The Albany County Soil and Water Conservation District is helping farmers protect natural resources through the Agricultural Environmental Management planning program. The program is voluntary, non-regulatory, and incentive-based, coordinating agricultural and environmental conservation agencies and programs, as well as private sector consultants, to provide a one-stop resource for services.

Farmers work with a team of local AEM resource professionals to develop and implement comprehensive, site-specific farm plans using a five-tiered approach:

— Tier 1: Inventory current activities, future plans, and potential environmental concerns.

— Tier 2: Document current land stewardship; assess and prioritize areas of concern.

— Tier 3: Develop a conservation plan addressing concerns and opportunities tailored to farm goals.

— Tier 4: Implement the plan utilizing available financial, educational, and technical assistance.

— Tier 5: Conduct evaluations to ensure the protection of farm viability and the environment.

The first step to take part in AEM is to contact the Albany County Soil and Water Conservation District and complete the Tier 1 Questionnaire.  District staff will then follow up with the Tier 2 Risk Assessment, which consists of a set of worksheets appropriate to your farm operation.  This is an efficient way to take a comprehensive look at potential environmental impacts and identify the resources available to address them.  It will document what you are doing to protect the environment and prioritize areas for improvement.

AEM addresses more than just nutrient management.  The risk assessment covers farmstead water supplies, pasture management, pesticide use, and many other farm practices.  There are also worksheets specific to equine operations, greenhouses, orchards, and vineyards.  The risk assessment can even provide resources to build and maintain positive relationships with neighbors.

An environmentally friendly farm conservation plan can increase profits by enhancing soil quality, improving herd health, and reducing unnecessary applications of fertilizers and pesticides.  AEM helps manage pollutants such as manure and fertilizer nutrients, handle barnyard runoff and process wastewater, conserve soil, prevent sedimentation, and protect drinking water.
If you would like to schedule a free, confidential AEM Risk Assessment for your farm, contact the Albany County Soil and Water Conservation District at (518) 765-7923 or .