By Blake Jackson
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball has announced the four finalists for the 2025 Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM)-Leopold Conservation Award.
The finalists include Ben Wever Farm (Essex County), Chaseholm Farm (Columbia County), Fessenden Dairy (Cayuga County), and Oechsner Farm (Tompkins County).
The award honors outstanding stewardship by farmers and forestland owners who, along with their nominating Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), excel in managing soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working lands.
“New York State has long been at the forefront of protecting our natural resources and investing in critical conservation practices, and our farmers are key in helping us advance our climate goals while protecting our land and water and growing food for families to put on the table," Commissioner Ball said.
"The four finalists and their Soil and Water Conservation Districts selected for this year’s AEM-Leopold Conservation Award exemplify the best of what we see across our state, who are leading the way in implementing conservation practices on their farms and in their communities. I congratulate our finalists and thank them for inspiring others in the agricultural community in New York to follow their lead.”
“These award finalists are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today," Sand County Foundation President and CEO Kevin McAleese said. "Their dedication to conservation is both an inspiration to their peers as well as a reminder to all how important thoughtful agriculture is to clean water, healthy soil, and wildlife habitat.”
The finalists represent a diverse range of sustainable agricultural practices:
- Ben Wever Farm focuses on grassfed beef and hair sheep, integrating regenerative agriculture and ecosystem stewardship on 495 acres.
- Chaseholm Farm, a multi-generational dairy and beef farm, is known for its artisanal products and commitment to soil and water conservation.
- Fessenden Dairy, a sixth-generation operation, excels in nutrient management and community engagement through its compost product.
- Oechsner Farm grows organic grains and supports regional food systems through innovative conservation practices and community outreach.
Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: New York, Government & Policy