Sweet Corn
Sweet corn is popular with consumers and growers alike. In 2020, there were 27,000 planted acres in New York, with a farm gate value of $36.9 million (NY Ag Statistics). A range of varieties are available to cover the growing season and needs of each market. Fresh market corn may be planted in March under plastic or later on bare ground. Planting of processing sweet corn in New York begins around May 1st with varieties selected to maintain a steady supply into mid-September.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Educators and Cornell faculty work together annually to conduct research on many aspects of sweet corn production in the state. Below you will find educational information and results of our research trials.
Relevant Events
2025 Finger Lakes Auction Winter Growers Meeting
January 2, 2025
Penn Yan, NY
2025 Ontario Produce Auction Winter Growers Meeting
January 15, 2025
Stanley, NY
Laser Scarecrows to Deter Birds in Sweet Corn
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Are you considering the use of a laser scarecrow to deter birds on your farm? Cornell Cooperative Extension and the University of Rhode Island teamed up to test a research laser scarecrow on sweet corn farms. The fact sheet provides background information, research data, FAQs, and Advantages/Limitations on laser scarecrows.
2024 WNY Sweet Corn Pheromone Trap Monitoring
Again this year, the Cornell Vegetable Program will be collaborating with the NYS Integrated Pest Management Program to monitor the flights of European corn borer, Corn ear worm, fall armyworm and western bean cutworm. This information is used by NYS IPM to create weekly reports providing scouting and threshold information for fresh market sweet corn and links to resources on the major sweet corn insect and disease pests. Additionally, the information is used by the Cornell Vegetable Program to advise dry bean growers of the threat of western bean cutworm to their crop.
Laser Scarecrows in Sweet Corn Session at the 2021 Empire State Producers Expo
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
A recording of the 2021 Empire State Producers Expo session on the use of laser scarecrows to deter birds in sweet corn. Featured speakers are Dr. Rebecca Brown, University of Rhode Island, Jeremy Perkins, Bird Control Group, and Nick Stanton, Stanton's Feura Farm. Chuck Bornt from Cornell Cooperative Extension moderates the session.
Growing for Wholesale: Grading and Packing Guidelines by Crop
Grading and packing guidelines are now available for 18 commonly grown specialty crops in NYS: romaine lettuce, acorn squash, broccoli crowns, Brussels sprouts, sweet corn, green peppers, cucumbers, green cabbage, red cabbage, savoy cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant, green beans, jalapenos, poblanos, Hungarian hot peppers, summer squash, and zucchini.
Video and Final Report: Managing Wildlife Damage in Sweet Corn
Learn more about the on-farm evaluations of new tools -- chemical control, air dancers, scare-eye balloons, and detasseling -- for managing bird damage in sweet corn fields conducted by the CCE Cornell Vegetable Program in 2017 in this video and newly released final report.
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.
Video: Flea Beetles
Flea beetles are a common vegetable pest affecting peppers, cucurbits, sweet potato, potato, peas, beans, beets, tomato, corn, turnip, pumpkin, melon, eggplant, and others. This short video gives you some general information about this pest.
Northern Corn Leaf Blight in Sweet Corn
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Over the past 5 years, Northern Corn Leaf Blight (NCLB) has become a common occurrence in field and sweet corn in New York State. Researchers at Cornell University are working to determine why this disease has become more prevalent. Current hypotheses include: 1) new races of the fungus, 2) new corn hybrids may be more susceptible, 3) weather patterns that favor disease, and 4) changes in the larger cropping picture. There may be a sort of an "arms race" between new races of the fungus and new corn hybrids. Western NY has seen an increase in field corn being grown and increased disease in field corn creates additional inoculum for sweet corn in the region. If NCLB becomes severe, yields may be reduced. Fresh market sweet corn growers may also be concerned with lesions that appear on the husks, as the corn may be less marketable.
Guideline Tools: Weed Management in Sweet Corn, 2015
Darcy Telenko, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
This reference sheet lists the herbicides that are labeled for sweet corn in New York and which species are controlled, as well as other important considerations and photos of weeds. While this is a handy references, it is critical to read the product labels thoroughly.
Responding to Hailstorms
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
While no one wants to think about the possibility of hail hitting their beautiful crops just as they start to respond to the heat and take off, the likelihood that we will see more hail seems pretty high. So let's talk about it.
O-zone Injury on Vegetables
Crystal Stewart-Courtens, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture
Hot, humid weather with stagnant air masses may lead to ozone damage on crops. Ozone warnings were recently issued for much of New York. These warnings are intended for people with respiratory problems and let them know they should limit their outdoor activity and try to stay as much as possible in air-conditioned locations. These warning are also a good indicator that ozone damage may occur in plants.
Wild Proso Millet
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Wild proso millet is present in NY and can be a problem weed in sweet corn and other vegetable crops. Learn how to identify this weed on your farm.
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Beets
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cucumbers
Dry Beans
Eggplant
Ethnic Vegetables
Garlic
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Lettuce / Leafy Greens
Melons
Mushrooms
Onions
Parsnips
Peas
Peppers
Potatoes
Pumpkins / Gourds
Radishes
Rhubarb
Rutabaga
Snap Beans
Squash - Summer
Squash- Winter
Sweet Corn
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnips
Upcoming Events
2025 Finger Lakes Auction Winter Growers Meeting
January 2, 2025
Penn Yan, NY
At this grower-focused meeting, ag industry experts will discuss pest control in vegetables, weed management strategies and best practices, seed germination, an introduction to foliar nutrient uptake in vegetables, and grouping flowers by growth needs. Plus we'll hear from a grower panel from Kutztown Produce Auction, moderated with NYS specific pest control from Judson Reid.
2.25 DEC recertification credits will be offered in categories 10, 1a, 23, and 24.
2025 Ontario Produce Auction Winter Growers Meeting
January 15, 2025
Stanley, NY
This grower-focused meeting will include information about pesticide applicator recertification and record keeping requirements, disease control in cole crops and vine crops, and using biocontrols for insect management in greenhouses. Several seed and ag input companies will be on-hand to share product news.
2.75 DEC recertification credits will be offered in categories 10, 1a, 23 and 24. CORE credits (0.5) offered too!
Intro to Food Safety and GAPs Training
February 19, 2025
via Zoom,
This virtual workshop will serve two purposes:
- For produce farms just interested in learning about farm food safety, this program will introduce principles and best practices.
- For produce farms look for a GAPs (Good Agricultural Practices) training needed to meet buyer demands for audit/certification, this program will provide that as well.