AFT Links

New York Agricultural Stewardship

The New York Agricultural Stewardship team at American Farmland Trust leads on-farm research, conservation efforts, and educational initiatives that promote sustainable farming across New York state. In partnership with farmers, universities, and conservation professionals, we help farmers and farmland owners adopt conservation practices that improve farm viability, enhance water quality, and help ensure responsible stewardship of New York’s natural resources.

Together, our work fosters thriving agricultural communities that will support generations to come.

Learn more in the New York Agricultural Stewardship Impact Report!

Our Impact

22

New York Demonstration Farms spanning 10 counties

103

local and regional outreach events through field days, webinars, and trainings

4,748

farmers, ag service providers, policy makers, and researchers participated in outreach events

Featured Ag Stewardship Programs

Conservation Technical Assistance

The New York Agricultural Stewardship team, in partnership with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and other conservation agencies, works to increase farmer adoption of soil health and conservation practices across New York state. We offer one-on-one technical assistance to farmers, helping them to adopt conservation practices that improve water quality, sustain soil and plant health, increase wildlife habitat, and enhance other natural resources. Our team works alongside farmers to assess natural resource concerns, recommend best management practices, and create tailored conservation plans that ensure sustainable land use.
We provide guidance on how to implement these practices into farm operations, help navigating state and federal financial assistance programs, and connection to other resources that foster long-term farm viability.

New York Demonstration Farms Network

Launched in partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the New York Demonstration Farm Network highlights the impacts of practical and innovative conservation practices on farm viability, water quality, and other natural resources. In collaboration with farmers, researchers, and conservation professionals, the New York Agricultural Stewardship program leads on-farm research on innovative conservation practices like planting green, nutrient management, reduced tillage, and more. In addition to research, the Demonstration Farm Network builds regional relationships between farms and helps facilitate peer-to-peer learning.

Biochar Trials

Working in collaboration with Cornell University, New York demonstration farms are testing the use of poultry manure and wood-based biochars in conventional and organic systems. These trials are part of a broader initiative, Breaking Down Barriers to Biochar Adoption on Farms from Coast to Coast, designed to scale up biochar use across diverse farming systems. The project provides technical and financial assistance for trial plots, soil health testing, carbon stock monitoring, and farmer engagement. By combining on-the-ground results with policy advocacy and community education, AFT aims to unlock the full potential of biochar to sequester carbon, improve soil health, and support long-term farm viability in a changing climate.

Hear from Farmers in Our Network

View the full video playlist of New York Demonstration Farms.

New York Demonstration Farms

Oatka Creek Farm: Ben and Carolyn Fitzgerald

Genesee County | Mixed vegetables | 20 acres | Trialing reduced tillage with power harrow

Dirt Rich Farm: Laura Colligan and Ryan Leggio

Erie County | Mixed Vegetables | 3 acres | Optimizing potato production with reduced tillage and minimized disturbance

Schenk Homestead Farm

Ontario County | Mixed Vegetables | 3 acres | Weed management trialing various mulch types and practicing reduced tillage

Soil Health Case Studies

Swede Farm LLC

Macauley Farms LLC

HaR-Go Dairy Farm

Mulligan Farm

Table Rock Farm

Lamb Farms

Planting Green Case Studies

Pankow Farm

Branton Farms

R.L. Jeffres and Sons, Inc.

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