SAFE WINTER AND WET WEATHER MANURE SPREADING

We are currently in a season that presents significant risks for manure applications. This winter has brought unique conditions not seen in recent years, so it’s crucial to adhere to winter and wet weather manure spreading guidelines. Please ensure you follow the recommended winter spreading plans to help mitigate any potential issues. 

Weather across New York over the next few weeks will cover the gamut between additional snow fall, warming temps that are conducive to major thawing events, rain and more freezing conditions. Rainfall on snowpack will saturate soils and creates a high risk for significant runoff. And in many locations this year, concrete frost means many fields are still frozen and unable to infiltrate snowmelt, precipitation or manure applications. Care should be taken when deciding if, when and where to make manure applications. Monitoring fields for runoff from prior applications is also advised.

Beyond the coming days and with spring on its way, farms are poised to move a lot of manure in the weeks ahead. Before transferring manure to fields, check soil conditions, tile outlets and weather forecast to see if prohibited or high-risk conditions are present or if heavy or persistent rain is in the forecast. During wet weather, the Revised Winter and Wet Weather Guidelines should be followed. 

Conditions are considered “high risk” when significant rain is forecast within 48 hours and when tile outlets are flowing at least moderately from field drainage. Fields for application should be selected carefully in these conditions and in accordance with your NMP. Watershed farms should use the low-risk application areas in their NMP, and be careful to observe spreading setbacks. If unsure, contact your planner for help. 

Springs are of particular concern at this time of year, avoid spreading near spring recharge areas, especially in times of increased runoff risk. 

If manure storages reach freeboard limits and an emergency spreading will be required. Work closely with your planner, and consider injecting or incorporating if possible to minimize offsite movement. 

New York Winter Spreading Guidelines can be found here. Contact your Nutrient Management Planner by calling our office at: 607-865-7090.

UPCOMING FARMER EDUCATION EVENTS

The following farmer education events are made possible by our partnership with CCE Delaware County.

Spring Small Ruminant Meeting

March 19 @ 5:30 pm - 8:30 pm

MTC Community Room, 61 Academy Street, Margaretville, NY

Marketing Your Farm’s Products

March 25 @ 5:30 pm - 8:45 pm

Andes Fire Department Meeting Hall, 5259 County Road 1, Andes, NY

Manure Road Show 2025

March 31 @ 10:00 am - 2:30 pm

Hobart Community Center, 80 Cornell Ave

Hobart, NY

For more events visit our website here.

PROCUREMENT AND CONTRACT COORDINATOR

The Watershed Agricultural Council is seeking a Procurement and Contract Coordinator. The Procurement and Contract Coordinator will be responsible for the Best Management Practices (BMP) procurement procedures, and the tracking and reporting of encumbrances and BMP budget of the Watershed Agricultural Program BMP throughout the NYC Watershed. The Procurement and Contract Coordinator works under the direct supervision of the WAC Agricultural Program Manager. Qualifications and requirements are detailed in the position description below. Salary, $68,000-$78,000. EOE. Review of applications will begin March 19, 2025.

Procurement and Contract Coordinator Job Description

ECONOMIC VIABILITY PROGRAM INTERN

The Watershed Agricultural Council is seeking an Economic Viability Program Intern to assist the Economic Viability Program with Pure Catskills membership relations and support, Pure Catskills Guide deliveries, document archiving, content development for various electronic and print media, event coordination and setup, and creating outreach materials consistent with messaging of the Pure Catskills Buy Local Campaign which will reinforce the positive impact being made in the region. This is a 10-week summer position that pays $17.30 per hour. Must have a dependable vehicle, insurance and a valid N.Y.S. driver’s license. Will be reimbursed for mileage incurred on the job. E.O.E. WAC will accept cover letters/resumes through March 19, 2025. 

Economic Viability Intern Job Description

SEASONAL AG INTERN POSITIONS (6)

The Watershed Agricultural Council seeks 6 Seasonal/Temporary employees to perform various duties as part of the Watershed Agricultural Program (WAP) serving farms within the NYC Watershed. Five (5) of the positions will be Nutrient Management soil samplers who will perform the duties of soil sampling and data collection. One (1) position will be a WAP Technical Intern who will perform the duties of Best Management Practice (BMP) installation, repairs and inspections. Other duties will entail Whole Farm Plan monitoring, soil sampling and BMP data collection. Both job descriptions available below. These are 10-week, 40/hr a week summer positions that pay $17.30 per hour. Must have dependable vehicle, insurance and a valid N.Y.S. driver’s license. Will be reimbursed for mileage incurred on the job. E.O.E. Please specify which position(s) you are interested in on your resume. Deadline March 14, 2025.

Nutrient Management Intern Job Description (5 openings)

WAP Technical Intern Job Description (1 opening)

AGRICULTURAL PROGRAM MANAGER – East of Hudson

The Watershed Agricultural Council seeks to hire an East of Hudson Agricultural Program Manager. The Program Manager is responsible for the implementation of the Agricultural Program in the Croton Watershed. The Program Manager will act as a chief liaison with the general public representing the agricultural program specific to water quality initiatives. The Program Manager will provide oversight of the EOH planning and engineering departments. This position reports to the WAC Executive Director. Qualifications and requirements detailed in the position description below. Salary range: $90,000-99,000. EOE. Review of applications will begin immediately.

JOB DESCRIPTION

TO APPLY:

send cover letter and resume to:

Patti Bowker

Watershed Agricultural Council

33195 State Highway 10

Walton, NY 13856

or email pbowker@nycwatershed.org