Podcast
New York Farm Bureau News Bytes
Hosted by New York Farm Bureau · EN
Each month, News Bytes highlights a program or issue affecting New York farmers. We talk to a wide variety of people invested in the business of agriculture and bring you their real stories — in the field, barn, business or home.
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#7: Interview with Kristen Almer from RideSafe Foundation on ATV Safety - 05-23-2024
May 23, 202400:35:59Summary readyIn 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 you keep your ATV's key.Kristen reveals the common hazards that lead to these preventable tragedies and simple steps ALL parents and farmers must take to keep loved ones safe around these vehicles.0:00 - Intro and overview of ATV safety issue2:15 - Kristen Ulmer's background in motorsports industry4:40 - The tragic story of Kristen's nephew Logan's fatal ATV accident11:20 - Sobering statistics on child ATV fatalities and injuries15:50 - Common factors in child ATV accidents (no helmets, improper machine size, rollovers, etc.)22:15 - Safety precautions - securing keys, safety gear, training, not riding alone27:40 - The mission of the Ride Safe Foundation31:05 - Partnering with Nationwide Insurance to promote ATV safety education33:20 - How listeners can get involved and access safety resources36:00 - Kristen's passionate call-to-action to prioritize ATV safety38:20 - Concluding thoughts and outro
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#6: Interview with Jessica Henesy on the Taste of NY Program - 05-9-2024
May 9, 202400:18:54Summary readyIn 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 success stories and highlights plans for Taste NY to further support producers through resources like product development and marketing.
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#5: Interview with Jared Buono on the Hudson Valley Research Lab - 04-25-2024
Apr 24, 202400:28:48Summary readyIn 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 projects like integrating solar panels into apple orchards and developing new crop varieties suited for the region's conditions. This fascinating conversation underscores the importance of continued investment in agricultural research to drive innovation and ensure a viable food system for New York and beyond.
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#4: Interview with Kymara Lonergan on Exploring Emu Farming in the Hudson Valley - 03-21-2024
Mar 19, 202400:36:33Summary readyIn 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 climate, and the growing market for emu meat and oil products. She highlights the benefits of emu oil for skin care and how farms can diversify into emu farming. Kamara also talks about the role of New York Farm Bureau in supporting her farm, lobbying efforts, and promoting education around niche livestock farming. It's a fascinating look at a lesser-known but promising aspect of New York agriculture.Outline:On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamps to jump to that time.(00:00) - Intro to Thunder Horse Hollow Farm (01:13) - Kamara's Agricultural Roots (02:59) - The Allure of Emu Farming (04:39) - Getting Started with Emus (07:32) - Emu Behavior & Care (12:46) - The Benefits of Emu Products (16:36) - Challenges of Emu Farming (23:23) - The Importance of Agricultural Education (28:37) - Farm Bureau's Support (33:48) - Advice for Prospective Emu Farmers (35:55) - Outro & Contact Info
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#3: Interview with Eileen Jensen on the AFBF's Partners in Advocacy Leadership (PAL) program - 03-7-2024
Mar 7, 202400:25:24Summary readyIn 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 engagement in Missouri, the PAL program provided Jensen a national network of agriculture advocates while strengthening her skills in public speaking, writing, and telling her personal story. Jensen enthusiastically recommends the program to others looking to elevate their advocacy efforts and highlights the upcoming March 25th application deadline for the next PAL class.https://www.fb.org/initiative/pal-partners-in-advocacy-leadership - Learn more about PAL
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#2: Interview with Olivia Fuller on Transitioning the Family Farm - 02-22-2024
Feb 22, 202400:34:20Summary readyIn 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 ultimately transferring ownership. She highlights the importance of open communication, trust, and respecting the legacy of the senior generation while also honoring their vision. Olivia's story provides valuable insights and lessons for farm families considering generational transitions, emphasizing the need for patience, perseverance, and a shared commitment to keeping the farm in operation.
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#1: Interview with Jeff Williams on NYFB's 2024 Priority Issues - 02-01-2024
Feb 1, 202400:15:33Summary readyIn 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 challenges and how all of us can get involved to drive progress.This is a must-listen episode for anyone who cares about the future of New York agriculture!
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#19: Interview with Aimpoint Research on the War Gaming at STACON - 11-02-2023
Nov 2, 202300:24:56Summary readyIn 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. Participants will work together to brainstorm solutions, think creatively, and take action through simulated decision-making. The goal is to uncover new opportunities and position farms for future success. Danielle and Ken explain how the interactive format will engage members and get them networking and collaborating.The convention will also feature workshops, speakers, networking events, and the annual meeting. Learn more about the event and register to attend at https://staycon.nyfb.org. Join us for an unconventional convention experience!
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#18: Interview with Judi Whittaker, Barb Hanselman and David Fisher on the Federal Farm Bill - 10-05-2023
Oct 5, 202300:14:00Summary readyIn this week's episode we hear directly from New York farmers on why the Farm Bill matters. Judi Whittaker, Barb Hanselman, and David Fisher share how key programs in the legislation like crop insurance, conservation funding, and nutrition assistance support agriculture and food security across America.
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