Cornell Vegetable Program Enrollment

Program Areas

  • Food Safety
  • Variety Evaluation
  • Market Development
  • Pest Management
  • Cultural Practices

Enrollment Benefits

  • Telephone / Email Consultations
  • VegEdge Newsletter
  • Direct Mailings
  • Educational Meetings & Conferences
  • In-Field Educational Opportunities
  • On-Farm Research Trials

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Impact In New York

The Cornell Vegetable Program continues to make impacts on the growers and agri-business professionals of the vegetable industry of New York. In addition, the team has ongoing, farther reaching impacts on the consumers of NY grown vegetables and the economy of the state.



Quarterly Highlights (Q3 2024)

The Cornell Vegetable Program helps growers stay up-to-date on new pests and pest threats, new pest management strategies, and new farming technologies.

  • New Pest Management Resources for NY Urban Growers
  • Tracking Tar Spot: A New and Emerging Disease of Sweet Corn in NY
  • Robotic Weeders, High-Value Potatoes, and Hands-On Diagnostics Skills? Yes, please!
  • Research to Determine Western Bean Cutworm Trapping Best Practices Ongoing Over the 2024 Season
  • Agricultural Water and Farm Food Safety
  • "Just One More Trial" Yielded the Winning Insecticide "Trifecta" for Thrips Control in Onion

view complete impact (PDF; 1756 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q2 2024)

Back out on the farm, the Cornell Vegetable Program is conducting research vital to the New York vegetable and potato industries and educating growers on our results.

  • Vegetable Twilight Meeting Series Encourages Farmer-to-Farmer Connections
  • Laser Scarecrow Research Benefits New York Sweet Corn Growers
  • Potato Variety Trials Aim to Benefit the NY Grower
  • Annual Muck Onion Twilight Meeting a Very Popular Event for the Statewide Onion Industry
  • High Tunnel Research Supports Use of Multi-Species Cover Crop Mixtures vs Single Species Winter Grain for Improved Soils and the Opportunity to Reduce Fertilizer Inputs
  • Minor Crops, Major Impact: Celebrating a Very Successful Climate Adaptation Grant

view complete impact (PDF; 1571 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q1 2024)

Over 2,600 growers, processors, and agri-business professionals attended meetings featuring Cornell Vegetable Program presentations. We're doing our part to ready farmers for the upcoming growing season.

  • Record Breaking Numbers for Meetings and Attendees
  • Potato School Returns to New York State
  • Processing Vegetable Industry Convened at March Meeting
  • Farming Requires Deeper Dive Into Business and Marketing
  • Stop the Rot Finale: Moving the Needle Towards Fewer Losses from Bacterial Diseases of Onion

view complete impact (PDF; 824 KB)

2023 Year in Review and 2024 Preview

A recap of some of our 2023 projects and community outreach efforts impacting commercial vegetable, greenhouse, potato, and dry bean producers in 14 counties of western and central New York. We've included a look ahead to some of our plans for 2024 too.

  • Use of Ground Barriers as a New Strategy for Swede Midge in Brassicas for Small Organic and Urban Farms
  • Cornell Vegetable Program Responds to Late Blight in 2023
  • Working Groups Help to Improve the Western NY Food System
  • Field Trials Completed to Test Lasers as a Bird Deterrent in Sweet Corn
  • Increased Monitoring of Western Bean Cutworm in Dry Beans
  • Sweet Potato Varieties Suitable for Western NY Production?

view complete impact (PDF; 2720 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q3 2023)

We're strengthening the WNY vegetable industry through disease monitoring, research, and participation in an initiative to develop a functional food system in WNY.

  • Field Meetings with the New York Grower in Mind
  • Cornell Vegetable Program Responds to Late Blight in 2023
  • Biodegradable Mulch Project Yields Data and Donations
  • Working Groups Help to Improve the WNY Food System
  • Cheap, Easy and Effective Tactic to Reduce Bacterial Bulb Rot is Readily Adopted by Growers in the Region
  • Disease Monitoring Helps to Retain the Vigor of Processing Vegetable Crops

view complete impact (PDF; 1340 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q2 2023)

Back out in the field with our growers, we're continuing our research efforts, resistance management education, and monitoring fields for pests.

  • The Results are In! Muck Onion Growers Halt Fungicide Resistance with Judicious Use
  • Management Strategies for High Organic Matter Soils
  • Feedback on Bird Control Provides Direction for Research
  • Increased Monitoring of Western Bean Cutworm in Dry Beans

view complete impact (PDF; 1020 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q1 2023)

Grower input on priorities was gathered, our research plans are finalized, and we're ready to guide the New York vegetable industry through the summer growing season!

  • Cornell Vegetable Program Trials Aim to Improve Production Practices of Three Niche Crops in Response to Shifting Climatic Opportunities
  • Picture Perfect Weed Control in Cabbage Taking Shape
  • Preliminary Cover Crop Microbial Data is Promising
  • Processing Vegetable Industry Convenes at In-Person Roundtable Meeting
  • Formation of Researcher/Extension Educator Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Working Group
  • Dry Bean Industry Comes Together for Multiple Events at Cornell AgriTech

view complete impact (PDF; 1348 KB)

2022 Year in Review

A recap of some of our 2022 projects and community outreach efforts impacting commercial vegetable, greenhouse, potato, and dry bean producers in 14 counties of western and central New York, and beyond.

  • Education and Technical Assistance Provided to Providence Farm Collective
  • Engineering Improvements in Biodegradable Mulch
  • Perseverance Leads to Solution for Perennial Sowthistle in Onion
  • Potato Programming Spans Farms of All Sizes
  • Improving Winter High Tunnel Soil Nitrogen Management
  • Laser Scarecrows Tested on Local Farms
  • New York Vegetable Industry Support

view complete impact (PDF; 2739 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q2-Q3 2022)

Summer months keep growers and the Cornell Vegetable Program busy! 

  • We Get by With a Little Help From Our Friends: Organizations Work Together to Create 2022 Cover Crop Demo Plots and Host a Field Day
  • Laser Scarecrow Research Ramps Up
  • Potato Trials Aim to Improve Quality for Both Large- and Small-Scale Producers
  • Tailored Education for Farmers at the Providence Farm Collective
  • Muck Onion Growers Combat Record High Nitrogen Fertilizer Prices by Reducing Application Rates: Cornell Research and Extension Programming Saves Farmers Money and Lessens Nutrient Pollution in Waterways
  • Improving Winter High Tunnel Soil Nitrogen Management

view complete impact (PDF; 2387 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q1 2022)

Ongoing research and presentations by the CCE Cornell Vegetable Program readies farmers for the upcoming growing season. We encourage farmer-to-farmer sharing too!

  • Urban Farmers Speak! New Videos Highlight Urban Sustainable Pest Management Approaches
  • Field Research and Webinar Prepare Growers for Using Laser Scarecrows in 2022
  • Grower Discussion Group Formed to Focus on Managing Profitability Obstacles
  • NYS Dry Bean Industry Meets Virtually
  • On-Farm Biopesticide Trials Aim to Reduce the Severity of Two Serious Diseases of Tomatoes
  • Stop the Rot! New York Part of National Team to Find Solutions for Onion Bulb Rot

view complete impact (PDF; 1375 KB)

2021 Year in Review

We didn't miss a beat in 2021! Because most things were "back to normal" for the main growing season, we were able to carry on our research and educational outreach programs.

We are grateful to the many farms and organizations that provide us with land, labor, supplies, and generous financial contributions to support our work. We appreciate the continued support we receive from Cornell faculty. And finally, we want to thank the 14 Cooperative Extension Associations that partnered with us in 2021!

Our 2021 Year in Review brochure highlights some of our projects:

  • Emerging Pest Poses Threat to NYS Dry Bean Industry
  • Evaluation of Emerging Technologies on Local Vegetable Farms
  • Strengthening Local Produce Markets through Data Analytics: Development of Non-Digital Tools and Techniques for Organizing, Analyzing, and Extracting Valuable Information from Each Auction's Market Report Data
  • Go-To Insecticide Banned in New York: Cornell Vegetable Program Seeks Alternatives to Chlorpyrifos for Cabbage Maggot Control
  • Breaking Down Food Safety Barriers through Unique Educational Approaches
  • Scouting Program and On-Farm Research Combine to Improve Onion Thrips Control in Muck-Grown Onions
  • Winter-Grown High Tunnel Cover Crops May Reduce Fertilizer Inputs and Contribute to Soil Health and On-Farm Nutrient Cycling and Economics

view complete impact (PDF; 4839 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q3 2021)

Research, resources, and outreach...oh my! The Cornell Vegetable Program delivers research-based knowledge to those that can put it into practice—New York vegetable farmers!

  • Making Food Safety Education More Inclusive
  • Fungicide Resistance Threatens Onion Growers Ability to Manage Stemphylium Leaf Blight--Cornell Vegetable Program Trials Indicate Disease Control Will be Easier in 2022
  • Western NY Dry Bean Community Comes Back Together for an In-Person Twilight Meeting
  • Summer Meeting Season a Success in the Finger Lakes
  • Improved Foliar Disease Management in Table Beets
  • SCRUB: Sanitizing & Cleaning Resources for Your Business--Virtual Workshop Series Provides Wash/Pack Food Safety Trainings

view complete impact (PDF; 3329 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q2 2021)

It's business as usual for the Cornell Vegetable Program team. We're hosting events, troubleshooting grower challenges, monitoring pests, and conducting research.

  • Cornell Vegetable Program Events in Hot Demand and Provide More Than Education
  • Ongoing Effort to Help Growers Make Improvements to Their Wash/Pack Facilities and Operations
  • Troubleshooting and Overcoming Grower Challenges
  • Onion Industry Back Together Again at In-Person Twilight Meeting
  • Monitoring Western Bean Cutworm Numbers in Dry Beans
  • Research to Deter Birds in Sweet Corn Continues
  • Evaluating Fresh Market Potato Varieties in Two Trial Locations

view complete impact (PDF; 3463 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q1 2021)

Sharing research updates is a common part of the first quarter for our team but instead of relying heavily on in-person outreach, this winter the CCE Cornell Vegetable Program made a major effort to reach growers virtually.

  • In-person and Online: Winter Work Continues for Cover Crops in High Tunnels
  • Video Released: Winter Cover Cropping in High Tunnels - March 2021 Update
  • Processing Vegetable Meetings Continue Online
  • Expanding Management Strategies to Control Swede Midge
  • New Crop Rotation Recommendations for Swede Midge Fact Sheet
  • 2021 NYS Dry Bean Meeting Goes Virtual
  • Cornell Vegetable Program Creates Food Safety Trainings Specifically Designed for Greens Growers
  • Vegetable Growers Learn New Tools for Their IPM Journeys

view complete impact (PDF; 1482 KB)

2020 Year in Review

What a year! The Cornell Vegetable Program adapted our methods of reaching local farmers to continue to support them through the pandemic. 

Our gratitude goes to the many farms and organizations that offered us land, labor, supplies, and generous financial contributions to support our work. We appreciate the continued support we receive from Cornell faculty. And finally, we want to thank the 14 Cooperative Extension Associations that partnered with us in 2020.

Our 2020 Year in Review brochure highlights some of our research and educational projects:

  • Storage Crop Facility Schools
  • Helping the New York Processing Vegetable Industry Stay Competitive
  • Supporting New York's Essential Produce Auctions During COVID-19: Unexpected Impacts on the Food System Spurs Greater Grower Reliance on Cornell Cooperative Extension Agriculture Specialists
  • Despite Pandemic, Farm Food Safety Remains in the Forefront
  • Almost There! The Eastern Broccoli Project is Close to Reaching Its $100 Million Goal
  • Mentoring the Next Generation to Work in Agriculture and Extension: Cornell Summer Intern Learns Valuable Lessons from the Cornell Vegetable Program
  • Onion Growers Adopt New Recommendations for Fungicide Resistance
  • New Partnership Supports Agricultural Entrepreneurship in New American Communities

view complete impact (PDF; 3958 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q3 2020)

Despite limitations due to COVID-19, vegetable growers in our region leaned even more on the Cornell Vegetable Program Specialists to provide individual support and tailored recommendations based on observations at each farm. On top of that, we carried on with many of our on-farm research projects.

  • The Weed Zapper: Evaluation of the Efficacy, Crop Safety and Economics
  • "Hammering" Onion Thrips in Elba Muck
  • Fresh Market Potato and Onion Twilight Meeting
  • Farm Food Safety Guidance Continues Despite On-Farm Visit Limitations
  • Supporting Vegetable Farmers During COVID-19
  • Which Post-Harvest Garlic Handling Practices Yield the Highest Quality Garlic?

view complete impact (PDF; 3799 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q2 2020)

An unusual quarter in some ways; yet business as usual in others. We're proud of our role in assisting western and central NY vegetable producers during this growing season.

  • Working Together to Support New York's Essential Produce Auctions During COVID-19
  • 2020 Special Permit Pesticide Training Persevered Despite COVID-19
  • In-Person Food Safety Trainings for Farmers Go Virtual Amid COVID-19 Restrictions
  • Fresh Market Potato Variety Trial Established
  • Improved Disease Management Tools for the New York Table Beet Industry

view complete impact (PDF; 1985 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q1 2020)

The CCE Cornell Vegetable Program reached 2,290 people through in-person and online presentations in Q1 2020!

  • Online Cole Crops School
  • Cabbage Session at the Expo was "Back to the Future"
  • Precision Ag Educational Program
  • NYS Dry Bean Meeting a Success
  • Growers, Processors, Industry Members Convene at Statewide Table Beet Workshop
  • Promising High Tunnel Cover Crop Data Shared Across the Region
  • Farm Food Safety Resources Update

view complete impact (PDF; 1951 KB)

2019 Year in Review

We closed out the decade with many accomplishments in 2019! We look forward to helping the New York vegetable industry in the new decade!

This year, our Specialists gave presentations at 104 events, sharing our knowledge with 3,936 people.

We continue to conduct on-farm research to help answer the questions of our growers. The Cornell Vegetable Program managed 38 research grants and projects in 2019. We extend our gratitude to the 107 farms and organizations that offered us land, labor, supplies, and generous financial contributions to support our trials! 

We cannot forget to thank the 14 Cooperative Extension Associations that partnered with us this year too.

Our 2019 Year in Review brochure highlights our research and educational projects:

  • Design and Fabrication of an Affordable Laser Scarecrow
  • High Tunnel Research Increases Profits for New York Growers
  • Improved White Mold Management Guidelines for Snap, Lima, and Dry Beans
  • New Potato, Dry Bean, and Vegetable Storage Specialist Joins the Team
  • First Cornell Vegetable Program On-Farm Cabbage Herbicide Trial Explore Novel Approaches to Weed Control
  • Record-Low Insecticide Use in Muck Onion Production in 2019
  • Improving Produce Storage Quality through Forced Air Cooling
  • Mapping the Way to Better Disease Management

view complete impact (PDF; 1450 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q3 2019)

Researching vegetable production practices and sharing new findings with growers to potentially save them time and lots of money!

  • Three Weeks of Broccoli! Cornell Vegetable Program Harvests and Completes a Broccoli Variety Trial
  • Muck Onion Growers Question Excessive Fertilizer Use After Touring Cornell Field Trials
  • Making WAVES! Monthly "Women in Agriculture: Voices, Experience, Skills" Discussion Group Makes a Splash!
  • Improving Produce Storage Quality through Forced Air Cooling
  • First Steuben County Twilight Meeting: A Success for Potato and Dry Bean Growers
  • Research on Nitrogen Rates Could Save Growers Thousands Per Acre
  • Why Do I Still Have White Mold in My Beans?
  • Greenhouse Tomatoes: Did You Know?

view complete impact (PDF; 3142 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q2 2019)

Growing vegetables in NY is never easy and this wet spring caused additional challenges. In response, the CCE Cornell Vegetable Program adapted some of our programming to address the new concerns.

  • Keeping a Finger on the Pulse of Western NY Onion Pests
  • Potato Variety Trials Planted on Cooperating Farms in the Cornell Vegetable Program Region
  • Onion Growers Attend Oswego Twilight Meeting Despite Drowning Onions and Flooded Trials
  • Timely, Accurate Pest Identification Saves Crops and Profits
  • Cornell Vegetable Program Increases Yield on Erie County Farm by Nearly 50%; Success Story Featured on Local News
  • New Produce Growers Gain Knowledge through Monthly Meeting Series

view complete impact (PDF; 3642 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q1 2019)

The Cornell Vegetable Program shared the latest research results with growers at winter meetings across our region. And we're looking ahead to implementing new research-based strategies in the upcoming growing season.

  • Farm Food Safety School: Wash/Pack Equipment and Hygiene Farmer Training
  • Cornell Vegetable Program Partner Counties Lead Production, Research and Marketing for NYS Dry Beans
  • Prevention of Severe Pest Issues Addressed in Regional Pre-Season Onion Meetings
  • 2019 Garlic School Showcased Latest Findings from Cornell Vegetable Program Research Projects
  • Evaluation of Vegetable Varieties for Organic Vegetable Production for Both Urban and Rural Farms
  • Remote-Sensing Aids Designed for Wildlife Management

view complete impact (PDF; 3138 KB)

2018 Year in Review

2018 is behind us but we hope that our team's efforts to enhance New York vegetable production continues well beyond! This year, our Specialists gave presentations at 119 events, sharing our knowledge with 3,535 people.

We continue to conduct on-farm research to help answer the questions of our growers. The Cornell Vegetable Program managed 50 research grants and projects in 2018. We extend our gratitude to the 65 farms and organizations that offered us land, labor, and supplies to support our trials! We also want to thank those farmers that gave generous financial contributions to support our work as well.

We cannot forget to thank the 13 Cooperative Extension Associations that partnered with us this year too. We're excited to be adding Steuben County to our list of participating counties in 2019!

Our 2018 Year in Review brochure highlights our research and educational projects:

  • Cornell Vegetable Program Prevents Economic Losses Caused by Swede Midge on Organic Brassica Farms
  • Educate Before You Regulate: FSMA On-Farm Readiness Review Education
  • Repellency Tactics to Minimize Bird Impacts on Sweet Corn
  • Improving the Sustainability of High Tunnels and Nearby Waterways
  • Partnerships Profit New York Processing Vegetable, Table Beet and Dry Bean Industries

view complete impact (PDF; 1725 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q4 2018)

We finished 2018 by helping growers look forward to new opportunities in 2019 and beyond.

  • Helping Fresh Market Growers Access New Markets with Farm Food Safety Training
  • Onion Industry Thrilled to Have New Fungicide Seed Treatment for Control of Onion Smut
  • Processing Crops Specialist Leads Education and Research Program in 11 Partner Counties
  • Case Study of Assessing Barriers to Wholesaling for Small-Scale Vegetable Growers: Action Items Identified
  • Precision Agriculture Opportunities for Growers

view complete impact (PDF; 1715 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q3 2018)

New staff, new crops, new technology, and new fungicide recommendations - The Cornell Vegetable Program continues to expand our efforts to meet the needs of commercial vegetable producers in our region.

  • The "Sweet Potato Whisperer": Local Grower Exploring Transplant Production Practices
  • Partnership with RIT Grows Remote Sensing Applications for Vegetable Industry
  • New Fresh Market Specialist Hits the Ground Running
  • New Cover Crop Grant for High Tunnel Research
  • Ad Hoc On-Farm Fungicide Trial Renews Hope for Broccoli Production

view complete impact (PDF; 1812 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q2 2018)

This quarter exemplifies the Cornell Vegetable Program's efforts to assist diverse audiences.

  • Evaluating Challenges and Success of Organic Processing Vegetable Production
  • Expanding Expertise in Farm Food Safety
  • Twilight Meeting Provides Hands-On Leaning Opportunity
  • Precision Ag Specialist Embarks on Technology for WNY Vegetables
  • Weed Control Featured at Elba Muck Onion Twilight Meeting
  • Working with Urban Farmers to Develop Horticultural Skills and Deploy New Pest Management Tactics

view complete impact (PDF; 5050 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q1 2018)

During Q1 2018, the Cornell Vegetable Program Specialists shared research results at various conferences and events throughout our region and across the state, reaching 1,277 participants.

  • 2018 Empire State Expo Helps Producers Grow for the Health of New York
  • Winter Meetings Highlight NYFVI Supported Research Project Results
  • The Greater WNY Vegetable Growers Teach-In
  • Optimizing High Tunnel Soil, Water, and Amendments for Increased Profit
  • 2018 NYS Dry Bean Meeting Engages Growers & Processors in Research
  • Creating Resources for Growers Entering Wholesale Markets
  • New Herbicide Set to Revolutionize Weed Control in Muck-Grown Onions
  • 2018 New York Produce Auction Locations and Contact Info
  • Newly Funded Grants

view complete impact (PDF; 5479 KB)

2017 Year in Review

Another great year is behind us but we hope that the influence of our team on New York vegetable production continues well beyond! This year, our Specialists gave presentations at 124 events, extending our knowledge to 5,444 people.

We continue to conduct on-farm research to help answer the questions of our growers. The Cornell Vegetable Program managed 50 research grants and projects in 2017. We extend our gratitude to the 92 farms and organizations that offered us land, labor, and supplies to support our trials! We also want to thank those farmers that gave generous financial contributions to support our work as well.

Our 2017 Year in Review brochure highlights our research and educational projects:

  • Extending Soil Sustainability in Season Extension: Cornell Vegetable Program Leading the Way Towards Farm Profitability
  • New Pest Observation Tool Available for the New York Vegetable Industry
  • Testing Drones for the Management of Plant Disease
  • Researching Best Management Practices for Cleaning Vegetable Wash Equipment
  • On Top of Muck Onion Production in New York

view complete impact (PDF; 3292 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q4 2017)

The Cornell Vegetable Program seizes opportunities to research topics that concern our region's growers.

  • CVP Seizes Opportunity to Study Control Options for Newly Discovered Garlic Pest
  • Cornell Vegetable Program Completes Year Three of On-Farm Research in Utilizing Repellency Tactics to Minimize Bird Impacts on Sweet Corn
  • CVP Advances Nutrient Knowledge Within Season Extension
  • Processing Crops Specialist Leads Education and Research Program
  • CVP Sought as Collaborators on New Technology Research Projects

view complete impact (PDF; 2259 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q3 2017)

The summer months always prove how building strong relationships with our farmers and teamwork come together to benefit the New York commercial vegetable industry. 

  • Adapting Precision Agriculture Tools for Improved Irrigation in Vegetable Crops
  • Assisting with Quality Improvement in Garlic Production
  • Muck Donut Hour is the Heart of the CVP Onion Program
  • Disease and Weed Management Research in Table Beet Industry
  • Selected to Submit Proposal on High Tunnel Cover Crops
  • How Do Cooperative Extension Resources Fit Into Your Farming Operation?

view complete impact (PDF; 2347 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q2 2017)

The Cornell Vegetable Program continues to collaborate with growers, local Cornell Cooperative Extension offices, NYS IPM Program, Cornell University, and industry to bring new information to vegetable producers in our region.

  • Mutually Beneficial Greenhouse Vegetable Integrated Pest Management Workshops
  • Researching Best Management Practices for Cleaning Vegetable Wash Equipment
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension's New Video Series Kicked Off by the Cornell Vegetable Program
  • 3rd Annual Fresh Market Vegetable Field Day a Success!
  • Muck Onion Growers Implement Resistant Management Practices for Onion Thrips

view complete impact (PDF; 2030 KB)

Quarterly Highlights (Q1 2017)

Another successful winter meeting season is behind us! Our team organized 20 educational events this quarter and gave presentations at another 17 events hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations and other collaborative organizations, reaching 1,735 people.

  • Assessing Barriers to Wholesale Marketing for Small-Scale Vegetable Growers
  • Regional Onion Schools: A Popular Alternative Approach to Delivering Programming
  • CVP Coordinates Produce Auction Annual Winter Grower Meetings Throughout the Region
  • Growers Learn Integrated Weed Management Tools for Their Farm
  • Dry Bean Growers and Processors Engage in Research and Product Evaluation
  • Highly Rated Cabbage Session at Empire Expo Featured CVP Research

view complete impact (PDF; 1683 KB)

2016 Year in Review

The Cornell Vegetable Program is proud to assist New York vegetable producers. This year, our team gave presentations in 114 educational events where 5,363 people increased their knowledge in the areas of vegetable production, food safety, and marketing. On top of that, the Cornell Vegetable Program made more than 4,575 farm visits and crop consultations.

We hear your questions and concerns. To gain new insights and knowledge, the Cornell Vegetable Program managed 44 research grants and projects. We couldn't do it without the help of local growers and agribusiness that offered us land, labor and supplies to support our research trials and events. Thank you!

We've highlighted a few of our research and educational projects in 2016 in our Year in Review brochure:

  • Safer Produce and Reduced Storage Rot Due to Farm Food Safety Trainings
  • Beet Advisory Group Directs Weed and Disease Management Research
  • Onion Scouting Program Guided Reduced Fungicide Use in a Dry Year
  • Summer Internship Proves Valuable to Students and WNY Vegetable Team
  • Field Meetings Provide New Insights to Fresh Market Growers
  • High Tunnels, High Impact: Season Extension Program

view complete impact (PDF; 1900 KB)

CVP Highlights (October - December 2016)

We closed out 2016 by helping western NY vegetable producers understand new pest management strategies and expanding market opportunities. We listen to our growers' concerns and adapt our efforts to meet their needs.

  • Ontario Produce Auction Formed
  • CVP's Undergraduate Education Benefits Next Generation of Ag Leaders and Tunnel Research Objectives
  • Table Beet and Processing Vegetable Advisory Meetings Facilitate Information Exchange
  • Cornell Vegetable Program Prevents Economic Losses Caused by Swede Midge on At-Risk Small-Scale Organic Brassica Farms
  • Cornell Weed Science Research Sustained by Cornell Vegetable Program Specialist

view complete impact (PDF; 1846 KB)

CVP Highlights (July - September 2016)

Phew! The Cornell Vegetable Program was busy setting up and managing research and demonstration plots throughout the region this summer. Growers and industry partners were invited to view our trials, learn about research results, and tap into the expertise of our team at many events organized by the Cornell Vegetable Program this quarter. 

  • Cornell Cooperative Extension Projects Featured as Elba Muck Welcomed National Onion Association Tour in July
  • On-Farm Research in Strategies to Minimize Impacts on Yield and Food Safety Risks Posed by Wildlife in Vegetables
  • In-Field Programs Showcase Cornell Vegetable Program Research and Vegetable Expertise
  • Protecting New York Dry Beans from the New Pest, Western Bean Cutworm
  • Comparison of Sanitizer Monitoring Strips 

view complete impact (PDF; 1779 KB)

CVP Highlights (April - June 2016)

We're making a difference to WNY commercial vegetable producers. 

  • Partnering with RIT to Investigate Use of Drones for Improved Disease Management in Processing Crops
  • Fresh Market Vegetable Research Initiated at the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Laboratory
  • Cornell Vegetable Program Plays a Role in Local CSA Development
  • Educating Potato Growers on a Serious New Seedborne Bacterial Disease
  • Cornell Cooperative Extension Saves "Special Permit" Pesticide Course
  • Cooperating with Cornell Faculty on Season Extension Disease Research
  • CVP Receives Over a Quarter Million Dollars in Grants this Quarter

view complete impact (PDF; 1399 KB)

Relationships at Root of CVP's Reach

Commercial vegetable grower Nelson Hoover does not own a car, a computer or a degree. In fact, the 28-year-old never attended high school. But for over a decade, Hoover, a member of the Groffdale Mennonite Conference in Penn Yan, New York, has been one of the Cornell Vegetable Program's (CVP) most trusted research partners.

A Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) regional agriculture team, CVP assists farmers in 12 western New York counties -- the largest vegetable-producing region in the state -- by helping them apply Cornell research and expertise to their local growing operations.

Two of those counties, Yates and Seneca, are home to the highest concentration of Old Order communities in the state. As their populations grows, the Amish and Mennonite influence on the area's agriculture markets has followed suit. They now operate 99 percent of dairy farms in the area and own of one of the region's largest produce auctions, which has grown by $185,000 annually over the last 12 years. Read more...

CVP Highlights (January - March 2016)

We seek grower input in determining research priorities, educational topics to cover, and meetings to host. We are also conducting important research that benefits New York State's vegetable industry.  

  • Recap of the 2016 Empire State Producers Expo 
  • Vegetable Growers Choose Alternative Soil Management to Improve Soil Health
  • Food Safety (GAPs/Harmonized GAPs) Grower Training for New Market Entry
  • Cornell Vegetable Program Delivers 46% Net Increase for Cooperating High Tunnels
  • CCE Workshop Prepares Onion Growers for Battle Against Stemphylium Leaf Blight (SLB)
  • Excellence in IPM Award: Pheromone Trap Network Recognized
  • Advisory Meeting Kicks Off Grant Project to Build the Profitability of the Table Beet Industry
  • 15 research grants were funded this quarter

view complete impact (PDF; 1069 KB)

2015 Year in Review

The Cornell Vegetable Program team made more than 4,400 farm visits and crop consultations to support the WNY commercial vegetable industry. We've highlighted several of our research and education projects from 2015:

  • Bird Repellent Tools Research in Sweet Corn
  • Developing and Expanding Farm Food Safety Trainings
  • Supporting Growth of the New York Table Beet Industry
  • Pest Management Techniques in Winter High Tunnels
  • Unraveling New Puzzling Leaf Disease of Onions
  • Alerted Dry Bean Growers to Invasive Pest Threat

view complete impact (PDF; 1251 KB)

CVP Highlights (October - December 2015)

The Cornell Vegetable Program is listening to our growers and responding to their concerns. We seek grower input in determining research priorities, educational topics to cover, and meetings to host. We are also conducting important research that benefits New York State's vegetable industry.

view complete impact (PDF; 683 KB)

CVP Highlights (July - September 2015)

Pests, pests, and more pests! The growing season requires education about pest control in our region:

  • We alerted dry bean growers to the threat of Western bean cutworm
  • We are evaluating tools for bird management in sweet corn
  • We conducted research in processing vegetables such as slugs in peas, disease and weed management in beets, diseases in lima beans, and white mold and European corn borer in snap beans
  • On-farm visits and twilight meetings provide hands-on educational opportunities for our growers

view complete impact (PDF; 875 KB)

CVP Highlights (April - June 2015)

On-farm demonstrations by the Cornell Vegetable Program provided an opportunity to educate our growers about weed management in fresh market vegetables and fostered the adoption of herbicide use in garlic to reduce weed management costs. Read more about this work and more in our Quarterly Highlights.

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CVP Highlights (January - March 2015)

During another busy meeting season, the Cornell Vegetable Program gave educational presentations to over 2,500 growers and agribusiness professional across NYS and neighboring states. Read more about the events we hosted and participated in. 

We're excited to release a video on NYS Produce Auctions and the importance of them to farmers, buyers, and unrelated businesses in the area. Watch the video now!

view complete impact (PDF; 802 KB)

2014 Year in Review

In 2014, the Cornell Vegetable Program team made more than 2,900 farm visits and crop consultations, and participated in over 100 educational meetings. Each year our team conducts valuable research that aids WNY growers too.  

view complete impact (PDF; 840 KB)

CVP Highlights (October - December 2014)

Learn more about the valuable role the Cornell Vegetable Program plays in educating commercial vegetable growers in WNY, assisting in the national soil health initiative, and helping to set priorities for upcoming research proposals in the industry.

view complete impact (PDF; 939 KB)

CVP Highlights (July - September 2014)

Over 1,700 farm visits and phone/email consultations were made by our Vegetable Specialists during the 2014 growing season. We hosted 17 educational events and produced 11 issues of VegEdge newsletter to keep our growers abreast of issues facing commercial vegetable production in WNY. Read more details about our impact on this region.

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CVP Highlights (April - June 2014)

The Cornell Vegetable Program consulted with nearly 1,000 growers during this quarter. Read more about what issues we're addressing in our region.

view complete impact (PDF; 788 KB)

CVP Highlights (January - March 2014)

Twenty-three events were organized by the Cornell Vegetable Program this quarter, educating growers on farm food safety considerations, pest problems and management techniques, and growing for winter markets and produce auctions. Read more details about our events and other impacts we had in our region this quarter. 

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2013 Year in Review

Highlighting 8 of the Cornell Vegetable Program's projects from 2013 and stats about our impact in the region.

view complete impact (PDF; 1699 KB)

CVP Highlights (October - December 2013)

The Cornell Vegetable Program identified the cause and the cure to excessive leaf dieback in onions. Learn more about this discovery and the other impacts our team had in WNY during the final months of 2013.

view complete impact (PDF; 878 KB)

CVP Develops New Grafting Resources

To highlight the new grafting resources created by the Cornell Vegetable Program, this flyer is designed to be distributed electronically to interested growers. Links to the videos and the factsheet are live!

More information about the Grafting Tomatoes video, the How to Graft Tomatoes video, and the How to Graft Tomatoes factsheet can be found on the Cornell Vegetable Program website.

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GAPS Trainings: CCE Trainings in Food Safety

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), 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 Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) to prepare New York growers for the marketplace's increased vigilance in food safety. Learn more about our successful training program.

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CVP Highlights (July - September 2013)

It was a busy growing season for our team. Read more about our efforts to educate Western New York growers.

view complete impact (PDF; 959 KB)

CVP Highlights (April - June 2013)

Learn how our team of Vegetable Specialists are making a difference in our region.

view complete impact (PDF; 962 KB)

CVP Highlights (January - March 2013)

Find out about some of the projects our team participated in during the first quarter of 2013.

view complete impact (PDF; 415 KB)

Success: Yellow Nutsedge Control in Onions

Due to work completed by Cornell Vegetable Program Onion Specialist Christy Hoepting, New York onion growers now have a new tool to effectively manage the potentially devastating perennial weed, yellow nutsedge, in onions grown on muck soil.

view complete impact (PDF; 1339 KB)

CVP Highlights (October - December 2012)

Learn how the CVP Specialists are working with farmers to manage crop diseases. Other updates on our program are also detailed.

view complete impact (PDF; 699 KB)

CVP Highlights (July - September 2012)

The 2012 growing season brought many challenges to our growers. See how the Cornell Vegetable Program aided growers in meeting those challenges.

view complete impact (PDF; 835 KB)

CVP Highlights (April - June 2012)

Read about the our team's activities during the second quarter of 2012.

view complete impact (PDF; 582 KB)

CVP Highlights (January - March 2012)

Learn more about the impacts the team has made on the region during the first quarter of 2012.

view complete impact (PDF; 768 KB)

more crops
Asparagus

Asparagus

Beets

Beets

Broccoli

Broccoli

Brussels Sprouts

Brussels Sprouts

Cabbage

Cabbage

Carrots

Carrots

Cauliflower

Cauliflower

Cucumbers

Cucumbers

Dry Beans

Dry Beans

Eggplant

Eggplant

Ethnic Vegetables

Ethnic Vegetables

Garlic

Garlic

Horseradish

Horseradish

Kohlrabi

Kohlrabi

Leeks

Leeks

Lettuce / Leafy Greens

Lettuce / Leafy Greens

Melons

Melons

Mushrooms

Mushrooms

Onions

Onions

Parsnips

Parsnips

Peas

Peas

Peppers

Peppers

Potatoes

Potatoes

Pumpkins / Gourds

Pumpkins / Gourds

Radishes

Radishes

Rhubarb

Rhubarb

Rutabaga

Rutabaga

Snap Beans

Snap Beans

Squash - Summer

Squash - Summer

Squash- Winter

Squash- Winter

Sweet Corn

Sweet Corn

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet Potatoes

Tomatoes

Tomatoes

Turnips

Turnips

more crops

Upcoming Events

2025 Finger Lakes Auction Winter Growers Meeting

Event Offers DEC Credits

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

Event Offers DEC Credits

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.

Announcements

Winter Cover Cropping in High Tunnels

Cornell Cooperative Extension is researching cover crops for high tunnel growers to better manage fertility and improve soil health. Our work has shown that winter cover cropping in high tunnels has the potential to add organic matter, improve soil structure, support microbial activity, and help with nutrient management by scavenging leftover nitrogen and/or fixing nitrogen. This publication, Management Practices for High Organic Matter Soils: Winter Cover Cropping in High Tunnels, shares best practices for winter cover cropping in high tunnels including species selection, planting rates and dates, termination, and cultural management considerations.

Laser Scarecrows to Deter Birds in Sweet Corn

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.

A laser scarecrow is a device that has one or more laser modules connected to motors. The specifications of the lasers are optimized to the color and motion sensitivity of bird's eyes. When laser beams move across a field, birds become frightened and attempt to move away from the perceived threat. Light from the laser covers an area quickly and moves through the canopy without causing injury to the crop. Research demonstrates that birds do not readily become habituated to the laser.

A laser scarecrow used as the sole deterrent typically results in a significant reduction in crop damage. Combined with an auditory device, damage can be reduced even more. When used as part of an integrated management program for bird control that utilizes habitat management and multiple scare tactics, laser scarecrows can be useful tools for growers of multiple crops. All scare tactics must be deployed before birds find the field. The effectiveness of lasers depends on multiple factors such as bird species, bird populations, habitat and food availability. Lasers are not effective at deterring deer, racoons, coyotes or other mammals.

To learn more, the Laser Scarecrows to Deter Birds in Sweet Corn and Other High-Value Agricultural Crops fact sheet provides background information, research data, FAQs, and Advantages/Limitations on laser scarecrows.

NY Urban Farms Pest Management Fact Sheet Series

Cornell Cooperative Extension has partnered with dozens of urban farms across New York State to demonstrate and evaluate sustainable pest management strategies. Together with farmers, we found success using control methods that prevent or reduce crop losses through exclusion strategies, crop timing, host resistance, the introduction of beneficial organisms, and more. Regardless of management strategy used, common requirements for success include a knowledge of the pest and disease complex, preventative deployment and commitment to the process. The New York Urban Farms Sustainable Pest Management Fact Sheet Series includes case studies highlighting pest management techniques that New York urban farms have found valuable.

NYS Urban Growers Pest Management Needs Assessment

As part of a multi-year project exploring non-spray pest management options that are economically and environmentally sustainable for urban farms, we conducted a needs assessment with urban growers across New York State. The New York State Urban Growers Pest Management Needs Assessment presents findings on current pest management practices, challenges, and topics of future interest.