Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) has announced the hiring of longtime extension educator and Vegetable Specialist Judson Reid as assistant director for agriculture and food systems. Moving into this critical statewide leadership role under Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Associate Dean and Director of CCE Andy Turner, Reid will provide primary leadership and management for the CCE Regional Agriculture Teams. Reid steps into the role following the retirement of Peter Landre in July.
Reid will manage a robust statewide network that consisting of 10 regional teams that work across a variety of agriculture commodities, including dairy, livestock, and field Crops; commercial horticulture and vegetables; fruit and viticulture; urban agriculture; and farm to institution programming. Comprising more than 100 Cornell specialists, these teams serve as a critical bridge connecting CALS' cutting-edge research and food producers across New York state. Working hand-in-glove with farmers and campus faculty, CCE regional specialists help keep New York's agricultural economy resilient through on-farm diagnostics, applied research trials, and business management consultation.
A CALS alum, Reid also currently serves as CCE's statewide Critical Issue Lead for extension programming in agriculture and food systems. In this strategic role, he is tasked with directly addressing the most pressing, large-scale challenges facing New York state's agricultural production. Reid is also the team leader for the Harvest New York economic development program. Under his direction, this unique CCE team focused on growing New York's farm and food economy by managing a portfolio centered on local food supply chains, urban agriculture, community gardens, emerging crops, and agricultural climate resiliency.
Reid started his career at CCE as a county extension agent in Yates County where a breadth of responsibilities gave him firsthand insight into the daily needs of local growers and the foundational dynamics of county-level associations. Following his early years in county outreach, Reid chose to focus heavily on agricultural production, completing a master's degree in plant protection in the field of Plant Pathology. This background launched his role as an Extension Vegetable Specialist with the Cornell Vegetable Program. In this capacity, Reid became a trusted statewide leader in high-tunnel greenhouse production, cultural practices, small-farm operations, and season-extension techniques, while closely collaborating with New York's growing network of produce auctions.
Reid's combination of county, regional, and statewide leadership experience positions him well to guide CCE's food systems programming and strengthen connections between Cornell research and New York's agricultural communities.
"We are thrilled to have Judson Reid step into the Assistant Director for Food Systems role," said Turner. "Judson brings decades of extension experience, a collaborative leadership style, and an unwavering commitment to New York agriculture. His ability to connect Cornell's research with the needs of farmers and communities across the state will strengthen our Regional Agriculture Teams and help Cornell Cooperative Extension continue delivering meaningful impact throughout New York."
