LAMB FARMS, INC.
Region I
Oakfield, New York
Lamb Farms, Inc. from Oakfield, New York, is a family dairy whose commitment to reducing waste led them to becoming the region I ESAP winner. “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.” This family farm strives to improve their efficiency and stewardship efforts every year. They know that if they are not improving, they won’t be able to farm the land that sustains them. Lamb Farms, Inc. thinks outside of the box by using materials that some people might see as waste and repurpose it to feed their community.
Region II
CARTER CATTLE COMPANY, LLC Pintlala, Alabama
“Cattle and a clean environment go hand in hand,” said Will Carter of Carter Cattle Company, LLC. This Alabama farm has been in Carter’s family since the 1820s, when they settled in the area, and they are taking every action to ensure it can be around for another 100 years. Will and Monnie Carol Carter's children are the seventh generation on the land. “The Carter family is the embodiment of farmers and ranchers being the original environmental stewards,” said Michelle F. Elmore, Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association executive secretary. “The Carters strive to expand their education, apply hard work and new innovations to leave a more sustainable farm to future generations and provide a safe, healthy food supply.” Sustainability began as a lifestyle more than a practice seven generations ago when the farm was established. The Carters make management decisions with the future in mind, utilizing rotational grazing for their forage-based feeding program. Rotational grazing has been vital to improving the overall health of the farm ecosystem, soil health, forage base, watershed, livestock and wildlife. Through conservation incentives offered under the Watershed Project and Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), the Carters installed 2,000 feet of water lines to two new water troughs, protected 1,250 square feet of heavy use areas and built 1,300 feet of fence to exclude cattle from Pintlala Creek. These efforts help the Carters utilize the land in the most effective way for their cow herd while protecting natural resources. In addition, being good stewards doesn’t stop at the farm gate, as both Will and Monnie Carol are veterinarians who care for other animals in their community. “We are in the cattle business, but we are in the grass business first,” said Will. “Our job is to manage the grass and allocate it to the cattle that then take the resource and produce something of greater value.” Will and Monnie Carol are thankful that their son and daughter are eager and active with raising the cattle, and they take an interest in the practices their parents use to nurture the land. 26
NATIONAL CATTLEMEN
SPRING DIRECTIONS 2023