Watershed Agricultural Council

06/01/2026

Happy National Dairy Month! As we kick off one of the best months of the year, we invite you to visit our tent at the on June 13th and 14th! 🐮

05/22/2026

We had a great day yesterday showcasing agricultural careers at Townsend Elementary in Walton, NY! Cindy McCarthy and Heather Magnan highlighted our agricultural program and discussed the importance of farming and clean drinking water in the region. Thank you for inviting us! 🚜🐮💧

05/22/2026

It’s here, get the 2026-2027 Guide to Pure Catskills Products! 🐏

The 2026–2027 Guide to Pure Catskills Products has arrived! This year, we celebrate farming through the eyes of our members in every season, revealing a landscape that is always active, resilient, and full of life. From winter’s quiet tending to the abundance of summer and fall harvests, Catskills farmers and producers work year-round to care for the land, raise animals, and bring fresh, high-quality products to our communities.

This year’s guide highlights farms and businesses across the Catskills, including dear native grapes in Walton (Page 13), where visitors can enjoy a scenic tasting room; Platner Brook Farm in Delhi (Page 25), known for its sheep and farmers’ market offerings; Thompson’s Sugar Shack in Jefferson (Page 41), a popular Maple Weekend destination; Fow Hollow Nursery in West Laurens (Page 47), featuring cut-your-own Christmas trees; Mountain Ash Farm in Callicoon (Page 71), offering a farmstand, beef, chickens, and honey; and Catskill Wagyu in Accord (Page 79), where purebred Wagyu beef is raised and summer tours are available.

The pages of this guide reflect not only the abundance of what is grown and made here, but also the people behind it, whose dedication preserves open spaces, strengthens our rural economy, and carries forward a deep-rooted way of life. Their work shapes the character of the Catskills and sustains it for generations to come.

We invite you to explore all that the region has to offer and discover the farms, businesses, and experiences that make it unique. Thank you for supporting Pure Catskills, your trusted source for where to eat, drink, shop, stay, and play across the Catskills.

https://issuu.com/watershed_agricultural_council/docs/2026-2027_guide_to_pure_catskills_products

05/16/2026

Earlier this week WAC joined the Delaware County Core group for a water quality tour of the region. Brian LaTourette presented to the group about our ag program and Best Management Practices in the NYC Watershed, and Kari Sheridan discussed Nutrient Management Planning as well as manure injection. gave a great demo on injecting on hay fields. Thank you to our partners at and for your collaboration on these projects!

05/15/2026

Another rainy morning commute in the NYC Watershed! 🪿🚸 💦 | 📷 : Ryan Naatz

05/06/2026

Game of Logging: Level 1
📍 Deposit, NY
🗓️ May 15th
We have a couple of spots available in this core TLC chainsaw safety and felling course—one of the three classes required for Trained Logger Certification (TLC).
Already certified? If it’s been more than three years since you last took it, you can count it toward your TLC Continuing Education credits.
💲 Cost: $25 (lunch included!)
📞 To register or have questions: Send us a Facebook message or call 607-865-7790 ext. 119

05/01/2026

Yesterday staff toured two farms in the Croton Watershed, Little Creek Farm Alpacas and Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard. We learned about Alpaca breeding and management as well as the diversity and uses of their fiber at Little Creek Farm Alpacas in the morning. We then made the short trip to Harvest Moon Farm & Orchard where we took a guided tour of the beautiful orchards, learning about varieties of apples and pears, followed by lunch in the greenhouse and shopping in their farm store. Both farms follow best management practices and participate in our programs offered in the East of Hudson region.

To finish the day, staff were recognized for five, ten, fifteen and twenty years of service at WAC!

Years of Service awards recognized:
5 years: Nate Whittaker, Steve Steenland
10 years: Ben Hendee (not pictured), Wendy Hanselman
15 years: Nate Nero, Pete Steenland
20 years: Cindy McCarthy, Dan Deysenroth, Lorinda Pierce

We are lucky to have so many dedicated staff that have positively impacted the region through their years of service!

04/29/2026

"The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced today that a group of top independent scientists has reviewed the City’s drinking water protection programs and found them to be strong, effective, and in the public’s best interest. "

Read more at the link below.

DEP Anticipates Continued Success of Programs Protecting New York City's World-Renowned Drinking Water in Move to Renew Filtration Waiver

04/28/2026

We’re excited to announce that Pure Catskills now has a monthly spot on WJFF Radio Catskill's Farm & Country which airs Saturday mornings at 10am! Each month, you’ll hear from one of our members and learn more about their important impact across the region.

Tune in to the first interview from April 18 featuring Kristan Morley, Economic Viability Program Manager at the Watershed Agricultural Council: wjffradio.org/farm-and-country.

Stay tuned for more great conversations to come!

04/24/2026

Local Farmers- Join Delaware County Farm Bureau for Farmer's Night Out at the Delhi American Legion Saturday, April 25th from 6-10pm.

It's an evening of food, fellowship, and fun! Dinner and drinks provided, courtesy of the Delaware Co. Farm Bureau.There will be a cash bar available, corn hole boards and a bounce house for kids! If you wish, bring a snack or dessert to share!

Reservations are appreciated, but not required! Call or text Barb at 607-287-1141