SPRING/SUMMER 2021 agstewardship.org
Agricultural Stewardship Association
Forever Farmland
IN THIS ISSUE | Great Leader Moves On
PAG E 2
| New Beginnings and Happy Endings
PAGE 8
Conserving Land, Securing the Future
ASA easement on Woody Hill Farm preserves a deep-rooted family tradition PAGE 6
THE SHELDON AND CARY FAMILIES Woody Hill Farm, Salem, NY
A Great Leader and a Great Friend Moves On here is an important transition about to happen within our organization: Teri Ptacek, our passionate and fearless leader for the past 18 years, is retiring. Teri doesn’t like it when we “toot her horn” but on the cusp of her retirement, I think a little “tooting” is in order. As ASA’s first employee and our first Executive Director, Teri has poured her heart and soul into guiding the organization to where it is today. Under her leadership, ASA has grown to a staff of 8 professionals, has permanently protected over 24,800 acres of land on 146 properties, and currently has 24 more projects in the pipeline. Her passion has led the organization through strategic growth phases, including the expansion into Rensselaer County. She spearheaded the bold vision of the Forever Farmland Campaign and built important partnerships with like-minded organizations. Today, our board is stronger and more engaged than ever and our donor base is the largest it has ever been, all thanks to the relationships she fostered. Because of Teri, ASA is a strong, resilient and accredited organization recognized for outstanding work both on a local and national level. Teri, too, is held in the highest regard by many in the conservation community. She is not just our leader but rather, she is a true leader in the land conservation community. The final challenge for great leaders is making sure the organization can thrive in their absence.
ASA has been my heart and soul. And it would mean the world to me to know that I’m leaving it in the strongest position possible as I pass the leadership on to the new Executive Director.”
T
2
Forever Farmland
Ever forward-thinking, Teri gave the staff an initial “heads up” about her retirement 5 years ago. Since then, she has been working with ASA staff and Board to plan for a smooth transition. After conducting a national search and interviewing numerous candidates, it became clear that Teri had been mentoring her replacement for the past 13 years: current Associate Director Renee Bouplon. As someone who served on the committee that hired Teri so many years ago, and having had the pleasure of working closely with her ever since, I have mixed emotions about her departure. I am sorry to lose such an invaluable colleague but, at the same time, I am excited someone I’m proud to call a friend will have time for new adventures. I have no doubt that Teri will continue to be a huge champion for ASA and will be cheering Renee on, even if from afar. Over the coming months, I hope you’ll join me in celebrating Teri’s many achievements and wishing her well in retirement. With the utmost gratitude,
dav i d h o rn
Board of Directors
— teri
Our 5-Year Strategic Goals
p tac e k
CONSERVE LAND
Next Chapter Campaign
GAGE
PE
OPLE
SU
FA
by protecting high quality farms and diverse forests, and advancing climate resilience strategies
HONORING T ERI'S LE G AC Y Help position ASA for future growth and sustainability by giving generously to the Next Chapter Campaign. Ensure that Renee Bouplon, ASA’s next Executive Director, is poised to act on our dynamic strategic plan by joining us in raising $120,000 by June 30th. Your gifts to the Next Chapter Campaign will make it possible for Renee and her team to deliver these critical initiatives over the coming years: - Committing to the creation of a new Land Conservation Plan so that ASA can reach our long-term goal of protecting 65,000 productive acres to keep the farming and forest economies vibrant in our region. - Broadening support for soil health and land management practices to promote climate resiliency. - Placing more emphasis on protecting forested land to promote carbon sequestration. - Building stronger, enduring connections with urban and suburban communities to engage the needs and desires of a broad cross section of the community. - Developing partnerships with local farms for community outreach and training opportunities. - Creating recreational and educational opportunities at the Cambridge Community Forest for all to enjoy. - Ensuring that this region remains a vital food source for the 60 million people who live within five hours of our farms by expanding farm viability and land access programming to attract the next generation of farmers to the land.
EN
EN
GAGE
PE
OPLE
SU
FA
PPORT
R
ER
S
SUPPORTMFARMERS
by helping established and emerging farm businesses remain or become economically viable EN
GAGE
PE
OPLE
SU
FA
ENGAGE PEOPLE
PPORT
RMER
by shaping policy and addressing community needs through engagement and outreach EN
GAGE
PE
OPLE
SU
FA
PPORT
RMER
S
SUSTAIN ASA
by creating a durable, adaptive and well-run organization with broad community support
Spring/Summer 2021
3
S
EN
GAGE
PE
OPLE
SU
FA
PPORT
RMER
Changing Tomorrow Through A Commitment To Giving Today
S
lifetime resident of the Capital Region, Deb Balliet describes her two years of living in Cambridge, NY as one of the “good fortunes” of her life. “It’s the perfect tapestry of beautiful landscape and a community of good-hearted people who have an utmost reverence and respect for the land around them. They value it for its beauty and its importance to their economy.” It was during this period in her life that Balliet began a relationship with ASA that’s endured 9 years and, thanks to her foresight through planned giving, will endure for many more years to come. “Through volunteering and attending events,” she recalls. “I learned more and more about the impact ASA has on the region. To say I was impressed is an unGAGE UPPORT EN derstatement. I wanted to do moreSto help and began participating in annual giving. But I’m not a wealthy woman; when I F A my S consider all they’reP Etrying to achieve, RMER OPLE gifts sometimes felt insubstantial.
A
Volunteers Join Friends of the Cambridge Community Forest WE HAVE BEEN BUSY GETTING THE
Cambridge Community Forest ready to open to the public by the fall of 2021. This spring, a contractor is refurbishing the bridge so the property can be safely accessed. A Friends of the Cambridge Community Forest group has been established to help ASA unlock the property’s potential. The group is working on getting trails ready and planning on how to use the property for educational opportunities. Being so near the Cambridge Central School makes the forest an ideal resource for all sorts of outdoor learning. Through a grant from the Charles R. Wood Foundation, ASA is creating a sensory trail on the property for our youngest community members. It will encourage children in the preschool-2nd grade age-range to interact with the forest and their surroundings using all their senses. The sensory trail is being designed by Eli Bloch and Ellen Huffman of LICHEN Ecological Design with input from the Friends Group and other community stakeholders. 4
Forever Farmland
ASA is excited to share this fantastic property with the community in the fall and looks forward to the forest becoming a community resource where people can find a place to recreate, connect with nature and learn about the natural world. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Ethan at ethan@agstewardship.org.
Spring ephemeral flower, the Yellow Trout Lily growing along the banks of the White Creek in the Cambridge Community Forest.
That’s what got me thinking about planned giving.” Recognizing that planned giving allows her to do more to support ASA, Balliet has designated a portion of her 401k to the organization. “Honestly, it was as easy as logging into my retirement account online and adding ASA as a percentage beneficiary on my 401k,” she says. “It’s hard to imagine there’s a more painless way for me to support an organization I believe in.” While Balliet appreciates how easy it was to name ASA as a beneficiary, she notes, “For me, the best part of planned giving is the sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing the gifts I commit to today will make a difference for decades to come.”
… the best part of planned giving is the sense of satisfaction that comes from knowing the gifts I commit to today will make a difference for decades to come.” —deb
b a lli e t
TO LEARN MORE about planned giving with ASA contact Renee renee@agstewardship.org
will help Cambridge evolve in a whole bunch of positive directions. It has the potential to be a gateway to miles of trails on thousands of acres of public land, a fantastic teaching resource for the nearby school and an opportunity to create a greener future through hands-on training in sustainable forestry and logging.”
the c ambridge communit y forest
— tom lapham | cambridge , ny
Spring/Summer 2021
5
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.
Washington County
WoodyrH fa m
ill
ill WoodyrH fa m
y Hickor Hilly ir da
Haidrlme&y f rest fo
Rensselaer County
6
Forever Farmland
Six Generations of Caring for the Land and Each Other
BROTHERS Dan and Jim Sheldon’s family dairy farming history in Washington County dates back as far as 1830. So it’s hard to tell if the land on which they operate Woody Hill Farms belongs to them or if they belong to the land. Situated on 1,500 acres across three farm locations in Salem and Jackson, the sprawling dairy operation is one of the largest in the county and home to a herd of roughly 2,600 cows, including 1,250 milking cows and an ever-changing number of heifers and dry cows. As Jim recalls, “The roots of today’s operation really took hold in 1946 when our father and uncle moved to Salem from
Hebron to start Sheldon Brothers’ Potatoes & Dairy. While Dan and I grew up on the farm, Dad didn’t make us rise with the sun or participate unless we wanted to do so. He encouraged us to pursue whatever we were interested in and funded our college educations. Dan also spent some time in the Peace Corps. But, in time, we made our way back. Sometimes it just takes being away from things to make you recognize what you really want.” A new generation brings a new vision After spending a few years earning their keep alongside their father, Dan and Jim purchased the farm from him for $1.
“That was the minimum he could sell it to us for,” recalls Jim. “It took me a number of years to recognize the generosity and care, really, that he demonstrated in that transaction. He could have charged more but he was more invested in making sure we had what we needed to succeed.” One of the first things the brothers, along with two cousins, did was take out a loan to build a barn that still stands at the main dairy operation. Next, they set their sights on expansion. Dan recalls, “Very early on a farm credit consultant told us, ‘Whenever a neighboring farm goes up for sale, that farmer is going to ask you to pay double the value for it. And you’re going to do it. If you want to be in agriculture, you’ve got to have land — they’re not making more of it.’ We heeded that advice six times over the years, acquiring an additional 1,200 acres. It’s those purchases that has allowed us to build the operation to what it is today.” But it was while thinking about where the farm will be tomorrow that the brothers began to consider what an ASA conservation easement might mean to Woody Hill Farms and their family. A conservation easement helps bring the future into focus “In 2000, my daughter Jenni and her husband Mark Cary joined the business,” says Jim. “And in 2012, they fully took over the operation. Now,” he adds with a chuckle and a wink, “Dan and I just do as we’re told.” On a more serious note, he says,
“As our dad did with us, we began looking for ways to make sure that Jenni and Mark had the resources to not just run the farm, but to do it successfully. As one of the founders of ASA, I was well aware of how easements worked and what it could mean for them. There really was no hesitation on anyone’s part to pursue it.” The recently implemented conservation easement covers Woody Hill Farms’ 283-acre property, also known as the Keys Farm, in Jackson, with extensive footage along the Battenkill. “The goal is to always improve and invest in the operation,” says Jim. “In recent years we made four major barn additions, including a free stall barn with sand beds and a self-feeding calf barn. We installed a new milking parlor and a waste storage and transfer system. Plus, we expanded our use of cover crops and implemented practices to buffer streams. Ultimately, it’s all about the land; both securing it and preserving it for long-term viability and the success of future generations that choose to follow the same path that the five previous generations of our family have taken.”
Very early on, a farm credit consultant told us, ‘…If you want to be in agriculture, you’ve got to have land — they’re not making more of it.” —
da n s h e ld o n
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.
Spring/Summer 2021
7
HICKORY HILL DAIRY: Andy and Janet Brizzell & Matt and Peggy Cannon
y Hickor Hilly da i r
Conserving Land Creates a New Beginning and Happy Ending WHEN MATT AND PEGGY CANNON started their dairy farm, Cannon Cattle Ranch, in Johnsonville in 1979, they envisioned one day passing it on to their children. As it turned out, their children had other ideas. “My son currently lives in Oregon with no interest in dairy farming,” says Matt, “And my daughter actually is in the dairy business. Only she’s in it with her husband in Wisconsin.” As the reality of not having someone to pass the farm onto set in, the Cannons continued to look for ways to keep the operation running successfully. In 2011, they worked with ASA to conserve the farm and 120 acres of support land. They used the funds to implement a robotic milking system and purchase additional nearby cropland. “That conservation effort,” says Matt, “was key to getting us to where we are today.” Discovering a common interest and vision In late 2013, as the Cannons were still considering what the future might hold for
8
Forever Farmland
their 262-herd operation, Matt was introduced to Andy Brizzell. Raised on a nearby vegetable farm, Andy always intended to be a farmer. “I just didn’t think I’d be a dairy farmer,” he admits. When he met Matt, he had two years under his belt managing crops for another dairy operation. “My interest was always field crops,” he says. “I went to college and learned all there was to know about how to grow them, get more yield, and on and on. But what I didn’t learn, and never really thought about, was how those crops, and the processes you use to grow them, impact cattle and the land. Suddenly, there was a whole new dynamic to understand. I was just wrapping my mind around that when I met Matt and he introduced me to the idea of strip crops. Adopting practices that preserve the soil and protect the watershed really spoke to me.” The more time Matt and Andy spent together, the more they realized they were of like minds when it came to farming and they each had something to teach the other. In a
matter of weeks, Andy was a full-time employee at Cannon Cattle Ranch. And just two years after that, he and Matt became partners in the renamed Hickory Hill Dairy, sharing ownership of the cows and equipment—and, more importantly, a vision for the future. Shaping a future for two families through conservation As part of the Hickory Hill Dairy business plan, Andy will work into full ownership of the farm which will enable him to purchase the farmland from the Cannons. In March 2021, the Cannons, along with neighboring retired farmer John Marbot, conserved 338 acres through an ASA easement. This conservation effort provides an opportunity for Andy to purchase the land at ag values in the future, which will help move the farm business forward. “My ability to farm this land in the future is largely dependent upon the easement,” says Andy. “It provides security for the landscape
and other natural resources as well as for my business, my family, neighbors and community.” In addition to maintaining the herd, Andy has his sights set on diversifying into flowers and vegetables. “It’s hard to compete with the 1,000-head operations,” he says, “And, honestly, we don’t have the topography to support that size operation. A move into retail flowers and vegetables will allow us to continue with a slightly larger herd size and generate new income in a way that won’t tax the land.” As for the Cannons, Matt says the idea of transitioning the farm to Andy brings him joy. “I’m grateful that someone will continue the operation and do it with an eye towards doing what’s right by the land,” says Cannon. “The land conservation efforts we did in 2011 and again in 2021 were both really important steps in making sure that Cannon Cattle and now Hickory Hill remain strong dairy operations for years to come. I can retire happy knowing it’s in good hands.”
I’m grateful that someone will continue the operation and do it with an eye towards doing what’s right by the land.” — m at t
cannon
Knowing the land that my family and I worked for so many years will be kept in active farming is a good feeling.” —john
marbot
Funding for this project was provided by the New York State Environmental Protection Fund administered by the Department of Agriculture and Markets.
Spring/Summer 2021
9
Haidrlme&y f rest fo
Rebuilding and Conserving the Hidley Farm Piece by Piece WHEN SHARI AND DICK GIBBS bought the Hidley Farm homestead in Wynantskill in 1972, it came with a little land (just 3 acres) and a long history. “In a deed dated 1787,” says Shari, “Johannes Hidley leased the farm from the Dutch Patroon Stephen Van Rensselaer. The original property was well over 100 acres, but over the years, the land got parceled out — a few acres to this person, a few to another — and before you knew it, it was all in pieces.”
ASA supporters and Hidley Farm & Forest neighbors joined Shari and Dick for a snowshoe walk on February 20th to celebrate the conservation of their land.
Raised on family farms in Minnesota, the Gibbses had land in their blood and a desire to put the farm back together and protect it. “We’re uniquely situated on a dividing line between rural and urban communities,” Dick notes, “and that makes the land increasingly vulnerable to development. We knew if we wanted to protect it, we’d have to take steps to do so. Over the years, whenever we had the opportunity to purchase any of the original land back, we did so. We went from our original three acres to just over 155.” Today, the restored property is a combination of managed woodlands, cropland, sugar bush, and includes numerous trails and paths for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It’s also home to the historic Hidley Family cemetery where one can view a scenic landscape featuring the Rensselaer Plateau. ASA’s conservation easement ensures the land remains undeveloped as forever farmland and forest. “Land is truly a treasure,” says Shari. “We’re happy to work with ASA and do our part to protect and conserve Hidley Farm and Forest for generations to come.”
We knew if we wanted to protect [the land] we’d have to take steps to do so.” — d i c k g i b b s
Q+A
ETHAN RUBENSTEIN ASA Project Manager
ASA RECENTLY WELCOMED Shushan native Ethan Rubenstein to the organization in the role of Project Manager. Having interned at ASA during college, Ethan is no stranger to the organization and its mission. We invited Ethan to share a bit about what inspired him to pursue a full-time role with ASA and what he hopes to accomplish. What’s your background in land stewardship?
My introduction to conservation easements was through an internship I did with ASA. After graduating with a degree in environmental science, I ended up putting that experience to use while working with several land conservation organizations, most recently with the Watershed Agricultural Council, focusing specifically on farmland conservation in New York City’s watershed in the western Catskills.
The Gibbses donated the conservation easement. The transaction related costs were funded in part through ASA’s Forever Farmland Fund. 10
Forever Farmland
GAGE
PE
OPLE
SU
FA
In early 2021, members of the Board and the entire ASA staff participated in a three-part Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training with Tangible Development, a professional training company committed to educating leaders on how to leverage diversity and create an inclusive environment. Board member Carole Lewis notes, “The training is helping us recognize that there needs to be acknowledgement and scrutiny of the systemic inequities and apply it to our policies, practices and outreach efforts.” Former Board Chair David Horn adds, “There’s no question that better decision making and programming result when you have multiple views contributing to the conversation. Since the training, the Board has tasked all ASA committees to develop strategies for incorporating DEI into their efforts. The lack of diversity in agriculture in Rensselaer and Washington counties makes this a challenge, but we are committed to bring more voices and views to ASA.”
What does your role of Project Manager entail?
It’s a great mix of things encompassing most aspects of ASA’s work. I’m involved in writing grant proposals for new projects as well as the stewardship and monitoring of completed projects. Another big focus area is readying the Cambridge Community Forest for its public opening this fall. This is the first piece of land owned outright by ASA for public access and it’s exciting to be a part of putting it all together. What excites you most about the opportunity?
Dick and Shari Gibbs
ASA strives for DEI
EN
There’s something very special about the opportunity to contribute to conservation in a place you care deeply about. I’m really enjoying the experience of re-learning the area and viewing it through ASA’s lens and community.
One of many youth programs ASA has brought to Laughing Earth to get up close with the plants and animals. This training was supported by the Hudson Valley Farmlink Network which is coordinated by the American Farmland Trust with primary funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
Spring/Summer 2021
11
24,890
ACRES OF FARM AND acres of FOREST CONSERVED! farm & LAND 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 landowners with the conservation of 24,890 acres of productive land in Washington and Rennselaer counties.
ASA receives funding from its members and supporters, which include the New York State Environmental Protection Fund and The PCLB Foundation, among others.
EN
GAGE
PE
OPLE
SU
FA
PPORT
RMER
S
Save the Date The Forever Farmland Supper August 5, 6:00 p.m. HAND MELON FARM, GREENWICH Join us for a fun evening celebrating our farming community and conservation leaders for their commitment to protecting our area's irreplaceable agricultural resources. Learn more and register: www.rebrand.ly/Forever-Farmland-Supper
Landscapes for Landsake 20th Annual Art Sale and Exhibition
LIVE EVENT COLUMBUS DAY WEEKEND ONLINE SALES THROUGH OCTOBER
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 Gansevoort
STAFF
Teri Ptacek
Executive Director Teri@agstewardship.org
Renee Bouplon Associate Director
Janet Britt
Easement Steward
Donna Dodd-Thomas Development Manager
Katie Jilek
Greenwich
Communications and Outreach Manager
Cody LaPage
Chris Krahling
Saratoga Springs
Senior Project Manager
Shane Nolan
Ethan Rubenstein
Dave Horn
Shushan
Project Manager
We Conserve Good Farmland For Good. Forever. follow us: agstewardship.org PHOTOGRAPHY: Lawrence White Photography, Janet Brizzell, Jenny Cary and Ellie Markovitch DESIGN: Kate Hocker Design
ASA's Landscapes for Landsake celebrates both the agricultural heritage and stunning landscapes of the Upper Hudson Valley. Now in its 20th year, the show draws thousands of visitors from all over the Northeast, from professionals (gallery owners and museum curators) to art lovers of all ages. Plans for this year’s event are still forthcoming. Visit our events page regularly for updates: www.rebrand.ly/Events_Landscapes-for-Landsake