We practice sustainable farming for a cleaner, greener NY
Farms contribute to the economy, food security and environmental protection. We have an ethical obligation and a vested interest to farm sustainably. We live on the land we work, we drink water from our wells and we swim in nearby lakes and streams. We follow environmental and public health regulations, and farmers assisted NYS DEC in developing environmental regulations for dairy and livestock farms. We reduce our carbon footprint by reducing, reusing and recycling. We make significant investments each year to recycle nutrients appropriately on cropland. We are committed to protecting land and water quality for generations to come.
Research has been conducted in NYS to evaluate impact of and ways to reduce the carbon footprint of farms. Visit: http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/bauman/envir_impact/index.html.
A NY dairy is also the site of a national air quality study. Visit: https://engineering.purdue.edu/~odor/NAEMS/ and http://www.prodairyfacilities.net/.
New York was one of the first states to develop a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) program that ensures farms are actively working to protect the environment.
The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) CAFO permit program is the regulatory program for dairy farms with more than 200 cows. It requires that farms implement an environmental management plan called a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP). This plan is specifically engineered to reduce a farm's environmental footprint and make sure that manure is only applied to fields at a rate that is based on crop need.
A CNMP in New York is extremely complex and can only be completed by a Certified Planner. Planners undergo rigorous training and review to ensure their plans meet scientific and engineering standards. This certification program is administered by the NYS Soil & Water Conservation Committee, NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the DEA.
Locally-led Soil and Water Conservation Districts and the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) programs help farms of all sizes voluntarily develop critical watershed management strategies. These best management practices enhance environmental quality on these farms, develop and maintain beneficial neighbor relations, and protect the land for future generations. For more information, visit www.nys-soilandwater.org.
Often when new farm neighbors move from cities or suburbs to enjoy the benefits of the country lifestyle, including beautiful rolling hills and open spaces, they do not realize these towns are located within an Agricultural District. These locally created districts contain working farms that may collect and spread manure, use pesticides, and keep long hours in the fields or milking parlors.
An Agricultural District is initiated locally, offering the community the opportunity to choose to support agriculture. The law also offers necessary protections for farmers that enable them to run their businesses without fear of unfounded restrictions that can put farms out of business.
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