The New York State Berry Growers Association (NYSBGA) has partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension to bring growers a pair of winter Blueberry Intensive Workshops.

The workshops will be held in Ellicottville, New York, on March 5 and in Millbrook, New York, on March 14. The cost to attend is $35 for current NYSBGA members and $45 for nonmembers.

Workshops will feature 10 expert speakers from Cornell University, Cornell Cooperative Extension, New York State IPM, Rutgers University and Pennsylvania State University, as well as owners of successful area farms.

Growers who attend the workshops will learn about:

—Choosing and preparing a site for blueberry production

—Blueberry diseases and management strategies

—Blueberry insect pest management

—Using the NEWA blueberry pest and disease models to best advantage

—Alternative options for markets

—Using a new berry crops profitability tool

—How area farms have ensured success in their blueberry growing program

—Nutrition for blueberries

—Postharvest handling to reduce pest damage and improve fruit quality

—Correct pruning techniques, with a live, hands-on demonstration

—Pest scouting and weed management

For more information and registration details, go to nysbga.org/events/

—by Jonelle Mejica