NYS Berry Growers Association Winter Regional Workshop

December 14, 2016


As dramatic weather events increase, pest pressure intensifies, and local markets vitalize, New York berry growers are looking for ways to protect their crop and lengthen their season. Growers and educators are trialling techniques for growing berries under cover. Berry farmers across New York can attend one of three regional workshops offered by the New York State Berry Growers Association (NYSBGA) this winter to learn more about these innovations in berry growing. These day-long workshop will feature multiple short presentations, interactive activities, and words from growers discussing the newest research in tunnels and exclusion netting. Many New York State farmers experimenting with growing berries undercover are having great successes. "I am so glad I listened to Marvin Pritts' recommendation to grow my day neutral strawberries under low tunnels," said Guinevere Panek, co-owner of Panek's Pickin Patch. "There was much less water damage and disease pressure, resulting in more marketable berries. I picked two to three weeks longer than usual. I was able to supply my CSA members with strawberries right through the end of October. There was even ice on top of the tunnels one morning, but the berries underneath were beautiful!" Presentations by Cornell researchers, Extension educators from PSU and Cornell Cooperative Extension, and experienced berry growers will address advances in growing under cover. These include: day-neutral strawberry cultivars for low tunnels, choosing and recycling tunnel plastic, using technological tools to predict weather events, disease and insect management, growing raspberries in high tunnels, and using exclusion netting to protect against Spotted Wing Drosophila. Attendees will participate in hands-on activities and those that register a week before the workshops will receive a take-home resource guide and supplies. Lunch is included at the Portland and Riverhead locations. DEC credits in categories 1A, 10 and 22 and 23 will be available. Workshop registration is $25 per person for NYSBGA Members, and $50 per person for Non-Members. Participants can save on workshop registration by joining the NYS Berry Growers Association; 2017 Membership is $125 and applies to two individuals per farm. Associate Membership is $75 for non-profit agricultural professionals. Business members can join for $250 and receive two advertisements in our newsletter which reaches berry growers throughout the state.