New York Farm Receives Regional Environmental Stewardship Award

NEW ORLEANS (Feb. 1, 2023) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced today that Lamb Farms, Inc. in Oakfield, New York, was selected as one of seven regional winners of the 2022 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP). The farm was recognized during the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans.

“Farming and ranching families across the country continue to incorporate practices that protect and preserve land and water resources for future generations,” said NCBA President Don Schiefelbein. “These regional winners represent the cattle industry’s commitment to environmental stewardship.”

Established in 1991, ESAP celebrates outstanding land stewards in the cattle industry. The regional winners will compete for the national award, which will be presented during NCBA’s Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., April 24-27, 2023. The 2022 Environmental Stewardship Award Program Regional Winners are:

• Region I: Lamb Farms, Inc., Oakfield, New York
• Region II: Carter Cattle Company, LLC, Pintlala, Alabama
• Region III: Huth Polled Herefords and S&H Livestock Enterprises, LLC, Oakfield, Wisconsin
• Region IV: Parks Ranch, Goliad County, Texas
• Region V: Mannix Brothers Ranch, Helmville, Montana
• Region VI: Fulstone Ranches, Smith, Nevada
• Region VII: Jorgensen Land & Cattle Partnership, Ideal, South Dakota

“Lamb Farms is an exemplary family dairy operation that is committed to environmental conservation and sustainability,” said John Dickinson, Northeast Dairy Producers Association chair. “Through early adoption of sustainable practices and technology and their participation in ongoing research, Lamb Farms demonstrates their commitment to continuous improvement and providing opportunities for the next generation of farmers.” 

The Lamb and Veazey families farm more than 12,000 acres over three locations as part of their dairy operation. Located within three watersheds, Lamb Farms, Inc. has made it a priority to operate their dairy with environmental practices at the forefront of their management decisions. By implementing strip tilling practices, the farm has dramatically reduced ground disturbance, allowing earthworms, fungi and other soil organisms to thrive, improving the farm’s soil health. The farm also uses a cover crop program which helps reduce the need for fertilizers and herbicides, prevents erosion and protects water quality. Two anaerobic digestors also capture methane and generate energy for electricity and clean natural gas.

“Our goals are to produce the highest standard of milk quality in an environmentally and cow friendly manner, while building a strong employee/team setting and creating a positive image in our community,” said Jonathan Lamb with Lamb Farms, Inc. “Three generations and 13 family members use their unique areas of expertise to help us achieve these goals.”

ESAP is generously sponsored by companies and federal agencies who share the cattle industry’s commitment to caring for the environment and protecting natural resources. Sponsors including U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Corteva Agriscience, McDonald’s, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partner with NCBA to promote environmental stewardship throughout the beef supply chain. 

###