Agricultural Programs

The Columbia County Soil and Water Conservation District partners with active agricultural operations throughout Columbia County to promote conservation, environmental stewardship, and the long-term sustainability of local farms.
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The District uses New York State's Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Program to help farmers evaluate how their operations interact with natural resources. Through the AEM process, the District collaborates with producers to identify conservation opportunities and develop customized conservation plans aligned with each farm's goals.
When justified by an environmental opportunity, the District assists farms in securing cost-share funding to implement recommended conservation practices. Funding is most commonly available through the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program and the Climate Resilient Farming Program, helping producers improve environmental outcomes while strengthening the resilience and viability of their operations.

To start or continue with AEM, farmers should contact our District to progress through the confidential, AEM conservation tiers, below:
  • Tier 1 – Inventory current activities, interests, and potential environmental concerns of the farmer. 
  • Tier 2 – Document current environmental stewardship and assess and prioritize areas of concern. 
  • Tier 3 – Develop conservation plans addressing concerns and opportunities tailored to farm goals. 
  • Tier 4 – Implement plans using available educational, technical, and financial assistance. 
  • Tier 5 – Evaluate practices and plans for conservation and farm viability. 

For more information, contact District staff Shenequa Perry, AEM Program Specialist
(518) 567-8547
​[email protected]
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Local Cover Crop Program

Contact Michaela Northrop, [email protected],
for information about the Distict's local cover crop program, which provides a flat rate reimbursment to commercial farms for implementing cover crops to reduce erosion over the winter season. Funding limited. Seedings must meet NRCS specification. 2026 applications will be accepted until July 1. 

​Agricultural Assessments

​We prepare the soil group worksheets that are required for property owners applying for an agricultural exemption.
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The deadline for requesting a soil group worksheet from our District is Febuary 20. Agricultural Assessment applications must be submitted to your Town Tax Assessor by March 1. Check with your Town Assessor for details, which may vary from town to town.

​For  information or to schedule an appointment to have your soil worksheets prepared, contact District staff:

Michaela Northrop
(518) 267-3314   
​[email protected] 

The fee for a soil group worksheet is $30.00 per tax parcel. We accept cash or personal check for payment.