By Blake Jackson
American Farmland Trust (AFT) will host a three-part Water Conservation Webinar Series designed for small farms across New York, addressing the challenges posed by a changing climate and increasingly frequent droughts and floods. The online sessions are scheduled for January 15, February 19, and March 19, each running from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. EST.
The series will explore how shifting climate patterns are affecting New York farms, highlight agriculture’s critical role in maintaining water quality, and provide actionable strategies to help farmers conserve water, enhance resilience to extreme weather, and support statewide water health.
Each webinar focuses on a distinct aspect of water conservation:
- January 15 - Navigating Water Challenges in a Changing Climate: This session examines current and projected climate risks including drought, flooding, and extreme precipitation and their impacts on farm productivity, natural resources, and farmer well-being.
- February 19 - It Starts with the Soil: Soil Health Practices for Water Conservation: Participants will learn practical field-level strategies such as cover cropping, reduced tillage, and crop rotation to strengthen soil health, conserve water, and improve resilience against weather extremes.
- March 19 - Integrating Water Conservation Strategies at the Farm Landscape Level: This session will expand on applying conservation practices across the broader farm landscape for maximum environmental and operational benefits.
“This past year proved to be challenging for farms across New York, with incessant spring rains delaying planting and flooding fields, followed by prolonged drought that strained crop production and forced difficult decisions,” shares Caitlin Tucker, New York Agriculture Stewardship Manager at American Farmland Trust.
“Resilient farm landscapes and soils that can handle excess water and endure periods of water stress are increasingly important as weather patterns continue to be erratic and extreme. AFT’s Agricultural Stewardship Program is excited to offer this webinar series, focused on conservation practices that farmers can implement in the field and across the farmscape to conserve water and safeguard water quality.”
Registration is free and open to farmers, farmland owners, conservation professionals, agricultural consultants, and others interested in soil health.
For more information, resources, or to register, visit the New York Agricultural Stewardship webpage, or contact Caitlin Tucker at ctucker@farmland.org or (315) 679-4772.
Photo Credit: pexels-ron-lach
Categories: New York, General