2024 Cornell High-Cannabinoid Hemp Cannabis sativa Field Day

September 13, 2024


Join us for a full day of learning and discussion, connecting and having fun! The Cornell Cannabis sativa L. (Hemp) Field Day features interactive workshops, demonstrations, and panel discussions on the latest industry advancements for New York growers and other stakeholders. Topics include:

• economics and good manufacturing practices
• controlled environment agriculture
• soil health and composting
• disease management and tissue culture
• post-harvest, drying, and curing
• USDA field updates
• NYS Office of Cannabis Management fireside chat

DEC credits available. Peer-based learning encouraged! Field Day will happen rain or shine. Be prepared for the weather and outdoor walking. No consumption of cannabis products on campus.

COST: $35 per person, includes lunch.

REGISTRATION: Pre-registration requested by Monday, September 9, 2024. REGISTER online! Registrations also accepted at the door but lunch cannot be guaranteed.

8:30 am Welcome and overview of the day (presentation) -- Daniela Vergara, Emerging Crops Specialist, CCE Harvest NY

8:55 KEYNOTE address: Light Quantity and Quality Impacts on High-Cannabinoid Cannabis sativa in CEA Production (presentation) -- Neil Mattson, Professor, School of Integrated Plant Science Horticulture Section, Cornell

9:40 Introduction to Cannabis Tissue Culture and Micropropogation (handout) (presentation) -- Kevin Hernandez and Corbin Lay, Master's of Professional Studies (MPS) students, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell

10:05 Food Safety Regulatory Requirements: Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) (handout) (presentation) -- Beth Demmings, Program Coordinator, Institute for Food Safety, Cornell

10:30 Break

10:50 Economics of High Cannabinoid Cannabis sativa Cultivation in NYS, 2024 (handout) -- John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist, CCE NWNY Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops

11:15 CBD Flowers Postharvest Drying and Curing (handout) (presentation) -- Yousoon Baek, Lecturer, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell, and Chang Chen, Assistant Professor, Food Science, Cornell AgriTech

11:40  Panel Discussion: CBD cultivation, regulations, processing, market, supply, and demand --

• Ashley Baron, Snowbelt Cannabis
  
• Sylvia Bengochea, Sylvia's Salud
  
• Glenna Colaprete, Glenna's CBD
  
• Melissa Gibson, Hemp and Humanity
  
• Patrick Weinert, Jane's Garden

12:30 pm Meet the sponsors

12:50 Lunch and networking

Outdoor Afternoon Sessions

Three sessions offered (2 concurrent). Choose Session 1 or Session 2, and then all attend Session 3.

Session 1

Held at McCarthy Field 1

4:20 - 5:50 pm at Jordan Auditorium

This event is sponsored by LPC Naturals - Prime Superior, Tap Root Fields, New York Farm Bureau, Cirona Labs, Rimol Greenhouses, Crystal Creek Organics, IPM Labs, Bristol Extracts, Cannabis Farmers Alliance

Earth Day Garden Workshop

April 20, 2026
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Farmingdale, NY

Celebrate Earth Day and welcome the growing season by learning how to make the most of your space as spring wakes up the garden. Join Cornell Urban Garden Specialist Karen Guzman for an interactive, hands-on session focused on building strong foundations for a productive year. This workshop will cover the state-wide soil testing program and why soil health is essential for long-term success, along with strategic crop planning techniques that help increase productivity and maximize the space in your garden. 

Air-Pruned Raised Bed Workshop Series

April 23, 2026
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Brooklyn, NY

Join Connor Youngerman of Cornell Small Farms and the team at The Opportunity Hub for a hands-on, train-the-trainer workshop introducing Air-Pruned Raised Beds (APRBs) from construction to implementation. Designed to equip forestry practitioners, educators, and community leaders with the skills to replicate this model. This session will cover APRB design, recommended urban tree species, installation techniques, and basic troubleshooting. Participants will not only learn the fundamentals of APRBs as a tool for growing a diverse range of urban tree species but will also gain the knowledge and confidence to teach others how to build and manage them. 

Air-Pruned Raised Beds 101

April 24, 2026
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Upper Manhattan, NY

Join Connor Youngerman of Cornell Small Farms and NYRP's Parks & Urban Agriculture teams for an introduction to Air-Pruned Raised Beds (APRBs) from construction to implementation. APRBs have been shown as an excellent method for growing a suite of urban tree species and hold great promise as a tool for forestry practitioners in NYC. This workshop will explore the in's and outs, including design, appropriate tree species, and basic troubleshooting (i.e. weeding). Participants will also get to help build and plant out two APRBs at NYRP's field facility.

Community Garden Leadership Program - Application Open Now!

The Cornell Community Garden Leadership Program is a year-long online program that prepares individuals to enhance their leadership skills to strengthen community gardens throughout New York State. The program equips community gardeners with management best practices and operational skills to improve garden sustainability. The program also connects gardeners to regional resources, professional development opportunities, and a statewide community garden leadership network.

Register for a virtual information session to learn more about the program and discover if this program is the right fit for you. Each information session is typically 45min-1hr.

Session Dates: 

Community Gardens Soil Testing Program Accepting Applications

Soil testing supports the growth and expansion of community gardens by protecting the health and safety of the food produced in these gardens. CCE Harvest NY, in partnership with the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets (AGM) and the Cornell Soil Health Lab, is offering eligible, food-producing gardens in New York State the opportunity to send soil samples for testing without charge.

The soil test will analyze samples for heavy metals and nutrient levels. Test results help gardeners make appropriate plans to produce high quality fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Technical support and education for participating growers will be available from the CCE Harvest New York team. Learn more about the 2026 Community Gardens Soil Testing Program.