Associate professor Steve Reiners assumed the position of associate chair of the Department of Horticulture March 1, 2014. Reiners replaces Susan Brown, Herman M. Cohn Professor of Agriculture and Life Sciences, who last July assumed the position of associate director of the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station (NYSAES), Geneva.
“Susan is a tough act to follow,” says Reiners. “She’s done a great job working with Marvin to make the merger of Ithaca and Geneva departments so successful. I’m looking forward to my new position and continuing to strengthen ties between the two campuses.”
Based in Geneva, Reiners research and extension efforts focus on helping vegetable growers enhance their profitability and sustainability by effectively managing cultural practices such as cover crops, soil fertility, irrigation, plant populations and variety selection.
As Department Extension Leader he mentored new faculty and Cornell Cooperative Extension educators, and organized in-service educational activities. He also plays a leadership role in organizing the annual Empire State Producers Expo.
In addition, Reiners co-teaches Principles of Vegetable Production (HORT 3500), and last fall started a new course,Organic Vegetable Gardening (HORT 1250).
In the Low-down on pumpkin season and variety in upstate New York, a video by Ithaca College’s student-run publication The Ithacan (below), Reiners explains pumpkin choices.
Congratulations Steve!