Agricultural Environmental Management
Agricultural Environmental Management, or AEM, is a voluntary, incentive-based program for farmers led by their local Soil and Water Conservation Districts. AEM provides farmers with technical and financial resources to pursue science-based solutions to conservation concerns. The program takes a farm-by-farm approach to solutions for conservation and protects the privacy of farms participating. AEM also allows farms to document their positive contributions to environmental sustainability, water quality, and soil health.
Why should I consider participating in the AEM program?
AEM provides farmers with professionally trained conservation professionals who are qualified to address environmental stewardship concerns. Farms participating in AEM may also qualify for the New York State Grown and Certified program which helps farmers market their products.
How does AEM work?
The AEM Program takes a five-tier approach to gauge existing environmental practices and create new, farm-specific conservation plans.
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Tier 1 – Inventory current activities, interests, and potential environmental concerns of the farmer.
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Tier 2 – Document current environmental stewardship and assess and prioritize areas of concern.
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Tier 3 – Develop conservation plans addressing concerns and opportunities tailored to farm goals.
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Tier 4 – Implement plans using available educational, technical, and financial assistance.
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Tier 5 – Evaluate practices and plans for conservation and farm viability.
Let’s get started!
Fill out a Tier 1 worksheet or stop into our office at 7312 Route 31, Lyons where we can assist you in completing the worksheet. AEM Tier 1 Worksheet
Contact our Certified AEM Technicians!
Ron Thorn, District Manager
Email: Ron@wayneNYswcd.org
Ian Priestley
Email: Ian@wayneNYswcd.org
Our AEM 2021-2025 AEM Strategic Plan
More Information: AEM Program PowerPoint Presentation
Case Studies
Kyle and Whitney Furguson operate a first generation, 300 + cow dairy farm on 160 acres in the Town of Rose. The New York State Agriculture NonPoint Source Abatement and Control Program aided them in installing three systems, two Silage Leachate Control and Treatment Systems and a Composting System-Animal. The first Silage Leachate Control and Treatment System was installed to assist with nutrient management on the already established 80’ by 150’ bunk silo storage that has a concrete floor and earthen side walls to improve water filtration of those nutrients from entering head waters of Black Brook. A collection area, low flow separator, waste transfer, vegetative treatment area, and diversion were installed. This system is reducing the effluent and runoff produced from silage from entering either ground water or surface water body. The second Silage Leachate Control and Treatment System is looking to create a gravel based heavy use area for Ag Bags covering about a half acre, an access road, and a filter strip to reduce erosion and nutrient loading. The Composting System-Animal will be established to allow for the proper composting of animal carcasses while protecting surface groundwater and helping alleviate the cost of rendering services.
Steve and Susan Olson own and operate a 40 cow/calf beef farm, specializing in high quality meat production. The Olson’s farm falls directly within the critical areas of drainage for Black Brook, the headwaters of Butternut Run and Sodus Creek Watersheds. As stewards of the land, they are working with the AEM program to decrease pollution and improve farm operations. The Olson’s have implemented Best Management Practices (BMPs) through Phase 2 & 3 of our watershed program to improve their barnyard water management and manure handling with a composting facility, along with implementing various water management conservation practices on their crop fields to improve runoff and filtration of daily operations. This allows them to focus on conservation of the land and water while also tending to other needs of daily farm management. The project was implemented in the late months of 2013 and completed in the spring of 2014. Our Agricultural Specialist Terry Reynolds designed the project with farm management and water quality in mind. The Olsons continue to work with the AEM program to decrease pollution while improving their farm operations.​
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Scott and Amanda Mouton operate a family dairy farm directly within the critical areas of drainage for Sodus Creek. The Moutons have implemented Best Management Practices (BMPs) through Phase 1 of our watershed program to improve their manure storage facility, along with implementing various individual practices through conservation tillage and field rotation. The 100-cow dairy has made improvements in its barnyard area and storm water control at the farmstead and in adjacent fields. The project was installed in the late months of 2011 and completed January of 2012. Agriculture specialist Terry Reynolds designed the project with farm management in consideration. He stated, “The area near the bunk silo previously was unstable with no hard surface to provide a cleanable surface for spilled silage. This allowed clean water to mix with dirty water and mud. The project that was designed to take care of the problem consisted of installing millings, grading, and shaping to redirect surface water. Implementation stabilized the soil and prevents water contamination and runoff into the flow path of Sodus Creek.
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How- Bar Farms, is owned and operated by Scott Albrecht. This multi-generational farm is one year away from centennial status. In the farming world that is a huge accomplishment and honor. It is our greatest pleasure to assist owner and operator Scott Albrecht with installation of water quality Best Management Practices (BMP) that will not only improve the environment but also assist him with herd health and daily management operations.
The How- Bar Farms 60-cow milking facility will have updates both on the heifer and main barnyards to improve both stormwater and ground water management within the Canandaigua Outlet watershed.
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Scott Albrecht actively participated through the planning, design and implementation of the project. He shared, “This is a great program, not only for the landowner, but also for the benefit of the environment. It was great to have worked with such knowledgeable people.”
Best Management Practices are Barnyard Water Management System, Heavy Use Protection Area, and Laneway/Access Road for the Main Farm.
Water Quality Impacts:
• Reduced nutrient runoff from on farm sources
• Mitigation of storm water to animal living areas
• Filtering of water before it leaves farm area
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