FIELD TRIP TO FESKO FARM

In October, eight technical and engineering staff visited Fesko Farm on their way to a U Dig Conference in Syracuse, NY. Eric Braymann (originally from Masonville, NY) is co owner of Fesko Farms. Fesko Farms is a 1,000 cow dairy farm with a milking carousel with robotics. Eric and Kim Braymann purchased the farm 15 years ago from Kim's family. They have now expanded to include 1,000 milking dairy cows, a youth show heard, swine, solar, farm camp with 25 units, conservation easements on part of the owned 1,600 acres (an additional 900 acres rented) and extensive educational programs on and throughout the farm. 

Staff viewed the ergonomic flow of the dairy, the computerized robotics and automation of the new carousel, feeding calf management systems as well as manure and waste streams management. Learn more about Fesko Farm here.

THANKSGIVING

FOOD DRIVE

This Thanksgiving season, the Watershed Agricultural Council is hosting an office-wide Food Drive to support families in need and celebrate the spirit of gratitude that defines our mission.

Food Drive Dates:

November 17–25

Drop-off Locations:

• Walton: 44 West Street
• Hamden: 33195 NY-10

Your donations will make a meaningful difference for families in our watershed communities this holiday season. Let’s come together to share the bounty, enjoy some friendly competition, and make this season truly special. Learn more.

JOIN US FOR

GIVING TUESDAY

We are looking to our like-minded supporters who share our goals of supporting and protecting farm and forest land in our beautiful region. Like you, we recognize our natural resources are central to our quality of life. We need fresh water to drink, clean air to breathe, healthy food to eat and economic prosperity to sustain our lives and communities. Now, more than ever, our local food system and food security are vital. Broken supply chains have taught the world just how precious our farms and local resources are.

When we protect a farm, we preserve a way of life. For generations, people in the Catskills have appreciated the rural character of the region's undeveloped landscape: beautiful farm and forestland patched together with cool mountain streams.

Join us on Giving Tuesday (December 2nd) as we protect farms, forests and clean water by donating online at: nycwatershed.org/donate

TRANSITION COW

TIPS AND TRICKS

December 15th, 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM

Improving success during the transition period has long been a goal of Dr. Tom Overton’s Cornell University research program. In this workshop, practical nutrition and management strategies will be shared to help farms improve their transition cow well-being, fresh cow success and profitability. After lunch, groups will move to Pineyvale farm, where break-out groups will conduct a case-study and strategize practical and helpful ways to improve transition and fresh cow programs for all.

Morning: Hobart Community Center, 80 Cornell Ave, Hobart, NY 13788

Afternoon: Pineyvale Farm, 3949 Town Brook Rd, Hobart NY 13788

Register here or with Kim Holden, 607 510-7126, kmh19@cornell.edu 

NEW FACES AT WAC

Morgan Hughes joined WAC as the Economic Viability & Communications Executive Assistant. Morgan grew up in East Meredith, NY where she was involved in her family’s dairy operation and has worked in many areas of agriculture including organic fruits & vegetable and grass-fed lamb production. In 2020 Morgan moved to South Dakota to attend the University of South Dakota where she received her bachelor’s degree in sustainability and master’s in public health. While in South Dakota, Morgan worked with a member based non–profit to provide producer education, technical assistance, and resources across the state on business management and promotion, grant writing, specialty crop production, and organic transition. Through her experience and education Morgan developed a strong interest in helping strengthen local food systems and the communities they impact. In her role, Morgan looks forward to assisting and promoting the producers in the NYC Watershed.

Kayla Henderson worked in the healthcare system for 15 years and found herself ready to explore something new and different as WAC's Head of Administration. "This opportunity came about at the perfect time and now having been here for six months, as I continue to learn more about the organization's culture and mission, I’m very excited and proud to be a part of such a wonderful cause with such dedicated staff. I’m looking forward to growing my career here at WAC for many years to come."