JJ Farber Farm is a beef farm in East Jewett, NY. Sprawling over 1,500 acres, the farm boasts 86 cow/calf pairs with an additional 80+ young stock. One of the original 10 pilot farms that enrolled in the Watershed Agricultural Program in the early 1990’s, the farm made the transition from dairy to beef in 2005. WAC Council member John Verhoeven resides as Farm Manager for the operation. Watch the video to learn more about their rotational grazing practices and various Best Management Practices!
It’s been another great year of farming in the NYC Watershed. As 2017 comes to a close, we look back on the work we have accomplished together as stewards of the land. This region and its rural heritage are vital to our way of life. Recognizing this, we have highlighted advocates and like-minded participants in our 2017 Annual Report.
We’ve gathered honey collectors; wool and fiber makers; outlets for wreath and holiday decorations; cut-your-own tree farms; alcohol makers; handmade gift ideas; holiday caterers; preserved and canned goods; botanical/soap 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 farm and forest producer and community by making your purchases count for clean water and the environment this holiday season!
Visit Pure Catskills for more information on Buying Local this Holiday Season!
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.
The Watershed Agricultural Council, an on-the-ground local organization of committed professionals, has used both science and law through economic and conservation strategies to protect NYC’s Watershed for over 20 years. Because of this commitment and capacity, the Catskill Mountains are a source of safe, chemical-free and abundant drinking water to the Northeast’s largest metropolitan city. We ensure the delivery of over one billion gallons of fresh drinking water every day to more than nine million NYC residents.
While 70% of the world is covered by water, less than 1% of it is accessible and drinkable. The United Nations estimates that by 2050 the world population will require 60% more food to sustain three billion more people. According to American Farmland Trust, in New York State, roughly 4,000 farms have been paved over since the early 1980’s, an average of three farms a week have been destroyed for over 30 years due to development. These challenges require visionary thinking, planning and ultimately solutions that build on a track record of results and push us to incorporate new thinking, as well as focusing on expanding land conservation balanced with economic opportunities. As an organization we have demonstrated not only a track record of success and a commitment as a region leader, but are also positioned to positively impact farms, forest and clean water into the future.
Through a unique agricultural conservation easement with the Watershed Agricultural Council, landowners can permanently protect their farmland while preserving their right to farm and forest the land. By donating to our Stewardship Endowment Fund, you are supporting this practice and ensuring that the land is protected in perpetuity.
Thank you for supporting the Watershed Agricultural Council’s mission of promoting the economic viability of agriculture and forestry, the protection of water quality, and the conservation of working landscapes for generations to come!
#NYGivesDay is a 24-hour giving challenge brought to you by the New York Council of Nonprofits and United Way of New York State to celebrate the life-changing work of nonprofits across the vast state of New York.
Holley-Hill Farm is a traditional dairy farm located in Walton, NY in the NYC Watershed. With about 70 head of Holsteins being milked daily and a thriving pumpkin business, they are a great example of a successful family farm with a strong conservation ethic that has diversified over the years. Watch to learn about the Best Management Practices implemented on the property to protect water quality and improve operations at the farm.
The 131st Delaware County Fair was a great week for agriculture. Take a look at some of the scenes from our booth, the forage contest, the dairy barns and Cornell Cooperative Extension’s educational display. Check out the photos below!
Walton, NY- The Watershed Agricultural Council (WAC) will be hosting a blood drive from 12-5pm on Monday, July 24th, in Conference Room B, downstairs of the 44 West Street location.
Blood shortages are common during the summer months, due to schools being out of session and families going on vacation. Red cells can only be stored up to 42 days, while platelets can only be stored up to five days, creating a constant need for blood donations. Please consider donating!
To sign up in advance for a time slot, register online at: http://www.redcross.org/. Enter Walton’s zip code (13856) and go to the Watershed Agricultural Council Blood Drive. This drive is open to the public and WAC is encouraging community members to join in this effort.
For questions regarding the drive please contact Heather Ogden at hogden@nycwatershed.org or at 607-865-7090
Check out the July 2017 ENews from the Watershed Agricultural Council. Meet the Soil Sampling interns that are out in the fields of the Watershed this summer, watch the We Are Pure Catskillsvideo featuring Gunhouse Hill Alpacas and connect to various helpful community groups and activities on MyWoodlot. These stories and more can be found online here.
