In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Swinehart and Amy Baumann of Lancaster Farmland Trust to explore the urgent mission of protecting one of America’s most productive agricultural regions. Together, they share how their organization—one of the nation’s oldest and most successful farmland preservation groups—is working to accelerate the permanent protection and stewardship of farmland across Lancaster County.
With over 38,000 acres already preserved through conservation easements, Jeff and Amy discuss the scale of impact achieved so far, and the growing challenges ahead as the county continues to lose roughly 3,000 acres of farmland each year to development. They unpack why preserving farmland isn’t just about saving open space—it’s about protecting food systems, water quality, local economies, and generational farming traditions.
You’ll hear how their team partners with farmers and communities, the strategies driving their next phase of growth, and why collective action is critical to safeguarding the future of Lancaster’s land. This conversation is both a wake-up call and an invitation to be part of a movement to preserve what matters most.
???? Connect with Jeff Swinehart and Amy Baumann:
✅ Websites: https://lancasterfarmlandtrust.org/
✅ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lancaster-farmland-trust
✅ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lancasterfarmlandtrust/
✅ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lancasterfarmland
Thank you for watching Lancaster Connects! This is the show about small business and small charity success in Lancaster county - we showcase the battle on Main Street, big vs. small David vs Goliath, and bring you the best of what makes Lancaster so great.
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