JANUARY 2020
MICRO GRANT RECIPIENT
“ Stamford Farmers’ Co-op was thrilled to receive one of WAC’s Economic Viability Grants! We used the funds for signage both on and near our retail store. The Farmers’ Market signs were imperative to the success of our new market! We at the Co-op are passionate about supporting the local farms that support us - the Farmers’ Market is a great way to do that and the signs were a key piece of that puzzle. Thank you Watershed Ag Council!”
-Janet Beken-Smith
SAFE WINTER SPREADING TIPS
Winter is a time to be especially conscious of manure applications. Extreme cold and deep snow make daily spreading a challenge for most. If you are piling more than normal this year, make sure your pile is contained and monitor any flowpaths coming from these piles. Please make sure you record any loads entering and leaving a pile in your spreading records.
 
If you have a manure storage, you may notice it filling up faster than usual. If you have concerns that you’re going to exceed your capacity before you can get out and spread this spring, please call us so we can assist you with options. 
 
This winter we have also experienced periods of dramatic thaw/rain events that caused saturated fields and runoff conditions. Pay attention to 100’ setback buffers and/or low risk application areas outlined in your Nutrient Management Plan to ensure safe application of manure during these high risk runoff events. Assess flowpaths and avoid application of manure within concentrated flows that can lead to watercourses and/or wells/springs during runoff events.

For any questions regarding winter manure spreading, required setbacks or need help identifying flowpaths within fields, please contact your nutrient management planner for assistance at 607-865-7090.
FROM THE FOREST PODCAST
The practice of logging is how wood is cut and brought out of the woods to meet society's demand for wood products; Yep, I just said "wood" three times. The Krickhahns are one such family that makes this happen. Paul Krickhahn, Jr. and his son Paul A. Krickhahn are full-time Catskill Mountain Loggers. Loggers are more than just cutters, they are what makes forest management possible, since most management relies upon cutting in order to manipulate sunlight and species composition. As one older forester told me many years ago, "We need them more than they need us." I believe he's still right about that.

The Krickhahns own PGK Logging, Inc. and their home-base is in Roxbury, NY in Delaware County. Paul is a member of the WAC Forestry Committee.
LOCAL EASEMENT LANDOWNER
SAVING ORPHAN FOALS
"Breeding a mare and raising the foal can be one of the most rewarding processes in the horse world — but unfortunately, it doesn’t always go according to plan. Mares can suffer complications, fail to produce milk or reject their foal, leaving their spindly-legged youngster effectively or literally orphaned. For these tragic situations, a nurse mare can be a blessing, able to step in and save the young foal by producing the much-needed milk and adopting the foal as her own."

Read the article on Laura Phoenix's farm in Horse Nation .

For more information on any of our programs, visit nycwatershed.org