Although sweet potatoes have been grown in New York, they have received much more attention in the last couple of years due to the value of the health benefits it offers. Even though acreage is not normally recorded, we estimate that there are over 200 acres of sweet potatoes being grown throughout NYS. However, due to the long growing season that is required (100 days plus), they are generally produced on raised beds mulched with black plastic. Orange skinned, orange fleshed types are the dominant types grown here, but there are also white skinned, white fleshed and orange skinned, white fleshed varieties grown in the state. Sweet potatoes have also gained popularity with organic producers to replace winter squash production due to the fact that they have almost no disease or insect problems when grown here and can be stored longer then winter squash in many cases. The increase in winter farmer's markets or winter CSA shares has also increased sweet potato production in NY. However, deer and mice can be major vertebrate pests of sweet potatoes. Variety trials, plant density research and the use of floating rowcovers for increased production are being evaluated in the Capital District region of NY.

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Finger Lakes Produce Auction Educational Meeting

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8:30 AM - 3:00 PM
Penn Yan, NY

This meeting is our annual winter educational event for Finger Lakes Produce Auction growers. This year we focus on disease management in cole crops, strawberries, food safety and greenhouse flowers. 2.0 recertification credits in private vegetable category.

Ontario Produce Auction Winter Growers Meeting

January 9, 2019
9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Stanley, NY

This meeting is our annual winter educational event for Ontario Produce Auction growers. This year we focus on disease management in high tunnel tomatoes, vine crops and greenhouse flowers. Grower and buyer panels will be presented as well irrigation and plastic mulch. DEC pesticide applicator recertification credits have been requested.

2019 Empire State Producers EXPO

January 15 - January 17, 2019
1.25 hr sessions throughout each day
Syracuse, NY

The 2019 Empire State Producers Expo combines the major fruit, flower and vegetable associations of New York State in order to provide a comprehensive trade show and educational conference for New York producers, as well as the surrounding states and Eastern Canada. 

Checklist for Cleaning a Root Barrel Washer

Don't miss those hard-to-reach places in your root barrel washer! Here is a checklist of areas to remember to clean to obtain an acceptable level of cleanliness completed in a reasonable about of time. Critical cleaning points are identified.