Education will never become obsolete. The difference today is that research and technology are advancing so fast, and not only on our farms, that it is difficult to know what to focus upon. In years past, fruit farmers learned century old and tried cultural practices to increase the quality and yields on their farms. Often there were very little operational differences between generations. Today we see shifts in almost every area of fruit production. Orchard designs and varietal selections are reshaping what an orchard looks like.

By supporting research initiatives the NYSHS has helped fund research projects that have helped us increase yields and quality at the same time. Funding for these research programs has helped to define profitable practices. Sometimes equally important, it illustrates poor production trends so we do not have to suffer economic setbacks by learning through costly trial and error. The encouragement of those dedicated to research by the NYSHS cannot be understated. Individually, as farmers, we could not afford to fund these projects. Collectively we have spread the financial costs as we moved ahead. It is often said it takes an organization to get the work done for the individual.