Farming Bovina is pleased to announce three winners of the 2026 Farm Enhancement Grant. The grant program which launched just this year is intended to support farmers with agricultural projects in and around the Town of Bovina, New York.

These grants are made possible by funds raised at Bovina Farm Day, an agricultural festival now in its 16th year held annually on the Sunday before Labor Day. This new grant program is intended to make possible distinct farm-based projects that improve the efficiency, productivity, and profitability of local farmers actively engaged in the production of crops, livestock, dairy, honey, maple, fruit, trees, and other agricultural products.

And the winners are......

Farm: Sol Latus Livestock Company

Location: East Bramley Mountain Road, Bovina

Farmer: Jack Stanton

Farm Enhancement Grant: $2,150

Eighth-generation Bovina farmer Jack Stanton raises sheep and beef cows on some

500 acres that his family has farmed for more than 200 years. He has begun using

artificial insemination to improve the genetic composition of his expanding Angus-

Hereford herd. A headlock feeder wagon, supported in part by a Farm Enhancement

Grant, will allow Jack to more efficiently and safely breed his cows. As he puts it, the

feeder wagon “will allow me to bring the ‘barn’ to the cows.”

Farm: Humdinger Holsteins

Location: State Highway 10, Bloomville

Farmer: Trevor Holdridge

Farm Enhancement Grant: $1,650

Trevor Holdridge is taking over the operation of the 500-acre dairy farm started by his

parents almost 40 years ago. His mother grew up on a dairy farm in Bovina and his

father on a farm in Margaretville. With the assistance of a Farm Enhancement Grant,

Trevor will replace 13 deteriorated “mattresses” in his barn to provide comfortable beds

for his cows. The project promises to contribute significantly to the health and

production of his dairy herd. “Several local farms have used this particular type of

mattress and had good results,” wrote Trevor in his application.

Farm: Maplewood Farm & Orchard

Location: Miller Avenue, Bovina

Farmers: Duane and Karen LaFever

Farm Enhancement Grant: $525.00

Each fall, Duane and Karen LaFever and their family welcome a growing number of

locals and visitors alike to their 106-acre Maplewood Farm & Orchard in Bovina.

Favorite activities at their Fall Festival, now in its seventh year, include apple and

pumpkin picking, wagon rides, animal petting, and kids’ games, along with their

seasonal food and signature maple products. A Farm Enhancement Grant will help the

LaFevers to purchase five new picnic tables that will improve “the farm’s ability to serve

guests comfortably during peak fall events, supporting customer satisfaction, repeat

visits, and on-farm sales.”

Thanks to all who applied. Join us on Sunday, September 6th at Bovina Farm Day to celebrate all the winners.