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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, we aim to foster thriving agricultural communities that will support generations to come.

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

Water Conservation for Small Farms Webinar Series

The three-part webinar series hosted by AFT’s New York Ag Stewardship team will explore the challenges and opportunities of water conservation for small farms, from understanding the science and risks to implementing practical field and structural strategies that build resilience. Each webinar will be held from 12-1 p.m. EST and a recording will be made available. Learn more and register below:

January 15: Navigating Water Challenges in a Changing Climate
What does climate change mean for water on New York farms? This session will highlight current and projected climate risks—such as drought, flooding, and precipitation extremes—and their impacts on farm productivity, natural resources, and farmer and farmworker well-being. Experts will share what small farms can expect in the coming decades and why water conservation is a critical part of agricultural resilience. Register here.

February 19: It Starts with the Soil: Soil Health Practices for Water Conservation
Healthy soils are the foundation of water-smart farming. This session will cover practical, field-level management practices including cover cropping, crop rotation, reduced tillage, and maintaining ground cover, practices that help farms conserve water, improve soil organic matter, and weather climate extremes. Register here.

March 19: Integrating Water Conservation Strategies at the Farm Landscape Level
Beyond soil health, farms can integrate larger-scale practices to manage water more effectively. This session will explore options like riparian buffers, rainwater catchment systems, mulching, and intentional irrigation planning to strengthen farm resilience and protect water quality. Register here.

Featured Ag Stewardship Programs

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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.

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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.

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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

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