farming

To the farmers market you go

Take Care Staff — Sun, 26 May 2013 22:59:00 +0000

According to Ben Vitale, the secret to successfully shopping at a farmers market comes down to one simple statement: “Know your farmer, know your food.”

Click 'Read More' to hear our interview with Ben Vitale.

Farmers' property taxes rise as land values increase

Joanna Richards — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:59:06 +0000

Agriculture is one of the most dynamic and innovative economic sectors in New York state. All this week, the Innovation Trail team is reporting on some of the current challenges and opportunities facing upstate farmers.

One of those challenges is property taxes. Agriculture is a land-intensive industry, so rising property taxes can mean much higher costs for farmers. And taxes have been rising, thanks mostly to increases in the production value of farmland.

Farmers and beekeepers respond to colony collapse

Matt Richmond — Wed, 22 May 2013 12:45:28 +0000

Since 2006, honey bees have been abandoning seemingly healthy hives in large numbers, raising alarm among beekeepers, farmers and researchers. But, the industries that are dependent on honey bees are finding ways to manage the losses.

Fighting fire blight in New York's apple industry

Kate O'Connell — Tue, 21 May 2013 12:25:44 +0000

New York is the second biggest apple producing state in the country. But, last year production dropped dramatically due to a warmer winter, early blooms, and harsh spring frosts. The total production from the state plummeted from 1.2 million pounds in 2011, to just 710,000 pounds in 2012. But, weather isn’t the only challenge growers are contending with.

New York's "local" beef, often not as local as you think

Ryan Delaney — Mon, 20 May 2013 12:07:53 +0000

The steaks stacked in the coolers of butcher shops in New York may be marketed as local, but just what that label means varies widely.

Once the dominant grower, New York is rediscovering hops

Ryan Delaney — Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:54:47 +0000

Dave Pasick moved back to his family’s farm just north of Utica a few years ago, naming it Szaro Farms, after an old family name.

Farmers and foodies call for fracking ban

Ashley Hassett — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 19:50:42 +0000

A coalition of farmers and foodies are urging Gov. Andrew Cuomo to ban hydraulic fracturing in New York state right away. Groups across the state are expected to meet throughout the week to alert the public to the risks they believe fracking poses to the state’s agricultural viability.

State budget puts more focus on agriculture

Ryan Delaney — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 15:45:08 +0000

The state budget proposed by Gov. Andrew Cuomo calls for new efforts to boost sales of New York produce, a change from previous administrations, says a pro-farming group.

Greek yogurt helps boost the dairy industry and upstate's economy

Katie Gleitsmann — Sun, 05 Aug 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Greek-style yogurt now accounts for about a quarter of all yogurt sales in the United States. Much of it is made in upstate New York, where this low-tech industry is having a big economic impact.

Schumer fights for a provision to the farm bill

Catherine Loper — Wed, 11 Jul 2012 20:18:41 +0000

New York Senator Charles Schumer called on the House of Representatives to pass a provision of the farm bill that he says would allow more grants and loans for more than 60 rural upstate New York communities.