New York Farm Bureau News Bytes

In this episode of New York Farm Bureau News Bytes, we sit down with Renée St. Jacques, our acting director of public policy, to talk about the 2025 legislative session and what it means for farmers across the state.

Recorded on the shores of Seneca Lake in Geneva, NY, our conversation covers major wins for agriculture in the state budget, including extensions of farm tax credits and funding for farmworker housing, as well as bills ...

In this episode of New York Farm Bureau News Bytes, we sit down with NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball to discuss how the New York State budget supports farmers and strengthens the food system — from investing in farm programs and workforce growth to expanding processing capacity and improving food access. Commissioner Ball also shares his perspective on national policy shifts, trade relationships,...

In this episode of New York Farm Bureau News Bytes, we sit down with Adam Howell, outreach director at NY FarmNet, and Audrey McDougall, a family consultant, to talk about the essential services NY FarmNet provides to farmers across New York State—from financial planning and business transitions to mental health support and educational training. Recorded on location at North Riding LLC in Cleveland, NY, this conversation highlights...

In this episode, we talk with Phillip Grant, CEO of the Hunts Point Produce Market in the Bronx. Hunts Point is one of the largest produce distribution hubs in the world, feeding millions of people daily in New York City and the surrounding region.

Phillip discusses the inner workings of this massive market, including how produce comes from farmers across New York state, the U.S., and 49 other countries. He shares details about the...

In this episode of the News Bytes podcast, Kristen Almer, from the Ride Safe Foundation, shares her nephew Logan's heartbreaking story - how in just 3 minutes, the 11-year-old's life was tragically cut short in an ATV accident.

She has worked in motorsports industry for three decades and understands why safety is paramount. Her emotional recounting, paired with staggering statistics on child fatalities, will make you re-think where ...

In this episode of the NYFB News Bytes Podcast we explore the highly successful Taste New York program. We sit down with Jessica Henesy from the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets to discuss how Taste NY has grown over its 10 years to promote New York's diverse agricultural products.

Learn about the program's $100 million economic impact by connecting consumers to local farms and food businesses. Jessica shares inspiring succ...

In this episode, we, talk with Jared Buono, Director of the Hudson Valley Research Lab and the critical role that agricultural research plays in helping farmers adopt new technologies, methods, and practices to improve sustainability, efficiency, and resilience.

Buono provides insights into the lab's work on addressing issues like invasive species, plant diseases, and the impacts of climate change. He also highlights exciting proje...

In this episode we interview Kymara Lonergan, owner of Thunder Horse Hollow Farm in Ulster County, New York. Kymara shares her unique story of raising emu, the large flightless birds that are cousins of the ostrich. She discusses how she got started farming emu, inspired by her family's agricultural roots in Connecticut. Kamara provides insights into emu behaviors, their diet, housing needs, challenges of raising them in New York's...

In this episode we talk with Eileen Jensen about her experience participating in the American Farm Bureau Federation's Partners in Advocacy Leadership (PAL) program.

Jensen shares how the intensive two-year program challenged and equipped her to be a more confident communicator and advocate for agriculture. From hands-on media training in New York City to learning about policy development in Washington D.C. and stakeholder engageme...

In this candid interview, Olivia Fuller, a fourth-generation farmer from Washington County, New York, shares her personal experience of transitioning Fuller Acres, a diversified beef and maple farm, from her father to herself. Olivia discusses the emotional and logistical challenges she and her family faced during the multi-year process, including navigating conversations around the farm's future, diversifying operations, and ultim...

In the first episode of 2024 we talk with Jeff Williams, New York Farm Bureau's Director of Public Policy. Jeff outlines the key issues facing NY agriculture this year and how the Farm Bureau is working to support farmers statewide.

Through lobbying efforts, community outreach across NY, and engagement initiatives, the Farm Bureau gives farmers a voice in policymaking. Jeff provides insider expertise on the most pressing policy chal...

In this episode of News Bytes, we dive into the interactive war game that will take place at the upcoming New York Farm Bureau State Convention on December 4-6 in Tarrytown. We speak with Danielle Cummins and Ken Gilliam of Aimpoint Research about how they will lead convention attendees through this unique business strategy exercise.

The war game will present members with scenarios and challenges facing New York agriculture. Partici...

Did you know that farm owners are legally responsible for providing workers' compensation insurance for all employees, even when using farm labor contractors? The Advocate for Business at the New York State Workers Compensation Board, Anthony Tomaselli, joins us to share insights on farm workplace safety and insurance requirements. Tomaselli addresses common issues like insurance coverage when using farm labor contractors and offer...

In this episode, we talk with American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall during his visit to Western New York. In this episode, President Duvall shares insights from his conversations with local farmers about their issues, including natural disasters, supply chain disruptions, and inflation. As a third-generation farmer, Duvall understands firsthand the challenges farmers are up against. Tune in to hear Duvall's perspec...

In this episode, we talk with Cristian Gilcess, a young agricultural enthusiast from Queens, New York. Despite growing up in an urban environment, Cristian developed a passion for agriculture through his high school's agricultural program and his involvement in the FFA (Future Farmers of America) chapter. We talk about Cristian's agricultural journey, his experiences as a state FFA officer, and his aspirations to pursue a career in...