NY Soil Health & Climate Resiliency Field Day: Conversion of Cropland to Pasture & Soil Health

As part of the 2025 New York Soil Health and Climate Resiliency Field Days, American Farmland Trust will host a Western New York Soil Health Field Day on July 16 at Zeliff Farm in Middleport, NY. The event runs from 9:00 AM to 3:15 PM and will feature sessions on pasture conversion, soil health benchmarking, biochar in grazing systems, and best grazing practices. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in hands-on demonstrations featuring the New York Soil Health Trailer, drone technology, and cover crop strategies.

During the field day, we will share practical, field-tested results of advanced soil regenerative practices targeted to livestock, field and specialty crop farmers. Participants can expect to learn about:

• Pastureland conversion in New York
• Pasture soil Health benchmarking
• Insights on using biochar in grazing systems
• Best grazing practices in New York

Additionally, there will be interactive stations with the New York Soil Health Trailer, WNY Aerial Ag Drone Demo and a Cover Crop Demonstration.

There is no cost to attend, and lunch will be provided. CCA Continuing Education Credits will be available. If more than one person from your farm or agency is considering attending, please register each individual.

Zeliff Farm, a regenerative beef operation, is an AFT partner site supporting farmer outreach and education through learning circles and on-farm soil health research.