Staff Stories: Reece Perrin

A day in the life of a perennial crops steward 

By Grace DePaull

By 6:00 a.m., Reece Perrin has already clocked in, with the sun just beginning its slow ascent over the northern tip of Seneca Lake. This particular morning is thick with fog, patches of it cling to trees as early rays stretch across the 900 acres of land that make up Cornell’s AgriTech campus in Geneva, New York, signaling the start of a new day.

Perrin and his assistant climb into a farm truck at 7:30 a.m., coffees in hand, ready to begin their rounds across the acres of research fields and facilities. As a perennial crops steward, Perrin is responsible for managing and maintaining all perennial crops, from apples and grapes to cherries, strawberries, willow, hops, hemp and more. He also oversees the upkeep of all related infrastructure, road maintenance and site preparations for ongoing research.  

At the time of the interview, Perrin is busy preparing equipment for the apple and peach harvest. Although operations slow as winter approaches, his work never truly stops.  

“Once I arrive, I prioritize tasks for my assistant and myself, and we head out shortly after to start checking things off our list,” Perrin said. “We typically wrap up around 2:30 or 3:00 p.m., but during the busy season, our work might not be finished until later in the evening and sometimes after dinner. There are days we’re out from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.”

Mornings usually begin in Research Unit North, where Perrin’s office and much of the machinery and equipment is located. The fields here hold an array of crops like hemp, sweet corn, apples, soybean and raspberries. From memory, Perrin rattles off what crops are planted in each plot, the name of the leading researcher and the research focus.

When it comes to each project, Perrin knows the unique preferences of the researchers regarding their techniques and practices. In fact, no two field sites are alike. Instead, they are curated to the specific needs of the project leads.

“From installing trellis to irrigation systems, planting cover crops and pruning, there’s a lot that goes into producing fruits and vegetables that the general community doesn’t know about. The time, amount of money and energy it takes to grow something is incredible,” Perrin said.

Cornell AgriTech advances the sustainability and resilience of agricultural practices across New York State. From breeding new grape varieties that resist climate change, rot, disease and pest pressure to supporting a $3 million project to grow the organic dry bean industry – it’s safe to say Perrin is laying the groundwork for groundbreaking research.

By 8:30 a.m., Perrin and a crew of about ten workers assemble around a raspberry plot sheltered by a hoop house. Their first major task of the day is to cover the hoops with plastic sheeting – a coordinated effort that involves draping the material over the half-dome structure and securing the ends tightly to protect the berries from excess moisture and disease. 

For Perrin, no two days are quite the same. 

“I usually start the day with a game plan, but about half the time, it evolves differently from what we initially planned that morning,” Perrin said. “Sometimes I’ll be prepping the ground when a project faces an issue that needs to be resolved right away. Because of that, every day brings something new. It keeps you on your toes.” 

In addition to spontaneity, one of Perrin’s favorite aspects of the job is the endless opportunity to learn from experts around him. 

Each day, he works alongside world-renowned researchers, including apple breeder Susan Brown, grape breeder Bruce Reisch and apple researchers Terence Robinson and Gennaro Fazio, who each have a distinct approach to agriculture. Supporting their innovative work has allowed Perrin to expand his knowledge, skills and ability to assist with research. 

“It’s a very unique place to work,” Perrin said. “I’d say 95% of what I know today I’ve learned here at Cornell, from working with the different departments and experts. I’m always evolving and learning new things, which keeps the job exciting.”

Cornell is currently the oldest apple breeding program in the United States and one of the largest in the world. Established in 1880 as the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, the AgriTech campus has developed over 70 apple varieties, including SnapDragon, Empire and RubyFrost and grape varieties like Cayuga White. The campus has also pioneered sustainable pest control, enhanced crop yields and resilience for local farmers and led innovative research in organic farming techniques. 

Perrin first joined the institution eleven years ago, transitioning from a landscaping job to a role in the field research unit. His interest in agriculture started early on and was sparked by summer visits to his great-grandparents’ small farm, where they raised ducks and geese and tended to a large one-acre garden. Having relocated to Geneva from Fulton, NY, Perrin views the area as a unique hub for agricultural innovation. 

“We have a microclimate that other regions – even throughout the entire world – don’t have,” Perrin said. “The Finger Lakes provides ideal conditions for apple and grape production that is pretty unique. We experience moderate temperatures that prevent extreme cold in the winter and cools the area in the summer, creating the perfect environment for fruit.”

By 9:30 a.m., Perrin is back in his truck, maneuvering through the rows of apple trees and grape vines which are carefully arranged on plots of land throughout the research fields. He points out the trellises that he and his team have installed to support the crop’s growth and stops to greet coworkers who are busy harvesting grapes, carrying crates of them to the bed of a truck. 

“It’s wonderful to drive around campus and see familiar faces who recognize you,” said Perrin, who appreciates the close-knit community that comes with working on a smaller campus. “You become familiar with all the different people who work here. It’s nice when people know your name and you can count on the campus to be a place where you can walk or drive around and always see people you know.”

Perrin’s colleagues hand over a cluster of wine grapes. They are smaller and sweeter than typical table grapes. Since research is the top priority at the AgriTech campus, many apple and grape varieties remain unavailable for public consumption, often for years after the studies are completed, or in some cases, never at all. As a result, this particular variety, known only by its research code “1302602,” won’t be found in supermarkets. 

By 10:30 a.m., Perrin is pulling into the Raw Products facility, where apples and other produce are stored before being shipped to various locations across the state. Multiple bays of climate-controlled coolers house massive crates of Galas, RubyMacs and SweeTangos. 

“Many people don’t even know we exist,” Perrin said. “But there’s a lot happening here in Geneva. We are the backbone of a lot of the research and instruction that goes on at Cornell’s main campus in Ithaca.”

One of Perrin’s long-term goals is to create a sustainable environment that can support years of future research. He takes great pride in helping improve the soil quality by prioritizing cover crops and crop rotations, while also sharing his expertise and mentoring those who are newer to the field.

As he rummages through one of the crates and pockets a SweeTango for lunch, Perrin reflects on his role. “It’s a great feeling,” he says, “to lend a hand in something that will eventually help benefit communities. Especially with our apple breeding programs, I help plant something that is going to be produced across the entire nation – if not the whole world.”