Join Berry Specialist Laura McDermott, Agricultural Engineer Chris Callahan, and experienced berry grower Dale-Ila Riggs for a hands-on workshop featuring exclusion netting for pest management. Attendees will learn about Cost Sharing opportunities offered by the NRCS, too!

Registration is free and open to all. Come learn with us!

The Berry Patch

15589 State Route 22

Stephentown, NY 12168

Free Registration Here: https://enych.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=1567 

The program will focus on what has been learned about designing an exclusion netting support system that provides long term control of SWD and maximum utility for berry farmers.

Exclusion netting is being used on field blueberries where it controls SWD while also excluding birds and moderating impacts of hail and heavy rain. Raspberries and strawberries also benefit from exclusion netting on the sides of high tunnels.  Learn about NRCS Cost Sharing!

1.5 DEC credits available in categories 1A, 10, and 22

AGENDA

4:00 pm

Welcome and Introductions & NYS DEC credit sign-up – Laura McDermott, CCE ENYCHP

4:05 pm

Brief Overview of SWD – Laura McDermott, CCE ENYCHP

Insect monitoring, fruit infestation monitoring, insecticide management and cultural management techniques will be discussed.

4:20 pm

Overview of Exclusion Netting – Dale Ila Riggs, The Berry Patch and Ted Storozum, TekKnit, Quebec CA

Brief review of work undertaken and effectiveness of netting in open field and high tunnel systems. Discussion of adaptations made to netting material and the need for structural design.

4:50 pm

Structural Considerations when Installing Exclusion Netting – Chris Callahan, University of Vermont and Paul Lucas from Gintec, Ontario, CA.

The past two seasons have provided lots of new information about designing the support structure for Exclusion Netting. We have been able to revise the design leading to a more lean and lower cost structure as we adapt it from ginseng production systems. Gintec owner Paul Lucas has played a critical advisory role in this portion of the project and has decades of experience with protected agriculture systems. Cost information for the SWD exclusion netting and structure will be included.

5:20 pm

Exclusion Netting on Fall Raspberries –

Dale Ila Riggs, The Berry Patch

Research on using field netting for fall raspberries and incorporating it into a high tunnel system.

5:30 pm

Views from Other Growers –

Growers that have adopted exclusion netting will share their successes and struggles with the netting.

5:45 pm

Hands-On Removal of Netting –

Attendees will watch and assist with removal of netting panels to better understand the requirements and ease of using netting. Netting storage and winter care will be discussed.

6:00 pm Adjourn