NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – Environmentally friendly farms give the consumer greater confidence in the environmental sustainability of agriculture and encourages public support for the industry. This award gives recognition to the most outstanding equine farms and their environmental sustainability and management. We are accepting applications now!
All New Jersey horse farm owners are invited to apply for the award. Farms receiving the highest scores will receive a Gold Medal Equine Farm plaque to be displayed on their farm. Awards will be based upon environmental stewardship, general farm appearance, an implemented waste management plan, and adherence to the following points:
- Controlling animal access to the waters of the State.
- Storing manure at least 100 linear feet from surface waters of the State.
- “Water or waters of the State means the ocean and its estuaries, all springs, streams, and bodies of surface or ground water, whether natural or artificial, within the boundaries of the State or subject to its jurisdiction.”
- Applying manure using proper nutrient management practices.
- Minimizing odors from manure storage and application areas.
- Optimizing the beneficial use of nutrients from manure and bedding materials.
- Having a biosecurity program in place to minimize disease risk.
In addition, feed management and pasture management will be considered. Attractive background scenery, fencing, buildings, cleanliness, etc., which are important for making a good impression, shall also be weighed in judging. Soil erosion, water quality, stream bank and fencing management will also be considered. These awards, no more than 2-3 annually, will acknowledge outstanding management and be given only to a select few.
The program will give these farms recognition and will provide some free publicity when awarded at the Equine Science Center’s Evening of Science and Celebration and/or other New Jersey Department of Agriculture conferences or events.
The selection is completed by a pre-determined ranking process that requires both a producer application and an evaluative process. To be considered for the award applicants need to start by filing out an application.
- Gold Medal Application: Producers need to complete an application that includes general information about their farm (type, horse numbers, acreage, etc.), a copy of their AWMP/CNMP, and a self-assessment of their farm. A $100.00 application fee will be required of all applicants to go towards continuing the program. Applications will be due Oct. 20. These will be reviewed for completeness prior to judging.
The application can be found at: https://go.rutgers.edu/2024GMHFApplication,
The self-assessment can be found at: https://go.rutgers.edu/GMHFSelfAssessment
- The Review: A team of reviewers will walk through the farm and make recommendations about the farm. These recommendations have two uses: first, to evaluate the farm for suitability for the program, second to point out any deficiencies. The review team will be made up of members from RCE, NJDA, NRCS, and any other appropriate groups such as might be represented on the USDA-NRCS Technical Committee. Judging teams will visit farms during the end of October. The judges’ final ranking will be made, and results given to the Rutgers University Equine Science Center and the NJDA Division of Agricultural and Natural Resources.
- The Award: The award program may be used for subsequent advertising or promotion for environmental stewardship in New Jersey. Horse farms, who apply to participate in this program, if selected, agree to cooperate with promotional activities and make all reasonable efforts to maintain the level of environmental stewardship on their operations. Results will be announced at the Equine Science Center Evening of Science and Celebration the second week of November (Nov. 14th, 2024). Awards will also be given at the New Jersey State Agriculture Convention in February.
For more information please go to: https://go.rutgers.edu/ESC-GMHF