Dygert Farms of Montgomery County Selected for New York AEM-Leopold Conservation Award
Dygert Farms of Montgomery County Selected for New York AEM ... Department of Agriculture and Markets
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New York Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM)-Leopold Conservation Award Presented to Dygert Farms
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball, in partnership with the Sand County Foundation, announced that Dygert Farms of Palatine Bridge has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 New York Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM)-Leopold Conservation Award. This prestigious award recognizes the farm and its nominating Soil and Water Conservation District for their outstanding efforts in protecting the environment through the preservation of soil and water quality. The award was presented during the Dygert family’s celebration of the farm’s tricentennial anniversary this year, just ahead of the start of Climate Week 2023.
About Dygert Farms
- Owned and operated by Robby and Shannon Dygert
- 270-cow dairy farm and dairy processing operation
- Crops grown on 650 acres in Montgomery County
- Also operates Dygert Farms Creamery
- Collaboration with Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District and the State’s AEM Program
- Adopted conservation practices for crop production, soil health, and water quality
The Leopold Conservation Award
The Leopold Conservation Award, named after renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who demonstrate exceptional dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on working land. The award is presented in 27 states, and New York’s AEM Award joined the nationally recognized Leopold Conservation Award program in 2020.
Other Recognized Farms
In addition to Dygert Farms, two other farms were recognized for their stewardship and leadership:
- Humbert Farms of Rose in Wayne County
- Tongore Farm of Olivebridge in Ulster County
Statements from Key Figures
Commissioner Ball: “The AEM-Leopold Conservation Award honors the best of the best in conservation and progressive farming. On behalf of the Department and New York State, I’d like to congratulate Dygert Farms on receiving this esteemed award today. Time and again, they have demonstrated their innovative environmental practices, leadership, and dedication to giving back to their community, and I’m proud to stand alongside our partners at the Sand County Foundation to honor them for their efforts, especially as they celebrate 300 years of their family farm.”
Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO: “These award finalists are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber.”
Robby and Shannon Dygert of Dygert Farms: “We are truly honored to receive this prestigious award, noting the many years of continuously working with the Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District in utilizing the AEM Program, and thank the Sand County Foundation for their support here in New York. As we celebrate our farm’s Tri Centennial this year, receiving this award acknowledges three centuries of the Dygert Family caring for the land and constantly striving to implement best management practices that will leave the land better than how the generations before us have found it. We look forward to continuing to be proactive and progressive stewards of the land to preserve and protect our valued resources for the next generation here in the historic Mohawk Valley.”
Dale Stein, New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee Chair: “Congratulations to the Dygert family on being honored with this distinguished award. Their work with the Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District has helped them to implement conservation practices including minimum/no-till planting, cover cropping, clean water diversion practices, and whole farm nutrient management. They are true examples of environmental stewardship in our New York State agricultural community.”
John Piotti, American Farmland Trust President and CEO: “As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the New York recipient. At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices, and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”
Award Support
The $10,000 cash award is presented to Dygert Farms through the support of various organizations including American Farmland Trust, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Cornell Cooperative Extension, The Ida and Robert Gordon Family Foundation, Farm Credit East, Audubon New York, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the New York State Agribusiness Association.
About Dygert Farms’ Sustainability Practices
Dygert Farms has a long history of sustainability practices that prioritize environmental conservation. The farm implements various strategies to protect soil and water resources while maintaining a successful dairy operation:
- Conservation plan dating back to 1962, including crop rotations, contour strips, tile drainage, and pasture renovation
- Collaboration with Montgomery County Soil and Water Conservation District for modern improvements to infrastructure
- Participation in New York’s AEM program for financial assistance in constructing a manure storage facility and covered laneway
- Installation of a system to collect and treat leachate from silage bunk silos
- Management of soil, water, and livestock manure through a comprehensive nutrient management plan
- Utilization of strip-cropping and cover crops to enhance soil fertility and prevent runoff
In addition to their sustainable farming practices, Dygert Farms has adapted to market challenges by establishing their own dairy processing plant, the Dygert Farms Creamery. This move has allowed them to continue their dairy business while adding value to their products.
About the Leopold Conservation Award Program
The Leopold Conservation Award is a competitive award that recognizes landowners who voluntarily engage in conservation efforts. It is presented in multiple states across the country, including New York. More information about the award can be found at www.leopoldconservationaward.org.
About the New York State AEM Award
The New York State Agricultural Environmental Management Award is an annual recognition given to farms nominated by County Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The award highlights the state’s AEM framework,
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. SDGs Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article:
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Based on the Article’s Content:
- SDG 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality.
- SDG 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally.
- SDG 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment.
- SDG 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements.
3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article:
- Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture
- Indicator 6.3.1: Proportion of wastewater safely treated
- Indicator 12.4.1: Number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste, and other chemicals that meet their commitments and obligations in transmitting information as required by each relevant agreement
- Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 2: Zero Hunger | Target 2.4: By 2030, ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity and production, that help maintain ecosystems, that strengthen capacity for adaptation to climate change, extreme weather, drought, flooding and other disasters, and that progressively improve land and soil quality. | Indicator 2.4.1: Proportion of agricultural area under productive and sustainable agriculture |
| SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation | Target 6.3: By 2030, improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials, halving the proportion of untreated wastewater and substantially increasing recycling and safe reuse globally. | Indicator 6.3.1: Proportion of wastewater safely treated |
| SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production | Target 12.4: By 2020, achieve the environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle, in accordance with agreed international frameworks, and significantly reduce their release to air, water and soil in order to minimize their adverse impacts on human health and the environment. | Indicator 12.4.1: Number of parties to international multilateral environmental agreements on hazardous waste, and other chemicals that meet their commitments and obligations in transmitting information as required by each relevant agreement |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | Target 15.1: By 2020, ensure the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems and their services, in particular forests, wetlands, mountains and drylands, in line with obligations under international agreements. | Indicator 15.1.1: Forest area as a proportion of total land area |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: agriculture.ny.gov
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