NEW GRANT OPPORTUNITY

The Agricultural Environmental Innovation Demonstration Program (AEIDP) is a one-time competitive grant opportunity supporting farms interested in demonstrating innovative equipment and technology that improves air and water quality, strengthens farm operations, and generates practical lessons for other farmers.

The program is administered by the Watershed Agricultural Council and funded by the New York State Office of the Attorney General.

To learn more click here. Application deadline: February 27, 2026

ECONOMIC VIABILITY

GRANT TESTIMONIAL

"Through the WAC grant we were able to install a new greenhouse allowing us to extend our growing season and increase our profitability."

-Blackberry Ridge Farm

Fruit & Vegetable Expansion reimbursement recipient

For information on grant categories, eligibility, and applications, click here.

JOIN PURE CATSKILLS

Join Pure Catskills to be listed among 330+ farm and forest businesses in the 2026-2027 Guide to Pure Catskills Products.

Basic Membership $45:

• Pure Catskills membership is available to farm and forest-based businesses, restaurants, local producers and artisans, and farmers’ markets throughout Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan and Ulster Counties in New York State.

Supporter $50:

• A “Supporter of Pure Catskills” is available to businesses that don’t produce a product or sell local products, accommodations, and organizations supporting our mission to improve the economic viability of the local community, sustain the working landscapes of the Catskills and preserve water quality in the NYC Watershed region. Such as businesses outside of the Watershed working with Pure Catskills members, local businesses serving the watershed region.

Partner $50:

• A “Partner of Pure Catskills” is available to other nonprofit organizations supporting our mission to improve the economic viability of the local community, sustain the working landscapes of the Catskills and preserve water quality in the NYC Watershed region.



Click here to Join Now! Memberships is due MONDAY, MARCH 2nd!

COLD WEATHER TIPS FOR LIVESTOCK

The NYC Watershed region is in the middle of yet another cold snap. After a weekend of snow, with more looming in the forecast, it's a good time to remember some cold weather tips for both livestock and farmers. Below are various links with information and tips to help safely navigate these extreme cold temperatures. These tips are from the University of Maine website.



For the farmer

• Ten Tips to Stay Safe Farming in Winter
• Farm Safety Check: Working in the Cold
• Protecting Workers From Cold Stress

General Livestock Care

• Watch Livestock for Hypothermia and Frostbite
• Winter Animal Care

Chickens

• Frostbite in Chickens

Dairy & Beef Cattle

• Cold Weather Strategies for Cattlemen
• Cold Stress Impacts on Cattle
• Managing Dairy Cattle in Cold Weather

Equines

• Winter Care of Equines
• Winter Blanketing Guide for Equines

Sheep, Goats and Camelids

• Winter Management Tips for Sheep and Goats
• Winter Care of Camelids

Preventing and Repairing Damage

• Winter Storms: Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes
• Protecting Water from Freezing
• Livestock Disaster Plan

WATERSHED FORESTER

The Watershed Agricultural Council is seeking a Watershed Forester. The Watershed Forester ensures the protection and enhancement of water quality and the economic viability of the working forest landscape in the New York City water supply system by overseeing programs that provide technical assistance, financial incentives, and educational support for loggers, landowners, and foresters.To review qualifications and requirements, and to apply for this position, click here.

Salary: $60,000-$73,000. EOE. Review of applications will begin February 27th, 2026.

SEASONAL WATERSHED FORESTRY EDUCATOR

The Watershed Agricultural Council is seeking a Seasonal Watershed Forestry Educator intern for summer 2026. The intern will assist with watershed forestry teacher trainings and landowner outreach in the Croton region of the NYC Watershed. The position will be based at our East of Hudson office in Patterson, NY, in Putnam County. To review qualifications and requirements, and to apply for this position, click here.

Salary: $19.47/hour, 35 hours/week plus mileage reimbursement for travel beyond regular commute distance.