Podcast appearances and mentions of cornell cooperative extension

(May 6, 2025) Reporter David Escobar has a recap of NCPR and Adirondack Explorer listening sessions about welcoming and belonging in the region; Cornell Cooperative Extension is hosting a free webinar about how farmers can lower their energy bills; and Adirondack artist Andy Mitchell has a showing opening in Saranac Lake on Thursday, May 8.

(Apr 30, 2025) As bears emerge from hibernation, we speak with a big game biologist for the DEC about bear safety and what makes the species so mysterious; North Country at Work visits a cannabis farm in Essex to talk to the owners about their first growing season; and Kitty O'Neil from the Cornell Cooperative Extension returns for a conversation about how North Country farms are faring this spring.

Dr. Matthew Sclafani of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County's Marine Program joins Heart of The East End Gianna Volpe during WLIW-FM's Shore Week celebration to discuss the horseshoe crab monitoring program that has grown from three to 30 sites since 2008 before Kim Barbour and Kate Rossi-Snook talk 10 years of CCE's Bay To The Bays initiative and improving coastal resiliency through targeted multi-species habitat restorations using shellfish, as well as marine and dune grasses. New York Marine Rescue Center's Maxine Montello also calls in to discuss NYMRC's work rescuing and rehabilitating sea turtles and seals after a record season for cold-stunned turtles. Listen to the "Bay" playlist on Apple Music

Founded in 1982 by Joseph Gilbert, The Chatham Berry Farm has been providing Columbia County and the surrounding areas with local, healthy and wholesome food for over 4 decades. Starting as a fruit stand pulled by a tractor, the 25 acre farm now includes a specialty food store, a garden center, a farm kitchen, a full-service meat and seafood department, production greenhouses and even a Cidery. Joe Gilbert, a vegetable and fruit farmer, joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to talk about the history of the Chatham Berry Farm, lessons learned over time, and what the future may hold. Joe was born in New Jersey, and lived in Connecticut, before moving to Columbia County, NY. Working with a friend, they initially sold their produce in New York City, but eventually started the farm stand in1982. At that time, produce was only sold in bulk but they differentiated themselves by allowing customers to buy their produce by the 'piece'. They worked the land, focusing on creating rich soil and Improved it by composting leaves from neighboring towns on the property, tilling it into the soil every year. That approach paid off as, even today, they don't use any chemicals. They primarily grow blueberries, raspberries, herbs, and vegetables, partnering with other area farms to offer more options, and only selling retail (not wholesale). The Cidery, opened in 2016, is a relatively new addition which became very popular during the pandemic and beyond with its outdoor seating. The Chatham Berry Farm is a family owned and operated farm that faces the same challenges of other farmers in the region. Joe describes how farmers need to be multi-talented, able to handle carpentry, electrical, and plumbing tasks to keep everything working properly in addition to knowing how to run a farm. The hours are long to keep the fields productive and weed free and to keep their prices competitive and affordable. Farmers must adhere to many regulations and face many challenges. The number of farms in Columbia County today is a small fraction of what existed in the past. Farmers learn through trial and error what works and what doesn't, and Joe shares some of the lessons he's learned over the years. While Joe and his family enjoy the farming lifestyle, he understands that the long hours are not for everyone, especially in light of the challenges associated with turning a profit. Unfortunately, most farms today do not provide the only income for farm families. Joe's two sons, Jon and Mike, are integral in the day-to-day management of the farm business. Together, they've invested in their land, in the people they serve. as well as in the future of the entire community. Joe served on the board of Cornell Cooperative Extension for 20 years and continues to have great outreach to the local community with classes and seasonal events. The future of the farm lies in the hands of his children who will need to address the challenges of climate change, finding skilled labor and affordable housing for farm workers, among other things.. Listen to Joe to learn about the joys and challenges of farming in the Hudson Valley. Hosts: Jean Thomas and Taly Hahn Guest: Joe Gilbert Photo by: Taly Hahn Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Taly Hahn, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Annie Scibienski, Robin Smith, Eileen Simpson Resources

In this episode, we are joined by Alice Wise from Cornell University to talk about vineyard floor management and how concepts and best practices for vineyard floor management have evolved in recent years. Alice has been following trends and successes for grape growers in Long Island, New York, and across the Mid-Atlantic in general with her extension and research roles, and we know you are going to love what she has to share with us.  Listen in to discover the evolution of vineyard floor management today! In this episode, you will hear: Why growers decided they wanted a change in their management practices. About Alice's sustainability program on the East Coast. The types of mechanical cultivation that were tried and their problems. What a lysimeter is and how it's used. How to do your own cover crop research.  Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click the ‘+ Follow' button in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Resources: Attend Fritz's upcoming Winning with Shoot Thinning FREE LIVE Virtual Learning event on April 28th at 5:00 PM Central and ask your question live. Register for FREE www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/winning. If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button.  Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout. Today's Guest: Alice Wise is a Viticulture Researcher with the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County Connect with Alice at https://ccesuffolk.org/staff/alice-wise Episode Sponsor: Today's episode was brought to you by Clemens Technologies and by Shellt Grow Tubes. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at thomas@clemens-america.com with any questions. Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND to save 15% off all online orders plus free shipping within the continental United States. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

(Feb 26, 2025) A labor relations expert says the ongoing wildcat strikes at New York's prisons fit in with a national trend of workers who want to see change; we travel to Titus Mountain to join a group of college students visiting the Adirondacks — and trying their hand at snow tubing during a blizzard; and Kitty O'Neil from the Cornell Cooperative Extension stops by to talk about how the new Trump administration could impact the North Country's farmers.

Nancy DePas Reinertsen, Linda Carlson and Deb Kimmelman of Cornell Cooperative Extension's Suffolk Alliance for Pollinators join Heart of The East End Gianna Volpe on WLIW-FM to talk about winter sowing, native plants, pollinator pathways and more.Listen to the playlist on Apple Music

Joining me in the first hour of the show is Barbara Bravo, CCE Master Gardener Volunteer and Garden Day Coordinator to talk about “Garden with Confidence” happening on April 5th at SUNY Ulster, Stone Ridge, New York. The Master Gardeners of Cornell Cooperative Extension are delighted to unveil Garden Day 2025 class offerings that are designed to inspire and equip both novices and experienced gardeners. This year's range of classes will provide hands on learning experiences, expert guidance, and practical tips to help attendees grow vibrant, sustainable gardens. From tackling garden challenges to enhancing your plant knowledge, these engaging classes will foster a deeper connection to nature and encourage ecological responsibility. This all-day gardening extravaganza, featuring 16 classes is taught by our dedicated Master Gardener Volunteers. Garden Day will take place on April 5, from 8:30 am to 4 pm at SUNY Ulster, Stone Ridge, NY. The day kicks-off with a Keynote Address that will be delivered by Michael Hagen, Curator of the Native Plant Garden and the Rock Garden at the New York Botanical Garden. In Michael's address, entitled “The Challenges of a Public Native Plant Garden: Maintenance, Interpretation and Compromise” he will explore the New York Botanical Garden's commitment to highlighting the native flora of northeastern North America, a vision that traces back to its founding Director and its evolution into a completely reimagined and significantly expanded native plant garden. This presentation will address some of the unexpected challenges, evolving maintenance strategies, and key lessons learned over the past decade since the garden's reopening. In addition to attending the Keynote address, you have the opportunity to choose four enriching classes out of the 16 available options, designed to elevate your gardening skills so that you will Garden with Confidence.Joining me in the second hour is musician and activist Rebecca Martin. She has shaped a singular career devoted to the beauty and possibility of pure creative discovery. After getting her start as co-founder of the pioneering jazz-pop duo Once Blue, the New York-based singer/songwriter went on to release a series of acclaimed solo albums animated by the quiet force of her captivating vocals, and collaborating along the way with her husband, the jazz bassist Larry Grenadier and luminaries Argentine pianist Guillermo Klein and legendary jazz drummer Paul Motian.Produced by Rebecca Martin and recorded in Portugal by Mário Barreiros, SHE features 13 original songs that blend voice and acoustic guitar to create a minimalistic yet powerful sound with deep emotional resonance. Exploring themes of identity, transformation, and the passage of time, the album fosters a reflective, meditative space that invites listeners to fully immerse themselves in its introspective atmosphere.In one of her boldest turns to date, Martin's new album SHE (Sunnyside Records) marks her first body of work made entirely on her own. Martin graces every moment of SHE with the clarity and character of her distinct vocal phrasing. As revealed throughout her new recording, Martin's commitment to creating space informs nearly all aspects of her artistry, including everything from the album's sparse orchestration to her underlying desire to summon a gratifying sense of stillness within all those who listen. Rebecca will be performing songs from the album joined by Clare Manchon and Anthea White on background vocals during the album's Release Party at The Local on February 28th in Saugerties.Today's show was engineered by Ian Seda from Radiokingston.org.Our show music is from Shana Falana!Feel free to email me, say hello: she@iwantwhatshehas.org** Please: SUBSCRIBE to the pod and leave a REVIEW wherever you are listening, it helps other users FIND IThttp://iwantwhatshehas.org/podcastITUNES | SPOTIFYITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/i-want-what-she-has/id1451648361?mt=2SPOTIFY:https://open.spotify.com/show/77pmJwS2q9vTywz7Uhiyff?si=G2eYCjLjT3KltgdfA6XXCAFollow:INSTAGRAM * https://www.instagram.com/iwantwhatshehaspodcast/FACEBOOK * https://www.facebook.com/iwantwhatshehaspodcast

The primary focus of this podcast episode revolves around the community Roundtables organized by the American Farmland Trust and the New York State Tug Hill Commission, aimed at advancing agrivoltaics in New York. These innovative discussions endeavor to optimize land use by integrating solar energy generation with agricultural practices, thereby addressing the pressing needs of the agricultural sector in an era of environmental challenges. We invite farmers, agricultural professionals, local government representatives, and community members to engage in these dialogues, which will critically examine the opportunities and challenges associated with the implementation of agrovoltaic projects. Furthermore, the insights gleaned from these Roundtables will be compiled and shared with pertinent governmental agencies, thereby influencing policy and support mechanisms. It is imperative that interested participants register promptly, as space is limited and the discussions promise to be both enriching and impactful.The discourse presented in this podcast segment elucidates the initiative undertaken by the American Farmland Trust in conjunction with the New York State Tug Hill Commission, which aims to facilitate a series of community roundtables centered on the subject of agrivoltaics within New York. Agrivoltaics, a progressive approach that marries agricultural practices with solar energy generation, represents a promising avenue for optimizing land use, an increasingly critical concern in the face of rising energy demands and environmental sustainability challenges. These roundtable discussions are designed to engage a diverse array of stakeholders, including farmers, agricultural professionals, local government representatives, and members of the community, thereby fostering a comprehensive dialogue regarding the multifaceted opportunities and challenges associated with the implementation of agrivoltaics in the region.The overarching objective of these community gatherings is to cultivate an environment conducive to robust discussions that will ultimately outline the specific needs and challenges faced by stakeholders as they navigate the complexities of advancing agrivoltaic projects. It is anticipated that the insights gleaned from these discussions will be meticulously compiled and subsequently conveyed to pivotal entities such as the Department of Energy and the United States Department of Agriculture, thereby ensuring that the findings contribute to broader policy considerations and support mechanisms for agrivoltaic initiatives. This engagement not only underscores the importance of community involvement in agricultural innovation but also highlights the necessity of informed decision-making processes that are reflective of the diverse perspectives within the community.Furthermore, the podcast segment emphasizes the importance of timely registration for these events, stressing that space is limited and attendance is crucial for those who wish to contribute meaningfully to the dialogues. This call to action serves as a reminder of the inherent value of participatory discussions in shaping the future of agricultural practices and energy generation in New York, fostering a collaborative spirit aimed at advancing sustainable practices in the face of modern challenges.Takeaways: The American Farmland Trust and Tug Hill Commission are facilitating community roundtables focused on agrivoltaics. These roundtables aim to foster extensive discussions regarding the integration of solar energy and agriculture. All interested parties including farmers and local stakeholders are encouraged to participate in these discussions. The outcomes of these discussions will be compiled and shared with significant governmental agencies for further action. The first roundtable event is scheduled for February 26 at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County....

This week on Sustainability Now!, we continue our theme of ringing in the new year with a focus on healthy soils and healthy food! Your host, Justin Mog, is thrilled to be in conversation with two friends from OAK, the Organic Association of Kentucky: Shannon Post is OAK's Farmer Education Coordinator, and one of OAK founders, Larry Brandenburg, owner of Harmony Fields Farm in Shelbyville with his wife, will be part of the organic farmer panel that opens the 14th Annual OAK Conference, January 23-25 at Kentucky State University's Harold R. Benson Research and Demonstration Farm in Frankfort. Tune in as we discuss the rich history and growth of OAK and organic agriculture across the Commonwealth. You'll also get a preview of this year's OAK Conference, where you can join fellow farmers, ag professionals and local food system advocates for three days of engagement around this year's theme, Grounded in Organics: From Soil to Market. The Conference features 33 Kentucky farmer-speakers; updates on PFAS, the “forever chemicals” in agriculture; an Organic Farmer Panel featuring Larry Brandenburg, Harmony Fields Farm; Daniel Mays, Frith Farm; Keith McKenzie, Knob Hill Farm; Cortney Moses, GoodThymes Organic Farm; Lisa Munniksma, Freelance Writer - Moderator; and this year's Keynote Speaker, Jesse Buie, who has farmed for over 30 years and is President of Ole Brook Organics, which has been certified organic for over ten years. Currently, his farm in Brookhaven, Mississippi, produces mixed vegetables, melons, ginger and turmeric. He produces a private-label certified organic tea for sale to local groceries and direct to consumers. Scholarships are available. Immerse in farm-based learning on Thursday, January 23, by joining a pre-conference workshop. Don't miss this year's offerings: six half-day workshops on agroforestry, walk-behind tractors, farm profitability, silvopasture, storage crops and an intensive for experienced growers. All workshops include a locally-sourced, farm-to-table lunch. MORNING WORKSHOPS (9:00am - 12:30pm ET) • Agroforestry in Practice: Adding Perennials to the Farmscape - Daniel Mays, Frith Farm; Margaret Shea, Dropseed Native Plant Nursery; Ian Zeglin, Greenacres Foundation; Marissa Arnoldussen, OAK; Jesse Frost, Rough Draft Farmstead (Moderator) • Walk-Behind Tractors A to Z: History, Applications, Use and Maintenance - Joel Dufour, Earth Tools; Maggie Dungan, Salad Days Farm • Dealing with the Squeeze: Finding Profit When All Input Costs are High - Ellen Polishuk, Plant to Profit; Adam Barr, Barr Farms AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS (1:30 - 5:00pm ET) •. Silvopasture in the Eastern Hardwood Forests - Brett Chedzoy, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County / Angus Glen Farms LLC; Greg Brann, Greg Brann Consulting / Big Spring Farm; Marissa Arnoldussen, OAK (Moderator) • Storage Crop Success: Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes and Winter Squash - Jeff Poppen, Long Hungry Creek Farm • Mini-Mastermind for Experienced Growers - Ellen Polishuk, Plant to Profit; Sarah Geurkink, OAK Learn more about the conference and get registered at: https://www.oak-ky.org/agenda https://www.oak-ky.org/annual-conference OAK's Find a Farm Directory: https://directory.oak-ky.org/ Larry's website: https://www.harmonyfieldsfarm.com/ As always, our feature is followed by your community action calendar for the week, so get your calendars out and get ready to take action for sustainability NOW! Sustainability Now! is hosted by Dr. Justin Mog and airs on Forward Radio, 106.5fm, WFMP-LP Louisville, every Monday at 6pm and repeats Tuesdays at 12am and 10am. Find us at http://forwardradio.org The music in this podcast is courtesy of the local band Appalatin and is used by permission. Explore their delightful music at http://appalatin.com

Spoke out against Putnam Legislature decision A Philipstown farmer who spoke out against the Putnam County Legislature's decision to add five farms to a special district has been removed from the Agriculture & Farmland Protection Board. Jocelyn Apicello, who had been a board member since 2019 and its chair since 2022, was notified of her removal in a Dec. 31 memo from Paul Jonke, a legislator from Southeast who chaired the Legislature last year, to Neal Tomann, a Philipstown resident who is interim manager for the Soil & Water Conservation District. Jonke did not give a reason for the removal and did not respond to a request for comment, but said in the memo, "I believe this to be in the best interest of Putnam County." He cited a section of state law that gives county legislative chairs the power to appoint volunteer Ag Board members, but it does not specifically address their removal. Apicello said on Sunday (Jan. 5) that the decision surprised her. "I didn't expect it," she said. "I don't think it will solve the problem." The applicants had been recommended in a 9-2 vote by the Ag Board, which consists of six farmers and representatives from the Legislature; the Department of Planning, Development and Public Transportation; Real Property Tax Services Agency; Soil and Water Conservation District; and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Putnam County. Despite the board approval, the applicants - all livestock or horse farms - failed to meet one or more of eight factors that the county determined in 2007 "shall be considered" for inclusion, Tomann told legislators in July. Those factors include an on-site assessment by the board, the absence of local, state or federal violations and adherence to best practices. Tomann said that none of the properties met another factor, despite not growing crops - that each must contain at least 50 percent of "prime farmland and/or statewide important soils" in one of the first six of the state's 10 classifications for soils. During a public hearing before the Legislature's vote, Apicello noted that the application to be included in the Agricultural District does not mention soil types as a criteria, and that the 2007 resolution only directed that the board "consider" the eight factors. In addition to "arbitrarily and capriciously" interpreting those criteria, she said the Ag Board received pushback from the Legislature in 2022 when members proposed creating a one-page information sheet on the Agricultural District that could be distributed to the public and municipal officials. Since then, the board "has been shut out from any sorts of decision-making," she said. Members of the board were not notified about nor involved in crafting a proposal to require more information from applications, including site and stormwater protection plans and a soil analysis, Apicello said. She said she supports updating the application but not "rushing it through" without input. "There's clearly an anti-farming stance among some of the Ag Board members who happen to not be the farmers," she said. Although approved on Dec. 16 by the three legislators on the Physical Services Committee, the proposal was not on the agenda for the Legislature's year-end meeting on Dec. 19. The day of the committee vote, one of the farmers rejected for inclusion, Daniel Honovich of Ridge Ranch in Patterson, sued the county and the Legislature in state court. Honovich's lawsuit alleges that the Legislature relied on a "blatantly incorrect" interpretation of state agricultural law when it rejected the applications. A veterinarian, Honovich runs Ridge Ranch with his wife, Arielle, who has a degree in animal science and teaches special education for the Mahopac school district. The couple raises and breeds Scottish Highland, Brahman Gyr and Zebu cows for sale, along with chickens, goats, mini donkeys and rabbits. They also host tours, birthday parties, goat yoga and other activities. "Making soil type a standalone disqualifying factor ma...

"[This college] was not established to serve or to magnify Cornell University. It belongs to the people of the state. The farmers of the state have secured it. Their influence has placed it here... If there is any man standing on the land, unattached, uncontrolled, who feels that he has disadvantages and a problem, this College of Agriculture stands for that man." – Liberty Hyde BaileyIn 1868, as the nation still felt the aftershocks of the American Civil War, a small town in the rolling hills of upstate New York became the cradle of a groundbreaking vision. In Ithaca, on a modest farm, an institution was born - one that would go on to revolutionize agriculture and the fresh produce industry, leaving a lasting impact on the United States and the world.Who were Ezra Cornell and Andrew White, the visionaries behind this ambitious endeavor? How did their bold ideas and the Morrill Land-Grant Act transform a farm into a university with a mission to reshape agriculture?What role did Liberty Hyde Bailey play in establishing Cornell as a leader in agricultural innovation? How did the university's experiment stations and the Cornell Cooperative Extension spread cutting-edge techniques across the globe? What was the significance of the Cornell-Nanking project, and how did Cornell's plant breeding programs produce iconic crops like the Empire apple and Concord grape?Looking ahead, how will Cornell continue to drive the evolution of agriculture in the years to come?Join John, Patrick, and special guest Corey Ryan Earle of Cornell University as they explore the rich history of this esteemed institution and its extraordinary contributions to agriculture and fresh produce.---------------------------------------------Visit the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS): https://cals.cornell.edu/Apply for the Executive Leadership Development Program at Cornell, March 23-27, 2025: https://www.freshproduce.com/events/executive-leadership-development-program-at-cornell-university/In Sponsorship with Cornell University: Dyson Cornell SC Johnson College of BusinessJoin the History of Fresh Produce Club (https://app.theproduceindustrypodcast.com/access/) for ad-free listening, bonus episodes, book discounts and access to an exclusive chatroom community.Instagram, TikTok, Threads:@historyoffreshproduceEmail: historyoffreshproduce@gmail.com

(Nov 25, 2024) As winter creeps in, the North Country's farms are transitioning from the growing season to the storage season. Kitty O'Neil from the Cornell Cooperative Extension fills us in. Also, the Adirondack Foundation is awarding money to community events this winter. The goals are to benefit communities, fight isolation and promote civic engagement.

(Oct 30, 2024) An informational event in Watertown looks to get voters prepared for Election Day; New Yorkers will vote on a ballot measure that proponents say will “enshrine abortion” in the state's constitution, but not all legal experts agree; and we speak with Kitty O'Neil from the Cornell Cooperative Extension about the impact of the first few frosts of fall on North Country farms. 

How can we ensure access to healthy, sustainable food for everyone in our community? What can we do as individuals? What changes would you like to see to government policy? How did the pandemic affect the way you eat?  Listen back to our WRFI's September 12 food security and call-in show. Panelists, callers, and host Felix Teitelbaum explored local food security and insecurity and got to know some local farmers and organizers dedicated to mutual aid and a just food system. Panelists on the show were: Ana Ortiz of No Mas Lagrimas, which supports and empowers people to meet their basic needs and does food rescue and relief work. Lorena Mendoza Lorena and her husband Carlos grow food for No Mas Lagrimas and their customers at West Haven Farm in Ithaca. Debbie Branker-Livermore of Loving Farms, which grows chemical-free produce for people in Tompkins and Tioga Counties and provides to the Candor Food Pantry. and Katie Hallas, of Tomkins Food Future and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County. This program was the second in our "Food and Country" series leading up to the screening of Ruth Reichl's documentary “Food and Country” Tuesday, September 17 at Cinemapolis. Make sure check out our exclusive interview with Ruth Reichl and get tickets for the film! The screening on Tuesday will be followed by another panel discussion and talkback with the audience. Panelists for that conversation will be Christa Nunez of Khuba International, Denise O'Leary of Cafe Dewitt, Chaw Chang of Stick and Stone Farm, Jeff Bessmer of GreenStar Coop, Kelly Sauve of the Ithaca Farmers Market, and moderated by WRFI's Felix Teitelbaum. Support for this series comes from Tompkins County Food Policy Council, Moosewood Restaurant, GreenStar Coop, the Ithaca Farmers Market, and WRFI's members and donors. Special thank to our partners at Cinemapolis and Greenwich Entertainment.

(Sep 12, 2024) Residents in Saratoga Springs honored first responders and veterans on the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks; the Plattsburgh city council voted last week to allow two major bus companies to use the former farmers market location downtown, offering another temporary option for where to put a bus stop; and we check in with Kitty O'Neil from the Cornell Cooperative Extension about how the warm, wet summer has affected North Country farms.

It was gorgeous in Beacon this week. August's suffocating humidity passed and, at my house, we threw open the windows and let the breeze do the rest. But does anyone remember Valentine's Day? It was bitterly cold that week, with temperatures in the 30s and a relentless wind that felt like it could cut you in half. That was the week the heat went out at my house. My wife and I had central air conditioning and a gas-powered boiler installed in 2011, 18 months after we bought our 1,850-square-foot home, and we fought both systems for the next 12 years, dumping money we couldn't afford into repair after repair. It was 42 degrees inside the house when the heat came on at the end of that week in February. We had wonderful friends who fed us and kept us warm in the interim, but the extended outage was the last straw. In May, we converted to air-sourced ductless heat pumps (aka mini splits), a high-efficiency, fossil fuel-free heating and cooling setup. Using wall-mounted units called evaporators paired with outside condensers, the technology transfers heat from the house in the summer and brings it inside, even in sub-freezing temperatures, in the winter. Because they move energy instead of creating it by burning oil or gas, heat pumps are far more efficient than traditional heating and cooling systems. I'd been interested in clean energy for several years but didn't understand heat pumps and was overwhelmed by the amount of information I would need to absorb. My research began in earnest after my buddy Thomas Wright, a member of Beacon's Conservation Advisory Committee, introduced me to Faith Laudano, an energy advisor from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County, at the Taproots Festival in Beacon in November. I reconnected with Laudano after the outage, and she answered dozens of questions, walking me through heat pump options and the state programs that offer rebates to support their installation. Cornell Cooperative Extension has existed for more than a century as an economic and ecological resource, and in 2018 it launched a community energy engagement program sponsored by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Three years later, the agency was given additional resources and charged with creating a regional clean energy hub. Through June of this year, it has assisted more than 1,200 people in the Mid-Hudson region. "Folks come to us in very different stages of the process" of transitioning away from fossil fuels, said Collin Adkins, the director of the Mid-Hudson hub. "It can be a very individualized experience, and that's why we're here." Funding Resources Each of these state programs provides a no-cost energy assessment, the first step toward transitioning a home from fossil fuels to clean energy. The EmPower+ program for low- and middle-income homeowners and renters launched last year and in May received $39.6 million through the federal Inflation Reduction Act. It includes for participants a comprehensive assessment and customized plan to lower energy usage. Income-eligible households may receive up to $10,000. To qualify, a household of four in Putnam County must have an annual income of less than $124,400. In Dutchess, it's $93,408. To apply, see bit.ly/empower-NY. The Comfort Home program includes an assessment of the insulation and air-sealing needs of a home, plus a plan for improvements in those areas. Homeowners can choose one of three packages (good, better, best) and receive a rebate of up to $4,000 and federal tax credits of up to $1,200. See bit.ly/NY-comfort-home. The Residential Energy Assessment program provides one- to four-family homeowners with an energy assessment, along with recommendations to increase efficiency. No work plan is included. Homeowners can add a blower-door test, in which a contractor sets up a fan that depressurizes the home, forcing air through any cracks, for a fee. See bit.ly/energy-assess. The Mid-Hudson Clean Energy Hub provides advisors fr...

At the most basic level, nutrition is about eating a regular, balanced diet. Good nutrition helps fuel your body. The foods you eat supply the nutrients your body needs to maintain your brain, muscle, bone, nerves, skin, blood circulation, and immune system. Proper nutrition also helps protect you from illness and disease, such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and osteoporosis. For optimal health, science supports following a plant-based diet like the Mediterranean-DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) diet or MIND (Mediterranean-DASH Diet Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay) diet. Plant-based diets have been shown to have various health benefits and are linked with a lower risk of heart disease, cancer, and other chronic illnesses. As a general rule, these diets tend to recommend: Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains Choosing fat-free or low fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts and vegetable oils Limiting saturated and trans fat intake, such as fatty meats and full-fat dairy products Limiting drinks and foods that contain added sugars Restricting sodium intake while increasing consumption of potassium, magnesium and calcium Following a healthy diet has many benefits, including building strong bones, protecting your heart, preventing disease, and boosting your mood. A healthy diet typically includes nutrient-dense goods from all of the major food groups including lean proteins, whole grains, healthy fats, and fruits and vegetables of many colors. Healthy eating habits also include replacing foods that contain trans fats, added salt, and sugar with more nutritious options. Rebecca Polmateer, Program Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties, rejoins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast to talk about good nutrition and the programs and resources that are available to help residents eat healthy. Listen as she describes how to find the most nutritious foods starting with fresh local produce, frozen vegetables, fresh produce from more distant locations, followed by canned foods. Whole foods are always better than packaged/processed ones. ‘Superfoods' (e.g. blueberries, quinoa, etc.) tend to be packed with more vitamins. Lean meats are also preferable. She also talks about the importance of food labels on packaged foods. There are multiple governmental programs that can help ensure your family gets good nutrition. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) issues electronic benefits that can be used like cash to purchase food. SNAP helps low-income working people, senior citizens, the disabled and others feed their families. New York State also offers a special supplemental nutrition program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) which offers nutrition education, breastfeeding support referrals, nutritious foods. We're wishing you more thoughtful and healthy diets in the future! Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Rebecca Polmateer Photo by: MyPlate Graphics | MyPlate Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

(Jun 26, 2024) The Thousand Islands community showed their opposition at a public meeting with U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Clayton last night; the state Board of Regents is moving towards a plan to change graduation requirements, including no longer requiring the standardized Regents tests for graduation; and, This month, there were two fatal farm accidents in upstate New York. In St. Lawrence County, a dairy farm worker was tending a newborn calf when a cow charged her, killing her. Then, in central New York, two men died when they fell into a manure tanker. We'll talk with Kitty O'Neil of the Cornell Cooperative Extension about the inherent risks of farm work and measures to keep workers safe.

(May 28, 2024) A portion of the LaSalle Causeway in Kingston was damaged in late March and has been closed since. Some tour boats are stuck in the harbor behind the bridge; in the last few days of the state legislative session, Governor Hochul is focused on passing measures to limit social media companies from using addictive algorithms on kids; and Kitty O'Neil, with the Cornell Cooperative Extension, talks about the value of manure to North Country farms.

In Part 2 of this Pests and Pathogens Retrospective episode, common issues such as houseplant problems, anthracnose and powdery mildew are discussed. These are three short segments that were previously aired, but we've repackage them to easier listening. Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden, Master Gardener Volunteers from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties, are back on Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley to let you know what to look for and what you can do about it. We start with Anthracnose diseases which are caused by fungi that infect stems, branches, leaves and fruits of a wide variety of deciduous trees and shrubs as well as garden vegetables. Sycamore, ash, maple, oak and privet are especially susceptible in New York. The symptoms of these diseases are more severe in years of extended cool, wet spring weather. If you notice bugs around your houseplants, first isolate the plant and then identify the pest. Early infestations might be removed by hand picking, scraping with a fingernail or addressed using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Spraying a sturdy plant with water or an insecticidal soap will often remove many pests. In this segment, learn about common houseplant pests (e.g. aphids, mites, scales, mealy bugs, thrips, leaf miners, etc.) and the best ways to control them. Several different genera of fungi cause powdery mildew which looks like white powdery spores growing on the upper leaf surface of the lower leaves of a plant. Hear Dede and Jackie talk about this common summer pathogen by answering questions such as “What is powdery mildew?” “How do I manage a powdery mildew infestation?” or “What are best practices to minimize the odds of a reoccurrence of powdery mildew?” There's lots to learn about managing this common pathogen. Hosts: Jean Thomas Guests: Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

64% of U.S. adults have had adverse childhood experiences.A stark statistic, and one that we are paying the cultural and economic cost of.As this week's guest Julika von Stackelberg tells us, these experiences in our youth have a direct impact on our life expectancy and wellbeing in our lives.Through her work as a peaceful parenting advisor and educator with the Cornell Cooperative Extension, Julika is on a mission to empower young people and parents, nurture a community-led approach to raising our children, and help us all better self-regulate our feelings and actions.She takes us through some key definitions, outlines some trauma-informed initiatives to assist young people, and centers her advocacy on the need to keep wellbeing, not profit, at the core of policymaking.Together we can make change, build resilience, and implement measures for healing.Follow me on Instagram and Facebook @ericfethkemd and checkout my website at www.EricFethkeMD.com. My brand new book, The Privilege of Caring, is out now on Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CP6H6QN4

Welcome to another of our retrospective series which are compilations of shorter segments on related topics that were previously aired and that we've now packaged into an episode for easier access. This is the first of a three episodes focused on Pests and Pathogens. This one contains segments on diagnosing plant problems, beetles and spongy moths. These are three short segments that were previously aired, but we've repackaged them for easier listening. Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden are Master Gardener Volunteers from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties. They join the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast to provide insights on common issues that can be found in home gardens and landscapes. Diagnosing plant problems is key to coming up with the correct control mechanism. Many plant issues are caused by environmental issues, but there are times when insects, or fungal, viral, or bacterial factors are the problem. The location and the type of the damage are an important clue in determining any insect cause damage diseases. Learn how to monitor your plants and isolate the potential issue. Do you know that forty percent of all insect species are beetles? They include plant feeders, predators, scavengers as well as parasites. Typically beetles pass through four stages of development, the egg, the larva, the pupa, or the cocoon, and the adult. The larvae are commonly called grubs and the pupa is something called a chrysalis. Learn about Colorado beetles, Japanese beetles, and Lady bugs on this segment of the episode. Then stay tuned for a segment on the Spongy Moth (Lymantria dispar dispar, also formerly called the European gypsy moth) which is native to Europe and first arrived in the US in 1869. This moth is a major pest because the caterpillars have huge appetites for >300 species of trees and shrubs, posing a danger to New York's forests. The caterpillars defoliate trees, leaving them vulnerable to diseases and other pests, and can eventually kill the tree. Egg masses, which have a spongy or hair-like covering, survive through the winter months and can be moved inadvertently on household items and agricultural products. Early detection is critical to limiting the spongy moth's spread. This segment may help you to understand what can be done to manage any reoccurrence. Host: Jean Thomas Guests: Dede Terns-Thorpe and Jackie Hayden Photo by: Cornell University Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

In 2022, four Master Gardeners were looking for a new way to bring their expertise to our region, and they did so with a weekly podcast on everything from honeybees to hydrangeas; perennials and pollinators; monarchs, chickens, seeds, goats, and houseplants.  Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley is a production of Cornell Cooperative Extension, Columbia and Greene Counties. And speaking of Cornell, the seed for this podcast was planted in the midst of the American Civil War. Tune in to hear how Abraham Lincoln set that ... root ball (?) in motion! --- Thanks to this week's sponsors: Briars & Brambles Books, Hanford Mills Museum, and the Mountain Eagle. Kaatscast is made possible through a grant from the Nicholas J. Juried Family Foundation, and through the support of listeners like you!

(Apr 23, 2024) Stefanik is leading the push to get the President of Columbia University to resign amid pro-Palestinian demonstrations on campus; Hochul scored her lowest favorability rating since Siena College began tracking her in 2021, with only 40% viewing her positively, and 49% viewing her negatively; Kitty O'Neil with the Cornell Cooperative Extension talks about the uptick in avian flu during springtime and how to protect backyard flocks.

(Mar 25, 2024) A Lake George project to build housing for seasonal workers is drawing opposition, in part because of unfounded concerns it will be used to house asylum seekers; The solar eclipse is two weeks away. Watertown is planning a party and closing its city buildings; funding for a pandemic-era broadband program is set to end in April. That could make life harder for North Country residents who still don't have reliable, affordable internet; we check in with Kitty O'Neil at the Cornell Cooperative Extension to find out how these erratic spring temperatures are impacting maple producers and apple growers.

Robert Layton Beyfuss (1950-2023) was known as the ‘poet of gardening' but he wore many hats. A longtime educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties (retiring in 2009), Bob was also a well-known columnist, widely sharing his knowledge and love of gardening. In addition to being an Internationally Certified Arborist, he is perhaps best remembered as having been a passionate expert on the cultivation of ginseng. His ginseng journey began at Cornell University where he pursued a Masters degree in agriculture, after earning a Bachelors degree in botany from Rutgers University. The title of his Master's Project was “The History, Use and Cultivation of American Ginseng.” American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) is perhaps the most valuable non-timber forest crop in Eastern North America. During the course of his career, Bob authored several booklets and fact sheets about the growing of ginseng and mushrooms, including “American Ginseng Production in NY State,” “The Practical Guide to Growing Ginseng,” “Ginseng Production in Woodlots,” and “Companion Planting,” among others. He was also an advocate for forest farming as both a conservation solution and an economic opportunity. Outgoing, opiniated, thoughtful, inspirational, and listener, are some of the adjectives that described Bob. He was also an avid outdoorsman and equally loved the time he spent turkey hunting, fishing, foraging, and gardening in New York, as well as the time he spent fishing, and playing softball. In more recent years, Bob split his time between his homes in Schoharie County, NY and Florida (near his children and grandchildren). Bob Beyfuss' influence and impact on the ginseng industry are immeasurable. His own ginseng activities in New York State and his extensive cooperative extension activities outside the world of ginseng earned him, in 2021, declared a ‘State Treasure of New York”. Anna Plattner, ginseng grower and educator from Wild Hudson Valley, joins Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley in a tribute to Bob with this episode being aired on the anniversary of his birth. Anna and her husband, Justin Wexler, manage the field operations of American Ginseng Pharm (AGP), a large-scale agroforestry farm in upstate New York that uses innovative methods to cultivate American ginseng in a way that benefits both humans and the Earth. Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden Guest: Anna Plattner Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski Resources

(Feb 27, 2024) Democrats will draw their own maps for the 2024 New York Congressional races; NCPR interns ask folks at universities in Canton and Potsdam their thoughts on mild winter weather; Historians are trying to tell a truer story of the United States by including the vital role of Black people. Anne Hampton was a free Black woman from Hudson Falls in the 1800s when he husband was kidnapped and enslaved, the subject of 'Twelve Years a Slave'; how are farm animals faring in February? Kitty O'Neil of Cornell Cooperative Extension joins us for a new segment to get the latest on agriculture in our region.

The podcast team recently took a road trip to Cornell University in Ithaca, NY to meet with Ashley Helmholdt, Extension Associate, Cornell Garden-Based Learning, School of Integrative Plant Science Horticulture. With a passionate interest in garden-based learning, Ashley manages the New York State Master Gardener Volunteer and Seed to Supper programs as well as professional development for Cornell Cooperative Extension educators. She shares a bit of the history of the MGV program which recently celebrated its 50th anniversary. She's heavily involved in the continual enhancements to the program and shares her enthusiasm for what's to come. She also talks extensively about the Seed to Supper program, a six-session series, which helps new vegetable gardeners get started. Vegetable Varieties for New York State is also under her purview which is an excellent resource to help gardeners select varieties that will grow well in New York soils and climate. The Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardener Volunteer network is also working to strengthen understanding and inspire us to take action in our gardens and communities that will help address the global crisis of climate change. Supporting this effort, a curriculum is available for gardeners, homeowners, educators, volunteers, teachers, students, and anyone interested in exploring how we might examine our gardening practice through the lens of climate change mitigation and adaptation. If you are interested in the Master Gardener Program in Columbia and Greene Counties or have a gardening question, please call or email the Master Gardeners at (518) 826-3345 ext 212 or ColumbiaGreeneMGV@cornell.edu.  If you live outside these counties, please contact your local county extension office. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Ashley Helmholdt

The Master Gardener Volunteer Program is a nationwide educational program, and in New York State, consists of a corps of volunteers who are trained by Cornell Cooperative Extension in the science and art of gardening. Master Gardener Volunteers are volunteers from the community who enjoy gardening and use their horticultural skills and expertise to educate others. In return for their training, Master Gardener Volunteers donate their time teaching the community about their gardening and the environment. Master Gardener Volunteer activities might include offering lectures and workshops at libraries, schools and in the community, answering horticultural inquiries, creating and staffing horticultural booths at shows and fairs, providing advice to the public at farmer's markets, garden centers and other venues, and Increasing awareness of integrated pest management, water quality and conservation and other environmental issues. Being a Master Gardener Volunteer is both a rewarding and gratifying experience. Master Gardeners add beauty and knowledge to the many lives they touch. In this episode, Rosemary Armao joins the Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley podcast with a perspective on the Master Gardener Volunteer program. As a recent graduate of the training process in Albany County, she provides a candid discussion about the training process as well as what she's learned being a Master Gardener. Rosemary Armao, a native of Albany, is an adjunct professor of journalism at UAlbany. She has worked as a reporter and editor at various wire services and newspapers. She has trained journalists and worked on media development projects throughout Eastern Europe and Africa. She is also a former executive director of Investigative Reporters and Editors and former president of the Journalism and Women Symposium. She also has her own podcast, Armao on the Brink, which is focused on a discussion of the biggest stories across the globe that are bring society and culture to the brink of an abyss. As a relatively new Master Gardener, her MGV perspective might be of interest to anyone considering becoming one. She talks about the rigors and rewards of the program during the training as well as ‘post-graduation'. Because she took the classes during the pandemic, the process was modified due to the inability to meet in person during that time period. She discusses some of the key things she learned as a result of the training which includes leveraging the experience of other gardeners, learning from web sites of land grant universities, reading seed catalogues, and the value of hands-on experience. Rosemary helps to demystify the process of becoming an MGV and as well as what's involved with volunteering with Cornell Cooperative Extension. If you are interested in becoming a Master Gardener Volunteer, contact your local Cornell Cooperative Extension to ask about the schedule for training classes in your county. Hosts: Jean Thomas and Teresa Golden Guest: Rosemary Armao

In this episode we sit down with Amanda Dauman and discuss the focus of her organization, fishing and the commercial fishing industry. Thank you to our main show sponsors Blue Sage Day Spa Mattituck NY, Braun Seafood Company of Cutchogue NY, The Long Island Beach Buggy Association and Whitewater Outfitters of Hampton Bays NY

In this week's edition of 27Speaks, the editors talk about organized retail and car thieves targeting the South Fork, a home being built in Riverhead for Habitat for Humanity using insulated concrete forms, the arrest of a man accused of defacing sites in Montauk with antisemitic graffiti, and Kidd Squid's new Brew for The Bay Sag Harbor, a limited edition beer that, in collaboration with Cornell Cooperative Extension, will be sold to raise funds and awareness for eelgrass revitalization and oyster bed restoration.

Just in time for the return of cold weather, hear about many ways that the Capital Region Clean Energy Hub helps homeowners, renters, and businesses access energy-related resources and programs available through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Bradley Towle, from Cornell Cooperative Extension, shares information on heat pumps, solar energy programs — even for those who can't afford or install solar panels — and more. Plus the Hub has energy advisors to help people work through the options, programs, and possible financial assistance. The Hub serves Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, and five other regional counties. For more details, see www.cleanenergycapitalregion.org. Produced by Brea Barthel for Hudson Mohawk Magazine.

In this episode of Nature Calls, we're delighted to sit down with Lisa Gallina, Executive Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), Columbia and Greene Counties. Lisa's journey to CCE started with her early involvement in Cornell's Extension programs through 4-H in Dutchess County, New York. Her career path is a unique blend of environmental management, high-tech recruiting, and a return to her true passion for environmental education. Throughout our conversation, Lisa's unwavering commitment to youth programs and educational initiatives shines through, reflecting her experiences across colleges, nonprofits, and CCE programs. As the Executive Director, Lisa's role encompasses a multitude of responsibilities. She describes herself as a catalyst for positive change, emphasizing her focus on nurturing a vibrant organizational culture within CCE, ensuring financial stability, and fostering professional growth among the staff. Lisa also delves into the historical significance of Cooperative Extension programs, rooted in the Morrill Act of 1862, highlighting their pivotal role in bridging the gap between research-based knowledge and local communities. Our discussion with Lisa offers a glimpse into the diverse array of programs provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension. From youth-oriented endeavors like 4-H to comprehensive master programs for adults, including Master Gardeners and Master Forest Owners, these initiatives have a profound impact on individuals and communities alike. Lisa's passion for community engagement and her vision for a future where people unite to learn and collaborate shine through, making this episode a source of inspiration and hope for a more interconnected and informed society. Tune in to this insightful conversation for a compelling exploration of education, community building, and positive change. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Lisa Gallina, Executive Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Columbia and Greene Counties Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden, and Annie Scibienski Resources 

"I think a lot of it is really about intuition. Nothing in particular happened with me other than getting more and more unhappy. I am generally a good natured, glass half full kind of person. And I wasn't that way. I wasn't that happy go lucky person.” We are so excited to bring mom, psychotherapist, and women's divorce group facilitator, Linda Beezer to the show! Linda is also a former student of Courtney's, which may explain why this conversation feels like a cozy chat between two souls who have experienced the total-life-upheaval experience of divorce. Linda offers listeners insights into her own story alongside excellent clinical perspectives, such a the supportive roles of friends, family, therapists, and small groups such as the one she runs (link below!). This conversation also touches upon identity, grit, resilience, intuition, trust, and Courtney and Linda's other shared experience — parenting kids with special needs! About our guest:Linda Beezer (she/her) aims to help clients clarify their goals, assist them in working through issues from their past that are impacting their present, explore their strengths, and to learn positive ways to cope when problems arise. Linda is experienced in and passionate about providing counseling for individuals, couples, and families of all backgrounds who wish to create lasting change but are feeling stuck in unhealthy patterns. She has a warm and open therapeutic style, and approaches therapy from the belief that everyone longs to be seen and understood. From this perspective, Linda strives to understand clients' needs, and works collaboratively and with cultural sensitivity to establish a strong therapeutic alliance and to create a space where people can feel supported, heard, and cared for. By using a person-centered approach incorporating elements of evidence-based treatment, such as cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness, Linda works closely, supportively, and non-judgmentally with clients to aid them in becoming more comfortable in their own skin, more empowered, with less anxiety and worry, and with increased confidence and sense of self-worth. This allows for more fulfilling relationships, and to live life with a sense of purpose, peace, and joy. Linda has spent the past several decades advocating for services for individuals with developmental disabilities which will ultimately enhance the quality of their lives. Her volunteer experience includes having served on the Board of Directors for Crystal Run Village, Inc., an agency which provides services for empowerment of people with disabilities, as well as volunteer work with Cornell Cooperative Extension in conjunction with their Relatives as Parents Program. Linda received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology and her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from State University of New York at New Paltz. Learn more about Transitions: Women's Divorce/Separation Support Group with Linda Beezer, LMHC here. More about Linda's clinical work can be found here: https://maverickpsychotherapygroup.com/linda-beezer Linda's Psychology Today Profile Join us next week when we return with a brand new episode! Don't forget to rate, review, and subscribe wherever you are listening — and if you're loving this content, please share it with a friend. They might love it, too! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pragmaticalchemy/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/pragmaticalchemy/support

What makes Sour Rot so challenging for wine grape growers is that it is a disease complex. Hans C. Walter-Peterson, Viticulture Extension Specialist, Finger Lakes Grape Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension explains that Sour Rot comes in late season after ripening.  Yeasts get into the berries and ferment the sugar out in the vineyard. Bacteria follow up, feasting on the alcohol, converting it into acetic acid – an unwelcome component in winemaking. And, the disease is spread rapidly by fruit flies. In this interview Hans shares methods to reduce Sour Rot disease pressure by managing increasingly resistant fruit fly populations, leafing to encourage fewer berries at fruit set, the correct way to drop fruit, and timing antimicrobial and insecticide sprays to Brix to maximize effectiveness. Cornell Cooperative Extension is trialing non-chemical control practices including UV light for sterilization and hormonal sprays plus a disease model is under development with Penn State University. Resources: 17: New Discoveries about Sour Rot – Megan Hall (Podcast) 117: Grapevine Mildew Control with UV Light - David Gadoury (Podcast) 159: Under-Vine Vegetation to Control Vine Vigor – Justine Vanden Heuvel (Podcast) Alice Wise, Cornell Cooperative Extension Control of Sour Rot via Chemical and Canopy Management Techniques Hans Walter-Peterson, Cornell Cooperative Extension Hans Walter-Peterson ResearchGate Influence of timing and intensity of fruit zone leaf removal and kaolin applications on bunch rot control and quality improvement of Sauvignon blanc grapes, and wines, in a temperate humid climate Insecticide Resistance in Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera: Drosophilidae) is Associated with Field Control Failure of Sour Rot Disease in a New York Vineyard Managing Fruit Flies for Sour Rot Summer Bunch Rot (Sour Rot) Pest Management UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines Wendy McFadden-Smith, PhD., Ontario References: Vineyard Team Programs: Juan Nevarez Memorial Scholarship - Donate SIP Certified – Show your care for the people and planet   Sustainable Ag Expo – The premiere winegrowing event of the year - $50 OFF with code PODCAST23 Sustainable Winegrowing On-Demand (Western SARE) – Learn at your own pace Vineyard Team – Become a Member Get More Subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode on the latest science and research with the Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast. Since 1994, Vineyard Team has been your resource for workshops and field demonstrations, research, and events dedicated to the stewardship of our natural resources. Learn more at www.vineyardteam.org.   Transcript Craig Macmillan  0:00  Here with us today is Hans Walter-Peterson. He is a viticulture extension specialists with the Finger Lakes Grape Program, part of Cornell Cooperative Extension. Thanks for being our guest today.   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  0:12  Thanks for having me. Glad to be here.   Craig Macmillan  0:14  You've been doing a lot of work on a situation I'll call it called Sour Rot on grapes. And that's what we're gonna talk about today. Let's start with some basic definitions. What exactly is Sour Rot?   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  0:24  So sour rot is pretty much what it sounds like. It's one of the late season rots that can afflict grapes comes in after ripening starts so much like Botrytis, bunch rot some of these other types of rots that that growers might be familiar with. So it's another version of that, but it comes along with the bonus of acetic acid, every rot kind of brings its own different compounds to the party. Sour rot brings one that really is not terribly welcome in winemaking, you know, essentially the the main component of vinegar. It's a particularly rough type of rot. We really are getting some more challenging years with it past several years. So my program has really started to focus in on what we can do to try to keep it under control.   Craig Macmillan  1:09  You know, I understand that part of the issue here. Is that sour rot is a disease complex. There's multiple actors involved in all of this. Can you tell us what some of those pieces are of that complex and how they interact to create sour rot?   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  1:23  Yeah, it's probably the thing that makes sour rot a more difficult thing to manage than kind of the standard diseases, the regular diseases that most growers are used to dealing with like powdery mildew, downy mildew, because those are created those are developed by one type of microbe. So if you find the one thing that can control that one microbe, you've got a control measure. With sour rot it's a like you said it's a complex of multiple organisms that bring it about. So basically, there are yeasts, the yeasts get into the berries and take the sugar that's being developed in there, and they do exactly what we use yest for in winemaking takes the sugar and turns it into alcohol. So we'd get a fermentation starting within the berries out in the vineyard. The second part of it that happens then is that there are bacteria that follow up and also arrive in there most notably Acetobacter, but also some other things like Gluconobacter and Henseniaspora. This is some great work that was done by Wendy McFadden-Smith in Ontario a number of years ago. So they all kind of come in and feast on that alcohol and convert that alcohol into acetic acid. So thereby there's the sour of sour rot. The piece that comes after that, then is not just the sour rot. But then the thing that probably is really characteristic of it also, as with some of these other rots, but it spreads really quickly in a vineyard if the conditions are right. And that's mainly done by fruit flies. And it's not just the one that we've been hearing a lot about lately, the Spotted Wing Drosophila, Drosophila suzukii but it's also just your plain old Drosophila melanogaster, the ones you used in your your high school genetics classes, or college genetic classes and see on your fruit around the sink and stuff like that. Those fruit flies, for the most part, mostly fruit flies are a couple of other suspects in the mix, too. But they're the ones that spread it from berry to berry and cluster to cluster and block the block.   Craig Macmillan  3:13  Are they spreading the yeast, the bacteria are both.   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  3:16  All of the above.   Craig Macmillan  3:17  Okay, so that's it,   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  3:18  They're gonna freeride. So that's, that's the difficulty with it. If it was just, you know, like I was saying earlier, if it's something like black rot, or botrytis, where it's just one single causal organism, that's one story. And that's hard enough to control when you've got multiple types of organisms that aren't even directly related. I mean, yeast and bacteria are very different types of organisms, for example, we don't have a spray or a single thing that control that. And so that's the real difficulty with managing it year in and year out.   Craig Macmillan  3:48  So this just made me think of something. One way of thinking about disease complexes is if I can remove one of the elements, or two of the elements I can at least reduce if not prevent or treat the disease is that the case with sour rot if I had no bacteria, if I didn't have a yeast or something like that, can I get rid of one of them and and help with this?   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  4:09  Yeah, that's that's a really good point. As I said earlier, you need the two micro organisms to cause the sour of the sour at the acetic acid development, but then you need a vector to move them through the vineyard. And that's the fruit flies. So if you can control the fruit flies, you have less chance for those microorganisms to move through the vineyard. If you create a less hospitable host for the microbes, there's less of them to be moved around by the fruit flies. So the management strategies that we're looking at are trying to come at it from both directions. Some of the original work that was done on this recently here at Cornell by a grad student, Dr. Megan Hall, who I believe you had on the show a while back.   Craig Macmillan  4:50  I had in the show, and I know her yes.   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  4:53  In Megan's original work here at Cornell. She basically found that it was somewhat more effective to control the fruit flies than to control the microbes that just the microbes by themselves could cause a certain amount of rot. But then if you're controlling the fruit flies, it just you don't get that explosive growth.   Craig Macmillan  5:10  The fruit flies in the gasoline.   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  5:12  Right. Exactly. Yeah. The microbes are the fuel. Yes. So that was the impetus of kind of saying, Okay, if you had a control just one thing, it's the fruit flies, because that's really where the explosive nature of the disease comes along. And it's a little bit easier to control a bug than it is microbes that are hiding inside the skins of berries and things like that.   Craig Macmillan  5:31  Where do the microbes come from? are they hanging out under the bark of the vine? Are they inside of shoots? Are they out in the environment and get blown on?   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  5:43  They're pretty ubiquitous in the environment, talk about a lot about Native fermentations and yeast coming in from the vineyard. So there's so they're there. And the bacteria are as well, I don't know, it's some of the exact overwintering mechanisms. And if we know all about that, somebody probably does, I just don't, but it's my understanding is they're they're pretty native in our neck of the woods. They just, they're they're pretty much all the time.   Craig Macmillan  6:05  Are there environmental conditions that are particularly conducive to promoting Sour Rot. And then also are there environmental conditions that will prevent it or retard it?   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  6:16  So the big thing that gets sour rot going is for some way for the microbes to get into the berries in the first place. Predominantly in grapes, we think about that as either being insects, birds, or water. Here in the east, obviously, we get rain throughout the growing season, including during the harvest season, we have high humidity days, plenty of times. And so those are the kinds of conditions where we see greater incidence of sour rot develop. When the vines take up water, or the berries take up water either through rainfall or just the atmosphere, and then the berries swell up, they can't handle all the water they have and they split or you have a very tight clustered variety, that just the berries start getting forced apart, and they just break by force. So those entry wounds however they're caused, is how it gets started. So we know here in New York that if we have a dry fall days, with not many days with dew points above 70, and all those kinds of things, we don't see very much sour rot develop, we might see a little Botrytis here and there. But for the most part, we don't see it. And a lot of that is because we just don't have the humidity to kind of build up the water in the berry to cause it split the years where we have it bad. On the contrary, that's that's when we see more water, more rainfall, more high humidity days, that's when we see more splitting and therefore more sour rot. Much like most other diseases, the warmer it gets, the faster it can progress. And the same thing with insects, the fruit flies at a at a lower temperature. It takes them longer for a next generation to develop. And so the warmer it gets, they get faster too. So yeah, so warm and wet.   Craig Macmillan  7:55  So cool and dry would be the opposite would be the desirable.   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  7:59  So that would be best.   Craig Macmillan  8:01  That actually that just reminded me of something. My experience has all been on the Central Coast California. This only happened once. And that was with some Pinot Noir that came in that had quite a lot of Botrytis damage. And the winemaker had us go through and sort then not simply sort out Botrytis and throw it away, but by hand sorted and then smell it for sour is something like Botrytis or a scar from powdery mildew or something like that. Is that Is that also a possible entry for the organisms?   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  8:33  Yes, very often we see Botrytis and sow rot in the same cluster. Because it's the same thing. Botrytis is a very weak pathogen, it needs a place to kind of get established like a wound. And so same thing with sour rot. We do know that, like you're just saying powdery mildew scars can create micro fissures in the skin. And later on in the season, those can start to tear apart even if you can't see them, especially around the pedicel near the stem where the stem connects to the berry. They're going to be micro fissures that those micro organisms can take advantage of as well. So those conditions are pretty similar for for other kinds of rots as well.   Craig Macmillan  9:11  Are there cultural practices or preventative or prophylactic practices that growers can use that might help manage this?   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  9:17  Yes, probably the biggest one that we know of and we're trying to get a little bit better handle on as far as how to use it for this purpose. So we know that if you pull leaves before bloom are right at the very beginning of bloom, you will reduce berry set you basically kind of starve the the clusters, the flowering clusters of carbohydrates and other nutrients and so they don't set as many berries. You have a looser cluster. Those clusters don't swell up they don't like I was talking before kind of force berries off, they dry out faster. All the good things we like about looser clusters pulling leaves at that very early, just pre bloom or very early bloom stage can reduce berries set pretty consistently year in and year out. out and help to reduce that cluster compactness aspect of rot development.   Craig Macmillan  10:05  I think it's the first time I've ever heard of a intentional shatter. Usually we're all we're all praying that we don't have what you're describing.   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  10:14  Yeah. Well, I mean, you think about table grape growers do this fairly often, they try to make more room on the cluster so that they can have larger berries, which consumers want. And so we're not worried about it. obviously, for consumer sentiment, we're worried about that for disease pressure, there's definitely a cost to it. You're reducing your yield as a grower from the standpoint of just how many grapes you're going to carry. But you also might be saving more yield later on in the year and not having to drop fruit before you send it off to the winery   Craig Macmillan  10:40  In your area. You've got wine grapes, obviously, but also there's a lot of Concord production there. And is it mostly for juice is that right?   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  10:48  Mostly for juice, yep.   Craig Macmillan  10:49  I'm assuming this problem applies there as well.   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  10:52  Concords really don't get sour rot very much, partly because their clusters more open, they don't set a tight cluster. If you think like a Pinot Noir cluster, or Chardonnay, or Riesling, they're much more loose like that. They also have much thicker skins, so they tend not to split quite as easily, they can still split, but we tend not to see sour rot develop on them. And I, I'm not totally sure why that is. But part of it from at least on a production level, a lot of our Concord gets picked before it gets much more than 16, 17 Brix. We know with sour with sour rot, we don't see symptoms start to develop until you get to 13 or 14. And I think that's partly a result of just how much sugar is in the berry, but also the relation of sugar and acid because microbes can't tolerate a certain acidic level of environment also. And so this is kind of an educated speculation right now. But I think that's part of the reason we don't see it in something like Concord and Niagara and some of these these juice varieties is that we pick it at a relatively low Brix, as opposed to wine varieties where we're picking 20 Plus.   Craig Macmillan  11:57  Right, right, exactly, exactly. Continuing on the cultural thing. I one thing that growers do for both try to fend for grape powdery mildew. They may go through and they may drop infected crop when they first see it. This sounds like this gets spread around, can you crop drop with this and control the spread?   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  12:17  The challenge with this is if and I've seen this happen in a couple of places. If you drop crop that's starting to rot and just leave it on the ground near the vines. What does it do when it's on the ground? It continues to rot. Right? It doesn't it doesn't stop and the fruit flies can easily go from the ground back up to the canopy and back down to the ground back up to the canopy.   Craig Macmillan  12:35  Find another Fissure or whatever.   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  12:37  Right, exactly. So another part of the challenge that is ideally you're not just dropping the crop and leaving it there in the vineyard, you got to kind of take it out so that it's not around that healthy fruit. Because otherwise those microbes will be back. You know, they get blown around on wind again or carried by fruit flies. And they'll find another fissure to get into.   Craig Macmillan  12:57  Can you cultivate it? Can you can you tell it under?   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  13:00  You probably could. Yeah, we don't do that much tillage in our in our vineyard rows just because we have all the rain we maintain cover crops between the vineyards all year round. Otherwise we'd slide all over the place.   Craig Macmillan  13:11  Yeah, no, absolutely. Of course. Yeah. I've talked to Justine Vanden Heuvel about undervine cover cropping and things and I was like, This is crazy. Going to California perspective. That's nuts. And she was like, Craig, you have no idea how much water is in the ground. It would be a mess if we didn't which is which is really interesting. So okay, so that's not gonna work. Do we have anything in the chemical realm for prophylactic sprays?   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  13:33  Prophylactics per se not so much what we've been looking at lately, a colleague of mine out on Long Island Alice Wise for about three or four years now we've been looking at a couple of materials that are designed to enhance the cuticle thickness around the berries basically as a way to try to see if we can prevent cracking. One of them was originally developed to reduce cracking and cherries.   Craig Macmillan  13:54  What materials are we talking about?   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  13:56  So the material we've been working with is a combination of materials, some waxes and carbohydrates and some other things that kind of just bind to that cuticle around the berry and just thicken it up. Literally from everything I've seen, it works in cherries to prevent this cracking. We've been looking at two versions of these, this material they both developed at Oregon State actually one produces a thinner cuticle and other one produces a much thicker one. And we've tested them both. And we haven't seen any difference in sour rot from using these materials. Now we've had kind of some kind of weird years when we've been testing this, we've had a couple of years where we had a lot of sour rot and a couple of years where we had almost none. So it it hasn't been the best time to be testing this. But in the two years that we've had sour rot, it didn't seem to do very much in the way of reducing it to the point that you could justify spending, you know the time and effort to do it. The only other kind of sprays that we're looking at at this point are things like hydrogen peroxide and proxy acetic acid, then there's some there's some commercial products that are out there that contain one or both of those ingredients. And those are basically just antimicrobials I mean, they they burn whatever they touch. You know, same thing like when you get a cut on your arm, you put hydrogen peroxide on there it disinfects. So that's basically what we're doing for the microbes. And it works pretty well. The key always is coverage, because it has to hit it. As soon as that material hits, hits that grape hits a microbe, whatever, it starts to convert to water, basically those those materials, if you don't have good coverage, if you can't get the material to where the microbes are hanging out, it's not going to be terribly effective. And so that's the that's always the challenge with those kinds of things. But they they do work to the extent that they can reach.   Craig Macmillan  15:36  To some extent, yeah, and again, this is going to be another issue with cluster architecture. Obviously, this is terrifying. As I'm sure everybody in the state of New York and elsewhere, certainly not limited to New York, New York, as far as I know. Okay, now I've got it. It's getting started. Maybe I caught it early, maybe I didn't know what what can I do?   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  15:59  The standard treatment that we have at this point is that either when you get to that 13, 14 Brix number or you start to see it show up, and most growers will wait until they see it show up. The standard practice is basically to start this combination of an antimicrobial and an insecticide to kind of keep it under control and try to keep it from getting to that explosive stage. The challenge with that is that fruit flies under the right conditions. And if it's above 70 degrees or so they're generation time is every six to seven days.   Craig Macmillan  16:33  Oh, wow.   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  16:33  New generation of these things at their at their utmost or at their best. Essentially, we need to be spraying every seven, eight days to try to keep this under wraps. What we've found, and this is more good news, what we found is that we are identifying a lot of populations of fruit flies here in New York, not just in the Finger Lakes, but in some other areas that we've been testing to where their fruit flies have quickly developed resistance.   Craig Macmillan  16:59  That's how they do it, isn't it.   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  17:00  And so what we've seen is that basically the fruit flies have developed resistance to a couple of these materials. We've tested them on a couple of different pyrethroids, a couple of organophosphates, a couple of other materials and found pretty high levels of resistance in the lab, at least, when we've tested them. It has pointed out to us very quickly that this is not a problem that that chemistry alone can solve. All right, there we go. Okay, that's kind of leading us in the direction of maybe not necessarily replacing chemicals completely. It'd be nice if we could, but at least supplementing some of these other cultural and non chemical practices like the leaf pulling, I was mentioning earlier to try to reduce the need for those sprays, if, again, if not eliminate it all together.   Craig Macmillan  17:42  And so what kind of research projects do you have going right now on this topic?   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  17:44  We've got a few that we're that we're kind of looking at, again, kind of tackle this from a couple different directions, we're doing some a little bit more work on that leaf pulling aspect, we've done some work, my colleagues and some other people in around the country have looked at mechanical leaf removal at that pre bloom stage and found that it works pretty well as well. There are certainly hormonal sprays that can be used. We mentioned with like with table grapes, tuberculinic acid can be used to to kind of stretch the racus and give the berries more room basically. So it kind of reducing that cluster compactness. And one of the things that I'm particularly kind of interested in and excited about is the potential for UV light to play a role in this.   Craig Macmillan  18:25  I am curious about this UV light thing, I'm hearing more about it and I'm getting kind of excited.   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  18:31  UV light is basically just another sterilant that we use. So almost all of our wastewater treatment plants have UV light to sterilize the waters that's coming through the plant. So it does the same job that these hydrogen peroxide peroxy acetic acid materials do, but we don't have to worry as much about coverage. If we apply it right. One of the pathologists here, Dave Gadoury, has done a lot of work on using UV light to control different plant diseases in grapes, normally powdery mildew, which is very effective against, but one of the things that they found kind of along the way is that they were also reducing sour rot in this test plot that they were working in. And so if again, if you kind of think about it, you're if you use the right dosage and the right retention time and da, da, da, you're basically have an antibiotic material, but it's not a chemical. It's a physical one, I'm very interested in looking at the potential for UV light to not only control powdery mildew, which would be a lovely thing, which is, but also can we use it to minimize the sour rot incidents and those microbes that are causing it, as well. So we've got a small trial is kind of a proof of concept thing we've done last year, and now this year, if it works as well as it did last year, we're going to kind of try to expand that work a little bit further and try to see how do we incorporate that into a potential grower practice, you know, how, how often do you need to do it? What's the what's the light intensity? Do you have to do it a day or at night, which is one of the considerations you have to have. So There's a bunch of things that we still need to look at, to turn it to make it something that growers can be really rely on as a potential possible part of this solution. That UV thing is really kind of exciting to me. We also are a little further down the road, we're really trying to work on with some folks at Penn State and a couple of other places on developing a model based on climatic conditions that promote sow rot. So it just kind of can we predict when it's going to be coming, if we know that we're going to have five days of 80% humidity or whatever, there was actually just a really interesting study that's come out of Uruguay that I just heard about a couple of weeks ago at the GiESCO conference that was held here in Ithica, where they saw an impact on bunch rots, they were looking specifically at Botrytis, by having undervine cover crops, where they had those underground cover crops, they saw less Botrytis and less bunch rot than they did where they had like a weed free herbicide strip. So that's something I'd like to follow up on as well, I'd be curious about and then kind of the I won't even say sci fi because this stuff seems to come along so quickly. Now. We work with a couple of really wonderful pathologists and engineers here at Cornell, I was talking to a couple of them about this last year. And they said, I bet it'd be pretty easy to develop a sensor that we could stick out in the vineyard that could detect acetic acid far earlier than any nose could and just be like, Okay, here's your early warning. You know, it's kind of an early warning sensor, it's starting to develop, let's go find it and and try it, see if we can prophylactically take care of it early on. So there's just some some things that we're starting to bandy about as far as kind of further down the road. But I do think kind of the immediate thing that I would really like to are trying to put together is can we take the practices like UV light, loosening cluster architecture, changing cluster architecture in order to reduce that environment that's promoting sour rot? And then also try what can we do on the chemical end to reduce the need for those sprays?   Craig Macmillan  21:50  Right, right. So there's some stuff coming down the pike here, that's really good. That's really, really great. And thank you and everybody else who's working on this. How big of an economic impact is this for folks?   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  22:00  It can be one of the most significant economic diseases in grapes. In 2018, we had a particularly bad year here. And I know some growers who had to drop almost half their crop of Riesling on the ground before the harvesters came through. And so if you think about a three to four ton average crop, that's a few $1,000 an acre that you're losing. So I mean, no diseases are good. But I mean, that's a pretty profound one. And again, as I was saying earlier, the thing that's so hard about it is that you've already put almost all of your work and money into that crop all the way from pruning to spraying and all the handwork and everything. And then in a bad week, to all of a sudden, just as somebody called it go to snark my favorite descriptions of sour rot seems like the perfect word for it. It's just it's a really kind of a, obviously financially, but kind of almost as much emotionally devastating feeling.   Craig Macmillan  22:57  If there's one thing, message piece of advice. One thing that you would tell growers on this topic, what would it be?   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  23:05  I'd say probably the biggest and easiest thing you could do right now, to reduce sour rot is that early leaf pulling, we just know that cluster architecture, it makes a big difference in how much rot develops, you might still get some, but it won't be nearly as profound and prolific as it would be otherwise, we have just as a very quick example of it, we have a hybrid variety here called Vignoles we use in all of our sour rot studies, because if you just say the words and it gets sour Rot. Some work that's been done by some colleagues of mine, and some folks at USDA, they basically come up with, they've created two loose clustered clones of Vignoles and so those clusters, obviously, are much less compact than the kind of the standard one. And the amount of disease that is in those clusters is drastically lower than what's in kind of the standard, the standard clone of Vignoles. It's one of those things that just kind of is really illustrative when you see it and just kind of realize that, you know, again, you can still find a few berries here and there that'll have it but you just won't see this entire two panel stretch that's just kind of wiped out by it or whatever doing that that leaf pulling to kind of open up the clusters, I think is probably the right now the biggest thing you can do.   Craig Macmillan  24:19  Interesting. Well then we're running out of time. I want to thank our guest, Hans Walter-Peterson viticulture extension specialist at the Finger Lakes grape program, part of Cornell Cooperative Extension. fascinating conversation, keep up the good work. I think a lot of people are depending upon you.   Hans C. Walter-Peterson  24:38  We're doing what we can see. It's becoming a bigger and bigger problem with climate change around here. We know we've seen it increasing in recent years. So yeah, it's it's one we'd really like to get our hands around better.   Nearly Perfect Transcription by https://otter.ai

The Suffolk County Farm and Education Center's mission is to provide hands-on research-based learning to all residents with themes in agriculture, animal sciences, history, STEM, healthy living, and life skills in a unique year-round learning environment and in community spaces. The Farm's vision is to connect with our agricultural heritage and to pave the way for a bright, healthy, and sustainable future.Today are venturing to the Little Farmers Preschool! HERE'S WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THIS EPISODE: Early Childhood Programs​ on the Suffolk County Farm and Education CenterFarm ActivitiesWeather on the FarmHands-on Learning Activities Learning as a Sensory ExperienceNature is the "Third Teacher" ~ Areas of the FarmEmergent Curriculum on the FarmUsing Art to Guide CurriculumOutdoor Classroom Tour & Talk picturesMEET MAIA: Maia G. Lewis is the Early Childhood Coordinator with Cornell Cooperative Extension at the Suffolk County Farm and Education Center. Her main focus is with the team that designs and implements Little Farmers Preschool, an outdoor play-based program for children 3 - 5 years old. Maia has her bachelor's degree in early childhood education from Stonehill College and is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Curriculum and Instructional Design at Penn State. She has worked within CCE in numerous different roles over the past ten years; starting as a camp counselor during summer breaks in college. Maia is passionate about creating opportunities to preserve the simple joys of childhood, helping foster children's relationships with the natural world, and preparing young learners for all aspects of life, not just for kindergarten.CONTACT MAIA: EMAIL: ml2276@cornell.eduWEBSITE

"There was a guy in my office for years, who used to refer to people like me as hobby farmers. And it drove me crazy. One day I finally said, “You know what? These hobby farmers, if they are getting up every day, and taking care of animals, it's not a hobby. A hobby is something you do when you feel like doing it.” Karen Hoffman started working for Cornell Cooperative Extension for a few years after grad school, and then began working for USDA-NRCS as an Animal Scientist to help dairy farmers convert to grazing more successfully. She is now the State Grazing Specialist for NY, although she still reminds folks that she's an animal scientist inside. Her farming journey began in 2011 when she and her partner Jack decided to raise sheep and beef cattle and market their meat locally. They bought a small farm and started with 5 Dorset ewes that he already owned. Much of the land needed to be reclaimed, which they did with a lot of manual labor and animal impact. Links: Peaceful by Nature Farm email Peaceful by Nature Farm Facebook FAMACHA⁠ scoring Grasstravanganzainfo: https://grasstravaganza.morrisville.edu/   Drop a review at www.choosingtofarm.com   Join our Patreon! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/choosingtofarm/message

In late 2022, we caught up with friend-of-the-show Yolanda Gonzalez, a Cornell Cooperative Extension agent and urban agriculture expert, about all of her exciting work. We talk about Yolanda's path into agriculture, the general purpose of Cooperative Extension, how Cornell came to set up a branch for commercial urban growers in NYC, and the kinds of support that Harvest NY offers to different urban growers today. Specifically, we dive into the online Community Mushroom Educator (CME) Training program, which Yolanda directs, the upcoming courses based on the USDA-funded project The Promise of Urban Agriculture, and the Urban Farmer to Farmer Summit, which Yolanda co-organizes. We also talk about the new NYC Office of Urban Agriculture and the future of urban ag in NYC. It's an enlightening conversation!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support Fields by becoming a member!Fields is Powered by Simplecast.

It's officially summer, meaning that many of you might be spending a lot of time in the front or backyard, caring for your lawn. There are many different ways to go about lawncare, some of which require more resources than others, like water, fertilizers, and pesticides. But there are also more eco-friendly sustainable ways to grow a lawn. Michele Bakacs and Amy Rowe, Rutgers associate professors and extension agents, join to give us tips for lawncare and take your calls and questions. Here are some sustainable landscaping resources that our guests shared with us: Rutgers Organic Land Care website Frequently Asked Questions About Native Plants National Wildlife Federation Keystone Plants by Ecoregion Supporting Bees in Your Garden and on Your Farm Incorporating Native Plants Into Your Residential Landscape   Don't guess! Soil test! When managing your lawn it's important not to put down any chemicals/ fertilizers until you have a soil test indicating your soil's needs. Rutgers Soil Testing Laboratory Cornell Soil Testing Services   Cornell Cooperative Extension County offices for questions in NY Rutgers Cooperative Extension county office for questions in NJ

New numbers from the state labor department show continued growth in the Rochester area, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County's Blocks in Bloom is getting accolades from an international gardeners' group, and Rochester is investing in the quality of its parks.

Jared Dyer, an entomology educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County New York wanders with us to discuss what Integrated Pest Management is, how parasitoid wasps help control unwanted species, and his research on one of those parasitoid wasps, the Samurai Wasp. 

Do you know about the ghost pots lurking in the Long Island Sound? Join us as we dive into this serious issue with our expert guest, Scott Curitolo Wagamon, a senior resource educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Suffolk County and director of the Fisheries Department. Scott sheds light on the lobster die-off of 1999-2000 and how the derelict lobster program was created to help remove these ghost pots, which have a major impact on the fishing industry.In this eye-opening discussion, we explore the impact of ghost pots on the blackfish fishery of Long Island Sound and how it's led to increased prices and a targeted fishery. Scott shares the challenges of finding qualified lobstermen and the potential for new technology to address the problem, as well as the importance of managing the blackfish fishery to ensure a healthy population.Finally, we delve into the complexities of the Long Island Sound recreational fishing industry and the role of ghost pots on the blackfish fishery. Discover how decisions made by the Mid-Atlantic Council and Southern Atlantic Council have altered the size and number of fish subject to harvest restrictions. Scott also gives us a glimpse into the striped bass specific project and strategies to protect this precious resource for anglers. So, tune in and learn how we can all support the recreational fishing industry in combating the ghost pots menace.

Today, on the Hudson Mohawk Magazine, First, state lawmakers joined 100 advocates at the NY State Capitol to demand that the NYS Legislature pass the NY HEAT Act before the end of session. Mark Dunlea shares audio from various advocates from the rally. Then, Moses Nagel speaks with Terry Diggory of the Saratoga Immigration Coalition about some more compassionate ways to conceive the recent influx of asylum seekers. Later on, we talk with Pete Tridish, a technician for community radio stations After that, we hear from the Master Gardeners at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Greene and Columbia counties about all things asparagus. Finally, this week's “Talking with Poets” is a replay of Thom Francis's conversation with Mary Panza and her poem, "We're Barefoot People."

In this weekly “Producers' Picks” episode - where we highlight past standout interview segments - we feature: Local Hispanic community activist, Alex Burgos; we revisit our sit-down with some participants of the 4-H after-school youth program through Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County; and finally, we go back to VillaCon with our tour guide from the Wakanda Alliance, Anthony Pierce.

Are you looking for inspiration to connect with nature and improve your gardening skills? In this episode of Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley, Master Gardener Volunteers from Cornell Cooperative Extension share their expertise on potatoes, dry shade gardening, and ground covers and vines. Looking for something different to make with potatoes? In Patch to Plate, Annie Scibienski's tips for preparing potatoes will have your mouth watering for a healthy and delicious meal. She recommends avoiding foil and microwaves when cooking and suggests adding herbs or other ingredients for added flavor. Next up, in Made in the Shade, Barbara Bravo's recommendations for drought-tolerant plants that thrive in dry shade are a game-changer for those struggling to cultivate their gardens. Epimedium, brunnera, liriope, hellebores and carex are all options that may work for you. And finally, in The Cover Up, Jean Thomas and Tim Kennelty discuss the benefits of sedges, bearberry and trailing arbutus as ground covers and vines that support pollinators and provide shelter for insects and birds. Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn from these experts and take your gardening skills to the next level. Tune in to Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley and discover new ways to connect with the natural world around us. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guests: Annie Scibienski, Barbara Bravo Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Teresa Golden and Annie Scibienski Resources

A visit to the weekly after-school program put together by the 4-H program through Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County and the Erie County Restorative Justice Coalition. Young people of Buffalo will share their thoughts on race, their city and their futures. And we'll be joined live by India Walton, candidate for the Masten District Common Council seat.

The Rochester City School District is looking for community input on its budget book for the upcoming year, local colleges and universities are expanding their coursework on artificial intelligence, and Cornell Cooperative Extension is providing a mental health hotline for farmers stressed about the rising cost of inflation.

Did you know that there are 800 species of eels? They are an important element of the natural food web as well as a source of food and bait. Eels are born in the ocean but live most of their lives in fresh water, before returning to the ocean to spawn. The American eels are born in the seas around Bermuda, before they start a year-long migration to the Hudson River. They can be found along the Atlantic coast including the Chesapeake Bay up to the Saint Lawrence River region. Join Kelsey Jean West from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Dutchess County in a fascinating discussion about eels, including a research project that counts the eels that migrate up to the Hudson River. There is still a lot of mystery around the eel, so the citizen science research project that has been going on for over 13 years helps the Department of Environmental Conservation make regulatory decisions to help protect this endangered species. The Hannacroix Creek is one of twelve locations along the Hudson River where local volunteers count the glass eels (the one year old American eels in the third of six stages of maturity) as they reach their freshwater homes where they stay through adulthood. They eventually grow to be up to 4 feet long and as heavy as 17 pounds and can live anywhere between 10 to twenty years in fresh water. Then they eventually return to their birthplace in the Atlantic Ocean where they spawn at the end of their lives, and the cycle starts again. Learn more about eels including how you can engage with this citizen science project on the podcast, Nature Calls: Conversations from the Hudson Valley. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guest: Kelsey Jean West Photo by: Tim Kennelty Production Support: Linda Aydlett and Teresa Golden

Under vine cover crops can both improve soil health and control vine vigor. Justine Vanden Heuvel, Professor and Chair of the Horticulture Section School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University and Michela Centinari Associate Professor of Viticulture at the Department of Plant Science at Penn State University have trialed different cover crops to find the best plants for vineyards. By adding a cover crop under the vine, growers can impact the size of the vine by stopping vegetative growth at version. Ground cover has additional benefits on the soil including decreasing the impact of water drops, improved water infiltration, increased carbon, soil aggregate stability, and microbial activity. Listen in to learn which cover crops are best to improve the overall sustainability of a vineyard. References: 25: Under-Vine Cover Crops (podcast) Floor Management for Soil Health | Dr. Craig Macmillan Hans Walter-Peterson Webpage Justine Vanden Heuvel Website Justine Vanden Houvel's Twitter Justine Vanden Heuvel's YouTube playlist Michela Centinari's Penn State Extension webpage Michela Centinari's Twitter SIP Certified The Centinari Lab at Penn State Under-Vine Vegetation Mitigates the Impacts of Excessive Precipitation in Vineyards Vineyard Team – Become a Member Get More Subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode on the latest science and research with the Sustainable Winegrowing Podcast. Since 1994, Vineyard Team has been your resource for workshops and field demonstrations, research, and events dedicated to the stewardship of our natural resources. Learn more at www.vineyardteam.org.   Transcript Craig Macmillan  0:00  Today our guests are Justine Vanden Houvel from Cornell University and Michela Centinari from Penn State University. And we're going to talk about some really exciting work they've been doing around the topic of under vine vegetation. Thank you both for being here.   Justine Vanden Houvel  0:14  Thanks, Craig.   Craig Macmillan  0:16  Tell us a little bit first of all about what under vine vegetation kind of is, to me that sounds like weeds coming from California. To me, that means weeds and it's gotta go. Your work is looking at some maybe some benefits of it and things that might help in the eastern United States at least, can you tell me kind of what the basic definitions of these things are?   Michela Centinari  0:33  I understand why you think you know, that the under vine vegetation should go because I'm from Italy. And also we don't like to see weeds. Cover crops grown under the vines, because it's a dry, you know, hot warm climate. Is a little different for us here in the eastern United States and the Northeast US, because we have a very different weather conditions, you know, it's more or less humid, wet, and we have fertile soil. So cover crops are weeds, even weeds growing under the under the vine can actually be beneficial for the vine and for the soil. And this is because our vines can be overly vigorous, because it's, you know, it's humid is wet, and the soil is fertile. And this competition provided by the cover crops to the vine for water and nutrients can actually decrease the amount of vigor of the vines. So that is seen as a positive traits in our region, at least some of the sites in our region.   Justine Vanden Houvel  1:31  I agree with what Michela said, and sometimes they are weeds. Sometimes they're specific species that we're we're cultivating. From a management perspective, it really doesn't make any sense in some of these eastern vineyards, not all of them, but in some of them to have this bare strip under the vines because we have to go through and hedge the top of the canopy two, three times in a growing season, we have to go through and do leaf removal once or twice in a growing season. You know, we're spending a lot of money in the industry, here on the East trying to manage the vigor of the vines. And those are Band Aid solutions, right, they don't really help fix the situation. Whereas providing that competition that Michela was referring to, can make a big difference in terms of reducing the available water and nutrients that the vine can take up.   Craig Macmillan  2:19  What kind of species of plants are we talking about here? You know, a weed is a plant at a place. Mint is often a weed but also if I have it in a container, and it's next to my front door, and I like to have my food and it's not a weed. What kind of plants are you talking about?   Justine Vanden Houvel  2:32  Yeah, we've been working with quite a few different plants. So some different grasses, buckwheat, chicory rosette forming turnip. We are having a problem with a lot of the brassicas though and that the groundhogs like to eat them, so we're kind of steering away from those ones a little bit. But we've worked with a wide variety of species and looked at you know, do we see a big impact on Vine size, small impact on Vine size, or no impact on Vine size, because we need to make sure we dial it in so that the grower has the amount of control of vigor that they want. We don't want to deviate the vines too greatly.   Craig Macmillan  3:10  In terms of monitoring vigor, are you doing this from pruning weights? Are you doing this from trying to weigh green mass during the summer, this is gonna be kind of tough, because if you're hedging something two, three times, you know, how do you get a number on that? So what's your metric? How are you getting the baseline metric here?   Justine Vanden Houvel  3:28  We mostly in my program, and Michela can comment on hers we use two methods. One is pruning weight dormant pruning weights, but the second is what we call enhance point quadrate analysis. So some of your listeners may know about point quadrate analysis which was you know, made famous by Richard Smart and sunlight into wine, my group added to sort of a calibration with a light bar in the middle of the canopy so that we can then look at actual numbers for how much light clusters are getting and how much light different leaves are are getting. And so we use those two metrics to really enhance point quadrant analysis. It's a proxy for vigor right, it doesn't measure actual growth rate, but we use that in pruning weight as our measures for this.   Michela Centinari  4:12  Yes, yes, I mean, definitely we measure printing weight because it's something you know growers are familiar with, and it's easier to quantify. We also have been looking at changing the fruiting zone, right light exposure and canopy density. We even, and that is very labor intensive, we looked if the cover crop can reduce the length of the growing season. Basically, in our region, we see the length of vegetative growth because in our region we see the shoots keep growing after verasion on and we want them to stop earlier. So we basically assess if the cover crops can you know stop this vegetative growth around veraison that you know helps in terms of fruit ripening.   Craig Macmillan  4:59  That's interesting. But one of the things I wanted to ask you about as part of all of this, and I think vigor may have something to do with it. The paper you're published recently had a kind of a focus on the effects of heavy precipitation. And the benefits of UVV, undermine vegetation, pardon me, jumped into lingo a little soon, and the effects of heavy rain events. That's interesting to me, because we don't have heavy rain events in California, where I'm from, and I can only imagine what it must be like. And so what are what are some of the benefits there? Oh, and actually, before we get to that, I got a question. In the east in Pennsylvania in New York, that those areas, how common is the use of under vine vegetation as opposed to a clean berm since we have an idea for how much adoption there is out there?   Justine Vanden Houvel  5:42  That's an interesting question. And it basically depends on on how busy the growers are, how many of them have wholeheartedly adopted under vine vegetation? That's a handful in New York, it's not a lot. At this point, I'd love to see more, how many of them will absolutely let the weeds grow and then not worry about it until they get too tall? Because they know it's helping to deviate their vine? That is a fair number.   Michela Centinari  6:06  Yeah, it's very similar here in Pennsylvania, you know, I have to say, growers are definitely interested, you know, we did lots surveys, and we see, you know, most growers want to try but then you know, they get busy. And it's hard, you know, for them to change, a management practice that is working right, you know, spray herbicide. So they need, you know, it's not always easy, right. But definitely, there is an interest, it's just not, a widely adopted practice.   Justine Vanden Houvel  6:34  We are starting to see growers in New York purchasing the undermine mowers so that they're able to maintain and under rvine vegetation and mow it reasonably easily. And so it's been great to see people making that investment.   Craig Macmillan  6:48  The reason I wanted to get to that was because this issue of precipitation, one of the things that I had never thought about that came up in your writing was erosion, and also so crusting and negative impacts on soil structure and aggregate formation and all that kind of stuff. Which is something yeah, very much an issue on bare ground. I had never really thought about it as an issue in let's say, July in a vineyard. Can you tell me what overall like when I've got a rainstorm like that, and I don't have under vine vegetation around what are the all the impacts that I'm looking at that I'm being affected by?   Michela Centinari  7:17  Yeah, I mean, definitely, we see that and we, you know, I even took pictures to show growers because we do see multiple negative impacts on the on the soil under the vine. We see increase on erosion, I mean, definitely most of our vineyards you know, sloppy, you know, on a hill, so we see erosion, even if they use cover crops in the middle row still under the vine, you see this erosion, water and nutrients, you know, in soil washing out from the from the vineyard, we also, you know, showed through an experiment mostly just sean studies that there is an increase in the leaching of nutrients, whether to agrochemicals into the underground water. So definitely leaving bare soil under the vine, create, the negative impact has negative consequences on several parameters of soil health. And since you know, we want the vineyard to last 20 plus years, hopefully, you know, it's important to maintain soil health and to reduce soil degradation and definitely under ine cover crops or weeds can really help in that.   Justine Vanden Houvel  8:20  And I'd also add that our comparison here is bare soil versus soil that's covered with vegetation, whether it's weeds or a species. Is some people will say, well, I cultivate so that's all right, but really the problem in agriculture is bare soil versus not bare soil, right? So cultivation isn't a practice that is able to help reduce a lot of these problems, like the leaching and the runoff in particular.   Michela Centinari  8:51  And even you know, as an as important sort of, for us to increase soil carbon, and definitely soil cultivation doesn't help with that, while you know, let some type of vegetation grow under the vine can be also use as a way to accumulate carbon in the soil in addition to the other benefits that we mentioned.   Craig Macmillan  9:12  There's also some things that you talked about that I'm super curious about, and that is other positive effects in terms of things like soil structure and soil health. What can you tell me about that? That's the cover cropping idea?   Michela Centinari  9:24  Yes, yes.   Craig Macmillan  9:25  So we're not simply covering the ground at this point, we're looking for other benefits.   Michela Centinari  9:29  So definitely, overall cover crops, no, just under the vines can improve many parameters of soil health, not just you know, decrease erosion. But for example, the biomass of the covered crop can reduce the impact of the raindrops that you know can really break the soil aggregates when you live you leave a bare soil under the vine on the middle row can also improve water infiltration. So you have less you know, water runoff can also as we mentioned, improve the soil carbon or the over nutrients in the soil, which you know are all good for the long term sustainability of our vineyards.   Justine Vanden Houvel  10:06  I'd add a couple of other soil health aspects to that is aggregate stability. So aggregate stability for soil is the ability of the basically the soil to withstand physical pressure from the outside. So usually rain in some of the studies that we've done in my program here, we saw a huge increase in aggregate stability of soil up to 80, something percent after three years, when we compared cultivation to weeds growing under the soil for those three years. We see an increase in soil respiration, which we assume means a healthier soil with more microbes. And we see an increase in microbe diversity as well. So we also did a study where we were comparing some different under vine treatments. And we saw that with each passing year, there was more diversity in the microbes when we had weeds growing under the vines than if we had bare soil under the vines. And we assume that helps in terms of nutrient turnover and, and other processes like those.   Craig Macmillan  11:10  I'm know you'd mentioned some species at the beginning, in your work, I'm assuming this work is experimental so that you're choosing what is going on going under the vine for these different trials. Or actually, I'm assuming it's actually experimental, you must have a randomized design or some kind of replicated design of some kind. So what are the plants that you're picking to plant as that undermine vegetation?   Justine Vanden Houvel  11:30  So my group is done lots of different iterations of these types of studies at this point, because we've done it in young vineyards and old vineyards and with hybrids or with vinifera. So they're always in replicated studies. What we basically come down to is we use usually sometimes cultivation but usually herbicide is our control for comparison, because that's what most growers here in New York are doing. And we use buckwheat as our cover crop that will usually have a very slight impact on vine vigor. So buckwheat establishes beautifully, right because it's only allopathic. So we don't tend to have a big problem with weeds, the height of it seems to be appropriate, we don't normally have to mow it, it doesn't get up into the fruiting zone kind of flowers falls over and there's not a lot of management there. And the most we've ever seen at reduced pruning weight might be by 10% or so. On the much more significant side we have chicory root. So chicory is pretty low growing, you can get a dwarf version of it. And I should mention, we normally work with annual cover crops because we hold up over the graft union to protect scion buds in the winter. Chicory is technically a biennial, but what we find is it just keeps coming back, coming back coming back. It can deviate a vine significantly. So we've used it in some of the bigger vineyards when we've wanted to really pull back on the pruning weight. Sometimes that's been up to about 30% compared to our control of herbicide, and then we found that different grasses are somewhere in the middle in terms of their impacts on vine vigor.   Michela Centinari  13:06  Yeah, no, definitely. I mean, it's the same for us, right, we try different type of cover crops, depending on the growers, you know, what they need, what they want to achieve. In addition to what Justine mentioned, we also have been doing some work with perennial grasses, because for some growers, you know, they like, they like to plant something perennial, right. So that reduced the amount of work that they have to do, you just planted once and if you plant a species that doesn't grow too tall, you don't even have to mow sometimes the grass, so it's kind of a lower maintenance. So again, depending on what the grower needs, and what is feasible for that site, you know, we try to match the cover crop with with the site.   Craig Macmillan  13:45  And I'm sorry, I might have missed it, what type species of perennial grasses are we talking about?   Michela Centinari  13:49  So we try and for example, the creeping red fescue, we also try other fescue mixes mix of different fescues including like tall fescue and and we try, you know, to look for species that grow well in a kind of shaded area, because it's not in the middle row. Like it's different. You have more sunlight there. So you want something that establish quickly so the weeds don't grow overgrowth in the grass, and also something that doesn't require too much management in terms of you know, more in like Justine was talking about, you know, buckwheet, chickory, because that is not something that the grower can easily do, like in the middle row, or not every grower can easily do.   Craig Macmillan  14:28  My next question is so how do you plant these grass seeds in the row? Grasses are tiny, they need to have a little bit of cover. It's not a planting grass is not a simple thing. Usually you have to prepare a seed bed. How do you how do you do it? I just am really curious about this.   Justine Vanden Houvel  14:46  So that's a good question. So Michela , and I both have grad students so for years it was our grad students.   Craig Macmillan  14:54  I was a graduate student once I see how this works. Okay,   Justine Vanden Houvel  14:58  Bbut no knowing that the growers were never going to want to do that, I worked with Hans Walter Peterson, who is the viticulture extension specialist for the Finger Lakes here for Cornell Cooperative Extension. And he designed basically a fertilizer spreader, he did a welding design that has two shoots that go off the back to put the seed under the rows. And we can just dump the seed in that drive down the row and set the spinning rate. Sorry, I'm not a good equipment person. So I'm probably not using the right names here. We set the spinning rate for how quickly we want the seeds to come out.   Craig Macmillan  15:31  The application rate.   Justine Vanden Houvel  15:32  And we have that you can look it up online he has a video on YouTube, if anybody's interested in who happily shares those plans so that growers can build their own.   Craig Macmillan  15:40  That's fantastic. That's fantastic. You said extensionist in the Finger Lakes region. And his name again was?   Justine Vanden Houvel  15:46  Hans Walter Peterson.   Craig Macmillan  15:47  Walter Peterson . And God bless you. Dr. Peterson.   Justine Vanden Houvel  15:50  Yeah. And he and Alice Wise, who's our extension specialist on on Long Island for Cornell, they've done a lot of work on how do we get growers to adopt some of these practices. So Michela and I have done basically the research that informs it, but they've looked at what are some of the obstacles? And how can we overcome those so that we can get rid of bare soil in the spots where we really don't need to maintain it here?   Craig Macmillan  16:12  Oh, that reminds me of something else. So in Finger Lakes, Pennsylvania, I don't know very well, I don't know either region really? Well, I gotta admit, is all of the water coming from summer precipitation, or is there supplemental irrigation?   Justine Vanden Houvel  16:24  There's a handful of people with supplemental irrigation here, but it is not very common in the Finger Lakes of New York.   Michela Centinari  16:31  Yeah, neither neither for us. Mostly, like in young vineyards.   Justine Vanden Houvel  16:35  Yeah. I mean, we can give you an example. We got an inch and a half of rain here just yesterday. Alone. Right. We get a lot of precipitation. And in some years this year, started out dry. But then it's been raining pretty consistently for a couple of weeks. Now.   Craig Macmillan  16:52  Pardon my presumption is, but it sounds like the team should be working on fungal diseases. That's what's going on. That's a lot of rain. That's a crop killer.   Justine Vanden Houvel  17:00  Yeah, that's what the pathologists are working on. But we should actually mention. So there has been some good work on under vine cover crops done in Uruguay, where they looked at weather, botrytis, and I think some other fungal diseases, I'd have to refresh my memory on that, was impacted by under vine cover crops. And indeed, because of the reduced vegetation in the canopy, right, smaller leaves and just the canopy not being so thick, they did see a reduction in cluster rots as a function of under vine cover crops as well.   Craig Macmillan  17:31  There you go. That's fantastic.   Michela Centinari  17:33  Yeah. And that's great. Because actually, several growers here are concerned about growing under vine cover crop that will increase disease pressure, because they're afraid about you know, the humidity, increasing humidity in the under vine area. But like Justine said, We never observe or measure any negative effect of under vine cover crop on you know, increase in mold to other fungal disease. Actually, sometimes if there is an effect is a positive effect. What actually we don't know yet is, you know, if we can increase the presence of pests under the vine, right, like a course, some insects or other type of pests. We never had any issues in our vineyards, I mean, in vineyards, where we are conducting research, and that is something definitely that, you know, could potentially be a problem. We don't know yet.   Craig Macmillan  18:22  Okay, I'm gonna ask a tough question here. That's because we've kind of ended up here. I'm a grower, I'm worried about too much impact on vigor, I'm worried about the disease, I also might very likely have a gut wrenching fear of something getting out of control, and me not being able to control it or remove it. If I changed my mind, or I don't like what's happening. How do you put that fear to rest, that I'm not going to lose control of my floor, I'm not going to lose control of my row. It's okay. But this is goes back away. So Paul Annua, for instance, was one that a friend of mine was looking at as an underground vegetation in California. And I said, Hey, why don't we just use Bermuda grass, it's summer dormant. It loves the earth, it's great. And he was like, if you try to get anybody to plant that you're gonna get killed, you're gonna get shot in the head. Like, if you go around, recommending we plat Brumida, you're gonna get killed. When I had experienced with it in a vineyard where he had escaped. I had worked with it, but here was the thing. There was no getting rid of it there that we were that was it. We were committed, there was no getting away from it. And so I can see having the same kinds of fears about a species of plants that I haven't worked with before, for instance, or what happens over years and years and years. What are you going to do to help me sleep at night?   Michela Centinari  19:28  Wow, the tough question. No, I mean, definitely, you know, it's a tough decision and manufacturing needs to be taken into consideration. So I wouldn't just go and plant something right you need to do your research and work maybe with the extension or you know, with specialists even to make the right decision. Also, I recommend trying on in a small area of your vineyards. So no just you know, plant everywhere. If you have you know, 10 acres, or maybe try on a few vines and see how it goes right and see if you can keep it under control. If it's dry and there is too much competition for the vines, you know, maybe to be able to do a soil cultivation or kill your your cover crops, you know, plan or to head on options on what you can do to be able to manage, but definitely on choosing the right species is the first step, right.   Justine Vanden Houvel  20:15  Yeah. And I'd add to that, you know, where I could see it being a problem is what we call resident vegetation. So keep in mind, and in a at least here, we always have a cover crop between rows, right, we usually start with some sort of an orchard mix, and it becomes whatever and we really don't care, we're not going to bother replanting that. So we have that as a little bit of protection. But when we allow weeds to grow under the trellis, and then just mow them down, I know, I've heard that there's some concerns that we might have a weed there get out of control, and then continue to propagate itself. And that is a possibility. But what we actually find is that as each year progresses, we get more and more species in that undermine part of the vineyard. Right? Often we've started in vineyards where they've sprayed a preemergent in previous years. And the first couple of years, we have like two species four species, five species, and then in a few years, we're up to 30 or 40 different species of of weeds in there. And so it does give me at least some hope that it would be very difficult for something to get completely out of control. But what we usually tell the growers here is that if you were going to spray a herbicide anyway. And now you've tried to under vine cover crop, if you don't like it, you can hopefully get rid of it. Right. But the other thing we tell them is that we probably don't need the same cover crop under vine cover crop year after year, right? Because once you, for example, devigorate the vines a little bit and get them back to a more manageable size using chicory, for example, then you want to keep them at that size. You don't want to keep dropping the pruning weight year after year. So every year there needs to be a decision about what did I think of the vine size and the canopy characteristics last year? What's the predicted weather? And what am I going to plan to maintain under the vine for this year?   Craig Macmillan  22:05  We're getting close here to wrap it up. So there's two quick things I want to ask you what each for each of you will start with Justine, what is the one thing you would like growers to take away from your recent work on under vine vegetation?   Justine Vanden Houvel  22:16  Bare soil is not a good idea in vineyards environmentally, really, it's quite a poor choice. And there are options for if you have small vines or or young vines or a lack of vigor, vigor. There are some potential options out there. We haven't done all of the research on this yet, but that there are options to explore.   Craig Macmillan  22:40  Michela.   Michela Centinari  22:40  Yeah, definitely. I mean, I agree with Justine, there are options. Of course, we don't have one cover crop that can solve all the problems that definitely bare soil is no good, especially again, in our region. And our growers are also concerned about the cost of implementing under vine cover crops. And I'd say you know, for us, sometimes planting a perennial for example, grass is no more expensive. I mean, depending on depending on the year, how many times you spray herbicide and the effect of on the on the yield of the vines, but it's not necessarily more expensive than spray herbicide or sub cultivation. So hope they get cover crops a chance.   Justine Vanden Houvel  23:18  So Craig, we've mostly been talking about work here on the East Coast where we tend to have a lot of precipitation, but we have colleagues in in other countries and other climates that are doing work on under vine cover crops as well. And there's been some great work that's been done in the south of France, in Spain and in Australia. And so while Michela and I haven't focused our research, of course on California, there are going to be some opportunities for growers in warmer climates as well.   Craig Macmillan  23:46  And where can people find out more about you and your work Justine, go first?   Justine Vanden Houvel  23:50  Probably the easiest spot is on the Cornell webpage, or I am on Twitter. My one social media is Twitter. And my handle is @thegrapeprof. And I tweet about research and mostly in viticulture, but a little bit of a enology as well.   Craig Macmillan  24:06  Michela?   Michela Centinari  24:07  Yeah, I would say have a Twitter account. I'm not very active like Justine. I should. You know, I have a website if you Google actually Centinari lab, Penn State so we have you know our lab website where we post about research and also we have an extension web page prep and wind through Penn State.   Craig Macmillan  24:26  Fantastic and for audience, that information plus links to some other things will be in the show notes. Want to thank you both for being here. I guests have been Justine Vanden Houvel and Michela Centinari. They're doing fantastic work in an area that most of us in the West Coast certainly don't know about. But I know there's important for other regions of not just the United States but the world. You guys are doing great work.   Justine Vanden Houvel  24:45  Thanks, Craig. This was really enjoyable.   Unknown Speaker  25:07      Transcribed by https://otter.ai