Wendy Mariko Johnson Receives Iowa Leopold Conservation Award

Wendy Mariko Johnson of Charles City has been selected as the 2024 Iowa Leopold Conservation Award^® recipient.

The $10,000 award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Wendy Mariko Johnson, who operates Center View Farms and Joia Food and Fiber Farm in Floyd County, was presented with the award at The Big Soil Health Event in Cedar Falls.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Iowa, the award is presented with Conservation Districts of Iowa and Practical Farmers of Iowa.

Hutchison Brothers Receive Maryland Leopold Conservation Award

Hutchison Brothers of Cordova have been selected as the 2024 recipients of the Maryland Leopold Conservation Award®.

The $10,000 award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Hutchison Brothers is a 3,400-acre crop and poultry farm in Talbot County, owned and operated by Bobby, Richard, David, Travis, and Kyle Hutchison. The Hutchisons were presented with the Maryland Leopold Conservation Award at the Maryland Farm Bureau’s Annual Convention on December 8.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Maryland the award is presented with Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, Maryland Association of Conservation Districts, and Maryland Farm Bureau Inc.

Bowles Farming Company Receives California Leopold Conservation Award

Bowles Farming Company of Los Banos is the 2024 California Leopold Conservation Award® recipient.

The $10,000 award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Cannon Michael, Bowles Farming Company President, was presented with the award during the California Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting on December 9.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In California, the award is presented with Sustainable Conservation and the California Farm Bureau Federation.

Terry K. Maxwell Receives Mississippi Leopold Conservation Award

Terry K. Maxwell of Inverness has been selected as the recipient of the inaugural Mississippi Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in the management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Maxwell owns and operates Hopeso Farms in Sunflower County. The award was presented at the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting. He receives $10,000 for being selected.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust will present Leopold Conservation Awards to landowners in 28 states this year. In Mississippi the award is presented with the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation.

Dawn and Grant Breitkreutz Receive Minnesota Leopold Conservation Award

Dawn and Grant Breitkreutz of Redwood Falls have been selected as the recipients of the inaugural Minnesota Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

The Breitkreutzes, who own and operate Stoney Creek Farm, were presented with the $10,000 award at the Premier Soil Health Event in Mankato.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Minnesota, the $10,000 award is presented with state partners Minnesota Soil Health Coalition and Soil Regen.

Barby Ranch Receives Kansas Leopold Conservation Award

Barby Ranch of Clark and Comanche counties has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in the management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Barby Ranch’s owners, Bill and Debbie Barby, were presented with the award at the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Convention. They receive $10,000 for being selected.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust will present Leopold Conservation Awards to landowners in 28 states this year. In Kansas the award is presented with the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas.

Flying M Ranch Receives Utah Leopold Conservation Award

Flying M Ranch of Hansel Valley has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Utah Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Flying M Ranch’s owners, Tim and Laurie Munns, were presented with the award at the Utah Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting. The Munnses receive $10,000 for being selected.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust will present Leopold Conservation Awards to landowners in 28 states this year. In Utah the award is presented with Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Western AgCredit, and Utah Cattlemen’s Association.

Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award®.

The $10,000 award honors ranchers, farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Nebraska, the $10,000 award is presented with Cargill, Nebraska Cattlemen, and the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Adamski Family Receives Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award

The Adamski family of Seymour has been selected as the 2024 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award^® recipient.

The $10,000 award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Rick Adamski and Valerie Dantoin, who own and operate Full Circle Farm, were revealed as the award recipient at the November 14 meeting of the Wisconsin Board of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in Madison. 

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Wisconsin the award is presented with Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

Montana Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Montana Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The $10,000 award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 28 states. In Montana, the award is presented with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and the Montana Rangeland Resources Program.

Award nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. The nomination form can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA. The nomination deadline is March 3, 2025.

Colorado Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award®.

The $10,000 award honors ranchers, farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

The nomination deadline date is February 7, 2025.

Maine Forestland Owners Receive New England Leopold Conservation Award

David Moskovitz and Bambi Jones of Whitefield, Maine have been selected as the recipients of the 2024 New England Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in the management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Moskovitz and Jones, own and operate Hidden Valley Farm, were presented with the award during a special presentation. They receive $10,000 for being selected.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust will present Leopold Conservation Awards to landowners in 28 states this year. In New England the award is presented with New England Forestry Foundation and American Farmland Trust-New England.

Four Farms are Finalists for Mississippi Leopold Conservation Award

Four finalists have been selected for the inaugural Mississippi Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Mississippi the $10,000 award is presented with the Mississippi Farm Bureau.

Sunnyside Farms Selected for New York AEM-Leopold Conservation Award

Sunnyside Farms of Scipio Center has been selected for the New York Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM)-Leopold Conservation Award. The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in the management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Brothers Greg and Neil Rejman, who own and operate Sunnyside Farms, were presented with the award at a special ceremony on October 10. Sunnyside Farms encompasses 7,500 acres nestled between Cayuga and Owasco Lakes.

South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations are now being accepted for the 2025 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award®. The $10,000 award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In South Dakota, the award is presented with the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association and the South Dakota Grassland Coalition.

The nomination form can be found at sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA. The nomination deadline is March 7, 2025.

Finalists Selected for Maryland Leopold Conservation Award

Four finalists have been selected for the 2024 Maryland Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Maryland, the $10,000 award is presented with state partners: Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, and Maryland Farm Bureau Inc.

Haleigh Summers Accepted into an International Conservation Leader Program

Dr. Haleigh Summers has been accepted into the 2025 class of the Soil and Water Conservation Society’s (SWCS) Emerging Leaders Program.

Summers is an Agricultural Geospatial Data Scientist for Sand County Foundation, a national nonprofit that works at the intersection of agriculture and environmental improvement. She uses soil and water data and geospatial models to quantify the impact of Sand County Foundation’s conservation projects.

Recognized as the premier international organization for professionals shaping the future of natural resource conservation, SWCS has chosen Summers for her outstanding commitment to the science and art of conservation. She will join a group of up-and-coming leaders in conservation that are spread across several countries and disciplines.

California Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Three finalists have been selected for the 2024 California Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In California, the $10,000 award is presented with Sustainable Conservation and the California Farm Bureau Federation.

Finalists Selected for Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award

Three finalists have been selected for the 2024 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Pennsylvania, the award is presented with The Heinz Endowments, Horizon Farm Credit, and Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

Four Finalists Selected for Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award

Four finalists have been selected for the 2024 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Wisconsin the $10,000 award is presented with state partners: Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

Russell Hedrick Receives Carolinas Leopold Conservation Award

Russell Hedrick is the recipient of the 2024 Carolinas Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in the management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Russell, a farmer from Hickory, North Carolina was presented with the $10,000 award at the Systems Change Conference in Statesville, North Carolina on Sept. 9.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust will present Leopold Conservation Awards to landowners in 28 states this year. In the Carolinas the award is presented annually with Carolina Farm Trust.

Lanford Livestock to Receive New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award

Lanford Livestock of Truth or Consequences has been selected as the New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award^® recipient.

The $10,000 award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Dick and Megan Lanford, who own and operate Lanford Livestock in Sierra County, will be formally presented with the award this fall.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 28 states. In New Mexico, the award is presented with New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts, New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau, and Quivira Coalition.

Finalists Selected for New York AEM-Leopold Conservation Award

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced that three farm families have been selected as finalists for New York’s Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM)-Leopold Conservation Award: Humbert Farms (Wayne County); Sunnyside Farms (Cayuga County); and Ben Wever Farm (Essex County). The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Four Finalists Selected for Minnesota Leopold Conservation Award

Four finalists have been selected for the inaugural Minnesota Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Minnesota, the $10,000 award is presented with state partners: Minnesota Soil Health Coalition and Soil Regen.

Two Ranches Selected as Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award Finalists

Two finalists have been selected for the 2024 Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Oklahoma, the award is presented with Noble Research Institute, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, ITC Great Plains, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Four Finalists Vie for Iowa Leopold Conservation Award

Four finalists have been selected for the 2024 Iowa Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Iowa, the $10,000 award is presented with state partners: Conservation Districts of Iowa and Practical Farmers of Iowa.

Finalists Selected for New England Leopold Conservation Award

Four finalists have been selected for the 2024 New England Leopold Conservation Award.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 28 states. In New England the $10,000 award is presented with New England Forestry Foundation, and American Farmland Trust-New England.

Richard Lyons Receives Illinois Leopold Conservation Award

Richard Lyons of Harvel is the recipient of the 2024 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in the management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Richard Lyons, a farmer from Montgomery County, was presented with the award at the Illinois State Fair on Aug. 9. He receives $10,000 for being selected.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust will present Leopold Conservation Awards to landowners in 28 states this year. In Illinois the award is presented annually with IL Corn and Illinois Soybean Association.

Two Ranches Selected as New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award Finalists

Two finalists have been selected for the 2024 New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In New Mexico, the award is presented with New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts, New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau, and Quivira Coalition.

Heaton Ranches to Receive North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award

Heaton Ranches of McKenzie has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Heaton Ranches is owned and operated by Lewis and Sherry Heaton, and Colleen and Albert Kershaw. The graze 800 cow-calf pairs on 14,000 acres of rangeland and grow 6,000 acres of crops. They will be presented with $10,000 and a crystal award during the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts’ Annual Convention in November.

Kansas Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Three finalists have been selected for the 2024 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Kansas the $10,000 award is presented with Kansas Association of Conservation Districts and Ranchland Trust of Kansas.

Wickens Salt Creek Ranch to Receive Montana Leopold Conservation Award

Wickens Salt Creek Ranch of Hilger has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Montana Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in the management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Wickens Salt Creek Ranch’s owners, Eric and Emma Wickens, will be presented with the award at the Montana Farm Bureau Annual Convention in November. They receive $10,000 for being selected.

Whispering Hills Farm Receives Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award

Whispering Hills Farm of Lawrenceburg is the recipient of the 2024 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in the management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Whispering Hills Farm’s owners, Mike and Tammy Wilson, were presented with the award at the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Convention on July 16. They receive $10,000 for being selected.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust will present Leopold Conservation Awards to landowners in 28 states this year. In Kentucky, the award is presented annually with the Kentucky Agricultural Council, and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts.

New York AEM-Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Annual award recognizes a New York farm and its nominating Soil and Water Conservation District for dedication to protecting the environment. The recipient will be honored later this summer.

Illinois Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Three finalists have been selected for the 2024 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land. Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 28 states. In Illinois the award is presented with IL Corn and Illinois Soybean Association.

Eli Halverson Joins Sand County Foundation as Agricultural Field Specialist

Sand County Foundation has named Eli Halverson as its Agricultural Field Specialist. Halverson will provide technical support for Sand County Foundation’s agricultural conservation team, coordinating and conducting field data collection for farms across nine Midwestern states.

Leopold Conservation Award Comes to Mississippi

A prestigious award program that celebrates voluntary conservation efforts on farms, ranches, and forestland is coming to Mississippi.

The Leopold Conservation Award® honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor, American Farmland Trust, present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Mississippi the award is presented with the Mississippi Farm Bureau Federation.

MT7 Ranch Receives Texas Leopold Conservation Award

MT7 Ranch is the recipient of the 2024 Texas Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Mike and Mary Terry, owners of the MT7 Ranch located near Breckenridge, will be presented with the state’s highest honor for private land conservation and its $10,000 award at the Lone Star Steward Awards banquet later this month.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 27 states. In Texas the award is presented in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Lone Star Land Steward Awards program.

Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Three finalists have been selected for the 2024 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 27 states. In Kentucky, the $10,000 award is presented with Kentucky Agricultural Council and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts.

Montana Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Three ranch and farm families are finalists for the Montana Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The award honors ranchers, farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 27 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Montana, the $10,000 award is presented with the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and the Rangeland Resources Committee.

Jake Hamill to Receive Colorado Leopold Conservation Award

Jake Hamill has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors ranchers, farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Hamill, a cattle rancher and owner of Hamill Ranch in Moffat County, will be presented with the award in June at the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association’s Annual Convention. He receives $10,000 for being selected.

Homer Buell Elected Sand County Foundation Chairman

Homer Buell has been elected chairman of the board of Sand County Foundation.

Buell, a cattle rancher from Rose, Nebraska, was first elected to Sand County Foundation’s Board of Directors in 2014. He succeeds Lynne Sherrod, a Colorado cattle rancher who has served as chairman since 2015. Sand County Foundation is a national nonprofit organization working at the intersection of agriculture and environmental improvement.

“Homer brings tremendous experience and landowner perspective to this role. We’re grateful to have him at the helm,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.

Blioux River Ranch Receives South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award

Blioux River Ranch of Castlewood has been selected as the recipient of the 2024 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award®.

The $10,000 award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 27 states. In South Dakota, the award is presented with the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association and the South Dakota Grassland Coalition.

Father and son, Barry and Eli Little, own and operate Blioux River Ranch in Hamlin County. They will be formally presented with the South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award at the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association’s Annual Convention in December.

Worth Ranch Receives Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award

Worth Ranch of Springview is the recipient of the 2024 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Cork and Janet Worth raise beef cattle and own the 8,000-acre Worth Ranch in Keya Paha County. The Worths will be presented with $10,000 and a crystal award at the AFAN annual meeting in November.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 27 states. In Nebraska, the award is presented with Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN), Cargill and the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

Colorado Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Three cattle ranches are finalists for the 2024 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors ranchers, farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

The finalists include Camblin Livestock and McIntyre Ranch of Maybell, Hamill Ranch of Hamilton, and Wagon Wheel Ranch of Yuma.

Leopold Conservation Award Comes to Minnesota

A prestigious award program that celebrates voluntary conservation efforts on farms, ranches, and forestland is coming to Minnesota.

The Leopold Conservation Award® honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor, American Farmland Trust, present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 27 states. In Minnesota the award is presented with state partners: Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, and Soil Regen.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may apply themselves. The Illinois application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA

Marty Williams Receives Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award

Marty Williams of Red Rock is the recipient of the Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award®.

The award honors farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Marty, a farmer from Noble County, was revealed as the award recipient at the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Meeting on February 26. 

Jimmy Bramblett Joins Sand County Foundation Board

Jimmy Bramblett of Richland, Georgia, has joined the board of directors of the Sand County Foundation, a national nonprofit working at the intersection of agriculture and environmental improvement.

Bramblett is co-owner of Rolling Timbers Farm, where he prioritizes timber production, wildlife habitat and resource conservation. He served the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) for more than 33 years in roles as the agency's Deputy Chief for Programs, Deputy Chief for Science and Technology, and State Conservationist of Wisconsin.

“We are thrilled to bring Jimmy’s extensive conservation leadership and perspective to our board,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.

Utah Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Nominations and applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Utah Leopold Conservation Award®.

The $10,000 award honors ranchers, farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 28 states. In Utah the award is presented with state partners: Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Western AgCredit and Utah Cattlemen’s Association.

The application deadline date has been extended to August 26, 2024.

Schools Receive Pollinator Habitat Grants

Sand County Foundation is awarding pollinator habitat grants to agriculture and science programs at 16 high schools in Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

This competitive grant program gives high school students hands-on experience growing native wildflowers and establishing habitat for imperiled insect pollinators and monarch butterflies.

Grant recipients receive native seeds and seedlings, consultation, and $1,000 to support project expenses.

Myers Family Farm Receives Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award

Myers Family Farm of Spring Mills is the 2023 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award® recipient.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Brothers Joel and Don Myers, who own and operate Myers Family Farm, received the award at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg on January 8. They receive $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected.