Join fellow farmer veteran Dean Koyanagi and his wife, Sharon Tregaskis, on Tree Gate Farm (in Ithaca, NY), as we learn the art and science of growing ginger and turmeric here in the Finger Lakes of NYS. Dean and Sharon grow 700+ pounds of ginger and turmeric each year and sell through a variety of market channels during the two-month harvest season. During this hands-on training attendees will be able to see the stages of bed preparation and planting, utilizing movable high tunnels. We will learn proper techniques for pre-planting and growth stages for the crops. Participants will engage in the “hilling” process, and discuss the need for multi-stage fertilization and proper water management for successful production. Sharon will discuss the farm’s market channel development and customer engagement. Sample production budgets will be presented to aid in understanding the inputs and costs required. Attendees should have at least two years of gardening/growing experience, and an understanding of how to troubleshoot production issues. Prior to the training, participants will be provided a set of resources to familiarize themselves with as a foundation for the workshop.
Registration will be capped at 12 veterans to ensure a quality learning experience, as well as adhering to COVID-19 meeting guidelines. Registrants will receive 1–2 rhizomes to take home and plant on their home farm to implement production practices learned during the training. Pre-registration required so register ASAP. Cost is $25 materials fee, which will be refunded upon participation in the training.
The funding supporting this workshop comes from the Cornell Small Farms veteran project, FarmOps, and targets active service members & military veterans only who reside in NY or NJ. Registration is limited to 12 participants to ensure a quality experience. Questions and follow-up by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County will help us determine final eligibility to attend and participate in this workshop.
$25
https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/growinggingerturmeric_203
Laura Biasillo
Agricultural Economic Development Specialist
lw257@cornell.edu
(607) 584-5007
1407 Mecklenburg Rd
Ithaca, NY 14850
Last updated January 24, 2022