Long-term land conservation efforts on the North Fork reached a significant milestone with the official property transfer of nearly seven acres of protected farmland along Route 48 in Peconic. The Peconic Land Trust completed the transaction with local agricultural operators Erin and Connor Burke, owners of Catapano Dairy Farm, following an extensive selection review process initiated earlier in the year. The newly acquired acreage sits directly adjacent to the dairy’s primary facilities, securing permanent pastureland for the operation’s growing goat herd.

The property was originally donated to the land trust in 2019 by Anne Hubbard, continuing a family legacy of open space preservation in Southold Town. Before purchasing the parcel outright, the Burke family had been leasing the ground for rotational grazing under the land trust’s regional agricultural incubator framework. Moving from a lease model to full ownership allows the dairy to expand its grazing capacity, reinforcing sustainable herd management practices and supporting its ongoing production of regional artisanal cheeses, soaps, and skincare lines.

By facilitating the private ownership transition of protected agricultural property to active producers, local conservation initiatives continue to address farmland affordability and accessibility across the East End. The sale ensures that the Route 48 acreage remains permanently dedicated to active food production and local agricultural use, preserving both the natural landscape and the economic viability of small-scale family farming on Long Island.

Peconic Land Trust:
https://www.peconiclandtrust.org/press/peconic-land-trust-announces-sale-of-protected-farmland-to-catapano-dairy-farm

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