By Blake Jackson
Shaun and Linda Gillilland have been honored with the prestigious Hugh Hammond Bennett National Producer Award for Conservation Excellence, recognizing their outstanding efforts in sustainable farming on their North Country farm.
The award celebrates the legacy of Hugh Hammond Bennett, the first Chief of the Soil Conservation Service now the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) who played a pivotal role in advancing soil conservation after the Dust Bowl era. This year also marks the 90th anniversary of the NRCS’s founding.
“The Natural Resources Conservation Service is proud to work with Shaun and Linda in their efforts to protect and conserve the land. The Gillilland family's hard work and dedication to conservation will allow their farming operation to be successful for generations to come,” stated Blake Glover, State Conservationist for NRCS in New York.
Shaun, a 25-year Navy veteran, and Linda transitioned to farming in 2005, purchasing a 495-acre property along the Bouquet River from their friend and mentor Ben Wever. “We learned everything that we possibly could from Ben, and he slowly began to step back,” Shaun said. In honor of their mentor, they kept the name Ben Wever Farm.
Focused on grassfed beef, they began working with conservation groups, including NRCS and the Essex County Soil and Water Conservation District. Their work started with silvopasture and expanded into forest management through EQIP and CSP programs.
“The CSP provided an excellent platform for the Gillillands to adopt some practices and enhancements to build upon their existing best management practices,” said Soil Conservationist Allison Holmes.
NRCS District Conservationist Tricia LaValley added, “They represent the ideal producer every conservation planner aspires to collaborate with.”
Reflecting on the award, Shaun said, “It takes a village to build everything up.” Their daughter Chauntel now operates CSG Horsemanship on the farm, continuing the family’s mission.
Linda shared, “We are constantly having to innovate.” The Gillillands remain committed to improving their land and leading by example.
Photo Credit: usda-nrcs
Categories: New York, Business, Government & Policy