Homer C. Thompson Vegetable Research Farm

A green tractor driving on a field.

About

The Homer C. Thompson Vegetable Research Farm is located 10 miles from the Cornell campus. It is a primary location for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' historically important vegetable research. The 260-acre farm includes a 30-acre organic parcel, certified by NOFA-NY Certified Organic LLC, for organic vegetable and grain research. Well-known by local citizens, the farm is popular for its field days, which give local commercial farmers and amateur gardeners the chance to learn about state-of-the-art planting and best management practices. Specialized farm equipment, such as a small plot herbicide sprayer, is designed for precise cultivation and management of small research plots. The farm is managed by Cornell AES as a site for interdisciplinary research aimed at optimizing vegetable production systems for the Northeast.

Research project highlights

purple and white potatoes cut open on a wood table

Potato breeding program

Testing the newest breeding lines of potatoes with best potential of production in New York, to develop appropriate cultivation practices, utilization recommendations and yield assessments, to guide local growers. Researcher: Walter De Jong

Certified organic research

On the certified organic acres, research includes trials on vegetable cover cropping; vegetable, wheat and field corn variety trials for organic systems; crop rotations; minimum tillage and the effects of organic nutrient sources on soil quality, to identify new strategies for vegetable production. Researcher: Anusuya Rangarajan

Optimum use of herbicides

Research on the optimum use of herbicides for vegetable crops informs the development of appropriate labeling. Researcher: Antonio DiTommaso

Malting barley variety trials

Organically managed malting barley variety trials assess spring and winter varieties for best quality and yield. The agronomic data collected provides crucial, tangible guidance to New York growers who aim to meet the growing demand from local breweries. Researcher: Mark Sorrells

Vegetable field trials

Vegetable field trials identify and develop varieties that perform well in New York state and establish best management practices for each cultivar.

  • Mixed vegetable varieties ideal for organic growing systems - researcher: Michael Mazourek
  • Crops from the kale and cabbage family, and cherry tomatoes - researcher: Phillip Griffiths
  • Tomato breeding for disease resistance - researcher: Martha Mutschler

Food Donations

Thompson Research Farm has a long history of donating large amounts of fresh produce to local food banks and non-profit food networks. Since 2004 the farm has donated more than 2 million pounds of produce, including potatoes, corn, peppers, cabbage, beets, onions, melons, squash, pumpkins and tomatoes to help combat local food insecurity.

A forklift loads pallets of food into a truck.

Resources for Cornell Researchers

Find detailed information for each Cornell AES research farm. Cornell login is required.

Resources for Cornell Researchers
Fruit, vegetables, flowers, trees, specialty crops

Contact

Address

Homer C. Thompson Vegetable Research Farm
133 Fall Creek Rd.
Freeville, NY 13068

View map for directions
Thompson Research Farm sign and buildings

Thompson Research Farm Staff

Steve McKay

Farm Manager, Thompson Vegetable Research Farm

Cornell AES

Steve McKay
Rick Randolph

Field Assistant, Thompson Vegetable Research Farm

Cornell AES

Rick Randolph
Ethan Tilebein

Field Assistant, Thompson Vegetable Research Farm

Cornell AES

Ethan Tilebein
Quin Walpole

Field Assistant, Thompson Vegetable Research Farm

Cornell AES

Quin Walpole