Location: Town of Chili, Wayne County
Size: 132 acres
Description: The Steimer Farm Operation is predominantly a high-end hay farm, with soybeans and winter wheat as secondary crops.
The farm strives to produce the highest quality hay for the horse market. The hay is an alfalfa & timothy mix, harvested to 50 pound bales, stored, and sold locally throughout the entire year. The average yield is 5.25 ton/acre on a dry matter basis, from two to three cuttings per season. The yield is equivalent to 210 bales/ acre.
Soybeans are sold at markets in Livingston County and average about 53 bushels/acre, with a 60 pound test weight.
The winter wheat is of the soft red type for pastry flour. It is generally sold to The Star of the West Milling in nearby Churchville, NY. The l 0-year average wheat yield is 65 bushels/acre, also with a test weight of near 60 pounds/bushel. Additionally, the farm harvests the straw of the wheat crop and has an average yield of 1.6 ton or 85 bales per acre.
Rye grass is planted as a cover crop to reduce potential of erosion and help maintain soil tilth. The farm worked with Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) to develop its first Conservation Plan in 1967, with updates in 1978, 1983, and 1987. During that time they designed and installed most of their soil and water conserving practices and structures. Practices include field layout in contour strips based on elevation and slope, crop rotation, grassed field waterways and buffers. Structures include grassed sediment filtering basins, diversion ditches, and an extensive subsurface soil drainage system.
Soil testing is carried out annually by Cornell University's Agro-One lab. Nutrient management is then based on Cornell recommendations for the specific soil and planned crop of those fields. The farm has completed a Tier 2 Agricultural Environmental Management plan. According to Jeremy Paris, SWCD Technician, the Steimer Farm is a model for implementing conservation practices.
History: In the mid 70’s, Bill and Audrey Steimer purchased the farm from his parents who operated a dairy since 1960. The farm was transitioned to crops because of Bill’s off-the-farm employment at that time. Bill’s father continued to be an integral part of the operation for many years. Bill and his father were awarded the 1980 Monroe County Conservation Farmer of the Year Award by SWCD.