Lake-Friendly Farms

Agriculture is the largest single land use in the Cayuga Lake Watershed, making it important ecologically, economically, aesthetically and culturally. Most farmers are dedicated stewards of land and water resources, something the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network wants to recognize with a new “Lake-Friendly Farm” program. Farms that have incorporated New York State’s Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) practices into their operation will be recognized.

In support of AEM, the Watershed Network will be providing signs that state “Lake-Friendly Farm” to agricultural operations within the Cayuga Lake Watershed that are implementing AEM Best Management Practices. This program is made possible thanks to funds from the Farm Bureaus of Cayuga, Seneca and Tompkins Counties; and Tompkins Trust. Staff from county Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) have contributed staff time and expertise.

The AEM process is divided into tiers I through V. Tier I begins with an in-depth farm assessment by SWCD who work with farmers to identify environmental risks and the Best Management Practices (BMPs) that can help reduce and prevent environmental degradation. The BMPs are tailored to each enterprise and might include creating an alternative water source that keeps livestock out of a creek, improved manure storage, and plantings to reduce erosion.

SWCD, NRCS, Cooperative Extension Agents and AEM Certified Planners can nominate farms to receive an award sign once the farm has started implementing the recommended practices -- AEM Tier IV or the equivalnt.

Announcement of recipients will be made annually in August at Lakefest, the annual meeting of the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network. Applications received by June 15 will be considered for this year. The nomination form is available as PDF and Word documents. Paper copies can be requested from the Watershed Network, 607-532-4104 or manager@cayugalake.org.

This program is being adapted from Ontario County’s Lake-Friendly Farmer program. In order to customize it to the counties within the Cayuga Lake Watershed we have been meeting with the Joint Agricultural Committee that provides on-going support to the Watershed Network and our sister organization the Cayuga Lake Watershed Intermunicipal Organization (IO). The Joint Agricultural Committee consists of farmers; staff of SWCD, Cooperative Extension, Natural Resources Conservation Service; agricultural consultants; and volunteers with the Watershed Network and IO. The Joint Agricultural Committee will have the prime responsibility for selecting those nominees that are eligible to receive a Lake Friendly Farm sign and the Watershed Network will be responsible for the overall program.