$75M investment to boost NY dairy plants
Lactalis USA is investing $75 million to upgrade its dairy processing plants in Walton and Buffalo, according to Spectrum News 1. The move, supported by Gov. Kathy Hochul, aims to modernize equipment, increase output, and ... more
Laser weeders match herbicides in East Coast farm test
A Cornell-led study has found that laser weeders can be as effective as herbicides in killing weeds in East Coast crops like peas, spinach, and beets, according to the Cornell Chronicle. The high-tech machines, using ... more
Cayuga County dairy farm earns state recognition
A King Ferry dairy farm is gaining statewide attention for its commitment to conservation, according to The Citizen. Fessenden Dairy has been named one of four finalists for the prestigious Leopold Conservation Award, given annually ... more
New York awards $13.7 million to strengthen food supply
Nineteen farm and food organizations across New York have been awarded $13.7 million in grant funding to enhance the state’s agricultural supply chain under the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program. Governor Kathy Hochul announced ... more
Proposed cow cap fuels outrage among Upstate dairy farmers
A controversial bill limiting the size of dairy farms in New York has sparked fierce backlash across the Finger Lakes and broader Upstate region, as local leaders and agricultural advocates accuse Albany lawmakers of undermining ... more
NY dairy farms receive $21M as permit bill sparks backlash
New York is awarding $21 million to over 100 dairy farms to modernize equipment, according to Spectrum News. The funding comes amid sharp criticism of a proposed bill that would block permits for large-scale dairy ... more
Senator warns of costly energy and farm mandates
State Senator Tom O’Mara is sounding the alarm over what he calls “last-minute surprises” emerging from the final days of the legislative session in Albany. In a column released for the week of June 2, ... more
Forests could fuel New York’s beef boom
A New York farm is proving that trees and cattle can thrive together. According to Spectrum News, Brett Chedzoy’s Angus Glen farm uses silvopasture — a blend of managed forest and grazing land — to ... more
Future Farmers of America marks 100 years in NY
More than 3,000 attendees gathered at the New York State Fairgrounds this week to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the New York Future Farmers of America, according to CNY Central. The event returned to the ... more
From Soil to Sustainability-How the Right Tires Can Save Your Crops
If you’re a farmer, you know how important it is to keep your equipment running smoothly. But here's the thing: when was the last time you thought about the tires on your machinery? They’re often ... more
The Future of Homegrown Cannabis in the Finger Lakes: What Local Residents Need to Know
As New York continues to roll out its adult-use cannabis program, home cultivation is becoming a hot topic in the Finger Lakes. Residents from Ontario to Tompkins County are exploring the newly legalized right to ... more
New York farms rely on foreign workers to fill labor gap
Facing persistent labor shortages, New York farmers are increasingly turning to the H-2A visa program to hire seasonal foreign workers, according to Spectrum News. At Reeves Farm in Baldwinsville, owner Brian Reeves says the program, ... more
USDA to Host Free Webinar for New NY Farmers
The USDA will hold a free webinar on April 22 at noon to guide New York’s beginning farmers through available federal resources, according to officials. The hour-long session, open to anyone with pre-registration, will cover ... more
Cornell pilot program boosts sustainable farming across New York
A groundbreaking Cornell-led pilot program has helped dozens of New York farmers adopt sustainable agriculture practices, yielding major environmental benefits and reshaping how conservation efforts are financed. Launched by the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability, ... more
Riley pushes bill to unfreeze USDA funds and uphold contracts with Upstate farmers
Rep. Josh Riley is demanding accountability from Washington as delays in USDA payments leave Upstate New York farmers waiting on millions in promised funds. The first-term congressman from New York’s 19th District introduced the Honor ... more
New York farmers could lose $343 million in funds if Congress rolls back support
New York farmers stand to lose hundreds of millions in vital conservation funding if Congress eliminates Inflation Reduction Act investments in the next Farm Bill, a new report warns. The study, published by the Policy ... more
Factors and technologies that will allow US agriculture to develop
Agriculture has always been one of the leading industries in the United States. It has provided the country's citizens with food for centuries and has become a testing ground for various technological innovations. Today, US ... more
Bloomfield farm sets ambitious goal for locally sourced produce
Finger Foods Farm recently announced an ambitious commitment to strengthening regional agriculture, aiming to source 30,000 pounds of locally grown produce by the end of 2025. The Bloomfield-based farm, which launched just three months ago, ... more
NY farmers struggle with snow damage, seek federal aid
New York farmers are facing severe losses after a harsh winter led to widespread building collapses, with over 100 farms in Oneida County alone affected. Many aging farmers may retire rather than rebuild, raising concerns ... more
