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 the deeply personal and hands-on approach NY FarmNet takes to help farm families navigate both everyday challenges and life-changing decisions.

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 market's $600 million redevelopment plan to expand capacity by 30% and make it easier for local farmers to get their products into the New York metro area.

The conversation highlights the importance of the relationship between the market and New York's agricultural community. Phillip emphasizes his efforts to strengthen ties with farmers and NY Farm Bureau as the revitalized Hunts Point aims to increase its share of locally-grown produce from the current 10% level.

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 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 issue

2:15 - Kristen Ulmer's background in motorsports industry

4:40 - The tragic story of Kristen's nephew Logan's fatal ATV accident

11:20 - Sobering statistics on child ATV fatalities and injuries

15:50 - Common factors in child ATV accidents (no helmets, improper machine size, rollovers, etc.)

22:15 - Safety precautions - securing keys, safety gear, training, not riding alone

27:40 - The mission of the Ride Safe Foundation

31:05 - Partnering with Nationwide Insurance to promote ATV safety education

33:20 - How listeners can get involved and access safety resources

36:00 - Kristen's passionate call-to-action to prioritize ATV safety

38:20 - Concluding thoughts and outro