Thunder Country Ag Report

Thunder Country Ag Report host Mike Sakell speaks with Tri Valley FFA Advisor Tara Berescik bringing listeners a wrap up of this weeks’ NYS FFA Convention in Syracuse.

Thunder Country Ag and Garden Report host Mike Sakell speaks with Ashley Scoones Executive Director of the New York Beef Council talking about the not for profit group and the upcoming May Beef Month Celebration in Albany on May 12th, 2025.

Katie Gasior Horticulture Subject Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County outlines the new Gardening 101 three-part series that begins April 29 2025 through August. Learn the ins and outs of starting your own garden, from start to maintenance!

This episode guest Steven Schwartz, chief forager at Delaware Valley Ramps. Ramps are the first edible green plant of spring. Also known as wild leeks, they arerelated to garlic and onions and grow wild in the forests of the Upper Delaware River watershed. Steve talks about the Ramps U Pick weekend events every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through May 11th. Get info at DelawareValleyRamps.com

This week host Mike Sakell speaks with guest Chelsea Migliorelli County Executive Director for the Dutchess/Ulster/Putnam/WestchesterCounty USDA Farm Service Agency discusses Agricultural Producers Have Until April 15 2025 to Enroll in USDA’s Key Commodity Safety Net Programs for the 2025 Crop Year. 

This week guest Christopher A. Wolf, E. V. Baker Professor of Agricultural Economics at Cornell University talksabout tariffs and the implications for New York State agriculture with host Mike Sakell.

The 30-day window is open to apply to be included in one of two Sullivan County NY Agricultural Districts through April 30, 2025. Melinda Meddaugh of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County talks about the guidelines and the application process with host Mike Sakell on this latest edition.  

The Thunder Country Ag and Garden Report this week EPA Regional Administrator and former NYS Senator Mike Martucci discusses priorities for the EPA throughout New York State and his visit to area farms as part of NationalAgriculture Week.

Check out the Thunder Country Ag and Garden Report. This week Amy Marie Barkley Livestock Specialist at Cornell Cooperative Extension of South Western NYS offersmore details on Avian Influenza and talks about the upcoming virtual workshop; Avian Disease and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza – the latest updates and what it means for poultry health on Tuesday 3/18.

Check out the latest Thunder Country Ag Report aired Saturday March 1st. Guest is Michelle Proscia ofCornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County speaking about two upcoming virtual workshops; Raising Laying Hens for Eggs on 3/11 and Avian Disease and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza – the latest updates and what it means for poultry health on 3/18.

This week’s guest is Jaclyn Kimmes of the Sullivan County Farm Bureau with an update including their new emergency relief fund and SCFB at the upcoming Legislative Days in Albany.

This week’s Thunder Country Ag Report guest is Sullivan County Public Health Director Jessie Moore with an update on avian flu monitoring and how the department is connecting with Cornell Cooperative Extension and farmers throughout the county.

The Thunder Country Ag Report guest is NYS Ag andMarkets Commissioner Richard Ball speaking to host Mike Sakell about some of the highlights in his recent State of Agriculture presentation at the NY Agricultural Society.Commissioner Ball touches on young farmers, technology, the environment and workforce issues. The commissioner also speaks on the latest regarding avian flu.

This week’s guest is Daniel Brey’s of Brey’s Egg Farm in Sullivan County NY. Brey speaks with host Mike Sakell about the farm operation, avian flu and those increases in egg prices that everyone is talking about!

Thunder Country Ag Report Host Mike Sakell speaks with Dr. Jarra Jagne of the Cornell University Avian Health Program at the Cornell University Animal Health Diagnostic Center. The main topic is avian flu, symptoms, diagnosis, egg prices and research into animal vaccinations.

This week on the Thunder Country Ag Report the guest is Eric Goldstienof the g5agency in Narrowsburg, who will offer an information seminar hosted by the Sullivan County Farm Bureau on January 25th at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Ferndale, NY. Goldstein emphasizes this is an information seminar and not a sales event. He will explain the many types of agriculture insurance available and answer any questions.

The Thunder Country Ag and Market Report focuses on the recently released Profile of Agriculture in New York State. Mike Sakell speaks with New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, focusing on agriculture in our Hudson Valley region and issues and challanges statewide.

The Thunder Country Ag Report podcast this week features host Mike Sakell with guest Aileen Randolph, Program Director Producer Grant Programs for the New York Farm Viability Institute with details on the Beginning Farmer Competitive Grant Program. Randolph outlines some of the guidelines and how to apply. The application deadline is January 24, 2025.   

The Thunder Country Ag Report this week features guest Samantha Riley, Executive Director of the Rural Health Network at Ellenville Regional Hospital. Samantha talks about their monthly “FARM-acy” event offering fresh fruits and vegetables to the ERH community.  

The Sullivan County (NY) Farm Bureau recently held its annual meeting at the Rockland House in Roscoe. This week on the Thunder Country Ag Report New President of the Board Jacklyn Kimmes speaks with Mike Sakell about priorities, both local and statewide for farmers as well as their programs for youth with FFA and much more.

It’s National Farm to School Month and this week Mike Sakell speaks with Joy Leone, Nutrition & Physical Activity Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County about local activities at Sullivan County schools and what parents and local farmers can do to get involved.    

Thunder Country Ag Report host Mike Sakell speaks with Taylor Adam, Beginner Farmer Program Manager at Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County who speaks about this seasons 2025 Mentorship Cohort program, how it works and how to get involved.   

Check out the Thunder Country Ag and Market Report Saturday mornings at 630am on @thunder102country @Thunder 102 or on the free RadioBOLD App or the Thunder Country Ag Report podcast at RadioBold.com. This week Mike Sakell speaks with Brett Budde of Majestic Farm in Mountaindale, where U pick your own apples. Majestic Farm is an organic farm offering a variety of heritage pork, free roaming chickens and grass fed beef for purchase.   

Thunder Country Ag Report Host Mike Sakell speaks with Joe Bills of The Old Farmers Almanac who has some winter weather forecasts for the Sullivan County region and more about the almanac that has been a part of agriculture since 1792. 

This week Thunder Country Ag Report Host Mike Sakell speaks with Joseph A. D’Abbraccio DVM of Catskill Veterinary Services after NYS Ag and Markets urged horse owners to vaccinate their horses against Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV). New York has already seen cases of EEE found in horses including in neighboring Ulster and Orange Counties. Dr. Joe talks about these viruses and why it’s important to keep up on your vaccination schedules.   

This week on the Thunder Country Ag Report Host Mike Sakell speaks with Harvest Festival at Bethel Woods Market Manager Crystal Sotiropoulos focusing on the farmers providing fresh produce and more each and every Sunday during the Harvest Festival at Bethel Woods season.   

Check out the Thunder Country Ag and Market Report Saturday mornings at 630am on @thunder102country @Thunder 102 or on the free RadioBOLD App or the Thunder Country Ag Report podcast at RadioBold.com. This week Mike Sakell speaks with NYS Ag and Markets Commissioner following the Great NYS Fair about several new initiatives announced by Governor Hochul benefiting Maple Syrup Producers, Cideries and the Beginning Farmer Advisory Board.    

Check out the Thunder Country Ag and Market Report Saturday mornings at 630am on @thunder102country @Thunder 102 or on the free RadioBOLD App or the Thunder Country Ag Report podcast at RadioBold.com. This week Mike Sakell speaks with director of the Great NYS Fair Julie LaFave focusing on agricultural highlights and activities at the fair now through Labor Day Monday, September 2nd 2024.   

It's time to enjoy the Grahamsville Little World's Fair and the 4H Youth Fair activities this weekend. Michelle Proscia, Agriculture Production Program Manager at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County has a look at this weekends schedule.

Thunder Country Ag Report host Mike Sakell speaks with Alan Carroll, Food Systems Program Manager from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County about National Farmers Market Week (August 4-10 2024)and what you’ll find throughout the season at Sullivan Fresh Farmers Markets. 

Thunder Country Ag Report host Mike Sakell speaks with Erika Scott, PhD, Deputy Director for NYCAMH, the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health. The topic this week is Farm Worker Safety During Extreme Heat Events, the focus of a webinar earlier this week hosted by NYS Ag and Markets.

It’s fair season and the Grahamsville Little Worlds Fair begins August 16th but the 4-H Youth Fair begins on August 15th running through the 18th. Host Mike Sakell speaks with Barbara Moran, 4-H Youth Development Program Manager at @sullivancce about the many scheduled activities and things you can see from all the 4-H participants.

Thunder Country Ag Report Host Mike Sakell speaks with Karen Fairbairn of CADE, The Center for Agricultural Development and Entrepreneurship (CADE), the nonprofit supporting agricultural businesses across New York that recently released their latest study, entitled “Market Outlook: 2024 New York Food Buyer Trends”.

The Thunder Country Ag report focuses on the year-round Callicoon Farmers' Market as Mike Sakell speaks with Market Manager Jaquel Theis.

Thunder Country Ag Report focuses on the Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program which provides an opportunity for eligible seniors to support local farmers and improve their health by increasing their consumption of locally grown fruits, vegetables, and fresh-cut herbs. Host MIke Sakell speaks with Director Lise Ann Deoul of the Sullivan County (NY) Office for the Aging about the start of Farmer’s Market Coupon booklet distribution this week.

Thunder Country Ag and Garden Report guest is Moira Mencher, director of planning and community relations for Garnet Health talks to Mike Sakell about the partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County to launch the new FreshRx Produce Prescription Program, offered to qualified community members in Sullivan and Orange counties.

Thunder Country Ag Report host Mike Sakell checks in with New York Farm Bureau Communications Director Steve Ammerman on some of the specific agricultural wins following this years New York State Legislative Session plus thoughts on the 2024 Farm Bill. podcast.

Thunder Country Ag and Garden Report kicks off the Sullivan Fresh Farmers Market season beginning Thursday 6/20/24 in Monticello across from the Sullivan County Government Center. MIke Sakell speaks with Cornell Cooperative Extension Food Systems Program Manager Alan Carroll about this year's Farmers Market Season.

The 11th Annual Invasive Species Awareness Week wraps up on April 9 2024. The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation and Agriculture and Markets annual campaign encourages New Yorkers to learn more about and support the fight against the spread of invasive species. Mike Sakell speaks with @Catskill Center CRISP Aquatic Invasive Species Manager, Sarah Coney about the mission to identify and control the many invasive species in New York State.

Thunder Country Ag Report host Mike Sakell speaks with Jennifer Franck – Assistant Chief of DNA, Department of Nourishment Arts, from the Center for Discovery Thanksgiving Farm. The program focuses on the Center for Discovery’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program that just got underway.

U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro (NY-19) speaks with Thunder Country Ag Report host Mike Sakell after the 2024 Farm Bill was voted out of the House Committee on Agriculture with bipartisan support and will advance to the House Floor. The Farm Bill sets agricultural, food, and nutrition policy in the United States for five years. Rep. Molinaro will review highlights of the legislation that he says delivers relief for farmers and working families struggling with rising costs and includes ten bipartisan Molinaro-authored bills.  

Thunder Country Ag and Garden Report Host Mike Sakell has an update from Tri Valley Central School FFA Advisor Tara Berescik on the recent NYS FFA Convention in Buffalo NY where Tri Valley FFA was involved in a number of projects and demonstrations.

This week on the Thunder Country Ag and Garden Report Dr. Joe D'Abbraccio DVM of Catskill Veterinary Services, PLLC of Rock Hill and Middletown NY speaks with host Mike Sakell about Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle. No cases have been detected in NYS but Dr. Joe talks about how to keep your animals from flocks to livestock safe as well as reviewing symptoms and the latest NYS Ag and Markets as well as USDA guidelines.

Thunder Country Ag Report Host Mike Sakell speaks with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County Food Systems Program Manager Alan Carroll about Sullivan Fresh Farmers Markets and the Community Cupboard food delivery program.

Thunder Country Ag Report host Mike Sakell speaks with NYS Ag and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball About a Major Fundiung Opportunity for Farms Combating Climate Change. Plus the latest on the temporary Import Requirements for Dairy Cattle Coming Into New York.

It's gardening season and The Thunder Country Ag and Garden report focuses on the garden with Katie Gasior, Hortuculture Program Coordinator from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County NY speaking with host Mike Sakell.

This week host Mike Sakell speaks with Charles Walker, state statistician of the USDA, NASS, New York Field Office. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) New York Field Office announced the results of the 2022 Census of Agriculture with new information about the 30,650 New York farms and ranches and those who operate them in February. Charles Walker breaks down some numbers including trends in Sullivan and Delaware County NY.

Thunder Country Ag Report Host Mike Sakell speaks with Taylor Adam Beginner Farmer Program Manager at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County about the technical assistance and workshops available through the program plus information on direct marketing, wholesale marketing, business planning, farm financial management, farmland access, agricultural production, food safety, urban farming, compliance with laws and regulations, soil health, composting, rotational grazing, agritourism, high tunnel seasonal extension and farm food safety plans and more.

Thunder Country Ag and Garden Report features Melinda Meddaugh Agriculture & Food Systems Issue Leader at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County discussing how you can apply to be included in one of two Sullivan County Ag Districts. The annual application window is April 1-30.

It's the final NYS Maple Syrup Weekend and the Thunder Country Ag and Garden Report visits with Muthig Farm of Parksville! MIke Sakell speaks with Dennis Muthig about the 4th generation farm and maple syrup operation.