Supporting Ludlow’s Farms, Farmland & Agricultural Heritage
Overview
The Ludlow Agricultural Commission is a board of Ludlow residents, including farmers and others interested in supporting and promoting agriculture and small farms within the community.
Established in 2007, the Commission works to promote local agriculture, educate the public about the importance of small farms, and help create and maintain an environment where farmers, landowners, and other members of the community can coexist comfortably.
The Commission has also played a role in helping establish Ludlow’s Right to Farm Bylaw, supporting the continued presence of agriculture within the community.
What Does the Agricultural Commission Do?
The Agricultural Commission serves as a resource for Ludlow residents and landowners interested in agriculture and the continued use and preservation of agricultural land.
The Commission can help:
- Promote local agriculture and small farms
- Educate residents about the importance of agriculture
- Provide information and guidance to local landowners
- Help landowners explore opportunities to maintain agricultural use of their property
- Connect landowners with information and resources related to farming
- Encourage the continued use of agricultural land
- Support efforts to keep agricultural parcels within families
- Help residents better understand issues involving agricultural land and animals
- Promote cooperation between farmers, landowners, neighbors, and the broader community
The Commission’s annual reports emphasize its role as a resource for landowners who want to maintain their property for agricultural use or pass agricultural land on to future generations.
Supporting Local Agriculture
Ludlow has a long agricultural history, and the Agricultural Commission works to support the Town’s remaining farms and agricultural land.
The Commission recognizes that agricultural land can serve many purposes—from active farming and livestock to maintaining open land and preserving property for future generations.
The Commission is available to provide information and direction to landowners interested in farming, whether they are considering agricultural use on a smaller parcel or a larger tract of land.
Helping Landowners
One of the Commission’s ongoing roles is helping landowners understand options for keeping agricultural land within their families.
The Commission can provide information and connect landowners with resources that may help them explore:
- Farming opportunities
- Agricultural land use
- Leasing land for farming
- Maintaining family farmland
- Resources for beginning or continuing agricultural activities
- Information about agricultural organizations and agencies
The Commission’s previous work has included connecting landowners with organizations that help match available farmland with individuals interested in farming.
Right to Farm
Protecting Ludlow’s Agricultural Heritage
The Agricultural Commission helped support the adoption of Ludlow’s Right to Farm Bylaw.
A Right to Farm bylaw helps establish a framework for agricultural activities to coexist with neighboring residential and other land uses.
The Commission’s goal is not to create conflict between agriculture and other members of the community. Instead, it works to encourage communication, education, and cooperation between farmers, landowners, and neighbors.
The Town describes the Commission as an “Engine of Harmony” because of this focus on creating an amiable environment for agriculture and small farms.
Questions About Farming or Agricultural Activities?
Residents and landowners with questions involving agricultural activities, farmland, animals, or agricultural property are encouraged to contact the Agricultural Commission for information and guidance.
Agriculture & Animals
Agricultural properties can involve a variety of land and animal-related issues.
The Commission can serve as an informational resource for residents dealing with questions involving:
- Farm animals
- Livestock
- Chickens and poultry
- Agricultural property
- Farming activities
- Neighboring agricultural uses
- Maintaining agricultural land
- Resources for farmers and landowners
The Commission’s annual report describes its role in helping guide and educate landowners regarding issues involving their land or animals.
Important: The Agricultural Commission is a resource and advisory body. It does not replace the authority of other Town departments or boards with regulatory jurisdiction over public health, zoning, conservation, building, animal control, or other matters.
Preserving Agricultural Land
Keeping Ludlow’s Farmland in the Community
One of the Commission’s areas of interest is helping landowners understand options for keeping agricultural parcels within their families.
Preserving agricultural land can allow future generations to continue farming or maintain the land for agricultural purposes.
The Commission can help connect interested landowners with information and organizations that may assist with agricultural land use, leasing, and other options.
Education & Community Outreach
The Agricultural Commission works to educate the public about the importance of agriculture and small farms.
Educational efforts may include information about:
- The history of agriculture in Ludlow
- The importance of local farms
- Agricultural land preservation
- Farming opportunities
- Landowner resources
- Responsible coexistence between agricultural and residential uses
- State and local agricultural resources
The Commission has historically worked with state agencies and agricultural organizations to bring information and educational resources to Ludlow landowners and residents.
Commission Members
The Town’s current Agricultural Commission page lists:
| Position | Member | Term Expires |
|---|---|---|
| Chairperson | Karen Pilon | May 2028 |
| Secretary | Michael Hogan | May 2027 |
| Member | Ann Chenier | May 2027 |
| Member | John Chenier | May 2026 |
| Member | William Ellison | May 2027 |
| Member | Betty Kibbe | May 2026 |
| Member | Beverly Landers | May 2026 |
| Member | Donald Roberts | May 2027 |
Membership and term information should be updated as appointments and vacancies change.
Note: Because several terms shown on the current webpage expired in May 2026, I would verify the membership with the Town before publishing this section as a current roster. The current webpage has not necessarily been updated to reflect any subsequent appointments.
Meetings
Agricultural Commission meetings are posted through the Town’s official meeting calendar and document center.
A 2026 meeting was posted for:
7:15 PM
Ludlow Town Hall – 3rd Floor Conference Room
488 Chapin Street
Ludlow, MA 01056
The Town’s 2026 records currently include an Agricultural Commission meeting agenda dated April 1, 2026.
Because the Commission’s meeting schedule does not appear to be published on the current webpage as a fixed recurring schedule, I would not put a recurring meeting date on the webpage unless the Commission confirms one.
Check Upcoming Meetings
Residents should check the Town’s official calendar for the latest meeting date, time, location, and agenda.
Agendas & Minutes
Residents can review Agricultural Commission meeting agendas and minutes through the Town’s document center.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Agricultural Commission?
The Agricultural Commission is a board of Ludlow residents interested in promoting local agriculture, supporting small farms, educating the public, and helping agricultural landowners.
When was the Agricultural Commission established?
The Commission has been in existence since 2007.
What is the Right to Farm Bylaw?
Ludlow’s Right to Farm Bylaw helps provide a framework for agricultural activities to coexist with neighboring properties and the broader community.
The Agricultural Commission helped support the adoption of the bylaw.
Can the Agricultural Commission help me if I own farmland?
Yes. The Commission can provide information and guidance to landowners interested in farming, maintaining agricultural land, or exploring ways to keep agricultural property within their families.
Can the Commission help me find someone to farm my land?
The Commission can provide information about agricultural resources and organizations that may help connect landowners with farming opportunities. The Commission has previously worked with organizations involved in connecting available farmland with individuals interested in farming.
Does the Agricultural Commission regulate every issue involving farms or animals?
No. Different Town boards, departments, and state agencies have jurisdiction over different issues. The Agricultural Commission primarily serves as a resource for agricultural information, education, and community support.
How can I attend an Agricultural Commission meeting?
Meeting dates and locations are posted on the Town’s official calendar and meeting document center.
Contact the Agricultural Commission
Agricultural Commission
Ludlow Town Hall
488 Chapin Street
Ludlow, MA 01056
Phone: (413) 583-5600
Residents should contact the Town for the current Agricultural Commission email address and meeting information.