New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today announced that three farm families have been selected as finalists for New York’s Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM)-Leopold Conservation Award: Ben Wever Farm (Essex County), Bottomland Farm of Berkshire (Tioga County), and El-Vi Farms LLC (Ontario and Wayne counties). The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land, along with their nominating Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).
Commissioner Ball said, “Every year, we look forward to honoring New York farmers who go above and beyond to leave the land better than they found it through the distinguished New York AEM-Leopold Conservation award. The three finalists in contention for the 2026 award have long been dedicated to best practices that protect our natural resources and conserve our environment, both on their farms and in their communities. I congratulate all of them for inspiring their neighbors to follow in their footsteps, and look forward to shining a spotlight on their efforts when we join with the Sand County Foundation to award the AEM-Leopold Conservation Award later this year.”
Sand County Foundation President and CEO Kevin McAleese said, “These award finalists are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. 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.”
Source : ny.gov