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Agriculture

Mass Deportations Could Lead To Salary Increases In These States, Including NY Mass Deportations Could Lead To Salary Increases In These States, Including NY
Mass Deportations Could Lead To Salary Increases In These States, Including NY Mass deportations could significantly impact wages in states heavily reliant on foreign labor, according to new research.  An Oxford study suggests that removing a substantial number of immigrant workers may lead to labor shortages, compelling employers to increase salaries to attract native-born workers, Newsweek reports. The states most likely to be affected are New York, New Jersey, California, Florida, and Texas, the report said, because those states have large immigrant populations and economies that depend on foreign labor in sectors such as agriculture, construction, and hospita…
Destructive Flies Hit PA's Mushroom Belt: Here's How The State Is Helping Farmers Destructive Flies Hit PA's Mushroom Belt: Here's How The State Is Helping Farmers
Destructive Flies Hit PA's Mushroom Belt: Here's How The State Is Helping Farmers Pennsylvania is stepping up efforts to protect its $1.1 billion mushroom industry from an invasive insect that's harming crops and frustrating homeowners. Farms in Kennett and New Garden townships have been ordered to steam-treat between crops to stop the spread of phorid flies, the state agriculture department said in a news release on Thursday, Jan. 30. The quarantine order requires growers to treat mushroom houses and soil between harvests to kill the flies, larvae, bacteria, and pathogens before they spread. The state is helping farmers fight phorid flies by making $…
La Niña Is Now Here: What It Means For Winter Weather Patterns La Niña Is Now Here: What It Means For Winter Weather Patterns
La Niña Is Now Here: What It Means For Winter Weather Patterns She’s back!  La Niña has arrived, and its global ripple effects are already taking shape.  Cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific, combined with stronger trade winds, are influencing weather patterns worldwide.  The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed this shift on Thursday, Jan. 9. What Is La Niña? La Niña is part of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO), a natural climate phenomenon that disrupts atmospheric circulation.  During La Niña, cooler Pacific waters can lead to significant changes in rainfall, s…
Rare Bugs Intercepted at Dulles International Airport: First-In-Port, Decades-Old Find: CBP Rare Bugs Intercepted at Dulles International Airport: First-In-Port, Decades-Old Find: CBP
Rare Bugs Intercepted at Dulles International Airport: First-In-Port, Decades-Old Find: CBP Agriculture specialists at Washington Dulles International Airport made a major discovery while inspecting flower imports from South Africa, intercepting two invasive insect pests that could potentially wreak havoc on American agriculture. The pests include a first-in-port find of Caprhiobia sp. (Lygaeidae), a destructive plant bug, and Oxycarenus maculatus, or the Protea seed bug, which has not been seen in the area since 1984, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The bugs were discovered in an October shipment of 188 protea and chamelaucium cut-stem flowers destined for K…
Massive Warehouses Planned For Wawayanda Causes Uproar From Residents Massive Warehouses Planned For Wawayanda Causes Uproar From Residents
Massive Warehouses Planned For Wawayanda Causes Uproar From Residents The development of two large warehouses in a small farming town in the region, with plans for more, has residents up in arms. Many say the developments come to their property line and cause health hazards.  The outrage, and now a committee to save the town #SaveWawayanda, is occurring in Orange County in Wawayanda. Residents filled the chamber during a Planning Board meeting on Friday, Oct. 18, to complain about the warehouses and the possible health hazards associated with hundreds of trucks coming and going from the buildings at all hours.  Resident George Alberston said one 4,…
Hammonton Brewery Inspired By Music Closing To Rebrand Under New Owners Hammonton Brewery Inspired By Music Closing To Rebrand Under New Owners
Hammonton Brewery Inspired By Music Closing To Rebrand Under New Owners A Hammonton brewery is temporarily closing to rebrand under new ownership. Vinyl Brewing posted on Facebook about its plans on Wednesday, Sept. 11. The brewery on 12th Street will shut down for the rebranding on Sunday, Sept. 29. Vinyl first opened in September 2017. "Come enjoy the Vinyl brews you know and love while they last!" the brewery posted. "Stay tuned for exciting announcements about the reopening and the brews to come." Tom and Sue Puentes started the brewery "inspired by music, hard work, and their farm family roots." It features beers like "My Brain Hurts", a flor…
$125M Equestrian Compound With Hand-Carved Bathtubs In Water Mill Is LI's Priciest Listing $125M Equestrian Compound With Hand-Carved Bathtubs In Water Mill Is LI's Priciest Listing
$125M Equestrian Compound With Hand-Carved Bathtubs In Water Mill Is LI'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…
Raw Milk Recall In Lancaster County Due To E. Coli: PA Dept. Of Agriculture Raw Milk Recall In Lancaster County Due To E. Coli: PA Dept. Of Agriculture
Raw Milk Recall In Lancaster County Due To E. Coli: PA Dept. Of Agriculture A raw milk recall has been issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture on Wednesday, Aug. 14. Meadow View Jerseys brand milk bought between Aug. 5-12 with a sell-by date of Aug. 19 should be thrown away immediately, according to the PA Dept. of Agriculture. It was sold in plastic gallon, quart, pint, and plastic and glass half-gallon jugs. Routine pathogen testing showed the milk was contaminated with E. coli, the department explained.  "Shigatoxin-producing E. coli can make people sick with diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and other illnesses," the dep…
Harmful Invasive Insect Sightings Reported In Irvington: Here's What To Do Harmful Invasive Insect Sightings Reported In Irvington: Here's What To Do
Harmful Invasive Insect Sightings Reported In Irvington: 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…
‘Beyond Excited’: Longtime Employees Taking Reins At Popular Farm In Western Mass ‘Beyond Excited’: Longtime Employees Taking Reins At Popular Farm In Western Mass
‘Beyond Excited’: Longtime Employees Taking Reins At Popular Farm In Western Mass These longtime farmhands are sprouting into farm owners. After a combined 18 years of helping to keep things running at Franklin County’s popular Kitchen Garden Farm in Sunderland, employees Max Traunstein and Lilly Israel are set to purchase the business. If all goes to plan, Traunstein and Israel, both 31, will take over operations from owners Caroline Pam and Tim Wilcox in the spring, the farm announced Monday, Feb. 26. “Both are graduates of agriculture programs at the University of Massachusetts and have worked alongside Tim and Caroline to make the farm into a successful business,” t…
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…
Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow Farmers' Market Ranks Among Top 10 In NY In Competition Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow Farmers' Market Ranks Among Top 10 In NY In Competition
Tarrytown, Sleepy Hollow Farmers' Market 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…
These NJ Apple Orchards Rank Among Best In America By Travel Website These NJ Apple Orchards Rank Among Best In America By Travel Website
These NJ Apple Orchards Rank Among Best In America By Travel Website Apple picking season is upon us — and two of the best orchards in America are right here in New Jersey, according to one travel website. Demarest Farms in Hillsdale came in at No. 7 while Terhune Orchards in Princeton landed No. 8 on Travel + Leisure's list of 18 Best Places to go Apple Picking in the US. Founded in 1886, Demarest Farms has been one of the most popular for fall festivities in the area. It also sells a variety of baked goods, plants, produce and more. In the summers, Demarest Farm hosts movie nights for the family, and peach picking events. Terhune Orchards was bo…
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…
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…
Video Captures Spotted Lanternflies Swarming Jersey City Building Video Captures Spotted Lanternflies Swarming Jersey City Building
Video Captures Spotted Lanternflies Swarming Jersey City Building Spotted lanternflies seem to be more prevalent than ever this year in New Jersey.  One Jersey City resident captured the invasive species swarming a Jersey City building, and he fears they could harm the newly-planted trees in a nearby park. "Tens of thousands are on the west side of 333 Grand. They look like they crash into the glass on the upper floors and fall to the sidewalk," Marc Wesson writes in the video.  "We sprayed them with agriculture grade vinegar, and killed most of them. My concern is that they are only a block away from the park, and that kind of infestation woul…
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…
Seen It? Invasive Insect Makes Appearance In New Virginia County Seen It? Invasive Insect Makes Appearance In New Virginia County
Seen It? Invasive Insect Makes Appearance In New Virginia County An invasive insect that has been a point of consternation for farmers for years has been discovered in some parts of Virginia. The spotted lanternfly, which hails from southeast Asia before it made its way stateside in 2014 has reportedly been found in Loudoun County 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 officials for evaluation. Officials noted that lanternflies pose no t…
Bird Flu Kills Backyard Flock In NJ Bird Flu Kills Backyard Flock In NJ
Bird Flu Kills Backyard Flock In NJ The first case of bird flu killed a backyard flock on the Jersey Shore, NJ Advance Media said.  At least 10 ducks have died and an undisclosed number of chickens got sick as a result of the avian influenza outbreak in Monmouth County, the outlet said.  While the national outbreak has driven up the price of eggs and chicken, properly cooked foul is harmless to humans even when it's infected by the flu, agriculture experts say. Almost 40 million birds have become infected in 338 backyard and commercial flocks in 35 states this year, according to the USDA.  The current bird f…
Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine Could Lead To Spikes In These Food Products In Addition To Oil Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine Could Lead To Spikes In These Food Products In Addition To Oil
Russia's Invasion Of Ukraine Could Lead To Spikes In These Food Products In Addition To Oil The Russian invasion of Ukraine is expected to cause a flux in the markets, sending the prices of energy and certain agricultural products through the roof as supply chains are further disrupted. Experts are expecting oil and gas prices to spike due to the European crisis, though some of Russia and Ukraine’s largest exports are expected to impact costs for other products overseas and stateside. Officials said that outside of energy, the price of products such as wheat, barley, corn, copper, and nickel are likely going to be on the rise as supply chains already impacted by the COVID-19 pande…
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 …
Invasive Insect Spotted In Massachusetts Invasive Insect Spotted In Massachusetts
Invasive Insect Spotted In Massachusetts A new invasive insect that has been a point of consternation for farmers for years has been discovered in Massachusetts. The spotted lanternfly, which hails from southeast Asia before it made its way stateside in 2014 has reportedly been found in Worcester County in recent weeks, causing concern for some in Worcester County. Lanternflies target the sap of certain trees, including grapevines, fruit trees, and other plants, potentially devastating them. The infestation is currently secluded to a single cluster of three trees in the area, according to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultu…
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. …
Seen It? Invasive Insect Has Been Found In Fairfield County Seen It? Invasive Insect Has Been Found In Fairfield County
Seen It? Invasive Insect Has Been Found In Fairfield County A new invasive insect that has been a point of consternation for farmers for years has been discovered in parts of Connecticut. The spotted lanternfly, which hails from southeast Asia before it made its way stateside in 2014 has reportedly been found in Fairfield and New Haven counties.  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. Officials noted that lanternf…
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…
Neighbors: July 4th Partyers Don't Realize Englewood House Is On Fire, Good Samaritan Dials 911 Neighbors: July 4th Partyers Don't Realize Englewood House Is On Fire, Good Samaritan Dials 911
Neighbors: July 4th Partyers Don't Realize Englewood House Is On Fire, Good Samaritan Dials 911 Well over 100 attendees at an Englewood 4th of July party apparently didn't realize the house was on fire until a passerby dialed 911, neighbors said. The good Samaritan said she "happened to be walking my grandson" on West End Avenue when she "saw the left side of the house on fire" around 10:30 p.m. Saturday. "There were a lot of drunk people -- like, 150," a witness said. "Nobody noticed." No serious injuries were reported. Police charged Robert Ferrarelli, 20, with aggravated assault on a police officer, making terroristic threats during a state of emergency, rioting and resisting. …
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…
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: …
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…
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 …
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…