Running a conventional farm allows the farmer to spray their crops for pests as well as treat their cows when they are sick. However, they take strict precautions to ensure that the foods they produce are safe for human consumption. Farmers use tilling practices that are low impact, and help to preserve the soil. In more recent years farmers have been using Global Positioning System technologies to spray their crops on a site specific basis, reducing any run off. Farmer’s treat their sick animals to ensure their welfare, similar to the care a parent gives to their sick child. Milk from a cow that has been given antibiotics is separated and dumped into the farms waste management systems. Milk from all farms, conventional and organic, is tested several times to ensure its safety and quality prior to being used for fluid beverages or dairy food production. All of these practices allow farms to produce more food on less land, reducing their carbon footprint and providing an affordable, abundant food supply for the world. River Haven Farm LLC was purchased in 1943 by the grandparents of Greg and Paul Mason. Their parents purchased the farm from their grandfather in 1970. Today they work 450 acres of land growing alfalfa and corn to feed their cows. The produce about 2,800,000 pounds of milk per year, which is shipped to Great Lakes Cheese in Adams, NY. The cows are housed in a freestall barn complete with waterbeds to ensure comfort. The cows are milked three times daily in an eight stall milking parlor. The farm has been a Dairy of Distinction since 1985, Conservation Farm of 1994, and received the Pride in America award from the National Soil and Water Conservation Service. The Mason family has always taken great pride in their farm by trying to keep the animals clean, healthy, and comfortable; in addition to keeping the buildings and grounds looking neat and presentable to the public.
River Haven Farm LLC 35712 State Route 12e Cape Vincent, NY 13618 Jeffersoncountydairyfarms.com
