Homer C. Thompson Vegetable Research Farm

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

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.

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

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

Thompson Research Farm Staff
- (607) 254-6395
- seb38 [at] cornell.edu
Field Assistant, Thompson Vegetable Research Farm
Cornell AES
- (607) 279-6606
- pmr58 [at] cornell.edu
Field Assistant, Thompson Vegetable Research Farm
Cornell AES
- (607) 844-8167
- egt29 [at] cornell.edu
Field Assistant, Thompson Vegetable Research Farm
Cornell AES
- (607) 844-8167
- qw38 [at] cornell.edu