“The only constant in life is change,” said one ancient philosopher, and anyone watching our fickle climate. That’s why sensor technologies and data science innovations used by the Network for Environment and Weather Applications (NEWA) make NYSIPM an industry leader in tackling real-world pest problems.
First launched in 1996, NEWA (newa.cornell.edu)collects and integrates remote weather station data into an online platform of decision-support resources. Designed by Cornell researchers and meteorologists, there are presently 42 unique tools using near real-time environmental data to inform fruit and vegetable management decisions.
A 2017 survey showcased the economic benefits of NEWA-configured weather stations and using NEWA tools. Growers averaged annual savings of more than $4,000 in avoided sprays, and prevented crop losses of $33,000. No wonder our website visits are up 41%. NEWA’s reliability, partnerships, and return on investment are a proven value.
Outreach and education are central to the NYSIPM mission, making NEWA an important conduit for direct support of agricultural best practices. In fact, more than 6,450 contact hours were achieved by 2019. NEWA’s online content and crop guidance remains key to new cross-commodity efforts, and promises economic and environmental benefits for even more New Yorkers.
Project Leaders: Dan Olmstead, Juliet Carroll, Abby Seaman, Elizabeth Lamb, and Jaime Cummings
Visit the NEWA homepage or contact Dan Olmstead with questions
