GUILFORD – Legislators recently got a snapshot of the highs and lows of the local ag industry during the Chenango County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board’s annual ag tour.

For eight years, the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board has invited leaders in community and economic development to participate in the tour which spotlights ag businesses in all four corners of Chenango County.

The goal, organizers say, is to bring awareness of the trials and triumphs of the county’s leading industry.

“The tour allows our producers to connect and share their success stories and struggles with federal, state and local representative who could offer help and support,” said Shane Butler, director of Chenango County Planning and Development.

This year’s tour included three stops, the first being the Wetland Trust in New Berlin, a nonprofit organization with a mission of using science and research to protect and restore the wetlands. The site’s specially known for its work with the Hellbender Salemander, a rare species bread in just five locations in New York State.

“I was very impressed with their work and found it interesting,” said State Assemblyman Clifford Crouch (R-Bainbridge). Crouch was one of four state reps on this year’s tour. “One of the thigs we debate in Albany every year is wetland legislation and placing more control on existing wetlands … Going forward, I can utilize my experience with the Wetland Trust to justify opposing certain things while looking at good things that are happening to support wetland legislation.”