CCE News

July 11, 2026

Ben Wever Farm has been selected as one of 3 finalists for New York's Agricultural Environmental Management-Leopold Conservation Award. Ben Wever Farm is owned by our Executive Director, Linda Gilliland, and her husband, Shaun.

This Annual Award Recognizes a New York Farm and its Nominating Soil and Water Conservation District for Dedication to Protecting the Environment.

The Award Recipient will be honored later this summer

Article in the Press Republican

Press Republican 11July26

Link to NY Ag and Mkts July 8 announcement:

NY Ag and Markets announcement

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Feb 18, 2026

Congratulations to our Executive Director, Linda Gillilland, and her husband, Shaun, of Ben Wever Farm, on receiving the New York Beef Producers Association and New York Beef Council 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award. See full article: Statewide Environmental Stewardship Award Presented to Champlain Valley Farm

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4-H in Our Community Clinton County 4-H: Positive growth, youth engagement.

With 20 clubs, CCE seeks mentors, volunteers for youth Public Presentation day

Sun Community News Dec 23, 2025

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Community Educators hosted a senior indoor herb garden glass

Press Republican article Oct 2, 2025

Kari Lamkins, CCE Educator, leads “Exploring Color with Chromatography” for children 

at the Champlain Memorial Library in July 2025.

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Executive Leadership Conference in Albany

Always great seeing Assemblyman D. Billy Jones, a strong advocate for farms and families in the North Country! We look forward to continuing our work with him. 

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Congratulations to our Executive Director Linda Gillilland

We would like to congratulate Shaun and Linda Gilliland of Ben Wever Farm on their Hugh Hammond Bennett Conservation Producer Award from the National Association of Conservation Districts Annual Meeting held in Salt Lake City, Utah. Ben Wever Farm integrates diverse practices and adaptive strategies to improve the environmental resilience and economic viability. Deeply engaged in their community, they host numerous educational and social events and lead various North Country Organizations.The Gillillands’ holistic and forward-thinking approach to farming ensures the sustainability and resilience of their farm, serving as an inspiration and model for other farmers and landowners.

Photo courtesy of Essex County Soil and Water Conservation District

Last updated July 29, 2026