Register now for the NYNGA Spring Meeting, Apr 18, Danby, NY

Our 2026 Spring Meeting will be held on Saturday, Apr 18, 2026, at the Danby Fire Station, 1780 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. The main program will take place in the morning at the Danby Fire Station, 1780 Danby Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. Breakfast starts at 8:30 am, and the program begins at 9:00 am. Speakers will include Richard Fahey (a demonstration of grafting techniques by a homesteader who produces fruit and nut scionwood), Jeff Zarnowski (a discussion of the latest developments in nut breeding and an update on the New York Tree Crops Alliance), and Connor Youngerman (who will share the highlights of recent agroforestry summit hosted the Cornell Small Farms Program and the Silvopasture and Agroforestry Program Work Teams). Nut-related questions for the audience will be addressed before lunch and can be submitted in advance to Jerry Henkin. After lunch we will travel a few miles to Crosston Annex farm, parking at 54 Gunderman Road, Ithaca, NY 14850, and then walking about 1/4 mile on uneven ground. The afternoon program includes a walking tour of nut and fruit plantings and a demonstration of soil testing techniques. To register and for additional information, click here.

PNGA is now accepting orders for Master Nutcrackers

Upon learning that Mr. Gerald Gardner had ceased production of the Master Nutcracker, the Pennsylvania Nut Growers Association (PNGA), as part of its mission to popularize our native nuts and with the support of Mr. Gardener, has decided to produce an updated version of this popular hand-operated nutcracker which will allow cracking of larger walnuts. PNGA is now accepting nutcracker orders for fully assembled units for $120. All funds raised will go to PNGA education and outreach about tree nuts. Click here to download the order form.

How NY FarmNet Helps State Farmers

FarmNet Outreach Director Adam Howell provided insight into one of the most unique farmer assistance programs in the country, www.nyfarmnet.org during the 2024 Northern Nut Growers Association / Chestnut Growers of America joint conference in Syracuse, NY. Based at Cornell University and funded by the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets and the NYS Office of Mental Health, NY FarmNet helps farmers, farm families, and agricultural professionals navigate times of crisis, growth, and opportunity. NY FarmNet's unique support system provides farmers in need with both a family and financial consultant to help address any number of issues they may be facing. All of NY FarmNet's services are provided free of charge and all cases are completely confidential. NY FarmNet was founded by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University in response to the national farm crisis of the 1980s. NY FarmNet still operates at Cornell as part of the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management. The Dyson School is part of both Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the SC Johnson College of Business. For free, confidential assistance from NY FarmNet, call 800-547-3276. If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, dial 988 for 24/7 support. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Stay tuned for additional announcements. If you have an announcement or job opportunity related to nut growing in NY worth sharing on this website, reach out to Sara Tyler at sara@tylerseneca.com.