In this episode of New York Farm Bureau News Bytes, we visit the Village of Scotia to talk with Justin Cook and Kimmy Talbot, co-founders of Fresh Table Community Pantry. This mobile, farmer’s market-style food pantry that’s transforming food access in Scotia-Glenville and beyond.

What began as a grassroots idea during the height of COVID-19 has grown into a model of dignity, inclusivity, and neighbor-to-neighbor support. Justin and Kimmy share how Fresh Table addresses food insecurity through choice-based distribution, culturally and religiously appropriate options, and strong community partnerships—including with New York farmers through programs like Nourish NY and Food for NY Families.

We also hear about the pantry’s commitment to accessibility, volunteerism, and creating meaningful, intergenerational connections—all while helping neighbors put fresh, healthy food on the table.

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 Farm Bureau worked to oppose. Renée also explains how NYFB’s grassroots policy process works, from ideas shared at county meetings to legislative action, and what issues are on the horizon for next year.

This episode offers an inside look at how New York Farm Bureau advocates for farms of every size and commodity, ensuring agriculture remains strong and diverse across the state.

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, and how science and collaboration will shape the future of agriculture in New York and beyond.

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

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 success stories and highlights plans for Taste NY to further support producers through resources like product development and marketing.

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 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.