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There's a fruit native to New York that many have never tasted, yet it holds a lot of promise for market growth. In this episode of 'Extension Out Loud,' host Paul Treadwell sits down with Anya Stansell, Cornell Cooperative Extension's (CCE) western New York small fruits extension specialist, to explore the pawpaw: a tree fruit with an unusual flavor and a history much older and more layered than most people realize. Stansell says pawpaws don't taste quite like anything else grown in our region. "They have absolutely no acid, and they're super sweet," she says, describing a flavor profile that's often compared to a cross between mango and banana. The flesh can range from white to yellow, with subtle differences in bitterness and aroma depending on genetics, growing conditions, and sun exposure. That distinctiveness extends beyond flavor. Pawpaw trees produce broad, dramatic leaves that turn a buttery yellow in autumn, and they serve as a host plant for zebra swallowtail caterpillars, making them valuable not just for eating, but for supporting local ecosystems. Perhaps most striking is the history behind why pawpaws grow in New York at all. Many of the pawpaw groves found today trace back to Indigenous peoples, who carried pawpaw seeds along trade routes and cultivated them deliberately. If pawpaws are so remarkable, why haven't most of us tried one? The answer lies in the fruit's fragility. "They're kind of like peaches," Stansell explains, "in that they're very delicate when they're ripe." Unlike peaches, though, eating unripe pawpaws can cause real illness, meaning they must be sold at exactly the right moment of ripeness, a narrow window that makes large-scale distribution nearly impossible. More than just a culinary curiosity, the pawpaw offers a window into New York's ecological history, Indigenous knowledge, and the limits of industrial food systems. It's a fruit that asks for patience and rewards those willing to seek it out.

Planning to spend time on the water this summer? Before you launch, tune in to this episode of 'Extension Out Loud' featuring Megan Cochran, Great Lakes Outreach Coordinator with New York Sea Grant. In this episode, we discuss key steps to take before you head out, including completing a boating safety course (required in New York for all motorized vessel operators starting January 2025), wearing a life jacket, monitoring the weather and filing a float plan. The conversation also explores one of the leading factors in fatal boating accidents—alcohol use—and offers guidance on choosing and wearing today's more comfortable life jackets, including inflatable options. For kayakers, canoeists, and paddleboarders, Cochran highlights added safety considerations such as visibility, carrying a whistle as a sound-signaling device and using navigation lights in low-light conditions. Links: NY Sea Grant Safe Boating NYS Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation boating safety  US Coast Guard Boating Safety

As seed catalogs arrive and garden planning season begins, tomato enthusiasts face an exciting, and potentially overwhelming array of choices. In this episode of 'Extension Out Loud,' Greg Vogel, Assistant Professor at Cornell's School of Integrative Plant Science, guides listeners through the complex world of tomato variety selection, drawing from his cutting-edge research and extensive field experience. During this episode Vogel discusses: ·      the differences between determinate and indeterminate tomato varieties, ·      how local climate affects variety performance, and proper pruning techniques for maximum yield, ·      breeding methods comparing traditional backyard techniques with modern laboratory approaches. Whether you're a novice gardener overwhelmed by catalog choices or an experienced grower seeking to optimize your tomato selection, this episode provides the scientific foundation and practical wisdom needed to make informed decisions for a successful growing season. Listen now to transform your tomato growing experience with insights from one of Cornell's leading vegetable breeding researchers. For more resources to help you select varieties for your garden visit the Cornell Garden Based Learning web site.  For questions related to planning, and growing your garden, contact your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office.

In this episode of Extension Out Loud, Cornell Cooperative Extension specialist Crystal Stewart Courtens shares her journey from Extension newcomer to regional garlic specialist. Crystal discusses her farmer-centered approach to agricultural science, the challenges of researching a crop that rarely produces viable seeds, and how mentors taught her that excellent Extension work requires both scientific rigor and authentic human connection.

In this episode of Extension Out Loud, Mario Miranda Sazo, fruit extension specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension's (CCE) Lake Ontario Fruit Program, shares how advanced technology and agricultural techniques are revolutionizing apple orchards. The digitalization of orchard management is transforming farming practices. Advanced drone technology now enables farmers to create precise blossom density maps. These maps provide crucial data on bloom levels, helping growers identify which trees are flourishing and which need additional care. By leveraging drones, precision crop management, and advanced grafting techniques, CCE specialists and Cornell researchers are helping New York's apple industry improve yields, enhance fruit quality, and promote orchard sustainability.

In a rapidly evolving world, strengthening connections between the work done in Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) program areas across the state and the related research conducted at Cornell University has never been more crucial. This episode of Extension Out Loud is the first in a series introducing the purpose and potential impact of Critical Issue Leads. As defined by Andy Turner, director of CCE and associate dean in both the College of Agriculture & Life Sciences and Cornell Human Ecology, these campus appointments will function as central leaders and liaisons, cultivating guidance and vision while connecting diverse program areas. Featured in this episode is David Kay, senior extension associate in the Department of Global Development and newly appointed Critical Issue Lead for Sustainable Energy and Climate Change at Cornell Cooperative Extension. Kay highlights the contributions of CCE in addressing climate challenges, and the importance of dialogue-driven approaches to foster understanding and action. Across multiple departments and over 45 years at Cornell, Kay's research and outreach focus on energy efficiency, sustainability, and innovative strategies that integrate climate action with education. In addition to his work on campus, Kay chairs the City of Ithaca's Sustainability and Climate Justice Commission and the National Extension Climate Initiative. A cornerstone of Kay's approach is effective communication. He believes that while the science of climate change is robust, real engagement comes from understanding community priorities and equipping people with knowledge to make informed decisions. By embedding climate change insights into diverse educational disciplines—ranging from agriculture to nutrition—CCE underscores its relevance across societal sectors. "If I want to be a good educator and communicate with someone, I'm going to find out what they care about the most and figure out what resources can I bring to the table that would help them make informed decisions." - David Kay Programs like agrivoltaics, which integrate solar energy with agriculture, highlight the collaborative potential of research and community-based education. These initiatives bridge the gap between campus innovation and local application, reinforcing CCE's mission to empower communities. Looking ahead, Kay envisions expanding such programs to strengthen positive collaboration between research, education, and local engagement. Kay's vision highlights the importance of informed, community-centric strategies in addressing the multifaceted challenges of climate change. According to Kay combining research, dialogue, and education, will ensure that CCE continues to drive impactful change, fostering resilient and empowered communities in the face of climate challenges.

The Joro spider, an arachnid that's been in the United States for years in some southern states, has been trending in the news lately as the next potentially invasive species to land in New York State. Some media hypes giant, venomous, flying spiders, but how concerned should we really be here in New York about their potential arrival?   To address these questions Alejandro Calixto, Director of the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program at Cornell University joins this episode of Cornell Cooperative Extension's 'Extension Out Loud' podcast. Calixto discusses the myths surrounding the Joro spider and the impacts of a changing climate on the spread of invasives. While large and venomous like many spiders, the Joro spider does not pose a direct threat to humans.   "Every spider has venom, but their venom is primarily for capturing prey and defense, not for attacking humans," said Calixto.   One common misconception Calixto addresses is the idea of Joro spiders flying into homes or attacking pets. While they can disperse using a technique called ballooning—where they release silk strands to catch the wind and travel—they do not have wings or parachutes and are not aggressive towards humans or pets.   Calixto highlights concerns about the Joro spider potentially outcompeting native species like the golden silk weaver in habitats where they overlap. However, their slow dispersal rate means any effects would likely be gradual and localized. Focusing on more immediate concerns for New Yorkers, Calixto mentions the rise of pests like the spotted lanternfly and the increased activity of ticks due to milder winters. These changes underscore the importance of vigilance and proactive pest management strategies to mitigate potential impacts on agriculture and public health. To learn more about the Joro Spider and other invasive pests in New York State visit the NYS Integrated Pest Management website.

Though the H5N1 virus, often referred to as avian influenza, is most commonly associated with poultry, this spring farms in the Midwest reported cases in dairy cattle, presenting new risks for dairy herds, and farmers who work with them. While there are currently no known cases of H5N1 in New York dairy herds, Cornell and Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) experts are carefully monitoring the situation. Rob Lynch, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and dairy herd health and management specialist with Cornell's Pro-Dairy program, joins CCE's 'Extension Out Loud' podcast to share an update on H5N1, discussing the safety of dairy and meat products and what we currently know about the virus and its transmission. He also covers preventative measures dairy farms in New York can take. Lynch emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance and adherence to standard safety protocols. Frequent handwashing, use of personal protective equipment and other safety measures help protect both dairy herds and the people who work with them. While the situation is evolving, the current measures provide a framework for managing this emerging threat effectively. For updates and guidance on managing H5N1 in dairy cattle, Lynch advises farmers and industry stakeholders to contact their local veterinarian. They should also monitor trusted websites, including the CDC and Cornell Pro-Dairy, and take proactive measures to protect workers and cattle.   Links: Cornell Pro-Dairy  CDC - H5N1 Bird Flu: Current Situation   FOLLOW US! I nstagram: @ccecornell X: @CCECornell @ccecornell  TikTok: @ccecornell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CornellCooperativeExtension/

A trip to the grocery store today is an exercise in balancing budget against nutritional need. For many community members, these calculations lead to decisions based on economy and convenience. For historically underserved populations, this process is complicated by issues of access and the expense of healthier choices. Addressing this challenge is the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), whose goal is to help folks understand and maximize the impact of food dollars.   Federally funded and present in every state and U.S. territory, EFNEP programs are delivered locally through the Cooperative Extension system. This year marks the 55th anniversary of EFNEP, a celebaration that highlights the importance of local partnerships in empowering communities to eat healthier.   This episode of 'Extension Out Loud' focuses on the impacts of EFNEP through a conversation with Carol Parker, nutrition and health program leader and Cynthia Fouyolle, community nutrition educator for Cornell University Cooperative Extension New York City (CUCE NYC), which administers EFNEP programming in the Big Apple.   I like to describe us as being rooted and planted in the neighborhood. The communities that we're working in are the communities that we've been working in for over 50 years. -Carol Parker Before becoming an community educator, Fouyolle was an EFNEP program participant. Her journey illustrates the success of the embedded approach to education that forms the core of nutrition education by CUCE NYC.   One of the things about the program is not only the food preparation. It's not only the exercise. It's not only what they've been learning. It's the passion that we share with the participant. It's the respect. - Cynthia Fouyolle   Parker and Fouyolle discuss EFNEP's history, educational approaches, and significant impacts over 55 years. The conversation highlights the importance of partnerships with schools and community organizations, and the diverse linguistic and cultural adaptations in teaching methods. It also emphasizes the long-term behavioral changes and empowerment of participants. About FNEP  Learn more about EFNEP in New York City

In a world increasingly dominated by technology, fostering a connection with the natural world carries more weight than ever. This episode of 'Extension Out Loud' is a conversation with John Linstrom, who recently edited a new version of Liberty Hyde Bailey's book, "The Nature Study Idea."   Bailey, a horticulturist, and educator, helped found the Cornell College of Agriculture, becoming dean of what was then known as New York State College of Agriculture. He believed that cultivating a relationship with nature was not just beneficial, but essential. Originally written for elementary school teachers, Bailey's work laid the foundations for 4-H, emphasizing an experiential approach to engage youth in active learning .  This new edition of the "Nature Study Idea" brings Bailey's ideas to a new generation.   "Bailey's philosophical and literary writing is just so beautiful and grounded ," Linstrom says. "I think it really speaks to his idea of the human place in the natural world, and to our current moment." Linstrom argues that Bailey's work, though written over a century ago, offers valuable insights that have been somewhat lost to environmental thought. Bailey's concept of nature study goes beyond the accumulation of facts about plants and animals. The Nature Study Idea emphasizes the cultivation of a sense of wonder and empathy for the natural world. Linstrom suggests that Bailey's concept of "sympathy with nature" is particularly relevant today, as environmental concerns continue to mount. Linstrom's edited edition of "The Nature Study Idea" offers a timely reminder of the importance of reconnecting with nature. During our conversation, Linstrom explores Bailey's philosophy, rooted in observation, curiosity, and empathy, revealing a valuable framework for environmental education in the 21st century.   Visit Cornell University Press "The Nature-Study Idea"

After nearly 10 years as the New York State 4-H Director, Andrew Turner '88, MPS '98, is moving into a new role as Director for Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) beginning Dec. 1. In this episode of 'Extension Out Loud,' Turner shares his vision for moving the organization forward and his deeply personal connection to and appreciation for the CCE educators across the state who selflessly drive and embody CCE's commitment to New York state communities. Turner was prepared for his new role by a lifetime of personal and professional experiences. A third-generation extension professional, Turner has led NYS 4-H since 2014, providing program leadership, professional development, and support for one of the largest and most diverse 4-H programs in the nation. Prior to that, he spent two years on campus as CCE assistant director for field operations and communications. However, it is Turner's boots on the ground experience at the county level that he says has most prepared him for his role of director. That journey began in 1989 at CCE Rockland County where Turner worked as a 4-H educator for nine years before serving as executive director for CCE Greene County for 14 years. Turner says having experienced CCE at different organizational levels, as well as being a Cornell graduate, has had a profound impact on the way he views the reciprocal relationships between communities, local CCE educators, and extension faculty and researchers on campus.    We're not information providers only, we're community builders. And that happens through collaboration and context and embracing diversity, finding a way to engage all the people. While appreciative of CCE's rich history of serving New York communities, Turner also acknowledges the need for extension to adapt and embrace new ways of reaching people. Still, Turner emphasizes the importance of maintaining the human element as part of extension's two-way exchange of ideas with communities. "We're not information providers only, we're community builders," he said. "And that happens through collaboration and context and embracing diversity, finding a way to engage all the people." Download the podcast to learn more about Turner's perspective on the future of CCE and extension work as well as his deep admiration for the educators who drive and define CCE's work across the state.     Download the episode transcript (pdf)

The agricultural sector dealing with unprecedented challenges in the face of climate change. To shed light on the efforts being made to address these issues, Jenna Walczak, Ag Climate Resiliency Specialist for CCE's Harvest New York team joined Cornell Cooperative Extension's (CCE) 'Extension Out Loud' podcast for a conversation about helping farmers adapt to the changing climate and build resilience in their agricultural practices.   "Adaptation is the actions that we are taking in response to a changing climate. On farms in New York State, that might mean things like improving water management or soil health to be able to better withstand drought or flooding."   In this episode, Walczak discusses climate vulnerabilities, strategies for adaptation, and the future landscape of farming in New York. While climate-related challenges affect the entire state, their intensity varies across regions. CCE's work involves tailoring adaptation strategies to cater to the specific needs of each region, ensuring that farmers receive personalized support.   Walczak underscores the significance of re-establishing connections within agricultural communities and fostering the exchange of knowledge and experiences among farmers. By building stronger social networks, farmers can collectively address climate challenges and enhance their resilience.   "One thing that is important in the agricultural community in terms of building resilience is really developing and continuing to grow social networks."   CCE plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between university research and agricultural stakeholders. Specialists like Walczak serve as conduits for translating scientific knowledge into practical applications on farms. Events like the upcoming climate symposium facilitate collaboration among extension agents, researchers, and farmers, enabling them to share ideas and collectively strive toward a more resilient future for agriculture. Links: Responding to Climate Change in New York State (ClimAID)Report CCE Ag In-service Climate Symposium (November 9, 2023) Harvest NY (website)     EpisodeTranscript: PAUL: Welcome to another episode of Extension Out Loud, a podcast from Cornell Cooperative Extension. I'm your host Paul Treadwell. For this episode, I sat down with Jenna Walczak:, the Ag climate resiliency specialist from Cornell Cooperative Extensions Harvest New York team. Our conversation focuses on the ever-evolving climate challenges confronting the agricultural sector in New York. We also discussed the work of Cornell Cooperative Extension in facilitating innovation and collaboration to support adaptation, and climate resiliency and agricultural practices.   JENNA: My name is Jenna, and I am an Ag Climate Resiliency Specialist on the Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest New York Team. PAUL: Welcome, Jenna. It's nice to meet you here. When we're looking at New York State, what are the main climate vulnerabilities farmers are currently facing? JENNA: So there are a number of vulnerabilities or what are referred to as climate risks that are outlined in a 2014 report that's often called the ClimAID Report, and some of these include things like temperature, extreme heat, and more frequent and longer heatwaves are definitely of concern and something we already been seeing. Another risk is related to precipitation. It's projected that in the coming decades we might be seeing more precipitation over the course of one year but that this precipitation will likely be falling in more extreme rainfall events where we're getting more than 1 or 2 inches in a 24-hour period. Some other kind of risks or roller abilities are related to increased instances of diseases and things like that, so possibly more generations of an agricultural pest in one season. PAUL: Given the fact that New York State is a large and geographically diverse State, do the climate vulnerabilities vary by region of the state, or is it pretty consistent across New York State? JENNA: I think it's likely fair to say that every region will be seeing changes as a result of climate change but that the extent of those kind of risks or vulnerabilities may be different slightly from one region to another in the state. But there are certain risks, things like sea level rise, that will be seen in the Hudson Valley or around New York City that won't be a problem in Central New York. PAUL: At the outset of our conversation, can you just talk a little bit about the difference between climate and weather? JENNA: Weather is often thought of as something that we are seeing from day to day in the shorter term sense while climate is the patterns that are happening over longer periods of time. PAUL: Playing this out theoretically, we could-- for the climate, we could be experiencing a wetter climate, but we could have weather events that are droughts? JENNA: Absolutely, absolutely, and I think an important piece related to that is with those climate projections that I was mentioning earlier that are outlined in the 2014 ClimAID Report is that along with that description of possible wetter years, more precipitation in one year, there's also likelihood or increased chance of short-term drought in the later summer. PAUL: In your role, you talk a lot about climate adaptation. Can you describe for us what climate adaptation means? What is it? What does it look like in practice? JENNA: Adaptation is the actions that we are taking in response to a changing climate, whether it is seeing more extreme precipitation or short-term drought or extreme heat. It's the actions that we're taking across the state and across sectors of the economy or particularly in agriculture to meet those challenges. So on farms in New York State, that might mean things like improving water management or soil health in order to be able to better withstand drought or flooding. For our perennial cropping and trees, cropping systems, that might mean things like hail netting to try to avert the worst impacts of those events. PAUL: How do you get the word out, and how do people begin to understand the challenges they're faces and then-- they're facing and then change their practices? Is there a particular method you have, or is there a better way to approach this work? JENNA: Yeah I think what I'll say from my experience in my role in this position for about a year and a half now is I've been working to-- working with fellow Extension agents and technical service providers and especially farmers and others working in the natural resource field across New York State to build a common knowledge and a common understanding of some of the things that we've been talking about today, what the impacts of climate change will look like in New York State, many of which we're already seeing, as well as what the practical and the adaptation actions and climate mitigation actions that farmers can take as well as citizens and community members. PAUL: So we know that farming is, at best, a dodgy business. It has a lot of risks and variabilities, whether it's crops or pests or livestock, financial issues. You throw the variable weather that we're experiencing into that. What are some of the fundamental things or fundamental practices that can be done to make a farm more resilient or more adaptable? JENNA: In terms of resilience and adaptation, there are a lot of practices related to improving soil health and generally on-farm, other practices related to things like on-farm energy efficiency. Or as I mentioned earlier, water management can also take a number of forms on-farm, yeah, and some of the practices do vary based on the type of cropping system going on at an individual farm. PAUL: You mentioned energy efficiency, and one thing this-- this is to the side of our main conversation, but one of the things that we're starting to see is the transition of some traditional agricultural land into solar farms. Can you talk a little bit about the trade-offs or the costs and benefits of taking some land and setting it aside for solar production? JENNA: New York State has pretty ambitious goals in terms of renewable energy production, and part of that is increasing the amount of solar energy. So there have been a lot of conversations going on about how to best locate solar panels and taking into account the fact that we have certain areas of New York State that are prime agricultural land or prime agricultural soils. So there are now a lot of people doing work on the best use or siting of our land, which is really great and really important work. But there's also a lot of exciting projects going on about co-locating solar agriculture through things like agrivoltaics. Solar grazing is something that is increasing in interest and awareness among farmers in Extension, and then there's also ideas about growing tree crops or perennial crops or other vegetable and agricultural crops under solar panels and a lot of really exciting work going on about that. PAUL: I just have to ask because it sounds so cool. Solar grazing-- is it as simple as having your goats or your cows out grazing in fields with elevated solar panels, or is it something else? JENNA: Oftentimes it's a sheep grazing under solar panels in New York State, and yeah, I've heard a little bit about different organizations working on training programs. There are specific challenges that I think one would face grazing animal [? grazing ?] area and solar panels related to maintenance and rotational grazing, grazing time, and things like that. And exciting to see the work being done there. PAUL: Yeah, and it just sounds so cool. But anyways, if we're looking at being climate-resilient or these adaptation practices, what support is available to help farmers or producers who are building resiliency and adaptation into their processes and practices? JENNA: For that education piece, there are county and regional team Extension agents across Ne

Chef Chantay Skrine is dicing onions for her collard greens. Skrine, owner of Sweetay's LLC in Binghamton, N.Y., is at work in a shared commercial kitchen on the campus of Cornell Cooperative Extension Broome County. The past two years have been demanding, but her presence here signals a major step in the growth of her food-based business. "Being able to utilize the kitchen here at the CCE has been awesome because I'm able to work with some amazing people."- Chantay Skrine This episode of Cornell Cooperative Extension's 'Extension Out Loud' podcast charts Chantay's journey from home to commercial kitchen and beyond. Amy Willis, Food Systems Project Coordinator, and Katie Matsushima, Food Development Specialist, of CCE Broome County join the conversation to talk about the full range of support her team provides to help Southern Tier chefs successfully scale up a food-based business. "We always like to say, 'What do you want to make? Do you have a business plan?' We always just try to take a second to make sure that we can understand the bigger picture," says Matsushima. The bigger picture often includes licensing and legal requirements. Combined with a scarcity of available commercial kitchens in Broome County, successfully navigating this landscape requires support and guidance. "You start at home you grow, develop a base, customers. you start developing those smaller pieces. And then it's time to really scale" -Amy Willis CCE Broome County offers a unique environment to support home processors who are ready to scale up production. The commercial kitchen is adjacent to the farmer's market. This means that fresh, local produce is available to aspiring chefs. Combined with CCE staff who can help navigate the many challenges facing small food-based businesses the odds of making a successful transition are dramatically increased. Download this episode transcript (pdf)

The South Lawn Project, on-site at the offices of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County, in Rochester, N.Y., has transformed an underutilized piece of land into a thriving food-growing environment, offering employment opportunities to at-risk young adults. In this episode of Cornell Cooperative Extension 's 'Extension Out Loud" podcast Marci Muller, CCE Urban Garden Specialist, explains the origin and goals of the South Lawn Project. During the project's planning phase, Muller envisioned integrating transitional employment aspects into the urban farm's framework, aiming to establish a living laboratory for urban agriculture. According to Muller "a transitional job is a job for someone with barriers to employment. And it gives them the structure of work but not quite as demanding as a real job".  A key factor in the project's overall success is the emphasis on mentoring, as young adults work alongside a seasoned farm manager to acquire essential knowledge in planting, tending, and harvesting. Simultaneously, they develop vital skills necessary for success in the workplace.  Also contributing to this episode are two farm employees, as well as farm manager Mike Kinkaid, and Brendan Tidings of the Regional Valley Market in Rochester. The Regional Market is a supporter of the south lawn farm, providing funding in these first years to help this innovative program continue. Download the episode transcript (pdf)