Video Series: Laser Scarecrows to Deter Birds in Sweet Corn
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program
Laser scarecrows are a tool to aid in the management of birds in agricultural crops. If you are considering the use of a laser scarecrow on your farm, this 7-part series integrates a grower perspective with background and tips from research conducted by Cornell Cooperative Extension.
A written fact sheet from this project Laser Scarecrows to Deter Birds in Sweet Corn and Other High-Value Agricultural Crops is also available.
Research support was provided by The New York Farm Viability Institute Project FVI 20 048 and USDA AMS Specialty Crop Multi-State Program Award AM190200XXXXG001. Funding for this project was made possible by a grant/cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agriculture Marketing Service. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

Upcoming Events
African Eggplant Participatory Breeding Kick-Off
March 5, 2026
Join us to learn about the Cornell African Eggplant Research Project and learn how you can participate! African eggplant, also known as Bitterball, Garden Egg, Kittley and other names, is an important crop for many members of our community with heritage from regions such as sub-Saharan Africa, Southeast Asia, and Brazil. Since 2024, the Cornell African Eggplant Research Project has been collaborating with growers and community partners across New York to develop high-quality varieties adapted to the Northeast U.S. In this meeting, we will share information about growing and preparing African eggplant, highlight our research to date, and invite partners to collaborate with us in our 2026 participatory breeding and variety selection efforts.
COST: FREE! You must pre-register to receive the Zoom link.
Managing the Invasive Swede Midge Webinar
March 6, 2026
Swede midge is an invasive fly that causes serious economic losses to brassica crops. Due to its small size and hidden feeding habits, swede midge is often called an "invisible pest" and damage may be misdiagnosed. In this webinar, we will review the swede midge life cycle and crop damage symptoms, current management recommendations, new research findings, and highlights from on-farm case studies with a focus on organic management.
1.75 DEC pesticide recertification credits in categories 1a, 10, and 23.
Good Agricultural Practices (GAPs) Food Safety Training
March 10, 2026
Newark, NY
Learn about food safety on the farm! This event hosted by the Cornell Vegetable Program, Cornell Lake Ontario Fruit Team, CCE Wayne County, and the NYS Department of Agriculture, will cover good agricultural practices (GAPs) to help reduce the risk of microbial contamination on the farm, keeping food and consumers safe.