Summary

Agricultural Commission approves minutes; drafts hay-only lease criteria for Clark Farm and 1087 Colonel Ledyard Highway

LedyardNov 18, 20253 min read

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The Ledyard Agricultural Commission met November 18, 2025 (Town Hall Annex - hybrid). Members approved the October 21, 2025 minutes, appointed Steve Martic as a voting member, reviewed State agricultural grant opportunities, and drafted recommended lease criteria for the 102-acre Clark Farm and the 42-acre property at 1087 Colonel Ledyard Highway prioritizing hay production, invasive plant control, and soil health. The Commission discussed outreach with Ledyard High School Agri-Science and will circulate a revised lease-criteria draft for review.

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Agricultural Commission

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Budget & TaxEducationEnvironmental

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Key decisions

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Approved Regular Meeting Minutes from October 21, 2025.
Mr. Steve Martic was appointed as a voting member for the meeting.
Received information on State of Connecticut agricultural grant opportunities (one for $5,000 and one for $50,000); applications may be submitted for three consecutive years.
Drafted recommended lease criteria for the 102-acre Clark Farm and the 42-acre property at 1087 Colonel Ledyard Highway, including: land to be used for hay production only; any crop change requires prior written approval; fields to be mowed at least yearly with a maximum mowing height of eight inches; harvested hay may be stored on site at a Town-chosen location but not stored over one year and must be removed at lease end; lessee must maintain necessary insurance; lessee must provide references and demonstrate ability to fulfill lease terms; a renewable five-year lease term is preferred; fees to be determined (e.g., fee based on work to be done).
Chairman Garstka will prepare a revised draft of the lease-criteria list and ask Town Hall Assistant Christina Hostetler to forward it to Commissioners for review, with intent to present to the Town Council (recommended submission in January).
Discussed possible collaboration and outreach with Ledyard High School Agri-Science (encouraging student attendance/volunteer opportunities and potential use of hay for Agri-Science projects).
Adjourned the meeting at 6:35 p.m.

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