STAMFORD, DELAWARE COUNTY, NY -- On Friday, January 27, the Watershed Agricultural Council is hosting a tour of Eklund Processing, 56 Railroad Avenue in Stamford, from 10 a.m. to noon. Through its Farmer Education Program, the Council and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County will introduce local farmers to the Catskills latest livestock resource.
Regional livestock producers are invited to join this free, 2-hour tour of Delaware County's newest red meat processing facility. Certified by USDA last November, Eklund Processing welcomes local business in beef, lambs, goats, pork, chickens and turkeys.
The Eklund staff will share their approach to meat cutting, review cuts sheets and discuss custom services. The facility also offers organic processing, a growing demand in the area.
Carpooling pick-ups are being arranged, free of charge, from the Walton at 9 a.m. and Liberty at 8:30 a.m. To register, contact Kim Holden at (607) 865 7090.
The Watershed Agricultural Council assists private landowners to improve their farm and forest lands in order to protect clean drinking water for nine million New York City residents. The Council works with nearly 1,000 property landowners in developing conservation plans and applying those practices in accordance with farm and forest management plans. Working with farmers, agribusinesses, forest landowners, forest industry professionals and others, WAC seeks to enhance both business profitability and environmental stewardship.
The Council champions the working landscape model by holding over 20,000 acres in conservation easements. Landowners use a variety of best management practices, tools and approaches, such as conservation easements, to keep property within a working landscape. The Council also supports strong, viable agriculture and forestry businesses through its "Buy Local" branding campaigns, Pure Catskills. The Council accomplishes its work in land conservation and water quality protection within the New York City watershed region by embracing partnerships with other nonprofit organizations, government agencies and community stakeholders to achieve its purpose.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County provides equal program and employment opportunities. The Watershed Agricultural Council is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer and is funded by the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Forest Service, U.S.D.A. and other sources. For more information, visit www.nycwatershed.org.
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