Katherine DeWitt Named Ulster County Agriculture Leader

Veteran farmer brings global expertise to ulster county

• Bonnie Johnson
• October 09, 2026
• Media Article

Ulster County has appointed lifelong farmer Katherine DeWitt as Agricultural Services Program Administrator, bringing international agricultural expertise to support local farms, business growth, and long-term sustainability.

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Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger has appointed Katherine DeWitt as the county’s new Agricultural Services Program Administrator. In this role, she will lead programs that support local farms, strengthen agricultural businesses, and promote value-added production across Ulster County.
 

Raised on a dairy farm in Accord, New York, DeWitt is a lifelong farmer who continues to help manage her family’s operation. Her experience includes livestock management, crop production, farm finances, and collaboration with agricultural and conservation organizations.
 

“Katherine’s knowledge and practical experience, deep farming roots in Ulster County, and strong relationships with local partners make her an exceptional fit for this role,” said Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger.
 

Before returning to New York, DeWitt spent seven years with DairyNZ in New Zealand, where she became Senior Solutions & Development Specialist. She worked on projects involving animal welfare, biosecurity, farm business management, and practical resources designed to help farmers improve operations and resilience.
 

“After 10 years living abroad in New Zealand farming, studying agriculture, and supporting farmers through research, development, and extension, I'm especially excited to be able to continue doing so back home in Ulster County,” said Katherine DeWitt.
 

DeWitt holds a Master of Management in Agricultural Systems with First Class Honours and a Bachelor of Agriculture from Lincoln University in New Zealand. She also serves on the Town of Rochester Housing Advisory Committee and co-authored a peer-reviewed publication on livestock quality-of-life assessment in 2025.
 

She succeeds Deborah DeWan, who recently retired. The position now focuses on implementing Ulster County’s 2025 Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan to strengthen long-term farm viability and support a diverse agricultural sector.
 

Photo Credit: ulstercountyny.gov