoms and a comprehensive resource section.
Visit the Leek Moth website.


Upcoming Events
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Meeting for Auction Growers (Ontario)

June 27, 2023
Rushville, NY
This on-farm meeting will feature pest management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. A hands-on demonstration of weed, insect and disease identification in vegetables including management options such as inter-row cover crops, grafting and, where appropriate, spray options will be used to educate growers. Details on each topic will focus on field observations at the farm.
DEC recertification credits will be offered (1.75 credits in categories 10, 1a, 23, 24).
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Meeting for Auction Growers (FLPA)

July 12, 2023
Penn Yan, NY
This meeting will feature pest management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. A hands-on demonstration of weed, insect and disease identification in vegetables including management options such as inter-row cover crops, grafting and, where appropriate, spray options will be used to educate growers.
DEC recertification credits will be offered (1.75 credits in categories 10, 1a, 23, 24).
Vegetable Pest and Cultural Management Meeting for Auction Growers (Seneca)

August 2, 2023
Romulus, NY
This meeting will feature pest management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. A hands-on demonstration of weed, insect and disease identification in vegetables including management options such as inter-row cover crops, grafting and, where appropriate, spray options will be used to educate growers.
DEC recertification credits will be offered (1.75 credits in categories 10, 1a, 23, 24).