2017 Chautauqua Produce Auction Growers Meeting

February 17, 2017


This course will educate growers on disease and pest management, varieties and marketing issues in open field and high tunnel vegetables. Topics such as disease resistant varieties, pest/disease, cultural management and appropriate spray options. An anticipated 1.5 hours of content is eligible for re-certification credits.
  
9:00 am Coffee, registration, DEC sign-up

Auction manager's update-consignment issues, lot sizes, policies, etc. -- C.P.A. Staff

Disease resistance in tomatoes and cucumbers, 2016 research update -- Darcy Telenko, Cornell Vegetable Program
All produce farmers would like to grow vegetables with less sprays. Dr. Telenko's research on disease resistant tomatoes and cucumbers provides critical information on varieties that deliver yield.

Benefits of the Family Produce Farm -- Jonas Yoder, Fredericksburg, OH
Jonas grows produce for the Mt Hope auction and will share his perspective on keeping produce farming as an economically sustainable venture that can include the whole family.

Exclusion netting for Swede Midge Management -- Cordelia Hall, Cornell Vegetable Program
The use of low tunnels with fine mesh can effectively manage swede midge in cole crops. Cordelia will share project results.

Food Safety Modernization Act Update - What does it mean for C.P.A.? What are the farmer and buyer perspectives? -- Robert Hadad, Cornell Vegetable Program, and Jeff Werner, Harris Seed
Robert will demystify and put in plain language the new regulations for auction growers Jeff will share his experience as a buyer.

Lunch

High Tunnel Tomato Insect Management -- Judson Reid, Cornell Vegetable Program
We will divide pests into 3 categories based on their lifecycle and discuss effective management over the long-term.

Nutritional Benefits of Cover Crops -- Roman Yoder, Fredericksburg, OH
Roman also grows produce for the Mt Hope auction and manages Yoders Produce Supply. He will share the nutritional benefits of cover cropping for healthy produce.

Diversifying Your Product Line: The Buyer's Perspective -- Jeff Werner, Harris Seeds
Jeff and his family are both growers and auction buyers. He will share his experience in marketing crops based on size and use and his preferences as a buyer. Jeff also works for Harris Seeds.

Downy Mildew Management, Including Resistant Cucumber Varieties -- Robert Hadad and Judson Reid, CVP
Robert and Judson will share information on DM resistant cucumber varieties, tunnels and spray options.

2:00 Adjourn and credits

Participants will be required to present Applicator License and sign roster before the beginning of the program. Only attendees who remain for the duration of the program will receive a certificate. Cornell Vegetable Program staff will supervise process and distribute certificates at the conclusion of the program.

This event is FREE! For more information, contact Judson Reid.