A large dairy farm with operations in Ontario and Wayne counties has been recognized as one of New York’s leaders in agricultural conservation.
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball announced that El-Vi Farms LLC of Newark is one of three finalists for the 2026 Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM)-Leopold Conservation Award. The annual honor recognizes farms and forestland owners that demonstrate exceptional stewardship of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat while working closely with their local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
The award has partnered with the nationally recognized Leopold Conservation Award program since 2020. Named for conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award celebrates landowners who demonstrate a strong commitment to environmental stewardship on working lands.
El-Vi Farms is a 2,800-cow dairy operation spanning Ontario and Wayne counties. Named after founders Elmer and Viola Peck, the farm is owned by Joshua Peck, Kim Skellie, George Andrew, and retiring partners Ted Peck and Allan Ruffalo.
The farm has adopted a range of conservation practices and technologies designed to improve sustainability. Those efforts include conservation tillage, cover crops, and a Certified Nutrient Management Plan that has guided fertilizer applications on its alfalfa, corn, and small grain fields for the past 25 years.
According to the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, the farm also evaluates its fields for nutrient runoff and leaching risks and injects manure directly into corn fields to reduce surface runoff and help protect local water quality.
In addition to its on-farm conservation work, El-Vi Farms regularly partners with the Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District to host outreach and educational workshops for other farmers and the public.
The other finalists for this year’s award are Ben Wever Farm in Essex County and Bottomland Farm of Berkshire in Tioga County.
The Agricultural Environmental Management-Leopold Conservation Award recognizes farmers who go above and beyond in protecting New York’s natural resources while maintaining productive agricultural operations. The winner will be announced at a later date.
