Somerset County farmland manager gets recognized for preservation work

By AI, Created 1:16 PM UTC, May 28, 2026, /AGP/ – Katelyn Katzer, Somerset County’s Farmland Preservation Manager and SCADB Administrator, is being recognized for leading efforts to protect agricultural land, support farmers and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term food and land stewardship. Her work has helped revive a dormant county program and expand partnerships around farmland preservation.

Why it matters: - Somerset County’s farmland preservation effort affects whether agricultural land stays in production for future generations. - Katzer’s work also touches local food access, farm viability and open-space protection across New Jersey. - The program’s approach has drawn state-level recognition and support for farmland preservation and agricultural sustainability.

What happened: - Katelyn Katzer serves as Farmland Preservation Manager and SCADB Administrator for Somerset County, New Jersey. - She is being recognized by Influential Women for her work in sustainable farmland preservation. - Katzer leads Somerset County’s Farmland Preservation Program with a focus on protecting agricultural land and supporting local farmers. - The program operates in Somerville, New Jersey, and works with preserved and unpreserved farms. - The profile was published on May 28, 2026.

The details: - Katzer has spent 17 years in environmental planning, with experience in farmland preservation, sustainable land use, open-space management and agricultural policy. - She shifted from pharmaceutical biology to environmental science early in college after becoming more interested in sustainability and environmental issues. - Her early career included work with the Freehold Soil Conservation District, where she learned how construction affects soil health, stormwater systems and water quality. - Katzer later worked with the Monmouth County Park System on open-space preservation and public recreation projects, including a pocket park in Asbury Park. - She also worked at the state level, gaining experience with policy development, rulemaking and environmental regulations. - When Katzer joined Somerset County, the farmland preservation program was largely dormant. - She revived the program as the sole administrator through organizational restructuring and outreach to farmers. - Katzer rebranded the initiative, developed educational materials, created internal tracking systems and improved communication with agricultural stakeholders. - Her day-to-day work now includes Right-to-Farm cases, farmer-neighbor-township disputes and help with preservation funding. - That funding can support farm operations, expansion or retirement planning while helping agricultural families keep ownership of their land. - Somerset County’s program has been described as “cutting edge,” and it has received awards and legislative recognition. - Katzer credits support from her parents, her husband, County Commissioners and the farming community for helping the program grow. - She says authenticity, honesty, transparency and integrity are essential to building trust with farmers and landowners. - More information

Between the lines: - Katzer’s experience shows how preservation programs depend on both technical expertise and relationship-building. - The article frames her work as a bridge between government programs and a farming community that can be skeptical of regulation. - Her career path suggests that local preservation efforts can gain traction when they are presented as support for farm operations rather than as barriers. - The piece also points to a broader policy tension: farmland preservation can be undermined when environmental compliance rules are too rigid for working farms.

What’s next: - Katzer expects farmland preservation challenges to grow as stormwater, wastewater and other environmental rules continue to evolve. - She sees clearer guidance and more flexible policy as necessary to keep preservation efforts aligned with agricultural operations. - Public support for local agriculture and bipartisan cooperation with agricultural organizations and state legislators are expected to keep expanding grant opportunities and program support. - Katzer says she will continue encouraging young women to explore internships, temporary roles and other early-career experiences in environmental planning and preservation. - She also plans to keep supporting professional growth through training, certifications, licensing and ongoing education.

The bottom line: - Katzer’s work in Somerset County shows how farmland preservation can combine policy, trust and practical problem-solving to keep agriculture viable for the long term.