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New York planted acres for soybeans expected to rise almost 3 percent
Farmers in New York state are expected to increase the number of acres devoted to soybean plantings to 380,000 acres this year, up nearly 3 percent from 370,000 acres in 2024, and up more than 8.5 percent from 350,000 acres in 2023. That’s according to a March 31 prospective planting report from the USDA National […]
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Farmers in New York state are expected to increase the number of acres devoted to soybean plantings to 380,000 acres this year, up nearly 3 percent from 370,000 acres in 2024, and up more than 8.5 percent from 350,000 acres in 2023.
That’s according to a March 31 prospective planting report from the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS).
If realized, the planted acres in New York will be the largest on record, NASS said. Nationally, growers intend to plant 83.5 million acres of soybeans in 2025, down 4 percent from last year. Compared with the prior year, planting intentions are down or unchanged in 23 of the 29 estimating states in 2025, per the USDA.

Saab wins more than $8 million U.S. Navy contract modification for MK 9 production
DeWITT, N.Y. — Saab Inc. in DeWitt recently won a nearly $8.1 million modification to a previously awarded contract from the U.S. Navy to exercise options for fiscal 2025 MK 9 production efforts. That’s according to a March 17 contract announcement from the U.S. Department of Defense. Work will be performed in DeWitt (81 percent);
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DeWITT, N.Y. — Saab Inc. in DeWitt recently won a nearly $8.1 million modification to a previously awarded contract from the U.S. Navy to exercise options for fiscal 2025 MK 9 production efforts.
That’s according to a March 17 contract announcement from the U.S. Department of Defense.
Work will be performed in DeWitt (81 percent); Rancho Cordova, California (13 percent); Airmont, New York (3 percent); Mountain View, California (2 percent); and Ronkonkoma, New York (1 percent), and is expected to be completed by March 2027.
Fiscal 2025 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds of $8,097,844 were obligated at the time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Sea Systems Command in Washington, D.C., is the contracting authority.

CenterState CEO, GSBDC form new partnership to help serve small businesses
SYRACUSE, N.Y. — CenterState CEO and the Greater Syracuse Business Development Corporation (GSBDC) on Thursday announced a new strategic partnership to scale GSBDC’s lending resources

MACNY to induct Rome company president into Manufacturers Wall of Fame
DeWITT, N.Y. — MACNY, The Manufacturers Association says it will induct Graham Brodock, president of Kris-Tech Wire of Rome, into its Manufacturers Wall of Fame. The organization is recognizing Brodock for his “visionary leadership and transformative impact” at Kris-Tech Wire, where he has served as president since 2014. MACNY’s Manufacturers Wall of Fame recognizes people
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DeWITT, N.Y. — MACNY, The Manufacturers Association says it will induct Graham Brodock, president of Kris-Tech Wire of Rome, into its Manufacturers Wall of Fame.
The organization is recognizing Brodock for his “visionary leadership and transformative impact” at Kris-Tech Wire, where he has served as president since 2014.
MACNY’s Manufacturers Wall of Fame recognizes people who have “demonstrated long-term dedication, outstanding leadership, and significant contributions” to their industries and communities in Central and Upstate New York, the association said in its announcement.
Under Brodock’s guidance, Kris-Tech has evolved from a small regional wire mill to a nationally recognized manufacturer, MACNY said. Brodock’s approach to leadership, which blends culture, employee wellness, and cutting-edge manufacturing practices, has “propelled the company into a new era of growth and success,” per the announcement.
“Graham exemplifies the values of innovation, dedication, and leadership that MACNY seeks to recognize with our Manufacturers Wall of Fame,” Randy Wolken, president and CEO of MACNY, said. “His ability to blend visionary leadership with a deep respect for culture and employee well-being has transformed Kris-Tech Wire into a highly respected leader in the manufacturing sector. His commitment to continuous improvement, both in manufacturing and in people development, is truly inspiring. We are proud to honor him with this prestigious recognition as he continues to make a lasting impact on the manufacturing industry and his community.”
MACNY members and community leaders will honor Brodock at MACNY’s 112th annual Celebration of Manufacturing on May 22 at the SRC Arena & Events Center on the campus of Onondaga Community College in the town of Onondaga.
“Unique” background
MACNY describes Brodock’s journey to leadership in manufacturing as unique. With no formal background in manufacturing or business, he studied art history as an undergraduate and went on to earn a master’s degree in Ancient Greek and Latin from Cambridge University in Cambridge, England.
He later taught high school Latin in Austin, Texas, before pivoting to the manufacturing industry by joining Kris-Tech Wire. His liberal-arts education and “diverse experiences have shaped his distinctive leadership style, emphasizing respect, personal growth, and a commitment to continuous learning,” MACNY said.

Binghamton University to establish AI institute
VESTAL, N.Y. — Binghamton University will establish an Institute for AI and Society, according to BingUNews, the college’s online news outlet. The university is one

Chobani founder to give Utica University commencement address
UTICA, N.Y. — Chobani founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya will give the commencement address at Utica University’s undergraduate ceremony on Friday, May 9. Ulukaya will

BAE Systems to provide systems for hybrid-electric bus fleet in San Francisco
ENDICOTT, N.Y. — BAE Systems, which specializes in heavy-duty electric-propulsion systems, says it will provide 42 electric-drive systems for a new fleet of hybrid-electric buses

Herkimer County Chamber begins search for new executive director
HERKIMER, N.Y. — The Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce is searching for a new executive director as Denise Cavanaugh announced she is leaving the organization. “After two great years, I have decided to move on to other opportunities that will provide me with new challenges and flexibility, as well as focus on my own business,
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HERKIMER, N.Y. — The Herkimer County Chamber of Commerce is searching for a new executive director as Denise Cavanaugh announced she is leaving the organization.
“After two great years, I have decided to move on to other opportunities that will provide me with new challenges and flexibility, as well as focus on my own business, Raindrops on Roses Bed & Breakfast and Wine Tasting Room,” Cavanaugh said in a statement emailed out by the chamber. “It is difficult to leave the Herkimer Chamber, however, I will stay involved in committees and as an active member. My thanks to the board and the community for all their support.”
Cavanaugh began as executive director on May 1, 2023. She succeeded Michele Hummel, who stepped down to become the founding executive director of Herkimer Next (now called Next), a nonprofit focused on boosting the growth and success of Herkimer County.
The Herkimer County Chamber has initiated a search for a new executive director who can establish and maintain ongoing relationships and serve as a spokesperson with members, government leaders, business and cultural-institution leaders, and the tourism industry.
The executive director also assists in the development, implementation, and evaluation of marketing and communication efforts; oversees staff, financial, administrative, operating, and marketing functions; identifies new programs and services to meet the needs of members; and participates in events and activities to promote the chamber and its members.
According to the chamber, the full-time role pays between $56,000 and $60,000 per year.

Rome Health adds two new cardiac diagnostic services
ROME, N.Y. — Rome Health has expanded its cardiac diagnostic services with two new advanced imaging exams — CT coronary artery calcium scoring and nuclear

Lockheed Martin delivers first Air Force TPY-4 radar
SALINA, N.Y. — Lockheed Martin Corp. (NYSE: LMT) announced it has delivered the first U.S. Air Force TPY-4 radar after successfully completing early-phase testing. The
Stay up-to-date on the companies, people and issues that impact businesses in Syracuse, Central New York and beyond.