WALTON, DELAWARE COUNTY -- Meghan Filbert of Ithaca, NY recently joined the Watershed Agricultural Council (Council) as the Dairy/Livestock Educator-Planner for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County (CCE). The Educator position is an integral part of farmer education within the Watershed Agricultural Program. Filbert will work one-on-one with watershed farmers in dairy management, calf care, and herd health.

Originally from Council Bluffs, Iowa, Filbert graduated from Cornell with a Master's degree in animal science this past May. "I spent the last three years studying animal nutrition and toxicology, specifically researching aflatoxins," noted Filbert. Aflatoxins are produced by fungi that grow on corn and peanuts and are very harmful to human and animal health. "When I wasn't studying mold, I helped with lambing chores at the Cornell sheep barn, taught courses in animal nutrition and sheep production, studied invasive species, and worked with extension specialists on beef and goat research."

While living in Ithaca, she worked with many local famers, citing cheese-making, harvesting goat fiber, castrating piglets, and processing Thanksgiving turkeys as a few of her memorable experiences. "Through my various experiences at school and in the community, I have become passionate about New York State and its diverse agriculture. As a former Iowan, growing up in the land of corn and pigs is a lot different than mountains and dairies. But I'm looking forward to new experiences and relationships awaiting me here in the watershed."

In the coming year, Filbert will be working with herd health and pathogen management for the Watershed Agricultural Program, a multi-agency collaboration that works with watershed farmers to protect water quality and improve farm viability. The Watershed Agricultural Council works alongside CCE, County Soil & Water Districts and USDA NRCS to administrate many watershed programs and best management practices. Farmer education provides farmers with information that can be applied directly to their farm operation.  Filbert will lead calf management workshops, facilitate livestock producer group events, and help farmers troubleshoot issues on the farm. "I'm excited to be a part of CCE and the Watershed Agricultural Program team," added Filbert. "I can't wait to explore the Catskills and attend the county fair!" Farmers needing Filbert's assistance can reach her by email at mef99@cornell.edu or by phone 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 nonprofits organizations, government agencies and community stakeholders to achieve its purpose. The nonprofit is funded by The New York City Department of Environmental Protection, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service and other federal and foundation sources.  The WAC is an equal opportunity provider and employer. For more information, visit www.nycwatershed.org.

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