Emily Kenny is photojournalist for Spectrum News in Syracuse, New York covering farming and
food production. In 2021, she graduated with her master’s degree in photojournalism from the
S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and, prior to that, she graduated from Buena
Vista University as a dual major in digital media and psychology. Emily grew up on a farm in
Schaller, Iowa which has led her to be interested in stories about farming and agriculture. She
has worked on multiple long-term stories: her master’s project about women and their
insecurities, and the other focusing on her family’s farm. Emily resides in Syracuse, New York
with her partner, Dan, and their two rescue dogs, Chanel and Athena
Beat: Digital coverage of farming and food production in upstate NY
From farming in New York’s rural regions, to tourism and jobs in its bedroom communities and urban centers, changes in food production are significantly impacting local economies and ways of life. This beat investigates how developments in farming, technology, supply chains, and delivery impact New York and its rural economies, jobs, and wages. Basing this beat in Albany allows a reporter to follow food production-related policy as it makes its way through the State Capitol.