Brown, whose roots at farm date back to 1804, recognized by American Fruit Grower magazine

Photos from Orchard Dale Fruit Company – Bobby Brown III of Waterport has been named “Apple Grower of the year” by the American Fruit Grower magazine. Brown and his family have been mainstays in Carlton for more than two centuries.

A local apple grower has been chosen by the American Fruit Grower magazine as the country’s “Apple Grower of the Year.”

Robert “Bobby” Brown III is co-owner of Orchard Dale Fruit Company. He is the eighth generation grower on the family farm, which dates back to 1804. He has embraced new technologies with precision agriculture on the farm and has been a key leader in the Lake Ontario Fruit packing facility on Route 104 in Gaines.

American Fruit Grower announced the honor for Brown today. He is the sixth apple farmer from New York State to receive the honir. Only Washington State has more honorees with 14. Brown also is the fourth grower from Orleans County to receive this distinction, following George Lamont in 1997, Darrel Oakes in 2004 and Roderick Farrow in 2017.

Bobby and Beth Brown are shown with their daughters Emaline and Addison.

The June/July print issues of American Fruit Grower and Western Fruit Grower will feature Brown on its cover. The publications will formally present the award to Brown on July 17 at the Orleans County Apple Social.

Brown, 42, grew up on the grounds of Orchard Dale and worked closely with his late father Bob Brown and his uncle Eric Brown. The younger Brown graduated from Cornell in 2006 and returned to the 400-acre apple business. Bobby’s wife Beth joined the operation in 2013.

American Fruit Grower quotes Jim Bair, President and CEO of the U.S. Apple Association, touting Brown’s long family commitment to the apple industry.

“Bobby is not one to rest on family laurels,” Bair told the magazine. “His support for research, IFTA, and food safety prove his commitment to the industry and his fellow growers. Bobby was one of the first growers I met when I came to USApple. He impressed me then — and still does today.”

Brown has been a leader among the growers, serving with USApple, New York Apple Association, Farm Credit East, Lake Ontario Fruit (current president), Natural Resources Conservation Service, Horticultural Society, and the New York State Apple Research Development Program (current chairman).

Brown received nominations for the award from all sectors of the Western New York apple-growing community.

“He realizes that we all need each other for the western New York apple industry to thrive and survive these uncertain times,” said Michael Keller, Sustainable Agriculture Specialist with Valent U.S.A. “Bobby is always one the first people to step up when issues arise, and he often takes point on many of these challenges. I think he believes that we all need to work together for the apple industry to run properly, and he’s willing to do whatever is needed to ensure the future of New York-grown apples.”

American Fruit Grower shares testimonials from other growers, includign Rod Farrow of Fish Creek Orchards in Waterport: “His development of new high-density super-spindle orchards is second to none in the U.S., and their farm is often a highlight of local, national, and international tours.”

Farrow said Brown has adapted the farm to new technologies, including precision spraying with vision data collection. Orchard Dale was one of the first farms to implement precision crop load management technologies, such as ATV-mounted cameras and drones.

Jason Woodworth of Lamont Fruit Farm in Waterport praises Brown for leading Lake Ontario Fruit during an expansion and addition of new employees.

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) on Thursday applauded House passage of H.R. 7567, the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026, legislation that strengthens support for American farmers, bolsters rural communities, and reinforces agriculture as a core component of national security.

The Farm, Food, and National Security Act (Farm Bill) reauthorizes key U.S. Department of Agriculture programs through 2031, modernizes farm policy, and strengthens the agriculture safety net to help producers navigate rising costs, market uncertainty, and supply chain disruptions.

The legislation includes major investments in conservation, crop insurance, rural development, and agricultural research, while promoting U.S. exports and reducing regulatory burdens. It also enhances oversight of foreign ownership of American farmland and reinforces agriculture as a national security priority.

As part of the bill, Congresswoman Tenney secured adoption of her Fairness in Vineyard Data Act, which requires the U.S. Department of Agriculture to produce a comprehensive report on national grape production. The report will include detailed data on total acreage, production levels, utilization, acreage by grape type and variety, as well as county-level breakdowns and planting timelines. This data will provide greater transparency and market insight for our viticulturists, including those in the Finger Lakes region, and allow USDA to better support our vineyards.

“House Republicans are backing the farmers and ranchers who feed, fuel, and sustain this country,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “This Farm Bill delivers real support for producers facing rising costs and uncertainty, while strengthening the tools they need to manage risk and stay competitive.

“In districts like mine, where agriculture drives our economy, this legislation helps ensure our farmers and family farms can continue to grow, hire, and invest in their communities. It also takes important steps to protect American farmland from foreign adversaries, such as the CCP, and reinforces that agriculture is national security. This legislation puts our farmers first and makes sure the United States remains a global leader in food production.”

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today questioned United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during a House Ways and Means Committee hearing on the Administration’s 2026 Trade Policy Agenda, highlighting Canada’s refusal to substantively engage on longstanding trade barriers harming Upstate New York producers.

During the hearing, Congresswoman Tenney highlighted Canadian actions that are devastating NY-24 producers, including Canadian restrictions and prohibitions on the export of dairy, wine and bulk produce.

These issues are all highlighted in the National Trade Estimate Report as foreign trade barriers harming the U.S.-Canada relationship. These policies, Tenney emphasized, are placing Upstate New York farmers and producers at a competitive disadvantage despite repeated U.S. efforts to resolve these issues through negotiation.

As Ambassador Greer stated “I think we’re kind of at the end of our rope… there are two countries that have retaliated economically against the United States in the past year: The People’s Republic of China and Canada. So that’s kind of the company they’re running in.”

“Upstate New York farmers and producers are some of the best in the world, but they are not getting a fair shot,” said Congresswoman Tenney. “Canada continues to block our dairy, our wine, and our produce while expecting free and open access to our markets. That is not how a fair trade relationship works. I hear from these producers every day, and they are frustrated because of Canada’s discriminatory treatment and refusal to engage on these issues meaningfully and substantively. We need to hold Canada accountable, strengthen USMCA, and make sure our farmers and businesses can compete and win in the international marketplace.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: A farmer harvests soybeans on East Barre Road in Barre on Oct. 13, 2019.

Press Release, Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County

KNOWLESVILLE – “Farming Under Pressure,” a stress management and suicide prevention workshop designed for farmers, farm families, growers, and agricultural professionals will occur at the Orleans County Fairgrounds.

The workshop will take place on March 19 beginning 8:30 a.m. at 12690 State Route 31, Albion, in the Harrington Classroom. The presentation is open to growers and members of the public.

This educational session will feature speakers from FarmNet and GOW Pathway to Hope. Together, they will address the unique pressures facing those in agriculture and provide practical tools to support mental wellness in farming communities.

Topics will include:

• Common stressors in agriculture and how they impact mental health
• Practical stress management tools participants can use immediately
• Warning signs of suicide risk
• How to start conversations and support someone who may be struggling
• Available local and regional resources for farmers

Farming is demanding work. Long hours, financial pressure, isolation, and unpredictable conditions can take a toll. This workshop is designed to provide practical guidance in a respectful, stigma free environment and to strengthen support networks within the agricultural community.

The program is offered in partnership with FarmNet, Tobacco-Free, and GOW Pathway to Hope.

There is no cost to attend. Pre-registration is not required.

For more information, contact Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension at 585-798-4265, orleans@cornell.edu or visit https://cce.cornell.edu/orleans.

Apples, onions, cabbage among the crops eligible for payments

Press Release, US Department of Agriculture

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is providing $1 billion in Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program assistance for specialty crops and sugar, commodities not covered through the previously announced Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) program.

These one-time bridge payments will help address market disruptions, elevated input costs, persistent inflation, and market losses from foreign competitors engaging in unfair trade practices that impede exports. Specialty crop producers have until March 13 to report 2025 acres to USDA’s Farm Service Agency.

“President Trump has the backs of our farmers, and today we are building on our Farmer Bridge Assistance program with the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program,” said Secretary Rollins. “Our specialty crop producers continue to feel the negative effects of four years under the Biden Administration, suffering from record inflation, a depleted farm safety net, and delayed disaster assistance.”

The Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program is authorized under the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act and will be administered by FSA.

Eligible Specialty Crops

• Almond, Apple, Apricot, Aronia berry, Artichoke, Asparagus, Avocado
• Banana, Bean (Snap or green; Lima; Dry edible), Beet (Table), Blackberry, Blueberry, Breadfruit, Broccoli (including Broccoli Raab), Brussels Sprouts
• Cabbage (including Chinese), Cacao, Carrot, Cashew, Cauliflower, Celeriac, Celery, Cherimoya, Cherry, Chestnut (for Nuts), Chive, Citrus, Coconut, Coffee, Collards (including Kale), Cranberry, Cucumber, Currant
• Date, Dry Edible Beans and Peas
• Edamame, Eggplant, Endive
• Feijou, Fig, Filbert (Hazelnut)
• Garlic, Gooseberry, Grape (including Raisin), Guava
• Horseradish
• Kiwi, Kohlrabi
• Leek, Lettuce, Litchi
• Macadamia, Mango, Melon (All Types), Mushroom (Cultivated), Mustard and Other Greens
• Nectarine
• Okra, Olive, Onion, Opuntia
• Papaya, Parsley, Parsnip, Passion Fruit, Pea (Garden; English or Edible Pod; Dry edible), Peach, Pear, Pecan, Pepper, Persimmon, Pineapple, Pistachio, Plum (including Prune), Pomegranate, Potato, Pumpkin
• Quince
• Radish (All Types), Raspberry, Rhubarb, Rutabaga
• Salsify, Spinach, Squash (Summer and Winter), Strawberry, Suriname Cherry, Sweet Corn, Sweet Potato, Swiss Chard
• Taro, Tomato (including Tomatillo), Turnip
• Walnut, Watermelon

ASCF payments are based on reported 2025 planted acres. Eligible farmers should ensure their 2025 acreage reporting is factual and accurate by 5 p.m. ET on March 13.

Commodity-specific payment rates will be released by the end of March. Crop insurance linkage will not be required for the ASCF Program. However, USDA strongly urges producers to take advantage of the new One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) risk management tools to best protect against price risk and volatility in the future.

More information on ASCF is available online at www.fsa.usda.gov/fba or producers can contact their local FSA county office.

Press Release, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) joined Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and nine of their Senate Democratic colleagues in pressing U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins to expedite and increase payouts, especially for specialty crop farmers, in disaster and economic assistance programs in the face of trade uncertainty, rising input costs, and natural disasters.

“Farmers across the country and in New York are facing soaring input costs, increasing uncertainty caused by this administration, and the growing impacts of natural disasters, and they cannot afford further delays in critical assistance,” said Senator Gillibrand. “New York’s farmers are the backbone of our Upstate economy, and I will continue pushing this administration to ensure farmers in New York and across the nation have the resources they need to thrive.”

“As farmers face continued trade uncertainty, rising input costs, and natural disasters, we encourage you to expedite economic and disaster assistance that will benefit all farmers, including specialty crop growers,” wrote the senators. “While significant assistance flowed quickly to farmers in the summer and fall, payments were limited to 35 percent of approved applications.”

“As a result, less than $6 billion out of the $16 billion available has been paid out to farmers more than a year after Congress provided the funds and nearly three years after some farmers faced losses,” the senators continued. “Farmers are talking to their lenders right now to make plans. Adjusting the factor and making additional top-up payments now will expedite assistance now when farmers need it most.”

The senators also highlighted that of “the Farmer Bridge Assistance program of $12 billion, just $1 billion of that total is for specialty crops, sugarbeets, and other crops.” The senators urged USDA to develop “a program that reflects the unique needs of specialty crop growers. We also encourage you to ensure this assistance truly meets the needs of all farmers.”

Along with Gillibrand, Klobuchar and Slotkin, the letter was signed by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Tina Smith (D-MN), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Adam Schiff (D-CA), and Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD).

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the per-acre payment rates in the $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance Program.

The money comes at a time for a reeling agricultural sector that is seeing higher costs from tariffs and inflation, and shrinking markets for their crops, especially from a trade war with China.

“These one-time payments give farmers the bridge to continue to feed and clothe America and the world while the Trump Administration continues opening new markets and strengthening the farm safety net,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said on Dec. 31. “USDA is making this process as simple and seamless as possible so producers can focus on what they do best – feeding and fueling our nation.”

The funding includes $11 billion in one-time payments.

These are payment rates per acre for the FBA eligible commodities:

• Barley: $20.51
• Canola: $23.57
• Chickpeas (Large): $26.46
• Chickpeas (Small): $33.36
• Corn: $44.36
• Cotton: $117.35
• Flax: $8.05
• Lentils: $23.98
• Mustard: $23.21
• Oats: $81.75
• Peanuts: $55.65
• Peas: $19.60
• Rice: $132.89
• Safflower: $24.86
• Sesame: $13.68
• Sorghum: $48.11
• Soybeans: $30.88
• Sunflower: $17.32
• Wheat: $39.35

The remaining $1 billion of the $12 billion in assistance is reserved for specialty crops and sugar. Timelines for payments to producers of these crops are still under development and require additional understanding of market impacts and economic needs, the USDA said.

In Orleans County, the top crops in acres include 39,354 in corn for grain, 24,739 in soybeans for beans, 14,208 for vegetables, 11,590 in forage (hay/haylage), and 6,953 acres of apples, according to the county’s 20122 census of agriculture.

That census reported there are 444 farms in Orleans County that generated a market value of $223.6 in farm products in 2022. The $233.6 million in Orleans ranked 15th highest out of the 62 counties in the state.

Organization states support for nuclear energy, ‘strongly opposes’ all-electric mandates

Press Release, New York Farm Bureau

ALBANY — New York Farm Bureau has announced its state legislative priorities for 2026. These priorities are based on grassroots policy development over the course of the past year, which culminated at the organization’s State Annual Meeting earlier this month. Delegates from 50 counties discussed and voted on a number of wide-ranging issues at the meeting.

NYFB public policy staff identified NYFB’s priority issues as those listed below.

• Support critical funding for current agricultural animal health, promotion, research and environmental programs in the final FY 26/27 state budget.
• Support for a significant funding investment in the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Science to forward its mission of collegiate agricultural education, research and extension.
• Extend the refundable investment tax credit and allow construction costs for farmworker housing to be eligible for the tax credit.
• Move the administration of product marketing and research orders from Empire State Development to the Department of Agriculture and Markets.
• Remove the requirement for overtime payment on the weekly consecutive 24-hour rest period when total work hours are still below the overtime threshold.
• Support legislation that would develop a Clean Fuel Standard.
• Support funding for the NY Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health to do research and promote education on temperature-related working conditions before any legislation (such as the Temperature Extreme Mitigation Program Act) is passed.
• Support the exemption of agricultural businesses from Extended Producer Responsibility legislation until a cost-effective and practical agricultural recycling program is established and funded by the state.
• Support mandating that fire, rescue, library and other ad valorem taxing districts use agricultural assessment values when calculating property taxes.
• Support renewable energy policies that incorporate common-sense timeframes for adoption based upon grid capacity and support for the use of other energy sources including nuclear. Strongly oppose all-electric mandates and bans on the use of propane, wood burning, oil or natural gas appliances.

NYFB will release federal legislative priorities by early spring.