ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Some farms in Tompkins County will benefit from state funding.

On April 10, State Senator Lea Webb announced that a $122,700 grant is headed to the Tompkins County Soil and Water Conservation District (TCSWCD).

TCSWCD will use the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program money to support two farms by expanding grazing acreage and planting trees on pastureland.

“As we all collect ourselves and recover from over 2 inches of rain in less than 12 hours across Tompkins County on the first day of April 2026, we are reminded of how critical conservation practices need to work in harmony with productive agriculture to feed our growing population,” said TCSWCD Board Chair Callan Space. “We are so delighted to be able to help fund and journey along with 2 more farms in our county through their process of upgrading their rotational grazing and silvopasture systems. These systems help keep livestock out of sensitive waterway areas and limit the stress to the soil from animal traffic/grazing, erosion, and heat through tree planting and highly managed animal pasturing.”

The trees will not only provide shade and shelter for livestock but will also increase on-farm benefits by adding trees that can also produce timber, fruit, nuts, or fodder. According to Senator Webb’s office, this project is estimated to reduce greenhouse gases by 32 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year.