Press release:
High Tunnel School Offered to Area Farmers -- Pre-registration with payment is required by Dec. 1
School will emphasize warm-season management and production skills that lead to profitability and adoption of winter farming techniques to meet growing Eat Local demand.
Batavia, NY – Vegetable growers with or considering high tunnel production are invited to attend High Tunnel School on Dec. 4-5 in Batavia at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 E. Main St. in the City of Batavia.
The two-day High Tunnel School, organized by the Cornell Vegetable Program, will emphasize warm-season management and production skills that lead to profitability and adoption of winter farming techniques to meet the growing Eat Local demand. Focus will be placed on cool season production on Dec. 4 whereas Dec. 5 will focus on tunnel management basics and warm season production. Information presented on Dec. 5 may also be relevant to small fruit producers.
Growers can sign up for either day of the school, but are highly encouraged to attend both days. DEC pesticide re-certification credits and CCA credits are available for each day.
A full agenda and more information can be found on the Cornell Vegetable Program Web site at cvp.cce.cornell.edu. Cost is $25 for one day only or a discounted rate of $40 to attend both days. Lunch and any program materials are included in the registration fee.
Pre-registration with payment is required by Dec. 1 to reserve a seat. Seating is limited. Please register online at cvp.cce.cornell.edu or contact Vivian Flynn at 315-536-5123.
Dec. 4 – Winter Greens Production and Farm Tour
Consumer attitudes are changing, and there is an increasing demand for local greens throughout the winter. Crop plans and markets are critical to success, but holistic planning is the basis for a sustainable system. Topics covered include:
* Profitable Winter Greens Productions in High Tunnels for Farmers' Markets - Paul and Sandy Arnold
* Cool climate pest management
* How and why we are growing winter crops with tunnels - Ken Bowman
* Winter greens production tour at Bowman and Hill Micro Farm, Kent, NY
Dec. 5 – Warm Season Production and High Tunnel Basics
This program is designed for commercial growers new to or considering high tunnels. NRCS cooperating farms are particularly encouraged to attend. All who are interested in improving their crop yield, quality and profitability by using high tunnels are welcome. Though focused on vegetable production, fruit producers will benefit from the site, structural, and irrigation information.
Topics include:
* What to look for when selecting a tunnel
* Site considerations
* Which crops work for tunnels?
* Our Warm Season Tunnels - Paul and Sandy Arnold
* Best Management Practices to improve your profits
* Growers' perspectives, lessons learned
