New York seeks federal disaster aid after frost causes $30 million in crop losses
New York has asked the federal government to declare a disaster across multiple regions after an April frost caused widespread damage to fruit and vegetable crops, with losses already estimated at more than $30 million ... more
Farm Bureau touts budget wins for New York agriculture
New York Farm Bureau says the newly approved state budget delivers several key victories for farmers, including tax incentives, climate policy changes, research funding and financial support for producers impacted by tariffs. The state's largest ... more
New York Farm Bill debate worries Central New York farmers
A newly passed federal Farm Bill is drawing praise and criticism across New York, according to Spectrum News 1. The legislation includes expanded dairy support, crop insurance and rural broadband programs, but cuts conservation funding ... more
Helming spotlights energy constraints during visit to Ontario County dairy farm
A visit to a family-run dairy farm in Ontario County is putting renewed focus on a growing issue facing agriculture across the Finger Lakes: access to reliable, affordable power. State Sen. Pam Helming toured Schum-Acres ... more
New York invests $240M in farm environmental programs over five years
New York has poured more than $240 million into farm-based environmental programs since 2021, a level of investment state leaders say is reshaping how agriculture supports climate and water quality goals. Gov. Kathy Hochul announced ... more
Grow-NY competition opens applications with $3 million in startup funding
A major state-backed startup competition is now accepting applications, offering millions in funding to food and agriculture businesses willing to put down roots in Upstate New York. Empire State Development announced the opening of the ... more
Fertilizer costs surge, leaving most Northeast farmers unable to afford supplies
A sharp rise in fertilizer and fuel costs is forcing many farmers across the Northeast to scale back or reconsider planting plans this season, according to a new survey from the American Farm Bureau Federation ... more
Grass-fed beef faces cost hurdles in Northeast, but scale could change the equation
A new analysis of beef production in the Northeast suggests grass-fed operations remain significantly more expensive than conventional systems—but could become competitive if producers scale up and coordinate across the supply chain. Researchers examining farms ... more
Farm groups push sludge ban
Farmers and health advocates are urging New York to halt sewage sludge use on farmland, warning it could contaminate water and soil, according to Spectrum News 1. More than 70 organizations signed a letter pushing ... more
Farmers face looming succession crunch
Time is running out for many local farmers, with 42% in Tompkins County nearing retirement, according to The Tompkins Weekly. At the 2026 Ag Summit, growers said passing down farms has grown more complex. Fewer ... more
War drives farm costs even higher
Rising fuel and fertilizer prices tied to the Middle East conflict are squeezing New York farmers already on thin margins, according to Spectrum News 1. Farmers say diesel costs jumped sharply, while fertilizer prices surged ... more
Fertilizer spike hits CNY farms
Farmers in Central New York say rising fertilizer costs are squeezing their operations with little room to adjust, according to WSYR-TV. Growers report prices climbing again after earlier spikes tied to tariffs and global tensions ... more
Farm bill advances from House committee
A major federal farm bill moved forward early Thursday after the House Agriculture Committee approved the legislation with bipartisan support. The committee voted 34–17 to advance the measure, known as the Farm, Food, and National ... more
How Climate Shapes Cannabis Cultivation in the Finger Lakes
Where you farm matters: New York's Finger Lakes region, with its deep lakes, rolling hills, and unpredictable weather, sets the pace for farmers. In some years, the average last frost arrives in mid-April, while in ... more
Livingston County opens farmland protection applications
Livingston County farmers will soon be able to apply for the next round of farmland protection funding, with a required workshop set for March 26 in Geneseo. The Livingston County Agricultural & Farmland Protection Board ... more
Grain Storage Steel Silos Basics: Aeration, Condensation Control, Pest Management, and Safe Unloading
A steel grain silo is built to keep grain dry, cool, and stable from harvest to sale or feed-out. When the storage environment drifts, grain quality can drop fast. The same pattern shows up again ... more
Farmers press lawmakers in Albany
More than 350 farmers, lawmakers, and industry leaders packed the State Capitol this week for New York Farm Bureau’s annual Taste of New York Reception and Lobby Day. The two-day event brought members from across ... more
Seneca County seeks input on ag processing needs
Seneca County officials are asking local farmers and agricultural businesses to help shape the future of food processing in the county. Seneca County Planning and Community Development, working with Seneca County Cornell Cooperative Extension, has ... more
Lawmakers push to ban toxic weed killer in New York
A toxic weed killer tied to Parkinson’s disease will take center stage at the State Capitol on Tuesday. Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal and a coalition of health and environmental advocates plan to announce new legislation ... more
