Help
Protect Two Local Farms
CLC
is working with two local dairy farms to protect 330 acres of
prime agricultural lands. Your contribution can help secure
their future.
 |
|
Photo:
Ule Rose |
|
|
|
We've spent almost half a century
caring for our farm, and its important to us that the
property continue to be farmed," remarked Larry
Benson of Shaker View Farm, New Lebanon. |
Chaseholm
Farm in Ancram, and Shaker View Farm in New Lebanon, both
received farmland protection grants through the New York State
Department of Agriculture and Markets for the purchase of
their development rights (PDR).
Our
job now is to work with the farmers to draft conservation
easements that will protect the farms' agricultural resources
and work with the community to raise the local matching funds
required by the state grants.
While
the two farms are at opposite ends of the county, they have
many similarities. In
both cases, they are family-run farms whose owners have solid
reputations in the dairy business and share a commitment to
keeping their land in farming.
Larry
and Barbara Benson, the owners of Shaker View Farm, have been
working their land since 1965.
Through their excellent management of their Jersey
cows, the Benson’s farm was recognized as a dairy of
distinction. Now
looking at retirement options, the Benson’s want to make
sure they have made provisions that will help keep their land
open and available for farming in the future.
CLC
worked with the Bensons to prepare the application to the
state, which requires both town and county endorsements.
The $513,150 grant will cover 75% of the appraised
value of the non-farm development rights on the property.
 |
| "With
their knowledge and willingness to help with the state
grant process, the Columbia Land Conservancy provides
a real service to farm families,” noted Rosemary
Chase, who is hoping the state farmland protection program
will enable their farm to stay in agriculture. |
|
In
the southern corner of the county, Barry and Rosemary Chase
were also looking for a way they could ensure the stewardship
of their farm would continue in the future.
The
Chase’s farm is known as Chaseholm Farm, a 340+/- acre dairy
farm in both Dutchess and Columbia Counties; this grant will
protect the Columbia County portion (133 acres). The
farm was one of several that were studied by Conrad and
Claudia Vispo as part of the Farmscape Ecology Program’s
efforts to document the ecological benefits of working
farmland.
Every
year, the Conservancy is approached by farmers throughout the
county interested in learning more about the purchase of
development rights and other programs that can help them keep
their operations viable. CLC
offers its services free of charge.
Our efforts have helped secure over six million
dollars, and enabled the protection of 5,300 acres of viable
farmland in the county.
Help
raise the required 25% local match for these two farms.
Your gift can help ensure that these farms will be protected
and available for a future generation of farmers. Send
your contributions to CLC at P.O. Box 299, Chatham, NY 12037,
and be sure to note which farm you want your gift to apply to.
All donations towards these PDR projects are fully
tax-deductible to the extent provided by law.
For
more information on how you can help support local
agriculture, contact Marissa Cody at (518) 392-5252.
|
