Latest news with #AshleyRandle
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Mass. officials support local farms during National Dairy Month
SHEFFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Members of the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) celebrated National Dairy Month by recognizing several dairy farms in western Mass. MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle was joined by state and local officials last week in visiting three multi-generational businesses in Berkshire and Hampshire County. These farms have contributed to the state's economy and local food systems for decades. Easthampton aims to enhance transparency with new public records management 'As a western Massachusetts native who grew up on a multi-generational dairy farm, I have a deep appreciation and understanding of how hard our dairy farmers work to supply us with the best tasting products that are made with pride, so we are proud to continue supporting the industry through the many resources our agency offers,' Randle said. 'Through preserving land to offering technical assistance and upgrading infrastructure, we'll continue to invest in the viability and sustainability of this critical sector so that all of us can continue to enjoy a rich assortment of delicious dairy products made by family farms across the state.' Officials visited Pine Island Farm and Maple Shade Farm, both located in Sheffield, as well as Luther Belden Farm in Hatfield. Pine Island Farm spans over 1,500 acres and houses approximately 1,600 Holstein cattle, milking the largest number of animals in Massachusetts. It is a third-generation farm owned by Holly and Louis Aragi and was recently acquired through MDAR's Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) program to protect the land permanently. Maple Shade Farm is also protected through the APR program, managed by father and son Morgen and Ian Allen. It was first founded in 2003 with a handful of cows and has since grown to nearly 350 cattle, implementing energy efficiency upgrades. Since 1661, Luther Belden Farm has stayed within the same family across 13 generations. Darryl and Lucinda Williams have added modern upgrades to this over 350-year-old farm, including a robotic milking system and an anaerobic methane digester that produces renewable energy from cow manure and food waste. Massachusetts is currently home to 95 dairy farms that are mostly based in the western region, contributing over $61 million to the local economy and helping to preserve over 113,000 acres of open space. This National Dairy Month, officials are recognizing family-owned businesses that protect natural resources and reduce energy use throughout the state. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
State urges horse owners to vaccinate ahead of peak mosquito season
BOSTON (WWLP) – The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is reminding horse owners to vaccinate their animals against Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus before peak mosquito season. A vaccine against Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV) is only approved for horses. The peak mosquito season in Massachusetts begins in late July. Deadly illness spreading rapidly in Massachusetts 'Proper timing of vaccination for your animals can ensure protection throughout the entire mosquito season,' said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. 'EEE and WNV pose serious risks to horses, and infection can lead to death. In 2019, there were eight equine deaths in Massachusetts, all involving unvaccinated horses. In 2024, there were four equine deaths, again in unvaccinated horses. Vaccinating horses is one of the most effective ways to defend against these viruses.' The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) says that while rare, EEE is a serious and potentially deadly disease that can affect people of all ages and is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. In 2024, there were four human cases in Worcester, Middlesex, and Plymouth Counties and four animal cases in Plymouth County with EEE, with a total of 97 positive mosquito samples. A total of 18 humans contracted WNV, while 333 mosquito samples tested positive. There were no animal cases of WNV in Massachusetts in 2024. Signs of WNV and EEE in animals: Fever Depression Loss of appetite Weakness Uncoordinated movement Head pressing Circling Convulsions Irritability Blindness Coma Tips to help prevent these mosquito-borne diseases in horses: Talk to your veterinarian about vaccination. Eliminate stagnant or standing water by avoiding water overflow from troughs, reducing run-off and pooling of irrigation water, eliminating accumulated water in flower pots, and removing old tires and other containers in which water can collect. Eliminate piles of decaying organic matter such as leaves, lawn clippings, and manure. Keep animals indoors during peak periods of mosquito activity (dusk and dawn). Keep screens repaired and free of holes. Avoid turning on lights inside barns during the evening and overnight, as mosquitoes are attracted to light. Apply mosquito repellents approved for use in animals. Read the product label before using, and follow all instructions carefully. People are reminded to take precautions to prevent being bitten by mosquitoes by wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts when outside, using insect repellent, and limiting outdoor activities between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active. Local News Headlines WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
