December 2024 - 30

Dan Eggert
Seed Consultant
Gowan Seed
Emily Lavely
Tree Fruit Educator
Michigan State University Extension
A vegetable seed consultant and
certified crop advisor in Macedon,
New York, Dan sells seeds to Northeast growers and
runs a small farm which markets produce locally. He
conducts research trials on farms across New York,
evaluating new seed genetics. Dan has evaluated
thousands of global varieties to help farmers grow
better crops through hands-on experience.
Deborah Aller
Senior Extension Associate
Cornell University
A program coordinator for the New
York Soil Health Initiative, Deborah
conducts applied research and coordinates Extension
activities to assist farmers in adopting sustainable
soil management practices. Deborah leads efforts in
quantifying and interpreting soil health in perennial
fruit crop systems and uses biochar and other organic
amendments. She holds a Ph.D. in soil science from
Iowa State University.
Elizabeth Long
Assistant Professor &
Extension Specialist
Purdue University
An assistant professor and
entomology Extension specialist and Ph.d., Elizabeth
uses applied research efforts focused on pest and
beneficial insect management in fruit and specialty
cropping systems. Elizabeth's research promotes
understanding ecological interactions between plants,
insects and their environment in celery, small fruit,
parsley and mint systems.
Eloy Garza
CEO
Garza & Sons Labor Contractors
Born and raised in the farming
industry in Belle Glade, Florida, Eloy
founded his Wyoming, Michigan, labor company at 23 to
change agriculture standards. He focuses on providing
high-paying jobs, affordable housing and sustainable
growth for the community.
30 | DECEMBER 2024
Working as an educator for almost
three years, Emily provides Extension
programming and conducts applied research related to
integrated pest management, crop load management
and rootstock and variety evaluations. She also works in
irrigation and soil health at the West Central Michigan
Research and Extension Center in Hart.
Emmanuel Torres Quezada
Assistant Professor
North Carolina State University
Specializing in sustainable
vegetable production, Emmanuel's
research focuses on climate-smart agriculture and
crop management, with better understanding of water
and nutrient management contributions. A Dominican
Republic native, Emmanuel holds a Ph.D. in horticultural
sciences from the University of Florida and has extensively
published in scientific journals, internationally recognized
for his research and commitment to advancing sustainable
agricultural practices.
Hallie Butler-Van Horn
Purchasing and Personnel, Co-owner
Butler's Orchard & Doc Waters Cidery
The third-generation at Butler's
Orchard in Germantown, Maryland,
Hallie is the purchasing and personnel manager, also
co-owner of Doc Waters Cidery. She is Maryland State
Horticultural Society president and board member of the
Young Growers Alliance and her local community fair.
Hallie is passionate about continuing her family's land
and fruit and vegetable legacy.
Jamie Fussell
Director of Labor Relations
Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association
Helping growers navigate laws
affecting labor-intensive agriculture,
Jamie represents FFVA in labor-related legislative
efforts, working with regulators and lawmakers to
advance sound ag labor policy. Jamie also coordinates
members' use of the H-2A program and leads an annual
ag labor relations forum. A member of the Florida Bar,
he graduated from the University of Florida and the
University of Mississippi.
December 2024

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of December 2024
