Whether you’re young and just starting out in farming or making a lifestyle change in your mid-forties, you can turn to the Watershed Agricultural Council for guidance on the farming profession. The future of farming — and feeding a hungry, growing population — depends on people like you to start fresh, to be Beginner Farmers.

The Watershed Agricultural Council offers various resources to those new to farming and establishing a farmstead.

• Starting to farm in the watershed and ready to enroll in our programs? Fill out this Tier 1 Survey for Catskill/Delaware Watershed farmers or this Tier 1 Survey for Croton Watershed farmers. One of our Agricultural Program staff will contact you, visit your farm and get you started with Whole Farm Planning.
• New to farming and want to start out on the right foot? Enroll in Cornell University’s Northeast Beginning Farmer Program or take an six-week Enterprise School offered by the Council and Cornell Cooperative Extension.
• Been farming a few years but ready to improve your skills? Attend a Farmer Education workshop on no-till seeding, or come to one of our many pasture walks or farm tours to see first-hand what others are doing successfully.
• Time to expand your farm but not sure where to start? Attend the annual Catskill Regional Agriculture Conference for new ideas and networking opportunities.
• Need a mentor? Join one of three Producer Groups to share experiences and advice among new and seasoned farmers with the same interests as you.