Between the Vines

Kevin and Jennifer to discuss vineyard news this week. Grape Berry Moths should be heading into diapause currently, but this warm summer trend indicates that we might be on course for an extra generation this year.  Keep an eye on the NEWA model so you can stay on top of it. The demonstration meeting originally scheduled for early this month has been rescheduled for August 31st.  Veraison is right...

Kevin and Jennifer to discuss vineyard news this week. It’s time to spray for berry moth. The GBM model got a new look last year. Jenn discusses differences in the look, the model remains the same.  LERGP.com https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_information.php

Kevin and Jennifer to discuss vineyard news this week. It will soon be time to start scouting for GBM generation #3. Growers are taking advantage of timely rainfall to seed cover crops. The mixes are a bit different this year but rain this week makes successful establishment very likely. Kevin Martin (co-host) Jennifer Phillips Russo (co-host) LERGP.com https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_inform...

Dr. Terry Bates joins Kevin and Jennifer to discuss the effects of the current water availability (or lack thereof) for the vines in the area. LERGP.com https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_information.php

The venerable Andrew Muza has retired from Penn State Extension. Andy was a pleasure to work with and a dedicated extension agent. Always busy but willing to take time to do just a little bit more, we sat down with Andy over his last few weeks to share some of his most important work over his career. While he will be missed in the industry, the one thing we will try very hard to do is make sure kn...

It’s time for crop estimation again in the Lake Erie Region.  Jennifer and Kevin discuss that, as well as a recent report of a Spotted Lanternfly in the region.  LERGP will be hosting a number of events in the coming weeks beginning with an H-2A informational meeting on Monday, July 11th 9:00-12:30 at CLEREL in Portland.  Coffee pot meetings continue, and a Summer Demonstration Conference will be...

The venerable Andrew Muza has retired from Penn State Extension. Andy was a pleasure to work with and a dedicated extension agent. Always busy but willing to take time to do just a little bit more, we sat down with Andy over his last few weeks to share some of his most important work over his career. While he will be missed in the industry, the one thing we will try very hard to do is make sure kn...

The venerable Andrew Muza has retired from Penn State Extension. Andy was a pleasure to work with and a dedicated extension agent. Always busy but willing to take time to do just a little bit more, we sat down with Andy over his last few weeks to share some of his most important work over his career. While he will be missed in the industry, the one thing we will try very hard to do is make sure kn...

Guest, Dr. Mary Centralla, director of CCE Pesticide Safety Education Program (CCE PSEP) shares techniques for avoiding and managing pesticide incompatibility. Mary discusses both physical and chemical compatibility. We’ve all heard the problems with physical compatibility, such as when a sludge is nearly impossible to remove from a sprayer. Mary also shares examples of chemical incompatibility. W...

Guest, Dr. Terry Bates joins the pod to discuss research to improve the efficiency of mechanization. You might just see some blades hanging off the side of the tractor. However, work that began in 1970 has evolved. While we don’t have robots just yet (he’s working on that), techniques to improve bud quantity and quality are increasing the speed of both hand follow-up and mechanical pruning. This e...

Labor Shortages and rising costs could eventually transform some production practices. Higher pay and improving working conditions has been a solution for many growers. The rapid increase in hourly pay is a bit of a shock for some, but has been effective. As far as more drastic measures, coffee pot meetings with growers show that the industry is considering options but keeping it business as usual...

Bud Break! Jennifer Phillips Russo has an update on Concord Bud break, and we share the bloom forecast from Dr. Bates. Inflation data is still red-hot, last-minute supplies are tricky to find. LERGP.com https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_information.php

The LERGP team comes together to talk about the beginning of the growing season. Jennifer Phillips Russo gives an update on the current phenology in the vineyards. Andy Muza addresses the pests that we should be on the lookout for.   Kevin Martin (host) Jennifer Phillips Russo (host) Andy Muza (host) LERGP.com https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_information.php

Jennifer Phillips Russo talks liming soil. As fertilizer prices rise it becomes even more critical to understand the role pH has in fertilizer efficiency and soil health. Soil samples in the region this year reveal more lime is needed for sustainable grape production.   Episode Host/Speakers: Kevin Martin (host) Jennifer Phillips Russo (host) LERGP.com https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_informa...

 Kevin talks with Kim Knappenberger about the Vineyard Improvement Program. This 5 year program has about 1 1/2 years remaining so prospective applicants are encouraged to apply.  LERGP.com https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/contact_information.php

Dr. Jason Londo joins the podcast today. Jason joined the Horticulture Section faculty in 2022 as an associate professor of fruit crop physiology and climate adaptation. Previously, as a Research Geneticist with the USDA-ARS Grape Genetics Unit, he has been a long-time PI leading LERGP and others in studying grapevine cold hardiness in the east.  Kevin Martin (host) Jennifer Phillips Russo (host)...

Part 1: After freezing buds all year, we’ve got one more sign of spring. Deacclimation. While we aren’t approaching bud break yet, warm temperatures have started the process. Jennifer Phillips Russo discusses how LERGP tracks this information. Stay tuned next week for part 2 with “new” Cornell Scientist Dr. Jason Lundo   Episode Host/Speakers:  Kevin Martin (host) Jennifer Phillips Russo (host) LE...

As input costs are continue to increase and personal budgets are also stretched thin, inflation is becoming more obvious.  So when will interest rates rise?  High grape prices mean higher levels of interest in capital investment as growers consider improving farm efficiency. Is now the right time?  That all depends on the individual farm as debt costs rise. Kevin Martin and Andy Muza discuss.  LER...

Bryan Hed drops in for a discussion on the re-registration and usage of two fungicide materials commonly utilized by grape growers in New York State, Ziram and Iodiprone (trade name Rovral). EPA regularly solicits comments from the public before making registration decisions. You can comment here: Pesticide Registration Review; Proposed Interim Decisions for Several Pesticides; Notice of Availabil...

NY and PA guidelines will be out next month. Andy Muza, the editor of the guide, highlights some key changes since 2020. While not a lot of new chemicals, you’ll want to hear about these new tools. Our growers' conference is coming up! You can register here: LERGP Winter Conference Series If you’d like to hear the full recording of both virtual events all registered guests can request a copy...

The hybrid growers' conference is in full swing. Today the podcast shares excerpts from the second virtual event as part of the hybrid grower conference. Next month we’ll be in person with our regular trade show at SUNY Fredonia. You can register here: https://lergp.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=519 If you’d like to hear the full recording of both virtual events all registered guests can reque...

New York State is in the process of changing overtime rules for agriculture. The labor board has recommended phasing in a 40-hour workweek over the next ten years. The labor board cannot act alone, these recommendations will have a public comment period and be reviewed by the Department of Labor. Also, we start to get into the nitty-gritty. What will this mean for specialty crop growers in Erie Co...

Dr. Bates joins the team for a primer on how soil pH impacts nutrient uptake. Soil pH management is essential in the Lake Erie Region. Nearly all soils are acidic. Dr. Bates discusses how managing that pH can impact the availability of nutrients and indirectly impact vine size and yield potential. Some great graphical references are included. If you’re interested take a look at lergp.com/podcasts...

LERGP discusses employee-based succession planning and H2A workers and how these tools might reduce labor shortages. The long cold winter has increased pressure on pruning crews as snow has slowed their progress compared to some recent winters. Low winter temperatures might pose some risk to bud survival as well, Jennifer discusses what she has learned. Episode Host/Speakers:  Kevin Martin (host)...

In part one, LERGP looks at Cation Exchange Capacity or CEC—how it works and what the implications may mean for your operation. On one hand, changing CEC is never easy. On the other hand, knowing CEC can help growers determine the importance of split applications, the volume of lime required, and the relative value of water conservation. Kevin Martin (host) Jennifer Phillips Russo (host) LERGP.com...