ASA protects two local farms with conservation easements
GREENWICH, N.Y. >> The Agricultural Stewardship Association (ASA) announced the permanent protection of more than 300 acres of farmland in Rensselaer County.
On July 26, ASA staff completed back-to-back closings on two farms. The Luskin Family conserved 145 acres of critical dairy support land located in the Town of Pittstown. Immediately following, Hay Berry Farm, a 167-acre U-pick operation located in the Town of Hoosick was also protected. Funding for both farms was through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program administered by the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service (USDA NRCS). ASA’s Forever Farmland Fund provided the match.
The Luskin Farm is owned by Nate and Meghan Luskin who purchased the Pittstown property in 2015 and have continued to lease the land to a nearby dairy farm. Nate and Meghan have strong ties to the community and feel deeply that protecting the land with a conservation easement was the right thing to do for the future. The property is adjacent to 400 acres of land already conserved by ASA and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hay Berry Farm is owned and operated by Lawrie Nickerson. purchased the property in 2007 and converted it from a dairy farm to its current U-pick operation with an onsite farm store featuring blueberries, lavender, honey, mushrooms, pumpkins, and perennial herbs and flowers. Since 2007, Lawrie has focused on regenerative farming practices and has planted over 7,000 hazelnut trees on its re-contoured slopes. Lawrie is striving to prevent run-off and erosion. “My goal,” Lawrie explains, “is to create a diverse landscape that maintains a natural balance. I see a new future for my farm with the investments I’ve been able to make in permaculture design and plantings.”
Blake Glover, NYS Conservationist said, “I want to congratulate ASA, Mr. and Mrs. Luskin and Ms. Nickerson on the closing of their respective agricultural easements. Combined, these two easements permanently protect 311.5 acres of high-quality farmland in Rensselaer County. The Natural Resources Conservation Service values its partnership with ASA and its continued efforts to protect productive farmland for future generations. We also value the commitment made by the Luskin’s and Ms. Nickerson to protect their farmland, without them, this could not have happened. Farmland protection is an important part of NRCS’ mission. We look forward to partnering with ASA in protecting additional farmland in the future.”
Chuck Peter, Chair of the Rensselaer County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board and Rensselaer County Legislator said, “One of the lessons of COVID will be the inherent weakness in a heavily centralized food distribution system and the need for a localized alternative. These two farms represent important parts of that future and I’m happy to know they will be protected for generations to come.”
“It’s absolutely the best part of my job,” ASA Senior Project Manager, Chris Krahling said in reference to the project closings. “It’s so exciting for me to hear the plans people have for their land and the difference this funding makes for their future. Like the other landowners we work with, Nate, Meghan, and Lawrie all believe that protecting the land is the right thing to do for the future. ASA is incredibly grateful for their insight and commitment.”
With the closing of this project, the Agricultural Stewardship Association has helped 148 farm families conserve more than 25,000 acres in Rensselaer and Washington counties. ASA was founded in 1990 by local farmers to conserve land and ensure a future for farming and forestry in our region.