r e g i o n a l n e w s
Agriculture
Colony Collapse Disorder caused a loss of about 30 percent of U.S. hives between 2006 and 2011. Photo by Matt Richmond.
Farmers and beekeepers respond to colony collapse
Ithaca, NY, May 23, 2013 — Since 2006, honey bees have been abandoning seemingly healthy hives in large numbers.That's raised the alarm worldwide among beekeepers, farmers and researchers.
Honey bees are big business, and some of the industries that are dependent on bees are adapting, finding ways to manage the losses. Go to full article
Honey bees are big business, and some of the industries that are dependent on bees are adapting, finding ways to manage the losses. Go to full article
Fighting fire blight in NY's apple orchards
May 22, 2013 — Agriculture is one of the most dynamic and innovative economic sectors in New York state. All this week, the Innovation Trail team is reporting on some of the current challenges and opportunities facing upstate farmers.
In this story: New York's the second biggest apple producing state in the country. But, last year production dropped dramatically due to a warmer winter, early blooms, and harsh spring frosts. But weather isn't the only challenge growers are contending with Go to full article
In this story: New York's the second biggest apple producing state in the country. But, last year production dropped dramatically due to a warmer winter, early blooms, and harsh spring frosts. But weather isn't the only challenge growers are contending with Go to full article
Will immigration reform ease NY's farm labor shortage?
May 21, 2013 — As lawmakers in Washington debate the immigration reform bill released last month, farmers in New York State are hoping to find enough workers to fully staff their operations.
The Senate Judiciary Committee spent a day last week amending the 844-page bill, legislation that includes changes to guest worker programs. The changes may be good news for New York farmers. Go to full article
The Senate Judiciary Committee spent a day last week amending the 844-page bill, legislation that includes changes to guest worker programs. The changes may be good news for New York farmers. Go to full article
Wetter, warmer weather perfect for most transplants
May 20, 2013 — It's been hot, or cold, and mostly dry and windy for most of this spring. None of those conditions is ideal for transplanting vegetables or flowers. But this week's weather... Go to full article
Undocumented farmworkers weigh benefits against risks
May 20, 2013 — New York's farms employ about 60,000 people and no one knows how many of those workers are here illegally. According to one estimate, 70 percent of the state's agricultural... Go to full article
Lawmakers carry on despite scandals
May 14, 2013 — Lawmakers in Albany tried to carry on as usual in the wake of one of the worst scandals in recent decades. Recent corruption arrests have overshadowed most other news coming... Go to full article
Lots about seeds
May 13, 2013 — Corn, cucumbers, parsley and parsnips...it all starts with seeds. But not all seeds are easy to nurse through the germination stage. In their weekly gardening conversation,... Go to full article
North Country wines survive the cold, please the palate
Clayton, NY, May 13, 2013 — The New York wine industry is booming. According to the New York Wind and Grape Foundation, five million people visit New York wineries every year. The industry generates... Go to full article
Vermont grants driver's licenses to migrant workers
East Montpelier, VT, May 09, 2013 — Dairy farms in Vermont and northern New York have faced a major labor shortage, which means that migrant laborers from Mexico and Guatemala are now milking many of the... Go to full article
Gillibrand wants food stamps, milk price reform in Farm Bill
May 08, 2013 — Congress is back to work on a new five year Farm Bill. The Senate passed one last year, but the House of Representatives couldn't agree on the size of cuts to the food stamp... Go to full article
