November News from the Watershed Agricultural Council

NOVEMBER 2019

PURE CATSKILLS HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

We’ve gathered honey collectors; wool and fiber makers; outlets for wreath and holiday decorations;

cut-your-own tree farms; alcohol makers; handcrafted and hand-blended gift ideas; holiday caterers; preserved goods; botanical lines; holiday bakers;

value-added dairy producers; maple syrup makers; local stores; places to stay and local happenings. . . all in one easy-to-access resource.

Support your local producers and community by making your purchases count for clean water and the environment this holiday season!

VIEW HERE

2019 AG TOUR

On October 17, 2019 the Watershed Agricultural Program had its annual Ag Tour. Three West of Hudson Watershed Farms all with recent construction completed were toured. The farms toured were:

Holley-Hill Farm, Walton, NY (Dairy)
Posthaven Farm, Hobart, NY (Dairy)
Gladstone Farms, Andes, NY (Beef)

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AERIAL COVER CROPS SEED 1,200+ ACRES

On October 4-9, 2019, the Watershed Agricultural Program expanded the aerial cover crops initiative that seeded into 713 acres of standing corn last year and seeded over 1,200 acres this year. There were 18 Watershed farms seeded, and three additional farms outside of the Watershed were seeded with funding from the Delaware County Soil and Water Conservation District. JBI Helicopter Services once again expertly planted the rye seed via helicopter and gps systems. The ideal harvest time of the corn is within two weeks after cover crops are planted. The crops will grow over the winter to protect soil erosion and increase soil health.

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CONSERVATION ON FALL CLOVE ROAD

On September 26, 2019 WAC closed on a conservation easement of 254 acres with Dar-View Farm of Andes, NY. Three additional neighboring lands on Fall Clove Road are also eased or in the process of closing, making the total conservation impact for this farm over 730 acres. Supplemental lands are imperative in expanding a producers land base, often doubling or tripling (or more!) the amount of acres they can utilize for crops and grazing.

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Transition Catskills Sustainability Workshop for Catskills Farmers & Local Food Businesses

This two-part workshop will take place on Tuesday, November 19 and Tuesday, December 3 from 8:30 to noon at the Bushel Collective in Delhi, NY. It will be hosted by Jeffrey Potent, Adjunct Professor, Columbia University, and leaders in the Catskills local-food movement.They will introduce sustainable business practices and guide participants to assess current adoption and integrate sustainability into business plans and day-to-day operations.

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WELSH FARMERS VISIT NYC WATERSHED

October 14-18, WAC hosted a small group of Farmers from Welsh Water/Brecon Beacons Catchment. Welsh Water is looking to implement Watershed (Catchment) management that parallels the work being done by WAC. The group consisted of Nigel Elgar (DCMU Welsh Water), Keri Davies and Richard Roderick. Over thei course of their stay the group visited two East of Hudson Farms and six West of Hudson Farms, as well as participated in the 2019 Ag Tour.

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