Massachusetts
Farmers from North Easton, Raynham, Ipswich, and Sharon win Massachusetts Tomato Contest – The Boston Globe
Four farms placed first Tuesday in the Massachusetts Tomato Contest, which aims to encourage people to buy locally-grown produce during the peak harvest season.
Langwater Farm in North Easton, Freedom Food Farm in Raynham, Russell Orchards in Ipswich, and Ward’s Berry Farm in Sharon took home the top prizes for cherry bomb, speckled roman, oxheart tomatoes, and other juicy varieties, according to the statement.
The Boston Public Market Association hosted the 39th annual contest, sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources and the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association.
State agricultural commissioner Ashley Randle urged people to show support for farmers and “take advantage” of the fresh tomatoes.
“Late summer is the peak harvest season in Massachusetts which includes tomatoes that our growers have spent a lot of time and effort to produce one of the most delicious local crops available to consumers,” Randle said in a statement.
A panel of food writers, produce experts, and state officials, judged entries on flavor, firmness and slicing quality, exterior color, and shape , the statement said.
The tastiest and best-looking tomatoes were presented by 108 entries from 24 farms located across Massachusetts, the statement said. Approximately 5.9 million pounds of tomatoes are produced every year on 739 farms and 520 acres of land at a value of nearly $10 million dollars in the state, according to the statement.
Trevor Hardy, president of the New England Vegetable and Grower’s Association, said long winters in New England can be challenging for farmers.
“The best compliment is when a customer says, ‘These taste like the tomatoes from my grandmother’s garden when I was a kid,’” he said. “Our tomatoes don’t have to travel very far to get to our customers so we can grow unique heirloom varieties meant for shipping, and for customers, it can be a real summer treat.”
Cheryl Cronin, chief executive officer of the Boston Public Market, said it was an honor to host the competition and showcase the hard work of farmers.
“In New England, we count down to tomato season all summer long and we’re thrilled to celebrate and honor our local farmers,” she said.
Kiera McDonald can be reached at kiera.mcdonald@globe.com.
Massachusetts and California are the first US states to become IUCN members.
BOSTON (WWLP) – The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced Massachusetts is now an official member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a global network of more than 1,400 governments and organizations.
Massachusetts and California are the first U.S. states to become members of the IUCN, marking a significant step in the states’ environmental leadership. This milestone places Massachusetts within the world’s leading coalition focused on advancing the conservation of nature and addressing environmental challenges at a global scale.
The IUCN membership strengthens Massachusetts’ commitment to biodiversity and climate action. It also builds on the state’s nation-leading Biodiversity Conservation Goals, which define a whole-of-government approach to rebuild biodiversity and invest in nature to sustain public health, well-being, food security and the economy.
“In Massachusetts, we are taking proactive steps to protect the natural resources people rely on, from clean water and open spaces to healthy wildlife,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Joining this global network puts Massachusetts at the table with leaders from around the world and gives us access to proven tools and practical solutions we can use here at home.”
Massachusetts is home to many globally rare habitats and threatened species, including coastal shorebirds, sea turtles, whales, salamanders, and dragonflies. The state is known for its coastline, fishing communities, cranberry bogs, orchards, and mountain glens. These species and landscapes face growing pressures from climate change, such as flooding and drought.
By joining IUCN, the state will strengthen its ability to respond to these challenges. It will gain access to a global network of conservation expertise and resources. Massachusetts will also bring its own experience protecting and restoring species and their habitats to the international forum.
This partnership, led by the Department of Fish & Game for Massachusetts, will support ongoing work to protect and restore biodiversity and natural areas, build resilience and connect the state to broader international efforts.
“As an IUCN member, Massachusetts is now part of a growing group of subnational governments who are contributing to crucial action on the ground, knowledge exchange, and progress towards achieving conservation targets of global significance,” said IUCN Director General Dr Grethel Aguilar.
The state’s membership in the IUCN aligns with investments proposed in Governor Healey’s Mass Ready Act. This act helps protect the state’s natural resources and prepares for extreme weather. The membership gives Massachusetts added support to better protect these resources and keep them accessible.
Local News Headlines
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Download the 22News Plus app on your TV to watch live-streaming newscasts and video on demand.
All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WWLP. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat information into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WWLP staff before being published.
A mother charged with two counts of murder after the deaths of her two young children agreed Monday in Rutland County Superior Court to be transferred to Massachusetts, where she will face the charges.
The Massachusetts State Police have charged Janette MacAusland, 49, with murdering her two children, ages 6 and 7, after they were found dead at their home in Wellesley, Massachusetts, Friday.
According to a Bennington police press release, MacAusland arrived at a relative’s home in Vermont on Friday night with a neck injury, bleeding and appearing “highly distraught.”
The relatives called the Bennington police, who then prompted police in Wellesley, Massachusetts, to check on MacAusland’s children. Both were found dead. No details have been released about the cause or manner of death.
The Bennington Police Department arrested MacAusland and took her to Marble Valley Correctional Facility in Rutland, where she has been held without bail.
Appearing virtually in court Monday, MacAusland agreed to waive her right to a hearing and be immediately transferred back to Norfolk County in Massachusetts.
“She’s decided that the best thing is to get back to Massachusetts as soon as possible and address these charges,” Jeff Rubin, her attorney, said at the hearing.
The children’s deaths follow a custody battle between MacAusland and her former husband, according to the Associated Press. MacAusland’s husband filed for divorce in October after nine years of marriage and sought custody of the children and family home.
BENNINGTON, Vt. (WRGB) — A Massachusetts woman accused of killing her two children appeared in court virtually in Vermont on Monday.
Janette MacAusland joined the court hearing from Marble Valley Correctional Facility in Rutland and waived her extradition rights, signing a waiver to be transported back to Massachusetts.
The case began Friday night, when Bennington police were reportedly called for a welfare check on MacAusland. Police say she arrived at a family home distraught and with a neck injury.
PREVIOUS: Massachusetts mother arrested as fugitive in Bennington, charged in murder of two children
While speaking with police, officers reportedly became increasingly concerned for her children in Wellesley, Massachusetts — a boy and a girl, ages 7 and 6.
Authorities there conducted a welfare check and found the children dead.
MacAusland was arrested and charged with murder.
The Boston Globe reports MacAusland was going through a contentious divorce and seeking custody of both children.
A check-in will be required in two weeks to ensure she is picked up. In the meantime, she remains in jail without bail.
MORE: “Deeply disturbing”: Elderly woman attacked, son indicted
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