Latest news with #RichardA.Ball
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
100 dairy farms in New York get over $21 million from state
Jun. 2—LOWVILLE — New York state is pushing more than $21 million in grant money out to over 100 dairy farms statewide, part of a long-term push to enhance and expand the state's upstate milk and milk product industry. On Monday at Glory Days dairy farm in Lowville, state Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced the funding through the state Dairy Modernization Grant program as the state kicked off June Dairy Month. "New York's dairy industry is the backbone of our agricultural economy, supporting thousands of jobs across our rural communities," said Gov. Kathleen C. Hochul. The Governor had successfully pushed for this program in budget negotiations last year. "With this $26 million investment through the Dairy Modernization Grant Program, we're giving hardworking dairy farmers and cooperatives the tools they need to grow, innovate and lead in a changing market. This is how we honor our agricultural legacy — by making sure it has a strong and sustainable future," Hochul said. Across the north country, 15 farms will get a combined $3.3 million in state grant money — in Central New York will get more than $3.9 million, and in the Finger Lakes, 20 farms are getting more than $4.3 million. The money can be used for projects on dairy farms to expand or improve storage, improve transportation and strengthen operations — it helps farmers buy newer, more efficient equipment and is run with an eye towards increasing environmental protection, efficiency and farm operation health. The program requires that each grant-funded project demonstrate a path towards expanding storage, increasing energy efficiency, improving food safety, saving work hours, decreasing raw milk dumping or making the farm more resilient economically. Each project must achieve at least two of those listed goals. "The Dairy Modernization Grant Program gives farms like ours the opportunity to progress and innovate and continue being the lifeblood of our communities," said Amy Beyer, owner of Glory Days Farm. "This program encourages the adoption of efficient technology that improves food safety with more consideration to environmental impacts, securing the future of dairy in New York." This new grant program is authorized for another $10 million round in 2026 — and Hochul indicated that further funding will be headed to the dairy industry for research and climate-resiliency work in the future. "Our dairy farmers and processors are second to none when it comes to the care they give to the land and their animals and the quality of their milk products," said Ball, the state Agriculture Commissioner. "I am so pleased to see this funding being awarded to these deserving farms, who will now have the additional resources they need to ensure that they can continue to provide the very best milk and dairy products, and keep operations and the supply chain going, even in the event of severe weather or emergency events." This grant funding comes as the New York dairy industry sees major investments in plants and farms across the state. In April, Gov. Hochul and regional lawmakers attended the groundbreaking of a new, $1.2 billion Chobani company plant in Oneida County, which will become the largest single-site natural food processing center in the country and increase fluid milk demand by multiple billions of pounds per year. New York has already pumped $23 million into that project alone, with another $73 million in tax credits for job creation set aside once the facility starts hiring. A handful of other major projects, including a Fairlife milk processing plant in western New York, a $30 million expansion of the Agri-Mark cheese facility in Chateaugay, Franklin County, a $150 million Cayuga Marketing milk plant in Auburn, a $621 million cheese plant in Franklinville, Cattaraugus County, are expected to increase demand for milk in New York by more than 35% by 2030. New York already has nearly 300 processing facilities for milk and milk products, served with more than 16 billion pounds of milk per year from over 3,000 dairy farms, over 95% of which are family-owned and operated.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NYS dairy farms get over $21 million for modernization, resiliency projects
Jun. 2—LOWVILLE — New York state is pushing over $21 million in grant money out to over 100 dairy farms statewide, part of a long-term push to enhance and expand the state's upstate milk and milk product industry. On Monday at Glory Days dairy farm in Lowville, state Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced the funding through the state Dairy Modernization Grant program as the state kicked off June Dairy Month. "New York's dairy industry is the backbone of our agricultural economy, supporting thousands of jobs across our rural communities," said Governor Kathleen C. Hochul. The Governor had successfully pushed for this program in budget negotiations last year. "With this $26 million investment through the Dairy Modernization Grant Program, we're giving hardworking dairy farmers and cooperatives the tools they need to grow, innovate and lead in a changing market. This is how we honor our agricultural legacy — by making sure it has a strong and sustainable future," Hochul said. Across the north country, 15 farms will get a combined $3.3 million in state grant money — in central New York will get more than $3.9 million, and in the Finger Lakes, 20 farms are getting more than $4.3 million. The money can be used for projects on dairy farms to expand or improve storage, improve transportation and strengthen operations — it helps farmers buy newer, more efficient equipment and is run with an eye towards increasing environmental protection, efficiency and farm operation health. The program requires that each grant-funded project demonstrate a path towards expanding storage, increasing energy efficiency, improving food safety, saving work hours, decreasing raw milk dumping or making the farm more resilient economically. Each project must achieve at least two of those listed goals. "The Dairy Modernization Grant Program gives farms like ours the opportunity to progress and innovate and continue being the lifeblood of our communities," said Amy Beyer, owner of Glory Days Farm. "This program encourages the adoption of efficient technology that improves food safety with more consideration to environmental impacts, securing the future of dairy in New York." This new grant program is authorized for another $10 million round in 2026 — and Hochul indicated that further funding will be headed to the dairy industry for research and climate-resiliency work in the future. "Our dairy farmers and processors are second to none when it comes to the care they give to the land and their animals and the quality of their milk products," said Ball, the state Agriculture Commissioner. "I am so pleased to see this funding being awarded to these deserving farms, who will now have the additional resources they need to ensure that they can continue to provide the very best milk and dairy products, and keep operations and the supply chain going, even in the event of severe weather or emergency events." This grant funding comes as the New York dairy industry sees major investments in plants and farms across the state. In April, Gov. Hochul and regional lawmakers attended the groundbreaking of a new, $1.2 billion Chobani company plant in Oneida County, which will become the largest single-site natural food processing center in the country and increase fluid milk demand by multiple billions of pounds per year. New York has already pumped $23 million into that project alone, with another $73 million in tax credits for job creation set aside once the facility starts hiring. A handful of other major projects, including a Fairlife milk processing plant in western New York, a $30 million expansion of the Agri-Mark cheese facility in Chateaugay, Franklin County, a $150 million Cayuga Marketing milk plant in Auburn, a $621 million cheese plant in Franklinville, Cattaraugus County, are expected to increase demand for milk in New York by more than 35% by 2030. New York already has nearly 300 processing facilities for milk and milk products, served with more than 16 billion pounds of milk per year from over 3,000 dairy farms, over 95% of which are family-owned and operated.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
NYS gives funding for animal shelter improvements
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI) – New York State will be assisting two north country animal shelters as the state has awarded $10.4 million in funds to help 30 animal care organizations. New York Governor Kathy Hochul's announced the news on Wednesday that will provide funding across the state through the seventh round of the New York State Companion Animal Capital Fund, the first state program in the nation to fund capital projects for animal shelters. Jefferson County SPCA receives funding from state for upgrades Jefferson County and the Massena Humane Society will each receive $500,000 to make improvements. Jefferson County will get the money renovate kennels, upgrade the HVAC system, repair the drainage system, and install resin flooring, concrete walls and sound proofing. The Massena Humane Society will use the funds for enhanced record keeping equipment, upgrades to the kennels, drainage and HVAC system, radiant floor heat, soundproofing and a new intake area. Animal shelters and humane societies are so much more than a port in the storm – they are a true lifeline to the animals who will one day become beloved members of New York families. From providing essential medical care to daily enrichment activities, the hardworking staff at humane societies, shelters, and SPCAs throughout the state work tirelessly to provide the best care for dogs and cats while they wait to be adopted. Through seven rounds of funding, we have seen the direct impact these projects have had on these essential facilities, and I'm proud to see the good work continue. New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball Since the 2017 launch of the Companion Animal Capital Fund program, which is administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the State has dedicated over $38 million to the program. In total, 130 projects have been awarded across New York so far. Projects funded this year include updated living spaces for dogs and cats, improved HVAC and heating systems, expansions to facilities to improve medical care, as well as additional infrastructure updates. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Applications being taken for FreshConnect CSA program
New York organizations can now apply for the latest round of the FreshConnect CSA for SNAP program. According to State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball, the program will help Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants in New York gain increased access to weekly shares of fresh, locally grown produce through Community Supported Agriculture initiatives by covering up to half the cost for recipients, while encouraging purchase of local products that supports New York's farmers and producers. FreshConnect CSA for SNAP is one component of Gov. Kathy Hochul's goal to boost demand for New York agricultural products, bolster New York's food supply chain and ensure all New Yorkers have access to fresh, local foods, the release stated. 'All New Yorkers deserve access to fresh, nutritious foods, grown right here in New York state,' Ball said in the release. 'The FreshConnect CSA for SNAP program is a great example of connecting the dots between our farmers and our consumers, helping to ensure that New Yorkers using SNAP can access CSA shares full of delicious locally grown produce. This program feeds our families and supports our farmers, and I encourage eligible organizations to consider applying.' The FreshConnect CSA for SNAP program helps SNAP participants working with awarded organizations better access CSA shares, according to the release. Funding provided to eligible applicants, such as not-for-profit organizations, Indian tribal organizations, public educational institutions and local or municipal governments will partially subsidize the cost of weekly CSA shares sold to SNAP participants, lowering the cost to consumers while still purchasing the food from the farmer at full price. Up to 50% of the cost of a weekly share purchased by a SNAP recipient with their SNAP benefits may be paid by awarded organizations through this program. Awards for this opportunity will be made on a rolling basis until funds are depleted, the release stated. A total of $250,000 in funding is available through this Request for Applications. Applications may request a minimum of $25,000 and a maximum of $50,000 for the project to be considered. Applications must be submitted by 3 p.m. July 22. Learn more at
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Applications sought from orgs to helps SNAP families
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced Monday, March 31 that New York organizations may apply for the latest round of the FreshConnect CSA for SNAP program. According to a news release, this program will help Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program participants in New York gain increased access to weekly shares of fresh, locally grown produce through Community Supported Agriculture initiatives by covering up to half the cost for recipients, while encouraging purchase of local products that supports New York's farmers and producers. FreshConnect CSA for SNAP is one component of Gov. Kathy Hochul's goal to boost demand for New York agricultural products, bolster New York's food supply chain and ensure all New Yorkers have access to fresh, local foods, the release stated. 'All New Yorkers deserve access to fresh, nutritious foods, grown right here in New York state," Ball said in the release. "The FreshConnect CSA for SNAP program is a great example of connecting the dots between our farmers and our consumers, helping to ensure that New Yorkers using SNAP can access CSA shares full of delicious locally grown produce. This program feeds our families and supports our farmers, and I encourage eligible organizations to consider applying.' The FreshConnect CSA for SNAP program helps SNAP participants working with awarded organizations better access CSA shares, according to the release. Funding provided to eligible applicants, such as not-for-profit organizations, Indian tribal organizations, public educational institutions and local or municipal governments will partially subsidize the cost of weekly CSA shares sold to SNAP participants, lowering the cost to consumers while still purchasing the food from the farmer at full price. Up to 50% of the cost of a weekly share purchased by a SNAP recipient with their SNAP benefits may be paid by awarded organizations through this program. Awards for this opportunity will be made on a rolling basis until funds are depleted, the release stated. A total of $250,000 in funding is available through this Request for Applications. Applications may request a minimum of $25,000 and a maximum of $50,000 for the project to be considered. Applications must be submitted by 3 p.m. July 22. To provide an overview of the program for potential applicants, a webinar was held on March 18, and the recording is available at Learn more at
