Laser Scarecrows in Sweet Corn Session at the 2021 Empire State Producers Expo
Julie Kikkert, Team Leader, Extension Vegetable Specialist
Cornell Vegetable Program

From the 2021 Empire State Producers Expo, a recording of Laser Scarecrows to Deter Birds in Sweet Corn. Featured speakers are Dr. Rebecca Brown, University of Rhode Island, Jeremy Perkins, Bird Control Group, and Nick Stanton, Stanton's Feura Farm. Chuck Bornt from Cornell Cooperative Extension moderates the session. The presentation by Dr. Ali Nafchi has been edited out at his request.
Video Transcript: Bird Control in Sweet Corn with Laser Scarecrows (pdf; 193KB)

Upcoming Events
Fungi, Forage & Forest
June 12, 2026 : Friday Evening
Buckets, Beds & Totems
Explore mushroom cultivation techniques featuring oyster mushrooms, wine caps, and lion's mane mushrooms.
June 13, 2026 : Saturday Full-Day
Wild Edibles
Learn about edible plants and responsible foraging practices focused on plants only (no wild mushroom foraging).
Agroforestry Talk
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Shiitake Inoculation (hands-on workshop at Heartland Organics)
Participate in a hands-on shiitake inoculation workshop and learn the basics of log-grown mushroom production.
2026 Muck Onion Growers Twilight Meeting in Oswego
June 18, 2026
Oswego, NY
Open to all Onion Enthusiasts, the Muck Onion Growers Twilight Meeting will include an onion disease research update from 2025, new fungicide recommendations for 2026, an onion maggot seed treatment update, herbicide demonstration tour, and more. This educational event is immediately followed by a catered dinner; both are FREE thanks to generous sponsors!
2.25 DEC recertification credits available in categories 1a, 10 and 23. CCA credits will be offered too.