Cherry Lawn Fruit Farm harnesses solar power for sustainability

Cherry Lawn Fruit Farm in Sodus has significantly enhanced its sustainability by harnessing solar energy to power its extensive cold storage facility. The solar panels installed on the facility's roof now supply a major portion ... more
USDA declares Cayuga County disaster area after dairy farm fire

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated Cayuga County as a primary natural disaster area following a severe fire at Rodan Farm in Genoa. The fire, which occurred on February 28, resulted in the loss ... more
REPORT: Cayuga County leads New York as top agriculture producer

Cayuga County has emerged as the leading agriculture producer in New York, surpassing all 62 counties in the state, according to the latest Census of Agriculture results. Previously ranked second in 2017, Cayuga County has ... more
Empire State Development launches sixth round of Grow-NY competition

Empire State Development (ESD) has officially opened the application window for the sixth installment of the Grow-NY competition, a pivotal initiative aimed at fostering innovation in the food, beverage, and agriculture sector. With a prize ... more
Cayuga County recognized as disaster area, clearing way for federal aid to farmers

Following a severe windstorm in January, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has declared Cayuga County, along with five other New York counties, as primary natural disaster areas. This designation is a response to the extensive ... more
Seneca County will host workshop on solar developments for farmers on April 10

In Seneca County, an increasing trend of solar development on agricultural lands is sparking discussions among the local farming community. To address the rising interest and concerns, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Seneca County together with ... more
New bill aims to expand tax credits for farmer worker housing in state

New York lawmakers, Senator Jim Tedisco and Assemblymember Marianne Buttenschon, have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at expanding the state's 20% investment tax credit for farmers to cover housing construction costs for farm workers. This ... more
New York launches free soil testing program for community gardens

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, in collaboration with the Cornell Soil Health Lab, announced a new initiative offering free soil testing for food-producing community gardens across New York State. Part of ... more
Sen. Helming advocates for family farms on National Agriculture Day

On National Agriculture Day, State Senator Helming emphasized the crucial role of farming in both the economy and daily sustenance of families. Highlighting the USDA Census of Agriculture's recent findings, Senator Helming pointed out the ... more
Yates Crop Congress set for March 27 in Penn Yan

Cornell Cooperative Extension-Yates County, in collaboration with the Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Team, is scheduled to host the Yates Crops Congress on March 27 at the Benton Firehouse in Penn Yan ... more
Waterloo Container, Seneca Co. Farm Bureau in Albany for advocacy efforts

Waterloo Container's President Bill Lutz represented the company at the Taste of New York Reception in Albany, where he engaged with Governor Kathy Hochul and Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets Richard Ball on issues with ... more
Invasive species like spotted lanternfly pose major risk to New York’s environment and agriculture

Invasive species are causing significant harm to New York's environment and agriculture, according to state officials. With National Invasive Species Awareness Week underway, the spotlight is on pests like the spotted lanternfly, European starlings, purple ... more
Beef prices set to soar amid cattle shortage

The United States is facing a notable decrease in beef production due to a significant drop in cattle inventory, potentially leading to record-high beef prices for consumers. A report from the American Farm Bureau Federation ... more
New report highlights decline in NY farms: Where are they going?

A recent federal report has revealed a significant decline in the number of farms in New York State, with dairy farms experiencing a one-third reduction over the past five years. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, ... more
Seneca County farms get $950,000 for climate resilient agriculture

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced a significant financial boost for Seneca County farmers, with nearly $950,000 in grants awarded to enhance soil health and implement climate-resilient farming practices. This funding is part of a larger ... more
New York introduces overtime tax credit for farmers

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced the opening of the Farm Employer Overtime Credit advance portal, a new initiative to support New York's farmers and farm workers. The program allows eligible farm employers to apply for ... more
Farmworkers face reduced hours amid new overtime rules
New York State's new overtime threshold for farmworkers, effective January 1, 2024, has led to confusion and reduced working hours, affecting both farm owners and their employees. The rule, lowering the overtime threshold from 60 ... more
USDA declares agricultural disaster in Cayuga, 13 other counties

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued an agricultural disaster declaration for 14 counties in Upstate New York, opening the door for much-needed assistance to farms impacted by extreme weather events. This declaration comes ... more
Schumer says temporary farm bill extension means NY farmers avoid ‘dairy cliff’

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has announced a critical extension of the federal farm bill for one year, effectively averting a potential "dairy cliff" for New York farmers. The extension, part of a stopgap spending ... more
Steuben County awarded $500,000 for climate-friendly manure storage facility

The Steuben County Soil and Water Conservation District has received a significant financial boost from New York State, securing over $500,000 to construct a manure storage facility aimed at combating climate change. The $511,125 grant, ... more
Schuyler man suffers severe injuries after becoming entangled in combine harvester

A 40-year-old man was airlifted to Robert Packer Hospital in Sayre with grave injuries to his right foot and ankle following a farming mishap on Friday, Oct. 13. The Schuyler County Sheriff’s Office reported that ... more

