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Agriculture

Real Estate
$125M Equestrian Compound With Hand-Carved Bathtubs, Elevator Is NY's Priciest Listing $125M Equestrian Compound With Hand-Carved Bathtubs, Elevator Is NY's Priciest Listing
$125M Equestrian Compound With Hand-Carved Bathtubs, Elevator Is NY's Priciest Listing It’s a home fit for Seabiscuit. Located on Long Island in the Southampton hamlet of Water Mill, 165 Cooks Lane currently holds the distinction of being the most expensive residential listing in New York. Asking price? $125 million. Situated on a whopping 80 acres, this sprawling property is also the Hamptons’ largest equestrian compound, complete with its very own riding, jumping, and polo rings. “The property offering also includes a private farm with boarding stables and training facilities, making it a true sanctuary for equestrian enthusiasts,” reads the listing from Bespoke Real Estat…

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by Michael Mashburn
News
Harmful Invasive Insect Sightings Reported In This Westchester Village: Here's What To Do Harmful Invasive Insect Sightings Reported In This Westchester Village: Here's What To Do
Harmful Invasive Insect Sightings Reported In This Westchester Village: Here's What To Do Following several sightings of an invasive insect known to cause harm to local forests, agriculture, and tourism, village officials in Westchester are advising residents to manually remove them by any means necessary.  According to an announcement from Irvington village officials on Tuesday, June 4, numerous residents have reported sightings of the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive insect from Asia known to negatively impact plant life in New York.  The insect feeds on many plant species, including grapevines, red and silver maple, walnut, sycamore, rose bushes, oak, birch, fruit tr…

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by Ben Crnic
News
228-Year-Old Hudson Valley Farm To Be Permanently Protected: 'Iconic Local Institution' 228-Year-Old Hudson Valley Farm To Be Permanently Protected: 'Iconic Local Institution'
228-Year-Old Hudson Valley Farm To Be Permanently Protected: 'Iconic Local Institution' The oldest working farm in a Hudson Valley county, which dates back to the 18th century, will now be permanently protected from development.  The Ryder Farm, located in the Putnam County town of Southeast, will be permanently protected from non-farm development  by a conservation easement, the Westchester Land Trust announced on Tuesday, Oct. 10.  The 128-acre property, which dates back to 1795, is the oldest working farm in Putnam and has been an important part of agriculture in the region for nine generations.  Land Trust officials said that protecting the farm from d…

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by Ben Crnic
News
Farmers' Market In Westchester Ranks Among Top 10 In NY In Competition Farmers' Market In Westchester Ranks Among Top 10 In NY In Competition
Farmers' Market In Westchester Ranks Among Top 10 In NY In Competition A Westchester County farmers' market was named one of the top 10 markets in the state in a competition last month. The Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow Farmers Market ranked sixth best in New York State in a competition held by the American Farmland Trust and the Farmers Market Coalition, the TaSH Farmers Market announced on Sunday, Oct. 9. The market reported that it received nearly 550 votes in the annual competition where individuals vote for their favorite farmers' markets. "We are thrilled The TaSH has ranked among the top 10 markets in the state,” Suzanne Sorrentino, co-president of The T…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
These Areas In NY Under Severe Drought Conditions These Areas In NY Under Severe Drought Conditions
These Areas In NY Under Severe Drought Conditions Long Island and parts of the Hudson Valley are currently experiencing severe drought conditions, according to the US Drought Monitor. The map of drought conditions across the country, which is released every Thursday, classified a number of New York counties as experiencing severe drought conditions as of Thursday, Sept. 1. The website reported that drought persisted or expanded across much of the Northeast since the previous update, with increases in severe drought conditions in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey. According to the update, the following areas are experiencing sever…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
Hudson Valley Among Regions In NY That Have Been 'Infested' By Invasive Insect, Schumer Says Hudson Valley Among Regions In NY That Have Been 'Infested' By Invasive Insect, Schumer Says
Hudson Valley Among Regions In NY That Have Been 'Infested' By Invasive Insect, Schumer Says Parts of New York that have been infested this year with an invasive insect that puts crops at risk, US Sen. Chuck Schumer announced. Schumer said in an announcement on Sunday, Aug. 14, that nearly every region in upstate New York has seen the invasive spotted lanternfly, and the insect could cost the state millions of dollars if it is not contained. He said infestations and sightings have been found across different parts of the state, including the Hudson Valley, the Capital Region, Central New York, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier. Schumer urged the United States Depar…

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by Nicole Valinote
News
See Them? Squash Them: NY Officials Encourage Residents To Kill This Invasive Insect See Them? Squash Them: NY Officials Encourage Residents To Kill This Invasive Insect
See Them? Squash Them: NY Officials Encourage Residents To Kill This Invasive Insect If you see them, squash them. That’s the message from the New York State Department of Agriculture, which is warning about an invasive insect known as the spotted lanternfly. Native to Asia, the pink and gray dotted bugs were first spotted in Pennsylvania in 2014 and have been spreading across the Northeast ever since. Spotted lanternflies are not harmful to humans, but can damage crops and certain trees considered critical to agriculture. State agriculture officials urged New Yorkers who encounter the bugs to quickly exterminate them. We need EVERY New Yorker to keep their eyes pee…

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by Michael Mashburn
Business
Maple Syrup Shortage Prompts Canada To Tap Into Half Of Its Strategic Reserve Maple Syrup Shortage Prompts Canada To Tap Into Half Of Its Strategic Reserve
Maple Syrup Shortage Prompts Canada To Tap Into Half Of Its Strategic Reserve Maple syrup producers in Canada are in a sticky situation, as a shortage has forced them to use a significant portion of their strategic reserve.  Quebec Maple Syrup Producers has used almost 50 million pounds of syrup from its reserve, according to a report from Bloomberg.  That accounts for nearly half of the reserve, the news outlet reported. Quebec Maple Syrup Producers reports that it represents 11,300 maple producers and regulates the production of maple syrup in the province. Quebec is the world's largest producer of maple syrup. CNN Business reported that …

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by Nicole Valinote
News
Seen It? Invasive Insect Makes First Appearance In Hudson Valley Seen It? Invasive Insect Makes First Appearance In Hudson Valley
Seen It? Invasive Insect Makes First Appearance In Hudson Valley A new invasive insect that has been a point of consternation for farmers for years has been discovered in the Hudson Valley. The spotted lanternfly, which hails from southeast Asia before it made its way stateside in 2014 has reportedly been found in Orange and Rockland counties in recent weeks, causing concern for some. Lanternflies target the sap of certain trees, including grapevines, fruit trees, and other plants, devastating them. According to officials, if one spots a lanternfly, they should kill it, then send it to the state Department of Environmental Conservation for evaluation. …

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by Zak Failla
News
Mysterious Seed Packets Arriving In Mail Could Be A Scam - Don't Plant Them Mysterious Seed Packets Arriving In Mail Could Be A Scam - Don't Plant Them
Mysterious Seed Packets Arriving In Mail Could Be A Scam - Don't Plant Them People who have received mysterious seed packages through the mail are being advised: Do not plant them. Agriculture departments in 30 states are warning people about unsolicited seed deliveries that appear to be coming from China. The USDA is aware that people have been receiving these odd seed packets and is working with Homeland Security’s Customs and Border Protection to investigate the situation. The USDA urges anyone who receives unsolicited seed packets to hold onto them, as well as their labels and packaging, and contact their state plant regulatory office: Connecticut: (203) 97…

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by Kristin Palpini
News
COVID-19: Westchester, Rockland County Execs Share Thoughts On Day 1 Of Reopening COVID-19: Westchester, Rockland County Execs Share Thoughts On Day 1 Of Reopening
Covid-19: Westchester, Rockland County Execs Share Thoughts On Day 1 Of Reopening The county executives from Westchester and Rockland convened to discuss Day 1 of Phase 1 of the reopening of the Hudson Valley region amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis. The region - which includes Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester counties. - met the required metrics set forth by the state to begin reopening after nine weeks of shutting down due to the COVID-19 virus. On Tuesday, May 26, the day the region was given the green light to kickstart some non-essential businesses, Westchester County Executive George Latimer and Rockland County E…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Here's What You Should Know About The Four Phases Of NY Reopenings COVID-19: Here's What You Should Know About The Four Phases Of NY Reopenings
Covid-19: Here's What You Should Know About The Four Phases Of NY Reopenings With Long Island and the Hudson Valley now set for Phase 1 reopenings, nine of New York State's 10 regions will be moving forward to reach the fourth and final phase. Re-opening refers to non-essential businesses and business activities.  After two weeks, state and regional officials will evaluate the outcomes of the reopening and then decide whether or not the region can move to the next phase. These are the four phases: Phase 1: Construction Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Hunting Retail (Limited to curbside or in-store pickup or drop off) Manufacturing Wholesale Trade Phase 2: …

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by Joe Lombardi
News
COVID-19: Fifth NY Region Reaches Benchmark To Reopen Economy; Check Status Of Others COVID-19: Fifth NY Region Reaches Benchmark To Reopen Economy; Check Status Of Others
Covid-19: Fifth NY Region Reaches Benchmark To Reopen Economy; Check Status Of Others Five down, five to go. When the clock strikes midnight, five regions in New York will have the green light to “unpause” selected non-essential businesses. Central New York has joined the Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country and Southern Tier as regions that have met the seven metrics set forth by the state that will allow them to reopen. Related story - COVID-19: Here Are New Activities, Low-Risk Businesses Restarting This Week Downstate Of the five other regions, the Capital Region and mid-Hudson Valley have met five of seven metrics, while Long Island, New York City, and West…

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by Zak Failla
News
COVID-19: Fourth NY Region Reaches Benchmark To Reopen Economy; Check Status Of Six Others COVID-19: Fourth NY Region Reaches Benchmark To Reopen Economy; Check Status Of Six Others
Covid-19: Fourth NY Region Reaches Benchmark To Reopen Economy; Check Status Of Six Others A fourth region in New York has been given the green light to “unpause” some non-essential businesses when the state begins slowly reopening the economy on Friday, May 15. North Country has joined the Finger Lakes, Southern Tier, and Mohawk Valley as regions that have met the seven metrics set forth by the state to begin reopening. You can check an online dashboard to track how close New York's six other regions are to reopening here. According to New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, provided nothing changes, the four regions can begin opening businesses for phase one on Friday, May 15, which …

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by Zak Failla
News
Vicious Giant Hornets With Venomous Sting Spotted For First Time In US Vicious Giant Hornets With Venomous Sting Spotted For First Time In US
Vicious Giant Hornets With Venomous Sting Spotted For First Time In US As if a global pandemic and worldwide economic crisis aren't enough to occupy us, there's now news of the arrival of a vicious, freakish-looking hornet with a venomous sting in the United States for the first time. Asian giant hornets can use shark-fin shaped appendages to destroy a beehive, decapitating its victims in a matter of minutes. “It’s a shockingly large hornet,” said Todd Murray, Washington State University's Extension entomologist and invasive species specialist. “It’s a health hazard, and more importantly, a significant predator of honey bees.” That's especially concerning sin…

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by Joe Lombardi
Lifestyle
Hundreds Of Thousands Flock To Dutchess For NY's Second Largest County Fair Hundreds Of Thousands Flock To Dutchess For NY's Second Largest County Fair
Hundreds Of Thousands Flock To Dutchess For NY's Second Largest County Fair About half a million people are expected to visit the 174th Dutchess County Fair, which runs from Tuesday, Aug. 20 through Sunday, Aug. 25. The tradition of the Dutchess County Fair, the second largest county fair in New York State, dates back to the 1840s and celebrates the county’s agricultural heritage. The fair, which is set on more than 162 acres of meticulously manicured gardens and grass on Route 9 in Rhinebeck, is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day. It will feature a wide range of agricultural and horticultural exhibits. For the fourth consecutive year, the fair will also offer…

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by Valerie Musson
Lifestyle
NY Takes Action Against Invasive Insect NY Takes Action Against Invasive Insect
NY Takes Action Against Invasive Insect After the discovery of the spotted lanternfly was found in New York for the first time in September, the state is taking new steps to stop the spread of the invasive insect. In a news release, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets announced it has issued a quarantine that will restrict the movement of certain goods brought into the state from Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.  The lanternfly is a pest from Asia that primarily feeds on a wide variety of plants such as grapevine, hops, maple, walnut, fruit trees and others. Left alone, the insect could impac…

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by Kathy Reakes
Police & Fire
Fast-Moving Fire Destroys Barn, 47 Cows At Hudson Valley Farm Family Owned Since 1770 Fast-Moving Fire Destroys Barn, 47 Cows At Hudson Valley Farm Family Owned Since 1770
Fast-Moving Fire Destroys Barn, 47 Cows At Hudson Valley Farm Family Owned Since 1770 A fast-moving fire destroyed a barn and 47 cows at a historic Hudson Valley farm that has been in the area since 1770. The fire started around 7:30 p.m. Sunday at Millerhurst Farm on Route 82 in Ancramdale in Columbia County, according to Bill Williams of 93.5 Oldies. When firefighters arrived, they found the 200-year-old farm in flames, according to a GoFundMe page that also said the family lost the majority of their milk cows as the fire burned down their barn and the cows were trapped inside. A host of families, fellows farmers, and businesses in the community offered their support on s…

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by Kathy Reakes
Lifestyle
Dutchess County Fair Draws Nearly Half A Million People Dutchess County Fair Draws Nearly Half A Million People
Dutchess County Fair Draws Nearly Half A Million People This story has been updated. The bucolic Fairgrounds along Route 9 in Rhinebeck entertains nearly a half million visitors during the annual Dutchess County Fair which ends Sunday night, Aug. 26.  This week marks the county Fair's 173rd year. As the second largest county fair in New York state, it doubles as a showplace for agriculture in Dutchess County.  More than 147 acres of finely manicured gardens and grass create the beautiful setting for thousands of farm animals, agricultural exhibits and horticultural displays. Rides, game booths, displays, entertainment and food are available fr…

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by Jon Craig
Lifestyle
Warning Issued After New Tick Species Discovered In Westchester Warning Issued After New Tick Species Discovered In Westchester
Warning Issued After New Tick Species Discovered In Westchester There's a new tick in town. State officials are warning New York residents, visitors and farmers about the continued importance of taking measures to protect against ticks, as a new tick species has been found in the state. The Haemaphysalis longicornis tick, commonly known as the "longhorned tick," was recently discovered in multiple locations in Westchester County, according to the New York State Departments of Health and Agriculture & Markets. New York State Department of Health research scientists collaborated with researchers at Fordham University and at the Lyme Disease…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Westchester Land Trust Completes Easement to Protect Stuart’s Fruit Farm Westchester Land Trust Completes Easement to Protect Stuart’s Fruit Farm
Westchester Land Trust Completes Easement to Protect Stuart’s Fruit Farm Westchester Land Trust (WLT) closed a conservation easement on Monday, April 16 to protect Stuart’s Fruit Farm in Somers.  The project -- which took a decade to complete -- is valued at almost $3 million. WLT’s partners included New York state, Westchester County, Scenic Hudson Land Trust, the Town of Somers and Somers Land Trust.  The conservation easement blocks development rights on the farm’s 172 acres thereby ensuring the land remains available for agricultural use in perpetuity. In the absence of this conservation easement, the farmland could have been sold for residential developmen…

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by Jon Craig