FALL/WINTER 2021 agstewardship.org
Agricultural Stewardship Association
Forever Farmland
IN THIS ISSUE
| Introducing a new Executive Director
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Reducing Soil Loss
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Conserving the Family Farm
Restoring hope, securing a homestead PAG E 4
THE HOAG FAMILY Hoacre Farm, Hoosick, NY
Transitioning for the Future AS I WRITE THIS LETTER, I’m three weeks into my new role as Executive Director of ASA. Although I am new to the position, as many of you are aware, I’m not new to ASA. I’ve spent the past 14 years traveling around Washington and Rensselaer counties working with farm families on conservation projects, meeting with community members interested in our work, and assisting behind the scenes to ensure ASA is meeting national standards as well as your expectations. I grew up in the Village of Cambridge and spent my youth surrounded by family, harness horses and the offerings of my ancestral farm property located a few miles outside of the village. I have fond memories of those days spent at the stables, training track and at the farm, especially during hay season. Clearly, I have blocked out the chore of cleaning stalls. The farm taught me the importance of working together to put in the hay, exploring the forest floor for the glimpse of the telltale orange color of a newt, and the inexplicable connectivity that a person can feel toward the land. I chose a professional career in land conservation because of these early experiences and the realization that I could be part of something bigger—to conserve working landscapes for future generations, offer experiences to youth to foster a connection to the land, and support the agricultural community that enriches our lives. Sounds a lot like ASA’s mission, yes? I thought so, too, and that’s why I feel so honored to work with you to make sure ASA keeps transitioning for the future to achieve those goals. As farmers grapple with weather extremes, explore diversification of products to ease economic uncertainties, and plan for the future of their farm, ASA is working to support them by conserving land, addressing farm viability in a changing climate, and offering resources for land access and farm succession. As we all plan for the future, I know you will be there every step of the way to support ASA, and ASA will be there to support you and the communities that enrich our lives today, tomorrow and always. With heartfelt gratitude and best wishes for 2022, ren ee j . b o u p lo n
OUR 5-YEAR STRATEGIC GOALS
Q+A with Renee What inspired you to take on this leadership role?
CONSERVE LAND
by protecting high quality farms and diverse forests, and advancing climate resilience strategies
SUPPORT FARMERS
by helping established and emerging farm businesses remain or become economically viable
ENGAGE PEOPLE
by shaping policy and addressing community needs through engagement and outreach
SUSTAIN ASA
by creating a durable, adaptive and well-run organization with broad community support
Ultimately it stems from my desire to want to help ASA fulfill its potential by continuing to build on the existing momentum that’s moving us closer to our strategic goals. With more and more attention being paid to the role of land conservation at both the state and federal levels—especially as it applies to addressing the impact of climate change—it’s an extremely exciting time for ASA. I want to do my part to help shape the next chapter of ASA’s story.
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What do you perceive to be the greatest challenges and opportunities for ASA in the next 5 to 10 years?
One of our perennial challenges that only continues to grow is the high demand for our services. There are so many farm families and landowners eager to work with us but there just isn’t enough funding to help them all. Another important and growing challenge is the need to figure out our role in contributing to a climate change solution while also making sure the lands we conserve are resilient in the changing conditions. Of course, keeping land affordable for farmers— especially with recent uptick in the real estate market— is key. Simply put, farmers who want to farm need to be able to afford the land to do it. And looking towards existing farms, there’s the challenge of farm succession. We know that conserved farms will be available to farm in the future, but the notyet-protected farms remain at risk. The question is how do we assist farmers on those properties who might be looking to retire in a way that works for them financially and takes the future of the land into consideration.
Renee with her daughter Ellery Rollend at Rocky Mountain National Park, CO, Summer 2021
As for opportunities, the discussions taking place at the state and federal levels about the 30x30 initiative are very exciting. Very briefly, 30x30 aims to conserve 30% of land and water by 2030. On the federal level, about 12% of the country is currently protected while 19% is protected on the state level. Getting to 30% from either level is ambitious to say the least. However, I’m hoping the resulting focus and emphasis on the importance of working landscapes will translate into voluntary, incentive programs and funding to address some of the challenges I mentioned as well as fuel some new programs and efforts. It would be great to see more work being done in the areas of regenerative agriculture, agro forestry, sustainable timber harvesting, and carbon sequestration. When’s the last time you did something for the first time? This summer I enjoyed a bucket list trip with my family. Given the pandemic, we delayed it for a year which made it even more rewarding when we actually went for it. We took a six-week vacation and hauled a travel trailer (also a new experience for us) 9000 miles, passing through 18 states, to visit 13 national parks out west. We saw so many beautiful and varied landscapes, it’s hard to describe. It afforded me the opportunity to re-connect with my family as well as the natural world. It was truly inspiring and the perfect pause before taking on the new role. Being surrounded by so much beauty and grandeur fueled my passion for the work ASA does and re-energized my commitment to conserve the working landscape that I admire every day at home.
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Executive Director 2
Forever Farmland
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OUR EXPANDING LANDSCAPE For more than thirty years, ASA has worked with local landowners to protect the agricultural landscape of our region. We celebrate and support the foresight of these landowners and donors who recognize that once lands are lost to development, we never get them back. It is with great gratitude and pleasure that we share a few of their stories in the pages that follow. HOACRE FARM Mike and Terry Hoag pin Charm fa
e Hoacr farm
cr Hoarm
ts'& son Bb.et betts, jr. farm
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nelson
Luskin farm
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Saving the Family Farm ASA PROJECT RESTORES HOPE AND SECURES A HOMESTEAD
SITTING IN THE front yard of Hoacre Farm on a bright October day, Terry and Mike Hoag are men at ease. Watching Mike’s son wrangle a loose cow back to the barn (“It’s not even my cow,” protests the teenager.), the father and son team share a smile. It’s a scene made that much more heartwarming by the fact that not too long ago, smiles were hard to come by on the family homestead. Stretching along the edge of the Walloomsac River in the northeast corner of Rensselaer County, the undulating 380-acre property has been home to five generations of Hoags. “For 98 years, my family made a living off a dairy operation on this land,” says Terry. “When I was a kid, we made a go of it with just under a dozen cows. But as time marched on, we had to increase operations. At our largest, we were up to 225 head. That required more cows, more barns, more everything. Well, mostly more money.”
Hard times and hard choices In the years that followed the 2008 recession, money became even harder to come by. Mike recalls, “Milk prices just kept dropping while fuel and grain prices soared. We shifted to grazing part of the property and started leasing land to help keep things under control, but before we knew it, we were darn near upside down on everything and couldn’t see a way out.” In 2016 the Hoags sat in on an informational meeting on land conservation hosted by ASA at the Hoosick Grange. Intrigued, and figuring there was nothing to lose, Terry completed an application. “Honestly,” says Mike, “I don’t think I even knew Dad filled out the form. Our land is so hilly, I was sure it wouldn’t be of interest to ASA.” When the farm wasn’t selected, they assumed Mike was right. In early 2017 the family made the heartbreaking decision to sell the cows.
“That was a dark day,” recalls Terry. “To know that a family legacy ends with you, well, it was tough. The next step was even harder: contacting a real estate agent so we could get the land on the market.” An unexpected call changes the course of a family farm A few months after the sale of the herd, spirits on Hoacre Farm were at an all-time low. But then the phone rang. “It was Chris Krahling from ASA calling to ask us to apply again,” says Mike. “He explained that the property’s river frontage and position between several other conserved properties made it really appealing to ASA. Just when we thought we were out of options, ASA offered us hope.” Working with ASA, the Hoags reapplied, completing the necessary forms
and financial work. This time, the effort was rewarded. “I really can’t express the relief the easement has brought to me and my entire family,” says Terry. “I no longer worry about the property taxes or the mortgage. And to know the land that my father, my grandfather, myself and my son all worked with love and sweat for years and years will stay in the family, that’s just pure joy right there.” While the Hoags don’t intend to rebuild the full dairy operation, they will continue to lease some of the land and barn space, bale hay and produce silage for neighboring farms. Plus, they have every intention of keeping a few cows for the kids and grandkids to raise and show at the annual fair—even if they do manage to break free every now and then.
Just when we thought we were out of options, ASA offered us hope.” —
m i k e h oag
To see a map of all of ASA’s conserved properties, visit our website www.agstewardship.org/landconservation.
Funding for this project was provided by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets.
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Through Transition and Change, A Family Farm Legacy Continues
Chapin farm
ASA EASEMENT PROVIDES LAND SECURITY FOR GENERATIONS TO COME
Ray Chapin and Chris Krahling
We worked very hard for many years … knowing our land will be forever farmland is the best reward.” —
r ay c h a p i n
FOR OVER HALF A CENTURY, Ray and Sharon Chapin lived by the rhythms of their dairy operation in HICKORY HILL DAIRY: Hartford. No question, the work wasBrizzell hard & Andy and Janet but there was plenty of joyMatt andand satisfaction Peggy Cannon to be had from being able to support their family off the 320 acres they called home. That joy was compounded in 2007 when their son Jeff took over the operation, purchasing the herd and renting the milking parlor and barns from his parents. Recognizing that what worked for the past 50 years wouldn’t sustain the farm for the next 50, Jeff began diversifying to ensure the financial stability of the family operation. A new generation eyes new opportunities When Jeff assumed the reins of the farm, the bulk of the milk produced was sold to St. Albans Co-Op. Around the same time, he began growing crops for off-farm sales. Today, the farm sells excess haylage and corn silage to other cow and sheep dairy operations and horse farms. In another step towards diversification, Jeff began selling milk to Dancing Ewe Farm in 2019. A sheep dairy based in Granville, Dancing Ewe Farm needed an additional 1200 lbs. of milk to supplement its own milk for cheese production. Jeff was more than happy to comply and shortly thereafter added Nettle Meadow Farm, another cheese producer in Thurman, to his list of milk customers.
New ideas yield new rewards and a secure future Thanks to Jeff ’s efforts to diversify the family operation and Ray and Sharon’s desire to transfer the farmland to the next generation, the farm received a Dairy Transitions grant from New York State in 2019. According to Executive Director, Renee Bouplon, there is a long list of reasons why the Chapin Farm was ripe for a conservation project. “When it comes to approving a property for conservation,” says Bouplon, “there are a lot of factors to be considered. In the case of the Chapin Family Farm, not only was there the opportunity to help keep the operation running as a true family business, but its conservation would enhance a substantial swath of protected farmland thanks to its adjacency to 624 acres of Simply Grazin’, a grass-fed beef and hog operation conserved in 2018 and 2020. In addition, the Winchell Creek flows through the Chapin property. By conserving the farm, we’re also able to protect this important natural resource. Those reasons make the Chapin Family Farm a very welcome addition to the ASA list of conserved properties.” Two other individuals who welcomed the relationship is the couple who started it all: Ray and Sharon Chapin. “We worked very hard for many years,” says Ray. “Knowing our land will be forever farmland is the best reward.”
Funding for this project was provided by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets. 6
Forever Farmland
The Luskin family
Luskmin far
Preserving a Quality of Life
ONE FAMILY’S APPROACH TO SUPPORTING AGRICULTURE NOW AND IN THE FUTURE HAVING GROWN UP as part of a farm family, Nathan Luskin has a deep appreciation for the land around him. As a child, he spent countless hours on his grandfather’s dairy farm riding tractors, baling and storing hay, playing in the woods and creeks, and learning the seasons of agriculture and the natural world. Fast forward to adulthood, Nathan, who now works as a physical education teacher, and his wife Meghan, a speech pathologist, were able to maintain that proximity and appreciation for the agricultural lifestyle when they purchased their first home adjacent to the family farm. But when the farm sold, they realized they might need to look elsewhere to provide their family the experiences and quality of life they valued. So, when a nearby 145-acre farm hit the market, they couldn’t help but consider it. A working farm since the 1800s, the property had seen its share of cattle, sheep, pigs and field crops of corn, rye, oats, potatoes, buckwheat and
hay. However, in the past few decades it was leased as support land to the neighboring Lew Cliff Farm. In addition to growing hay and corn for their 135-Holstein dairy operation, Lew Cliff also leased barns and other outbuildings for silage and to store machinery. “Beyond the natural beauty of the property,” says Nathan, “the proximity to our family made it very appealing.” But, as Meghan notes, “There was a lot to consider in making the purchase. It wasn’t just about what would happen to the property today, but what would happen in the future.” As they pondered the purchase, the Luskins consulted with family friend and ASA supporter Timmy Wiley, as well as Matt and Peggy Cannon of Cannon Cattle Ranch which abuts the property under consideration. Both Wiley and the Cannons, who conserved their 391-acre property in 2011, shared how an easement could benefit the Luskins financially but more importantly, how it would guarantee the land would be there to be worked and farmed in the future. “Those conversations, along with encouragement from our parents, were key to helping us make our purchase decision,” says Meghan, “as was working with ASA who fielded all our questions —and we had a LOT of questions. Ultimately, it was clear a conservation easement would help ease the financial burden while ensuring the land would both be ours and remain forever farmland.” Today, the Luskins maintain the working relationship with Lew Cliff Farm and enjoy watching their two boys marvel at the farm machinery working the fields. “It’s a joy to watch them immerse themselves in the natural world and learn all that goes into farming,” says Nathan. “We’re incredibly grateful that ASA is willing to work with individuals who don’t farm but are as committed to supporting farmers and conserving the land that sustains us all.”
Funding for this project was provided inpart by USDA NRCS through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program.
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NELSON B. BETTS JR. & SONS FARM John and Joan Betts
Bbe. betttts,sjr.'& son farm
nelson
Farmers Supporting Farmers
CONSERVATION PROVIDES A NEW PURPOSE AND PEACE OF MIND JOHN BETTS IS A FAMILIAR FACE and name to many in the agricultural community of Rensselaer and Washington counties. If you operate a farm, there’s a good chance you bought fertilizer or tractor parts from him over the years. Or, if you’re of a certain age, he might have been your ag or driver’s ed teacher at Hoosick Falls Central School. More recently and—if things go Betts’ way—in the future, you might be talking with him about leasing prime farmland. A second chance—and a second approach—to living off the land In August 2021, John Betts signed a conservation easement with ASA to protect 336 acres of the Nelson B. Betts Jr. & Sons Farm. First operated as a dairy farm from 1917 to 1974 when it transitioned to dairy support land, the Schaghticoke property is a combination of rolling hills, an orchard and nearly 200 acres of land in active agricultural production.
Thanks to the proceeds from selling their development rights, Betts and his nephews Richard and Stephen Betts, co-owners of the farm, were able to pay off 100% of the debt owed on the farm. Without that worry, he says, he has been able to be more creative in his thinking about what will happen with the property as he nears retirement. “As a farmer, you make a lot of mistakes. By conserving the land, I’ve got the freedom to try again or, like me, try some new things; things I wouldn’t have ventured to do before because of debt,” he says. At the top of his new to-do list is expanding and improving the production acreage. “Right now, we lease some land to Millbrook Farm that allows them to grow the crops necessary to keep their milking operation running,” says Betts. “The plan is to work on improving more of the acreage and look to lease to other local dairy operations
that need land for crops. I’m open to working with them to create an arrangement that allows us to support each other.” Betts’ improvement efforts thus far include installing drainage tiles and the purchase of equipment. He also has his eye on fixing up a number of buildings, including his own home, as well as tearing down a few structures. “I now have the freedom to do some improvements and repairs that were out of reach before.” In addition, while Betts’ own children chose careers other than farming, working the family homestead remains an option for his grandchildren. “It skips a generation sometimes,” he says. “I like the fact that should one of the grandkids want to pursue farming, they can do it right here. If they decide that farming’s not for them, I’ll be happy to sell it to another farmer. And I might even let them in on what I learned from the mistakes I made.”
As a farmer, you make a lot of mistakes. By conserving the land, I’ve got the freedom to try again or, like me, try some new things; things I wouldn’t have ventured to do before because of debt.”
—john
betts
Funding for this project was provided by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets. 8
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SU
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RMER
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Interseeding allows the cover crop to get established early in the season and can result in a better cover for the soil through the winter months.
Reducing Soil Loss, Building Resilience THIS YEAR ASA passed the milestone of protecting over 26,000 acres with 150+ easements. The productive farm and forest land is conserved for future generations. But conserving the land is just part of ensuring viable farm enterprises. One of the major challenges facing both established and new farms is dealing with the impacts of changing weather patterns characterized by extended periods of drought or excessive rainfall with periodic extreme weather events. These changes add to the challenge all farmers face in producing the quantity and quality of crops necessary for their business. Fortunately, there are management practices that can help farmers build resilience to extreme weather. One of the most effective management practices is to incorporate the use of cover crops. For many years farmers have sown winter rye after corn is harvested for silage. The rye can germinate and grow under the low temperature and light conditions of late fall. The roots of the rye hold the soil in place, take up nutrients left over from the crop production and provide valuable organic matter for the soil when incorporated in the spring. However, if harvest is late, or conditions too wet or cold, it can be difficult to establish the rye. In September 2019, ASA was awarded a Northeast SARE (NESARE) partnership grant to work with three farms (Tiashoke Farm, Otter Creek Farm and Hickory Hill Dairy) to demonstrate the use of interseeded cover crops into silage corn and to measure the changes in soil health. Interseeding allows the
cover crop to get established early in the season and can result in a better cover for the soil through the winter months. A public field talk was held in October 2021 at Otter Creek Farm in Johnsonville to spread the word to other farmers on this technique. Brian Ziehm of Tiashoke Farm has been experimenting with no-till and different cover crop management techniques for many years. He likes having a cover crop in place when spreading manure and sees the benefit in increased soil organic matter, reduced erosion and improved water holding capacity. One of the techniques Ziehm has tried is no-till sowing of corn into a rolled winter rye cover crop. He says it looks rough early in the season but can provide real benefits for the crop and soil. ASA looks for opportunities to partner with our local Cornell Cooperative Extension educators and the Washington and Rensselaer counties Soil and Water Conservation Districts to provide programs for farmers. In January 2022 we are planning a program for dairy farmers titled "Juggling Cover Crops, Manure and Reduced Tillage" which will feature information from researchers and a panel of farmers to talk about their experience with what works. Our understanding of how soil organisms interact with plants has grown tremendously in the past several years, and with it, and a better understanding of management practices that can help farmers meet the challenge of climate change. ASA will continue to look for opportunities to bring resources to the farming community to build resiliency and support farm viability.
Cambridge Community Forest Opens to The Public
The Field Biology Class at CCS
On Thanksgiving eve, a group of spirited supporters gathered to mark the official opening of the Cambridge Community Forest. While the ceremonial ribbon cutting took just seconds, the journey to create this important community space took years and countless hours of effort by invested volunteers and community members. The first step in the journey was the purchase of the 140-acre wooded property at the edge of the Village of Cambridge by ASA with significant funding support from the Open Space Institute (OSI) in June 2019. An important first effort in creating an accessible forest was the repair of an existing bridge on the property. While the initial work begun in the fall of 2020 was delayed due to COVID, the bulk was accomplished throughout the spring and summer months of 2021. Around the same time, a committed group of volunteers formed the Friends of the Cambridge Community Forest with the aim of mapping potential trails, envisioning and facilitating educational opportunities, and developing strategies for managing the forest. Some of the group’s ideas were soon realized thanks to funding received from the Charles R. Wood Foundation which enabled ASA to
engage the services of Lichen Ecological Design to create a plan for a sensory trail at the forest. Throughout the summer and fall, members of the Friends came together to implement the sensory trail and other trails. In addition, an area beyond the bridge was transformed into a welcoming entrance to the forest complete with a kiosk, made of wood harvested from the forest and recycled slate. “The conservation of Cambridge Community Forest creates a priceless inheritance that will connect young children and families to this richly forested landscape,” said Kim Elliman, president and CEO of OSI. “OSI is proud to have played a significant role in preserving this property, and prouder, still, to pass it along to the community for their permanent enjoyment.” “The Cambridge Community Forest represents ASA’s investment in the forestry aspect of our work as well as the community of Cambridge. It is a place for families to be active, children to explore nature and for educators to utilize as an outdoor classroom,” says Renee Bouplon, Executive Director for ASA. ASA and the Friends group will work together to manage the property. If interested in volunteering, please contact ASA.
Visit www.Agstewardship.org for a full list of funders. 10
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26,543
ACRES OF FARM AND acres of CONSERVED! FOREST LAND
farm & forest land conserved!
The Agricultural Stewardship Association (ASA) protects our community’s working farms and forests, connects people to the land, and promotes a vibrant future for agriculture and forestry in the region. To date we have assisted with the conservation of 26,543 acres of productive land in Washington and Rensselaer counties.
ASA receives funding from its members and supporters, which include the New York State Environmental Protection Fund and The PCLB Foundation, among others.
‘ Tis the Season for Giving Make a difference with your year-end gift Thank you for your generosity and continued financial support of ASA. We hope the stories in this newsletter continue to inspire you to protect local farm and forest land and support our agricultural economy. As a 501(c)3, donations to ASA are tax-deductible. Additional meaningful ways you can support ASA include: Donating gifts of stock: Donating appreciated stock is one of the easiest ways to give more to causes you care about. It’s also one of the most tax-smart ways to give. Note: This donation must be initiated before Dec. 31 in order for you to receive the tax benefit for 2021.
Agricultural Stewardship Association BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Tarah Rowse
Diane Quick
Carole Lewis
Dale-Ila Riggs
David Green
Lauren Williams
Chair, Cambridge Vice Chair, Manchester, VT Secretary, Petersburgh
Granville
Stephentown Brunswick
Mary MacKrell
Treasurer, Greenwich
James Allen Fort Ann
Sarah Ashton White Creek
David Fleming, Jr. Nassau
Olivia Fuller Fort Ann
Megan Harris-Pero
STAFF
Renee J. Bouplon
Executive Director Renee@agstewardship.org
Janet Britt Easement Steward
Jim Cypher Annual Fund Associate
Donna Dodd-Thomas
Gansevoort
Development Manager
Dave Horn
Katie Jilek
Easton
Cody LaPage
Saratoga Springs
Shane Nolan
Communications and Outreach Manager
Chris Krahling Senior Project Manager
Shushan
We Conserve Good Farmland For Good. Forever. follow us: agstewardship.org PHOTOGRAPHY: Kathryn Brodie, Lawrence White DESIGN: Kate Hocker Design
Donating from your retirement accounts (traditional IRAs, rollover IRAs, SEP plans, 401k or 403b): If you have reached age 72 (or 70.5 if you were born before July 1, 1949), this opportunity includes maximizing your Required Minimum Distributions. This option allows eligible donors to give up to $100,000 per year to charities like ASA. Note: These must be initiated before Dec. 31 for you to receive the tax benefit for 2021. Including ASA in your estate planning: By leaving a bequest in your will or living trust, you can benefit ASA in a very simple and direct way. You can craft a unique gift that will honor your legacy and continue your commitment to ASA beyond your lifetime. Contact Donna Dodd-Thomas at donna@agstewardship.org or (518) 692-7285 for more information.