The Cornell Vegetable Program Specialists work together with Cornell faculty and extension educators statewide to address the issues that impact the vegetable industry. Our Specialists have varying areas of expertise but work as a team to provide educational programs and information to commercial growers, processors and agri-business professionals in our region.

Julie Kikkert

Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist

Areas of Interest: Processing Crops
Crops: Snap Beans, Beets, Carrots, Peas, Sweet Corn

view details about Julie

Elizabeth Buck

Extension Vegetable Specialist

Areas of Interest: Western-Region Fresh Market Vegetables, Weed Management, Soil Health
Crops: Cucumbers, Eggplant, Lettuce / Leafy Greens, Melons, Peppers, Squash - Summer, Squash- Winter, Tomatoes

view details about Elizabeth

Robert Hadad

Extension Vegetable Specialist

Areas of Interest: Food Safety, Fresh Market Vegetables, Marketing, Organic
Crops: Asparagus, Cucumbers, Ethnic Vegetables, Garlic, Horseradish, Lettuce / Leafy Greens, Melons, Parsnips, Pumpkins / Gourds, Radishes, Rutabaga, Squash - Summer, Squash- Winter, Sweet Corn, Turnips

view details about Robert

Christy Hoepting

Extension Vegetable Specialist

Areas of Interest: On-farm Field Research and Pesticide Training
Crops: Broccoli, Cabbage, Garlic, Onions

view details about Christy

Margie Lund

Extension Vegetable Specialist

Areas of Interest: Post-harvest Handling and Storage
Crops: Dry Beans, Potatoes

view details about Margie

Judson Reid

Extension Vegetable Specialist

Areas of Interest: Greenhouse/High Tunnel Production, Small Farming Operations, Fresh Market Vegetables
Crops: Cucumbers, Eggplant, Lettuce / Leafy Greens, Peppers, Tomatoes

view details about Judson

SCRUB Twilight Workshop Series

September 1, 2021 : Bin Blitz

Experienced growers and UVM's Ag Engineering present new strategies and cleaning tools to increase the efficiency and efficacy of bin cleaning, sanitation and management practices. Lead growers show and tell their bin systems, with lessons learned. Participants leave with a plan to improve/implement new practices.

September 8, 2021 : Low Cost and High Value

Evaluate low-cost (either money or time) improvements that make a big difference. Experience growers show and tell the thrifty improvements they made and summarize lessons learned, including trade-offs of spending money (or not) to lower risks and increase efficiency. 

September 15, 2021 : Wash/Pack Floors

Learn to improve or repair a concrete floor so that it is smooth and easy to clean. This workshop highlights concrete repair, cleaning and sanitation techniques, water management, products and resources, as well as show and tell from experienced growers, and Chris Callahan from UVM's Extension Ag Engineering.

September 22, 2021 : Wash Water Management

Experienced growers and facilitators dig into the fundamentals of managing produce wash water, including show and tell with lessons learned about wash water management, use and monitoring of sanitizers. All participants leave with a plan to improve/implement new practices.

September 29, 2021 : Tools for Employee Management and Empowerment

Develop management strategies/systems to retain and empower high-value workers, while improving crew morale and culture. Learn from experienced managers of loyal and reliable crews, the pros and cons of their current management systems, and how they came to be. Participants leave with resources and a plan to improve/implement one or more new practices or strategies.

October 6, 2021 : Bubblers/Aerators for Greens Washing

For growers wanting to install or improve a greens bubbler/aerator. Get feedback from growers who built/improved their own systems. Examine designs and DYI resources, as well as perceived quality and efficiency gains from bubblers as compared to other washing methods. This workshop features a panel of New York growers!