CONSERVATION EASEMENTS

On June 18^th, WAC closed on two new easements in more than three years. Both are agricultural conservation easements that help conserve soil and farmland for the future, as well as protect water quality. Between the two new easement projects, nearly 200 acres of important farmland have been protected, and the landowners are able to re-invest nearly $500k into their farms and communities, without having to sell off parts of their farms or significantly change their way of life. Both landowners share a desire to keep their property’s rural character alive, preserving the work of the generations that came before them, while safeguarding a working lands legacy that will transcend generations to come. WAC is proud to partner with landowners to preserve a legacy of good land and water. For more information on WAC’s conservation easements, please visit our website.

CLEAN SWEEP 2024- Register online today, all Watershed Farms accepted.

GRANTS AVAILABLE!

Apply for one of our micro-grant opportunities in the following categories by 8/30/2024:

1) Marketing

2) Staffing

3) Event and/or Mileage

4) Training

For eligibility, more information, and to apply online click here.

TRAINING OPPORTUNITY

A dynamic event tailored for beef and dairy producers in New York and surrounding states. Explore a range of informative topics such as carcass quality, grazing management, consumer insights, and more, all designed to elevate your operations and boost profitability.  

Event Highlights: 

• Beef on Dairy Opportunities
• Cattle Handling Demonstrations
• Grazing Workshop
• Consumer Insights Workshop
• BQA Transportation Opportunity
• Experts: Curt Pate, Ron Gill and Sarah Flack

View the event website here.

For more information and potential funding opportunities for Watershed farmers to attend, contact Rich Toebe at rrt43@cornell.edu or by calling (607) 437-6882.

DELAWARE COUNTY FAIR

Visit the Watershed Agricultural Council and the NYC Department of Environmental Protection at the 2024 Delaware County Fair! Stop by our tent on Tweedie Boulevard August 12-17th to learn more about our programs!

For more information and a schedule of events click here.

Peek-a-boo! Can you spot all of the cows amongst the grass and flowers in this robust pasture? Riverdale Farm NY LLC in Delhi, NY rotationally graze their cattle by periodically moving them to different pastures often in order to optimize both cow and plant health. Rotating the cows to different pastures gives the grass time to grow back faster and healthier! It also increases biodiversity, reduces soil erosion, and minimizes risk of cows catching parasites.

Photo and caption by: Tristin Tait, Conservation Planner