UPCOMING EVENTS:
Lake Erie Regional Grape Program Sprayer Technology Field Day
Explore the latest advances in spray technology during this all-day meeting and demonstration event designed for grape growers and industry professionals. Participants will have the opportunity to see current and emerging spray technologies in action while learning from guest experts representing Cornell University, Michigan State University, and Washington State University.
Who is this for?
Vineyard owners and managers
Orchard owners and managers
Pesticide applicators
Commercial fruit producers
What will you learn?
Optimizing sprayers
New and future spray application technology
Drone application of pesticides in specialty crops
Practical precision pesticide application
Demonstrations of new technology and equipment retrofits by local vendors
When: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Where: Cornell Lake Erie Grape Research and Extension Center (CLEREL)
6592 W. Main St.
Portland, New York 14769
View Map
Cost: General Attendance- $30.00 per person
Vender Registration- $150.00 per person
Credits Offered: 2 Core; 1 Category 02, 18, PC
Registration Deadline: August 11, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
AGENDA
9:00 AM- Speaker Presentations
Instruction Topics:
Michael Reinke (1 Core Credit 02, 18, PC)
Title: Spray drones in grapes: Two years of efficacy trial results in juice and wine grapes
Description: Full-season, spray drone-only efficacy trials were compared to standard airblast applications during 2024 and 2025. Grapes tested included Concord (both years), Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Seyval, Traminette, and Vignoles. Pre-harvest foliage and cluster assessments indicated the drone treatments were effective at controlling all insects and diseases, similar to the airblast treatment, in most cases. Time-series assessments revealed that drone applications on 2.5-acre plots took approximately half the time required for ground applications.
Gwen Hoheisel (1 Core Credit, 00)
Title: Optimizing Sprayer Settings to Match the Canopy
Description: Gwen Hoheisel will discuss methods for improving pesticide application by making simple adjustments to your sprayer based on the development of the vineyard canopy throughout the growing season for maximum effectiveness.
Lynn Sosnoskie (1 Category Credit 02, 18, PC)
Title: Precision Herbicide Applications in Vineyards: Does It Work, Is It Safe, and Where Do We Go From Here?
Description: Dr. Sosnoskie will discuss the performance of precision spray technologies in vineyards, considerations for crop safety, and future opportunities for adoption in grape production systems.
11:30 AM- Lunch and Vendors
1:00 PM- Equipment Demonstrations Begin
Field demonstrations:
3 Drones:
XAG P150 Max
DJI T100
Hylio Ares HY-150
2 Autonomous Sprayers:
LJTech S1000
Amiga robot, with Weedit for weed spraying
LERGP Coffee Pot Meeting Schedule
Enjoy a morning of educational conversation with fellow growers and the LERGP team. Have a cup of coffee and a donut and settle in for some discussion on current vineyard issues, successes, and relevant topics. NYSDEC and PDA points are available.
May 6, 2026 - Sprayer Calibration
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (noon)
Location: CLEREL- 6592 W Main Rd, Portland, NY 14769
May 13, 2026 - NYSDEC Mock Inspection Meeting
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (noon)
Location: CLEREL- 6592 W Main Rd, Portland, NY 14769
May 20, 2026 - Peter Smith, Niagara Landing
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (noon)
Location: 4472 Van Dusen Rd, Lockport, NY 14094
May 27, 2026 - Gary Youngs
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (noon)
Location: 8401 Gulf Rd, North East, PA 16428
June 3, 2026 - Betts’ Farm
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (noon)
Location: 7366 East Rte 20, Westfield, NY 14787
June 10, 2026 - Sprague Farm
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (noon)
Location: 12435 Versailles Rd, Irving, NY 14081
June 17, 2026 - No Coffee Pot Meeting
June 24, 2026 - LERGREC Field Day
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location: 622 N. Cemetery Rd, North East, PA 16428
July 1, 2026 - Kaczor Farm
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (noon)
Location: 10468 Lake Shore Rd, Irving, NY 14081
July 8, 2026 - Mason Farms
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (noon)
Location: 8603 West Lake Rd, Lake City, PA 16423
July 15, 2026 - Jim Baker, Chateau Niagara Winery
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (noon)
Location: 2466 West Creek Rd, Newfane, NY 14108
July 22, 2026 - Chess Farm
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm (noon)
Location: 10289 West Main Rd, Ripley, NY 14775
Erie Horticultural Society Chicken BBQ
Date: July 29, 2026
Time: 5:00 pm
Location: Gravel Pit Park, 10300 W. Main St., North East, PA 16428
