Farmers today are faced by different problems than in generations past. With the increasing awareness of the importance of environmental stewardship and the increasing costs of business, more farmers are turning to programs to help address these concerns.

The Agricultural Environmental Management program, or AEM, is a five-tiered approach that works to incorporate better environmental and economical practices on the farm. Administered through the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Districts, this voluntary and confidential program looks at many aspects of the farm, including areas like manure storage, milkhouse waste, pathogens, pesticide use and storage, recycling, fuel storage, as well as areas like habitat protection and enhancement.

From this information, a customized whole farm plan is developed. By having a farm-by-farm plan, the program is able to concentrate on the specific needs of the farmer and watershed.

Currently, there are more than 10,000 farms across New York state that participate in the AEM program.

The five tiers are completed in order and used to determine where the farm is in the planning and implementing process. The five tiers are broken down as follows:

• 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 conservation plans addressing concerns and opportunities tailored to farm goals.

• Tier 4 - Implement plans utilizing available financial, educational and technical assistance.

• Tier 5 - Evaluate to ensure the protection of the environment and farm viability.

AEM is not only for large farms, but small farms can also benefit from the program. All types of farms can participate, including dairies, beef, horses, cash crop and wineries.

The AEM program is also an important first step in finding solutions and funding to solve issues. Funding mainly comes from state and federal grant programs and is used to install Best Management Practices (BMPs).

Grants are awarded to cover some of the project expenses and the rest of the project is paid for by the farm. Grant opportunities are a competitive process and not every farmer that applies will have his/her project funded.

This program has helped several farmers within the Owasco Lake Watershed to achieve more environmentally-friendly farming practices or techniques. With more than 50 percent of the Owasco Lake Watershed landmass in agricultural production, it is important to find ways in which the interests of both the farming community and the non-farming community can be addressed.

By working together, we can maintain our rural landscape, our farming enterprises, and most importantly, the water quality of Owasco Lake, which serves as a drinking water source for more than 40,000 people in Cayuga County.

To learn more about the program visit www.nys-soilandwater.org/aem/index.html or contact the Soil and Water Conservation District.

Jessica Miles is the Owasco Lake Watershed inspector.