Two Finger Lakes farms have been selected as finalists for the 2024 Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM)-Leopold Conservation Award.
Humbert Farms in Wayne County, Sunnyside Farms in Cayuga County, and Ben Wever Farm in Essex County are finalists for the award which honors farms and farmers for their dedication to protecting the environment and managing soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat.
NYS Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball said, “New York State is a leader in the fight against climate change nationwide, and our farmers play a key role in meeting our climate goals while protecting our land and water and producing fresh, nutritious New York foods. The three finalists selected for this year’s AEM-Leopold Conservation Award exemplify the best of what we see across our state as they lead 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.”
Humbert Farms is located in Rose and is owned by Mark and Lisa Humbert. Spanning 3,500 acres, the farm produces corn, soybeans, and wheat. Through the AEM program, numerous practices and resource protection initiatives have been incorporated into their farming. They work strongly with the Wayne County Soil and Water Conservation District.
Sunnyside Farm is owned by Greg and Neil Rejman and is located in Scipio Center. Encompassing 7,500 acres of land between Cayuga and Owasco Lakes, the farm houses approximately 5,000 dairy cows with 4,000 replacement stock. Through its longstanding relationship with the Cayuga County Soil and Water District, the Rejmans act with thoughtfulness while farming for the benefit of water quality and climate. Sunnyside opens their farm for research, trainings, and tours for state agencies and local community and industry members.
Shaun and Linda Gilliland own Ben Wever Farm in Willsboro. Their main commodity is grass-fed beef. They also raise sheep for their meat. The Gilliands purchased the farm in 2005 and have since worked with the Essex County Soil and Water Conservation District to support a healthy ecosystem at their farm.
Dale Stein, New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee Chair said, “The AEM-Leopold Conservation Award celebrates the very best in conservation and environmental stewardship, and showcases farms that are using AEM best management practices to make changes to their farms to meet the challenges of climate change and sustainability. I send my congratulations to our three finalists and their Soil and Water Conservation Districts for being recognized as environmental and agricultural leaders in New York State. I look forward to honoring our finalists and winner later this summer.”
Nominations for the AEM Award are made by county Soil and Water Conservation Districts from across the state.
The winner will be revealed later this summer and receive $10,000.
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