Chautauqua farm receives grant for green project

By Blake Jackson

The Chautauqua County Soil and Water Conservation District will receive a $423,403 grant from the state's Climate Resilient Farming Program for a project aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving farm resilience.

This project focuses on collaborating with a local dairy farm in the Conewango Creek Watershed to install a cover and flare system. This phase builds upon an existing waste reduction project where the farm implemented a manure solids separator facility.

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions: The cover and flare system will capture and burn off methane gas generated by the stored manure, significantly reducing its release into the atmosphere.

Improved manure management: The project capitalizes on the previously installed solids separator, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced storage volume.

Elimination of rainwater contamination: The cover prevents rainwater from mixing with the manure, preventing capacity loss and reducing the risk of pollution.

Reduced fossil fuel use: By eliminating the need to stir and remove solids from the storage, the project indirectly reduces fossil fuel consumption.

Overall farm resilience: The project enhances the farm's adaptability to climate change and extreme weather events.

This project exemplifies the Climate Resilient Farming Program's commitment to supporting farmers in adopting sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and their businesses.

Photo Credit: gettyimages-fatcamera