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Agriculture

TEDx To Tax Evasion: PA Vertical Farming Visionary Jack Griffin Funnels Cash To Wife's Account TEDx To Tax Evasion: PA Vertical Farming Visionary Jack Griffin Funnels Cash To Wife's Account
TEDx To Tax Evasion: PA Vertical Farming Visionary Jack Griffin Funnels Cash To Wife's Account Jack Griffin told the world he was building the future of farming. He gave a TEDx Talk. He stood before Congress. He promised to wipe out food deserts with high-tech vertical farms that could grow strawberries on a second floor and turn kale into jet fuel. But federal investigators say Griffin was really just pocketing. And now he’s headed to prison, the FBI announced on Monday, Feb. 2. The Sentence Jack Frances “Jack” Griffin, 62, of Philadelphia, faced up to 20 years in prison for each wire fraud charge and five years for tax evasion. His sentencing was originally scheduled for Oct. 22,…
Virginia Powerball Winner Donates $150K Jackpot To Charity: ‘God Is Blessing Me’ Virginia Powerball Winner Donates $150K Jackpot To Charity: ‘God Is Blessing Me’
Virginia Powerball Winner Donates $150K Jackpot To Charity: ‘God Is Blessing Me’ Talk about hitting the jackpot and paying it forward. Most people dream of a new house, car, or vacation. Carrie Edwards dreamed of giving it all away. The Midlothian woman won $150,000 in the Sept. 8 Powerball drawing after matching four numbers plus the Powerball and playing Power Play, according to Virginia Lottery officials.  It was the first time she had ever bought a ticket online. On Sept. 16, Edwards accepted her prize from Virginia Lottery Executive Director Khalid Jones. Then she stunned everyone: she gave every single penny away. Three charities are splitting her entire j…
Own A Piece Of Richard Gere’s Former $10M New Canaan Mansion Salvaged From Demolition Own A Piece Of Richard Gere’s Former $10M New Canaan Mansion Salvaged From Demolition
Own A Piece Of Richard Gere’s Former $10M New Canaan Mansion Salvaged From Demolition Eight months after actor Richard Gere moved with his wife and their two children to her native Spain, the $10.75 million Connecticut mansion they once called home has been demolished. The 32-acre estate was torn down so developers could create nine separate housing lots. The move drew backlash from architectural preservationists and neighbors, but it’s also giving some buyers the rare chance to own salvaged pieces of the Colonial-style mansion once owned by Paul Simon. Hudson Valley House Parts, an architectural preservation company, was hired to remove and resell the most valuable features…
AG James, 19 States Slam Federal Policy Forcing Indefinite Immigrant Detention AG James, 19 States Slam Federal Policy Forcing Indefinite Immigrant Detention
AG James, 19 States Slam Federal Policy Forcing Indefinite Immigrant Detention New York Attorney General Letitia James is leading a coalition of 19 attorneys general in pushing back against a federal policy that would keep many undocumented immigrants locked up without the chance for a bond hearing. In a legal brief filed Wednesday, Sept. 3, the attorneys general argued that the US Department of Homeland Security’s new approach violates due process, harms families, and wastes taxpayer dollars. The new policy eliminates bond hearings for those who entered the country without inspection, meaning they could be held indefinitely — sometimes for months or years — regardles…
After 100 Years, DePiero’s Farm Is Closing: Here’s The Plan For Its Future After 100 Years, DePiero’s Farm Is Closing: Here’s The Plan For Its Future
After 100 Years, DePiero’s Farm Is Closing: Here’s The Plan For Its Future DePiero’s Farm, a family-run staple in Montvale for more than a century, will close for good on Thursday, Aug. 28 — but the land will remain a working farm, officials said. Located at 156 Summit Ave., the farm has been in the DePiero family since 1924, offering hayrides, pumpkin picking, fresh produce, greenhouse plants, and baked goods. In a statement, the family called the farm “the heart of our family for four generations” and thanked customers for “being a part of our family’s story.” “The decision to close was not an easy one,” the family said, citing changes in the industry and rising…
Produce Aisle Staple Faces Steep Price Hike Under Trump's Latest Tariff Produce Aisle Staple Faces Steep Price Hike Under Trump's Latest Tariff
Produce Aisle Staple Faces Steep Price Hike Under Trump's Latest Tariff President Donald Trump's trade war with Mexico is about to raise the prices of a major ingredient in everything from pizza and pasta sauces to salads and sandwiches. Trump will begin imposing a 17.09% tariff on fresh tomato imports from Mexico on Friday, Aug. 1. The move comes as the Commerce Department officially withdrew from a longtime trade agreement governing imported tomatoes on Monday, July 14. The tariff is slightly lower than the 21% duty floated by Trump officials in April, Bloomberg reported. Trump has also announced an additional 30% tariff on other Mexican goods …
170-Acre Luxury Pine Plains Estate With Private Sports Barn, Guest Cabins Listed For $8.47M 170-Acre Luxury Pine Plains Estate With Private Sports Barn, Guest Cabins Listed For $8.47M
170-Acre Luxury Pine Plains Estate With Private Sports Barn, Guest Cabins Listed For $8.47M A one-of-a-kind luxury estate in Dutchess County has hit the market for the first time, offering Adirondack-style elegance, expansive views, and a stunning array of year-round amenities—all set on 170 private acres in the heart of the Hudson Valley.  Located at 367 Prospect Hill Rd. in Pine Plains, the property is now listed for $8,475,000 and has been on the market for just under two weeks, according to its Houlihan Lawrence listing.  Designed by architect Lloyd Taft and built by a third-generation camp builder known for his work in upstate New York and the Thousand Islands, the …
Trump Appoints Newburgh Man To Federal Role Trump Appoints Newburgh Man To Federal Role
Trump Appoints Newburgh Man To Federal Role A longtime Orange County public servant is returning to federal leadership with a new appointment from the Trump Administration.  Richard Mayfield, a resident of Newburgh, has been named the State Director for USDA Rural Development in New York, US Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced last week.   The appointment places Mayfield at the helm of federal efforts to promote economic prosperity and strengthen rural communities across the Empire State, USDA officials said.  The USDA Rural Development program oversees funding and support for housing, business, and…
Trouble Ahead For Hochul In NY Governor's Race, Fresh Polling Shows Trouble Ahead For Hochul In NY Governor's Race, Fresh Polling Shows
Trouble Ahead For Hochul In NY Governor's Race, Fresh Polling Shows Fresh polling has alarm bells ringing in Albany. As New York’s 2026 race for governor begins to take shape, a new Siena College poll shows voters are craving new leadership, though incumbent Gov. Kathy Hochul still leads potential Democratic challengers by a wide margin. The poll, released Tuesday, May 20, found that 36% of voters are ready to reelect Hochul, while 55% prefer “someone else,” a 10-point dip in support compared to last month. Her favorability rating sits at 44-46% and job approval at 50-46%—largely unchanged from April. Among Democrats, Hochul remains the frontrunner in a hy…
500,000 Bees Killed By Trespasser In Midnight Massacre At Stafford Honey Farm 500,000 Bees Killed By Trespasser In Midnight Massacre At Stafford Honey Farm
500,000 Bees Killed By Trespasser In Midnight Massacre At Stafford Honey Farm Someone snuck onto a Virginia bee farm in the dead of night, locked the gates behind them with heavy-duty chains, and poisoned more than 60 beehives—killing thousands of pollinators and sparking a criminal investigation. Deputies in Stafford County were called to Rock Hill Honey Bee Farms on Pinto Lane around 4 p.m. Monday, April 14, after the property owner made the gruesome discovery.  Officials confirmed that at least 50 hives had been hit and said the investigation is active and ongoing. Farm officials say that 500,000 bees were killed. The farm says the attack happened late Sunda…
Atlantic County Declared Disaster Area After Severe Drought: USDA Atlantic County Declared Disaster Area After Severe Drought: USDA
Atlantic County Declared Disaster Area After Severe Drought: USDA Four Southern New Jersey counties have been declared disaster areas as farmers grapple with severe drought, the United States Department of Agriculture said. Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Gloucester counties were declared primary counties eligible after suffering a drought of eight or more weeks last year, the USDA said. Burlington, Camden, Ocean and Salem counties were declared contiguous disaster areas. The natural disaster designation allows the USDA Farm Service Agency to extend emergency credit to producers through emergency loans, the USDA said in a release. Emergency loans …
Volatile Markets Spiral As Trump Threatens China, White House Denies Tariff Pause Rumor Volatile Markets Spiral As Trump Threatens China, White House Denies Tariff Pause Rumor
Volatile Markets Spiral As Trump Threatens China, White House Denies Tariff Pause Rumor Chaos has shaken Wall Street for a third day as the White House denied rumors of a pause on President Donald Trump's sweeping new tariffs that sparked the worst sell-off since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened down roughly 1,250 points on Monday, April 7. The massive drop continued the market freefall that happened in the aftermath of Trump's "liberation day" announcement. Soon after trading opened, the Dow surged back into the green by around 10:15 a.m. The bounce back appeared to be in response to social media posts claiming Trump was conside…
Trump Imposes Sweeping Tariffs Amid Economic Fears, Says US Was 'Raped' By Trade Partners Trump Imposes Sweeping Tariffs Amid Economic Fears, Says US Was 'Raped' By Trade Partners
Trump Imposes Sweeping Tariffs Amid Economic Fears, Says US Was 'Raped' By Trade Partners President Donald Trump has announced sweeping new tariffs, accusing allies and adversaries of looting the US economy, despite consumer confidence sinking domestically and growing recession fears. Trump revealed the tariffs during a news conference in the Rose Garden at the White House on Wednesday, April 2. The President called the day "liberation day," alluding to what he claims is a trade imbalance caused by his predecessors. The new measures impose a baseline 10% tariff on all imports. Those will begin on Saturday, April 5, according to the White House. Sharply higher rates for dozens o…
Best Farmers' Market On Long Island In 2024: Northport Farmers' Market Best Farmers' Market On Long Island In 2024: Northport Farmers' Market
Best Farmers' Market On Long Island In 2024: Northport Farmers' Market We are thrilled to announce that the Northport Farmers' Market has been named Best Farmers' Market on Long Island in the 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards! Located in the heart of Northport Village, this seasonal market is a staple for locals and visitors looking for farm-fresh fruits and vegetables, handcrafted products, and a welcoming, family-friendly environment, according to the market's website. Whether you're picking up organic produce or chatting with local vendors, the market offers an experience that goes beyond grocery shopping—it’s a celebration of Long Island’s agricultur…
Best Farmers' Market In The Hudson Valley In 2024: Goshen Farmers' Market Best Farmers' Market In The Hudson Valley In 2024: Goshen Farmers' Market
Best Farmers' Market In The Hudson Valley In 2024: Goshen Farmers' Market We are thrilled to announce that the Goshen Farmers' Market has been named Best Farmers' Market in the Hudson Valley in the 2024 Daily Voice Readers' Choice Awards! According to its website, the Goshen Farmers' Market, sponsored by the Goshen Chamber of Commerce, is dedicated to promoting local agriculture and fostering a sense of community.  The market's mission, per its website, is to provide a platform for local food producers and artisans to connect directly with consumers in a welcoming environment.  The team at the Goshen Farmers' Market. Photo supplied by Goshen Fa…
Canada, Mexico, China Retaliate As Trump's Tariffs Spark Trade Wars: 'We're Ready To Fight' Canada, Mexico, China Retaliate As Trump's Tariffs Spark Trade Wars: 'We're Ready To Fight'
Canada, Mexico, China Retaliate As Trump's Tariffs Spark Trade Wars: 'We're Ready To Fight' Canada, Mexico, and China are responding to President Donald Trump officially placing tariffs on the three nations, escalating tensions with the US's key trading partners and increasing concerns about rising costs for American consumers. The US officially imposed 25 percent tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods on Tuesday, Mar. 4. On the same day, the US also raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 20 percent. On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump claimed the solution to the trade wars is bringing more businesses into the country. "IF COMPANIES MOVE TO THE UNITED STATES, THERE ARE …
A Nye-ce Surprise: Fairfield Teacher Competes To Bring Science Legend To His Classroom A Nye-ce Surprise: Fairfield Teacher Competes To Bring Science Legend To His Classroom
A Nye-ce Surprise: Fairfield Teacher Competes To Bring Science Legend To His Classroom A Connecticut teacher with a passion for science hopes to land his class a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity: a virtual lesson from legendary science educator Bill Nye, "The Science Guy." Josh Bartosiewicz, 31, a seventh- and eighth-grade teacher at the Unquowa School in Fairfield, is competing in the "America’s Favorite Teacher" award, a contest that benefits the Planetary Society. Voting is now open and runs until March 6. If he wins, Bartosiewicz will receive a $25,000 cash prize, a trip to Hawaii, and the chance to have Nye—a childhood hero—teach a live, virtual class for his students. …
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…