Conserving farmland brings significant benefits to our community by strengthening the farm-to-market pipeline with a steady supply of fresh local produce. This process supports local and regional food markets and suppliers, boosts the economy, and promotes sustainability, which benefits both farmers and consumers.
Bauer Agriculture is one example of how agricultural lands conserved by the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust have a positive impact on our food supply.
“Corn is our primary crop. When we grow it, we let the plant fully mature and dry down, harvesting it for its grain as opposed to chopping it for silage,” says owner Austin Bauer, who farms several hundred acres of land now owned by the Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust.
Bauer leases the land, which is part of the David S. Smith Public Conservation Area in LeRay. In addition to corn, they also occasionally grow soybeans and wheat as a crop rotation to help promote soil health and sustainability.
A large majority of the grain that they harvest ends up in the local and regional livestock industries, ultimately supporting the strong dairy industry prevalent in upstate New York. In addition, a smaller portion of our grain does make its way into ethanol plants where it is used
as an energy ingredient and into export markets.
“While our grain does not immediately go from the field to human consumption, it is a necessary component in so many different consumer foods from dairy products to fresh meat to baked goods — without the grain, these foods would not be able to make it to market for
consumers to enjoy,” adds Bauer.
Protected farmland contributes significantly to food security by maintaining a reliable supply of fresh produce, especially during supply chain disruptions. This local distribution network reduces transportation costs and environmental impact, creating a win-win situation for both businesses and the community.