Maddie Dres works as the FarmLink Associate to maintain the FarmLink website, conduct outreach, and update users through the FarmLink Monthly Newsletter, Soil Pursuits, and through social media channels. In addition to her work on the FarmLink program, Maddie assists on conservation projects for Connecticut Farmland Trust. She is passionate about sustainable livestock production, permaculture, farmland restoration, and supporting farmers in finding farmland.
Consultations available include:
- Assistance creating a CT FarmLink profile
- Facilitation between farmers and farm owners
- Navigating state and federal programs
Kip Kolesinskas works as a consulting conservation scientist, his clients include both nonprofit organizations and government agencies. Much of the focus of his recent work has involved efforts to improve land access and affordability, and provide technical services to new and beginning farmers. He serves on the UConn Extension Solid Ground Farmer Training cadre, where Kip provides training and site assessments on land access, soil health, and climate change adaptation strategies. Formerly USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service State Soil Scientist for Connecticut and Rhode Island, where he worked extensively with farmers, educators, government and nonprofits to help them protect farmland and wetlands, and use soils information to make better informed land use decisions. In addition to this wealth of professional experience, Kolesinskas is an avid fisherman, cook, gardener and local foods advocate.
Consultations available include:
- Lease and leasing rates reviews
- Assessing federal, state, and local regulations that relate to agriculture
- Farmland assessment for landowners and farm seekers (including on site visits)
- Land management planning and conservation practices
- Navigating state and federal programs
- Review of parcels for easement purchase programs
- Assistance with developing a plan for finding land
Will O'Meara is the CT Field Agent at Land For Good, as well as a vegetable farmer and advocate for farmers in our state and the region. Will has been farming in Connecticut since 2011 and knows the challenges of finding secure access to land firsthand. The most rewarding part of his work is helping farmers to identify opportunities to start or expand their operations, as well as assisting retiring farmers and landowners in identifying farmers that can steward their land for the next generation.
Consultations available include:
- Lease development, crafting, and negotiation
- Navigating financing options
- Farmland assessment for landowners and farm seekers
- Farm succession planning
- Navigating state and federal programs
- Facilitation between farmers and landowners
- Assistance with developing a plan for finding land