CONESUS — The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) says that this year's extreme drought might make for a hard duck hunting season on Conesus Lake. According to a press release from the DEC, the drought that began in late spring has caused western New York's wetlands to lose substantial water, and in some cases to dry up completely. "In Livingston County, Conesus Inlet Wildlife Management Area water levels are lower than normal, … [Read more...]
$2.5 Million Available for New York Farmers in Drought
NYLON – New York State grants are available to local farmers to help them better cope with severe weather events, such as this year’s drought. According to a press release from Senator Patrick Gallivan, a total of $2.5 million is available in the FY 2017 State Budget through round two of the Climate Resilient Farming grant program to help farms reduce their operational impact on the environment. The money can also be used to help farmers … [Read more...]
Federal Funds Available for Livingston County Farmers in ‘Natural Disaster Area’
LIVINGSTON COUNTY – The federal government has made funding available to farmers in several areas of upstate New York, including Livingston County, which are designated 'natural disaster areas.' Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that farmers in 24 counties may be eligible for assistance, including emergency loans, from the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency. State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball, state lawmakers … [Read more...]
Dusty Livingston County Expects Rain this Week
Watch our videos below of a tractor making a very dusty pass in Geneseo on Tuesday. LIVINGSTON COUNTY – Forecasts can always change, but right now it looks like our most parched areas will be getting much-needed showers very soon. Our news partner NEWS10NBC reports that there is a 70 percent chance of showers and thunder Tuesday night. Though it will take more than a few inches of rain to cure the region's severe drought, local farmers have … [Read more...]
Livingston County’s Drought Worsens
LIVINGSTON COUNTY – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issued a heightened Drought Warning for most of Western New York at the direction of Governor Andrew Cuomo. According to a press release from the DEC, the Drought Warning affects western State Drought Regions VI, VII and VIII, including Allegany, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Jefferson, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Onondaga, … [Read more...]
Letchworth’s Ecosystem Takes Severe Drought in Stride
CASTILE – Though all of Western New York is in the midst of a severe drought, Letchworth State Park's vibrant natural community is bound to spring back. Despite National Drought Monitors still putting New York State in severe drought conditions and a very weak growth year for Livingston County farmers, Letchworth's naturalists say that Mother Nature is familiar with rainfall extremes. "Nature will adapt," said Letchworth State Park … [Read more...]
Rain Replenishes Hope for Livingston County Farmers in Drought
LIVINGSTON COUNTY – Smiles are blooming in local farm fields as Monday's showers replenish hopes of a good growing season. Despite the slow vegetable and grain growth and decreased milk yield for many farmers, some are finally expecting to see yields pick up, even get back on track. "My hay yield has been down and soybeans and corn have been slow," said David LeFeber, Avon Town Supervisor and local farmer. "But with this rain, there is … [Read more...]
Strong Regional Storm Likely to Leave Livingston High and Dry
LIVINGSTON COUNTY – Areas of Orleans and Genesee Counties are struggling with heavy rains Monday, but parched Livingston County is not likely to see as much sustained rainfall. NOAA weather statements say that a strong thunderstorm was located near Oakfield, 10 miles north of Darien Lake State Park, moving east at 50 mph Monday morning. Torrential rainfall and winds in excess of 35 mph are possible with this storm. The storm will affect … [Read more...]
Safety First: 13 Fires Scorch Droughty Livingston County in 2 Weeks
LIVINGSTON COUNTY – Grass fires continue to break out in Livingston County's unseasonably dry conditions, and emergency personnel are advising the public to be extra careful when out in agricultural fields. A total of 13 grass fires have sprung up in the county from July 6 to July 21. According to the Livingston County Office of Emergency Management, the smallest sparks can cause major grass fires in these conditions. "A parked car on a … [Read more...]
Worsening Drought Burns Livingston County Farmers
LIVINGSTON COUNTY – Some of Livingston County's hardest workers are hurting badly in this summer's drought. For those who irrigate, or have natural springs on their property, the drought is a hiccup, even a boon. But just as the United States Drought Monitor updated Livingston County's status from 'moderate' to 'severe' drought, some local growers are starting to consider this dry spell a real problem. "It's bad. The corn gets shriveled up … [Read more...]