New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball has announced the selection of four farm families as finalists for the 2025 New York Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM)-Leopold Conservation Award. The farms recognized are Ben Wever Farm in Essex County, Chaseholm Farm in Columbia County, Fessenden Dairy in Cayuga County, and Oechsner Farm in Tompkins County. These awards acknowledge farmers and forestland owners, along with their nominating Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD), for exceptional management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat.
Commissioner Ball remarked on New York’s leadership in conservation practices: “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.”
Kevin McAleese, President and CEO of Sand County Foundation, commented on the significance of these finalists: “These award finalists are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today.”
The AEM-Leopold Conservation Award was established through a partnership between New York’s longstanding AEM Award program and the Sand County Foundation’s nationally recognized Leopold Conservation Award program in 2020. Named after conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award honors landowners dedicated to environmental improvement.
Each finalist represents a unique approach to sustainable agriculture:
– Ben Wever Farm focuses on diverse agricultural operations along the Boquet River.
– Chaseholm Farm is a multi-generational dairy farm known for artisanal cheeses.
– Fessenden Dairy operates with an emphasis on whole farm systems approaches.
– Oechsner Farm specializes in regenerative organic grain farming.
The recipient will receive $10,000 later this summer. Applications were reviewed by an independent panel from New York State. The award is supported by various organizations including the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, American Farmland Trust, Cornell Cooperative Extension, among others.
Matthew Brower from the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee expressed appreciation for the efforts of these farms: “I really enjoyed reading the stories and accomplishments of the four AEM-Leopold Award finalists.”
John Piotti from American Farmland Trust emphasized their commitment to recognizing exemplary conservation efforts: “As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award… this award recognizes the integral role” of land stewardship.
For more information about these awards or past recipients like Sunnyside Farms from last year, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org or agriculture.ny.gov/soil-and-water/agricultural-environmental-management.
Sand County Foundation continues its mission to inspire ethical care for land resources at www.sandcountyfoundation.org.
