In the first episode of the year, News Bytes kicks off with host Amanda Powers, Director of Communications, sitting down with Christain Lewis of Allegany County. Christain serves as a County Young Farmers & Ranchers Chair and District 1 representative and shares how his 4-H background led him to leadership roles within Farm Bureau and beyond.

Recorded in Angelica, NY, along the Genesee River, this episode dives into Christain’s work raising 100% grass-fed Red Devon cattle, his involvement with Soil & Water Conservation, and why Farm Bureau has been a gateway to advocacy, networking, and real leadership opportunities for young farmers. Christain also speaks candidly about mental health in agriculture, the importance of programs like Farm State of Mind, and how Young Farmers & Ranchers are building the next generation of ag leaders across New York State.

In this episode of News Bytes, we visit Goderie’s Tree Farm in Johnstown, NY, to sit down with Pete Goderie, a third-generation farmer whose family has been growing Christmas trees for more than 50 years. Pete shares expert tips on choosing, caring for, and responsibly disposing of your Christmas tree, plus the work that goes into growing and maintaining his trees. He also discusses how the farm has diversified over the years — and how he cut his workers’ comp insurance costs in half by joining NYFB’s Safety Group 486.

In this episode of News Bytes, we sit down with Tom Denman, Associate Director of Membership Development and Engagement at New York Farm Bureau, to talk about how county annual meetings keep Farm Bureau’s grassroots spirit alive.

Tom shares what makes these local gatherings so important — from raising resolutions and discussing hot topics like solar and ag exemptions, to building connections among farmers, agribusiness leaders, and community partners. He also explains how every Farm Bureau member, whether farmer or food advocate, plays a vital role in shaping the policies that impact agriculture across the state.