New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball has announced the three finalists for the highly esteemed Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM)-Leopold Conservation Award. This annual accolade, in partnership with the Sand County Foundation's Leopold Conservation Award® program, recognizes outstanding farms and their nominating Soil and Water Conservation Districts for their unwavering commitment to environmental preservation and sustainable farming practices.
The finalists for the 2023 AEM-Leopold Conservation Award are:
Dygert Farms of Palatine Bridge in Montgomery County: A historic 250-cow dairy and dairy processing operation, Dygert Farms has demonstrated exceptional dedication to conservation practices, including minimum/no-till planting, cover cropping, and clean water diversion. By adopting sustainable approaches such as whole farm nutrient management and efficient herd nutrition programs, they strive to protect water quality, build soil health, and ensure the preservation of their farmland.
Humbert Farms of Rose in Wayne County: A fourth-generation farm spanning 3500 acres, Humbert Farms places a strong emphasis on soil preservation, long-term profitability, and community partnerships. Their commitment to sustainability is evident through practices such as watershed management, extensive use of cover crops, and strategies to address weather extremes. The Humberts actively collaborate with local conservation organizations and neighboring dairies to implement innovative solutions for carbon sequestration.
Tongore Farm of Olivebridge in Ulster County: Owned by Brett Fox, Tongore Farm focuses on soil and plant health through rotational grazing and livestock watering systems. Mr. Fox serves as an advocate for conservation, hosting field days to educate fellow farmers on sustainable grazing practices. With a goal of efficiently farming while protecting the environment and providing locally sourced meat, he invests in the farm's future and community well-being.
The AEM-Leopold Conservation Award, named after renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, acknowledges landowners who inspire others with their commitment to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on working land. The winner will be presented with a $10,000 award later this summer.
This prestigious award, supported by organizations including the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, American Farmland Trust, and Cornell Cooperative Extension, aims to celebrate the integral role of conservation in agriculture and recognize the outstanding efforts of farmers in New York State.
For more information about the award and the finalists, please visit https://sandcountyfoundation.org/our-work/leopold-conservation-award
Photo Credit: gettyimages-gabrielabertolini
Categories: New York, Crops, Livestock, Dairy Cattle, Sustainable Agriculture