On November 29, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that $2.4 million in funding through the state Farmland Protection Program has been awarded to the Agricultural Stewardship Association (ASA). [private][/private]The award will help to conserve more than 1,540 acres on four farms in Rensselaer and Washington counties. Teri Ptacek, ASA Executive Director said, “We’re thrilled to receive this funding to conserve four highly productive farms forever.
Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen Jimino said, “Protecting our farmland is crucial to preserving our high quality of life. Our farms create jobs, a nutritious safe food supply, and protect our environment. I want to commend ASA for their partnership and ongoing efforts to help secure farming’s future in Rensselaer County.”
“Farming was a vital part of the heritage of Rensselaer County, and these protection efforts help ensure farming remains a big part of our county’s future,” said Chair of the Legislature Stan Brownell.
Four Farms Preserved
Simply Grazin’ is a 517 acre, family-owned organic livestock operation in Hartford and Fort Ann that sells to major retailers like Whole Foods Market. The owners, Mark and Lynne Faille, also own farms in New York, New Jersey, and Virginia that encompass approximately 4,500 acres. The Failles have run the business for 20 years, continuously expanding their operations. They plan to make Washington County the main hub for their entire farm operation within the next few years.
The 513 acre Copses Farms is owned by Eric and Maureen Mayer. Located in Schaghticoke and Pittstown, the farm is primarily a 250-head black angus feeder operation that is in the process of expanding to include a 600-head organic dairy. The Mayers first established their farm by purchasing the conserved 233-acre Buckland Farm, protected by the previous landowner in 2013 with state and private funding.
Wagner Farms is a third generation family-owned dairy farm located near the City of Troy in the Towns of Poestenkill and Brunswick. The 296-acre farm, owned by Wagner Farm Properties LLC and managed by Pete Wagner, is considered some of the finest agricultural land in the Capital Region and is known locally as “Wagner Flats.” Through the sale of their development rights, the Wagners are hoping to use the proceeds to purchase additional rental land critical to the success of their operation.
Schmidt Farm, owned by Dave Schmidt, is a 217-acre beef cattle operation located along the Tomhannock Reservoir in the towns of Schaghticoke and Pittstown. Dave Schmidt is quickly approaching his retirement and has an agreement in place to transfer the land and operation to a farmer who currently works for Dave. Dave plans to use the proceeds from the sale of the easement to provide for his retirement, while making the farm affordable for the buyer. Dave wanted to ensure that the farm he was raised on and stewards remains intact. The farm has been in the Schmidt family since 1931.
Rensselaer County Legislative Majority Leader Ken Herrington hailed the news as a boon for The County’s agricultural future. He said, “This is great news for farmers and agricultural businesses in Rensselaer County. Much of the farmland protected is among the best in the Northeast, and with this protection effort, we are helping to ensure the future operation of these hard working family farms. Rensselaer County has now been able to protect almost 6,000 acres since the county started the Agricultural and Farmland Protection effort.”
Teri Ptacek, ASA Executive Director, said “ASA is very excited to be working with these farm families over the next few years to complete these projects.”
The Agricultural Stewardship Association was founded in 1990 by farmers to conserve local farmland and ensure a future for farming in our region. To date, ASA has helped to conserve for agricultural purposes in perpetuity 17,000 acres on 109 properties in Washington and Rensselaer counties. For more information about ASA’s work, visit www.agstewardship.org. [/private]