Originally published by NYVT Media 1/30/2023
By Katie Jilek
Farmers play a role in climate change. But what is it? The northeast region of the United States is facing the impact of a rapidly changing climate, with prolonged periods of rainfall, droughts, and temperature extremes. Despite not being affected by the same level of natural disasters such as fires, tornadoes, and floods that other parts of the country have experienced, the effects of a warming climate are still being felt. This is why farmers and foresters play a critical role in helping to reduce the impact of climate change.
Carbon sequestration, in addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, is a crucial goal in the effort to slow down climate change. Plants are excellent at capturing and storing carbon, and farmers and foresters have the expertise and knowledge to grow these plants effectively. This makes them the perfect partnership in tackling carbon sequestration.
In recent years, farmers have been increasingly adopting agricultural conservation practices such as reduced tillage, the use of cover crops, and precision nutrient management. These practices not only benefit the environment but also make good economic sense. Reducing tillage limits the amount of carbon lost to the atmosphere, while keeping the ground covered with living plants enhances soil biology and structure, reducing erosion and loss of nutrients. Precision nutrient management ensures that crops receive just the right amount of nutrients, reducing the loss of nitrogen and phosphorus into lakes and streams.
Effective forest management can maximize carbon storage in trees while preserving wildlife habitats and providing the timber and wood products that our communities need. Agroforestry and silvopasturing practices add an extra benefit by producing food.
Protected farms across the northeast region are implementing these conservation practices. For example, locally, cover crops are being interseeded on Tiashoke (Buskirk, NY), Landview (White Creek & Hoosick, NY), and Hickory Hill Dairy (Pittstown, NY) farms. Permanent pastures and chestnut trees have been established on Otter Creek Farm (Pittstown, NY), while Hay Berry Farm (Hoosick, NY) has implemented contouring to reduce water runoff. Gibson Family Farm (Pittstown, NY) silvopastures their livestock and Wagner Dairy Farm (Brunswick and Poestenkill) is using a methane digester to further minimize its environmental impact.
These practices are truly inspiring and encourage us to limit and reverse the effects of climate change while also producing food, fiber, and timber. By taking action, farmers and foresters are helping to mitigate the impact of a rapidly changing climate and ensuring a more sustainable future for all.
The role of farmers and foresters in reducing the impact of climate change cannot be overstated. Through the adoption of agricultural conservation practices and effective forest management, these two groups are making a significant contribution to the global effort to slow down climate change. Their efforts to preserve and protect the environment, while also providing the essential food, fiber, and timber that society requires, make them valuable partners in the fight against climate change.
