Emily Kenny is photojournalist for Spectrum News in Syracuse, New York covering agriculture and food production. In 2021, she graduated with her master’s degree in photojournalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and, before that, she graduated from Buena Vista University as a dual major in digital media and psychology. The agriculture beat made sense for Emily as she grew up on her family farm in Schaller, Iowa. 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 two 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.