Staff from Cranberry Station participate in UMass Extension’s Agriculture and Landscape Program within the Center for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (CAFE). Our goal is to integrate field-based experience and research knowledge into viable educational programming materials that will help to sustain the cranberry industry in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- We are committed to supporting core educational programs that address critical and emerging issues for the cranberry industry in Massachusetts. We anticipate that these efforts will reach other cranberry growers outside of the Commonwealth.
- We will work cooperatively with our stakeholders to identify knowledge needs and gaps, and to develop programs that address those needs.
- Programs will be designed based on current best practices; we will use evaluation practices to assess changes as a result of our educational efforts. Programs will strive to meet the learning styles of both younger and older growers.
- We are committed to keeping ourselves trained in new and innovative educational techniques and materials to assure relevant and effective delivery of educational programming.
- We will engage with experts, both internal and external to our region, as needed, to consistently provide cutting-edge and research-based educational programming to our stakeholders.
As a result of promoting these Extension goals, we anticipate that MA cranberry growers will:
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Increase their knowledge of pest and water management techniques specific to large-fruited varieties.
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Produce and deliver high-quality fruit and maintain yields.
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Adopt canopy management strategies, such as sanding and pruning and irrigation management, to enhance crop production and pest management.
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Apply pesticides to their farms in accordance with both state and federal regulations as well as new information obtained at UMass Extension workshops.
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Implement practices that maintain the health and productivity of their farms in a cost-effective way.
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Incorporate the use of reduced-risk compounds for pest management on the farm.
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Use best management practices regarding nitrogen and phosphorus use, and water management.