Dec 19, 2019
The United Soybean Board has awarded a grant to the Sand County Foundation to demonstrate how prairie filter strips can improve water quality and increase biodiversity on soybean farms. The $107,500 grant supports Sand County Foundation’s work with farmers and conservation partners in three Midwestern watersheds.
Read MoreDec 09, 2019
Rominger Brothers Farms of Winters has been selected as the recipient of the 2019 California Leopold Conservation Award®. Sand County Foundation created the Leopold Conservation Award to inspire American landowners by recognizing exceptional farmers, ranchers and foresters. The prestigious award, named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, is given in 20 states. The award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, Sustainable Conservation and the California Farm Bureau Federation. Rominger Brothers Farms, Inc. of Yolo County received $10,000 and a crystal award at the California Farm Bureau Federation Annual Meeting.
Read MoreDec 02, 2019
Sand County Foundation has named Bartlett Durand its Director of Water Quality Partnerships. Durand joins Sand County Foundation to facilitate agreements that allow municipalities and utilities to achieve water quality goals by working with farmers and agriculture groups.
Read MoreNov 25, 2019
Ted Alexander of Sun City has been selected as the recipient of the 2019 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award®. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes those who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife resources in their care. In Kansas the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas. Ted Alexander was presented with $10,000 and a crystal award at the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts’ 75th Annual Convention in Wichita on November 25.
Read MoreNov 25, 2019
Gene and Christine Goven are the recipients of the 2019 North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award®. In North Dakota, the $10,000 award is presented with North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition, North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts and the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association. The Govens, who farm and ranch near Turtle Lake, were presented with a crystal award and $10,000 at the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts’ Annual Convention in Bismarck on November 25.
Read MoreNov 22, 2019
JY Ferry & Son, Inc. has been selected as the recipient of the 2019 Utah Leopold Conservation Award®. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers, ranchers and foresters who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In Utah the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Western AgCredit and Utah Cattlemen’s Association. The Ferry family was presented with the $10,000 award and a crystal award November 22 at the Utah Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention in Layton.
Read MoreNov 14, 2019
Three finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2019 Utah Leopold Conservation Award®. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers, ranchers and foresters who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In Utah the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Western AgCredit and Utah Cattlemen’s Association. The finalists are from Box Elder, Kane and Summit counties.
Read MoreNov 12, 2019
Milton Ranch has been selected as the recipient of the inaugural Montana Leopold Conservation Award®. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers and foresters who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In Montana, the Office of Governor Steve Bullock, Montana Department of Agriculture, and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Rangeland Resources Committee, present the award with Sand County Foundation. Bill and Dana Milton of Roundup, Montana, were presented with $10,000 and a crystal award at the Montana Farm Bureau Federation’s Convention in Billings on November 12.
Read MoreNov 07, 2019
Lake Family Farms from Dunn County has been selected as the recipient of the 2019 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award®. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers and foresters who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In Wisconsin the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association.
Read MoreNov 05, 2019
High school students in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin can help establish habitat for imperiled insect pollinators and monarch butterflies as part of a pollinator habitat grant program offered by the Sand County Foundation. Agriculture and science educators in the three states are encouraged to apply for $1,000 grants to involve their high school students in raising native wildflowers and transplanting them in rural areas.
Read MoreOct 22, 2019
Nominations are now being accepted for the prestigious Leopold Conservation Award® honoring agricultural landowners in Colorado who demonstrate outstanding stewardship and management of natural resources. Sand County Foundation, the nation’s leading voice for conservation of private land, presents the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 20 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Colorado, the $10,000 award is presented with the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, and USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Read MoreSep 24, 2019
Insect pollinators will soon find more homes on potato and vegetable farms. About 20 acres of habitat for insect pollinators will be established in central and southwest Wisconsin this fall, thanks to a cost-matching agreement between four large potato farms and Sand County Foundation.
Read MoreSep 23, 2019
Three finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2019 Missouri Leopold Conservation Award®. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers, ranchers and foresters who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In Missouri the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, Missouri Farmers Care (MFC), the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).
Read MoreSep 18, 2019
Bill Hull of Pomfret Center, Connecticut is the recipient of the first annual New England Leopold Conservation Award®. Hull founded Hull Forest Products, Inc. to preserve working forests, grow trees, and manufacture wood products and sustainable building materials. He was presented the award and a special proclamation from Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont during Connecticut Day at The Eastern States Exposition. The award, given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation and management of natural resources by American foresters, ranchers and farmers in 20 states.
Read MoreSep 12, 2019
Three finalists have been selected for the prestigious Montana Leopold Conservation Award®. This is first year the $10,000 award has been presented in Montana. Sand County Foundation presents the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 20 states with a variety of conservation, agricultural and forestry organizations. In Montana, Governor Steve Bullock’s Office, Montana Department of Agriculture, and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Rangeland Resources Committee, present the award with Sand County Foundation.
Read MoreSep 09, 2019
Three finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2019 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award®. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers and foresters who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In Wisconsin the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association. The finalists come from Clark, Columbia and Dunn counties. The recipient will be announced in November.
Read MoreSep 09, 2019
Two finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2019 Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award. In Oklahoma the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, Noble Research Institute, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, ITC Holdings Corp., Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Enel Green Power and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Read MoreSep 03, 2019
Three finalists have been selected for the 2019 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award®. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers and foresters who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In Pennsylvania, the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and Heinz Endowments. The finalists come from Bradford, Crawford, and Perry counties.
Read MoreAug 26, 2019
Three finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2019 California Leopold Conservation Award®. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes those who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife resources in their care. In California, the award is presented with Sustainable Conservation and the California Farm Bureau Federation. The finalists come from Kings, Stanislaus, and Yolo counties.
Read MoreAug 14, 2019
Five finalists have been selected for the first annual New England Leopold Conservation Award. This marks the first year the award will be presented in New England.
Sand County Foundation, New England Forestry Foundation, and American Farmland Trust-New England, will present the $10,000 award to the recipient during The Eastern States Exposition (The Big E) in September.
Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award celebrates voluntary conservation by farmers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to ethical land, water and wildlife habitat management.
Read MoreJul 23, 2019
Four finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2019 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award®. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes those who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife resources in their care. In Kansas the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas. The finalists are: Ted Alexander, Vance and Louise Ehmke, Dwane Roth, and Z Bar Ranch.
Read MoreJul 10, 2019
Dr. James W. Middleton of Munfordville is the recipient of the 2019 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award®. The prestigious award, given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation and management of natural resources by American farmers, ranchers and foresters in 20 states. In Kentucky, the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, the Kentucky Agricultural Council, and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts. Dr. Middleton was presented with the $10,000 award at the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts Convention on July 9.
Read MoreJul 08, 2019
Meet families from California, Kansas, Nebraska and Texas who received the Leopold Conservation Award for showing how successful farms and ranches can make room for wildlife amid their crops and livestock.
Jun 24, 2019
"When land does well for its owner, and the owner does well by his land; when both end up better by reason of their partnership, we have conservation."
Aldo Leopold's words still ring true today.
Meet four Leopold Conservation Award recipients who prioritize soil health on their farms.
Read MoreJun 20, 2019
Three finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2019 North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award®. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes private landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife resources in their care. In North Dakota, the $10,000 award is presented with North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition, North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts and the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association.
Read MoreJun 14, 2019
National Pollinator Week is June 17-23
On the last day of school, a group of Beaver Dam High School freshmen had one more assignment to finish. Joined by their agri-science and natural resources classmates, they deboarded a bus at a local farm armed with trays of wildflowers. It was their way of contributing to a national effort to provide habitat for imperiled insect pollinators and monarch caterpillars.
Read MoreJun 10, 2019
Meet four farm and ranch families who are showing how grazing livestock leads to environmental and economical success.
Read MoreMay 16, 2019
Killam Duval County Ranch is the recipient of the 2019 Texas Leopold Conservation Award®. The prestigious award, given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation and management of natural resources by American ranchers, farmers and foresters in 20 states. In Texas, the award is presented by Sand County Foundation in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Lone Star Land Steward Awards program. Duval County Ranch, located near Freer is owned by David Killam, and managed by David Kitner. Killam accepted the crystal award depicting Aldo Leopold, the state’s highest honor for private land conservation, and $10,000 at the 24th Lone Star Steward Awards dinner in Austin, May 16.
Read MoreMay 08, 2019
A prestigious award that celebrates voluntary conservation by farmers and forestland owners is coming to New England. The Leopold Conservation Award®, recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to ethical land, water and wildlife habitat management on agricultural land. Sand County Foundation will present the annual award in partnership with New England Forestry Foundation and American Farmland Trust-New England. New England’s first award recipient will receive the $10,000 award later this year.
Read MoreMay 06, 2019
Sand County Foundation has named Dr. Heidi M. Peterson its Vice President of Agricultural Research and Conservation. Peterson joins Sand County Foundation with significant leadership, teaching, and research experience surrounding agricultural conservation and water quality issues. She will lead the Foundation’s agricultural conservation team and set its strategic direction in research, and farmer and rancher engagement.
Read MoreApr 29, 2019
Three finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2019 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award®. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes private landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife resources in their care. In Kentucky, the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, the Kentucky Agricultural Council, and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts.
Read MoreApr 22, 2019
Johnson Farms of Frankfort has been selected for the 2019 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award®. In conjunction with Earth Day, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Johnson Farms would receive the prestigious award, given in honor of renowned conservationist, Aldo Leopold. It recognizes private landowners who inspire others with their dedication to the land, water and wildlife resources in their care. In South Dakota, the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association and the South Dakota Grassland Coalition. Alan and Mickie Johnson, with their son Brian and his wife Jamie, farm 1,800 acres of cropland and 500 acres of grassland in Spink County. They will be presented with the $10,000 award, and a crystal depicting Aldo Leopold, at the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association’s Annual Convention in December.
Read MoreApr 18, 2019
LINCOLN Neb. – Russ, Angela, and Cheyenne Sundstrom are the recipients of the 2019 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award®. The Sundstroms own and operate Broken Box Ranch in Moorefield, Nebraska. Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts presented the Sundstroms with a $10,000 award, and a ranch sign recognizing them as Leopold Conservation Award recipients, at a special ceremony in the Nebraska State Capitol in Lincoln on April 18. In Nebraska. the award is presented by Sand County Foundation, Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN), Cargill, and the Nebraska Environmental Trust.
Read MoreApr 17, 2019
Mike and Julie Livingston of Kit Carson County have been selected as the recipient of the 2019 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award®. In Colorado the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Livingstons will be presented with the $10,000 award on Monday, June 17 at the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association’s 2019 Annual Convention held at the Steamboat Grand in Steamboat Springs.
Read MoreApr 03, 2019
Four finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2019 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award®. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes private landowners who inspire others with their dedication to the land, water and wildlife resources in their care. In South Dakota, the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association and the South Dakota Grassland Coalition.
Read MoreMar 11, 2019
Three finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2019 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award®. The $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. The finalists are: Livingston Ranch of Stratton, Off Ranches of Del Norte, and Gregg, Chris and Brad Stults of Wray. The recipient will be revealed in April, prior to Earth Day.
Read MoreMar 11, 2019
Know a Missouri farmer, rancher or forester who goes above and beyond in the care and management of natural resources? Nominate them for the 2019 Missouri Leopold Conservation Award®. In Missouri, the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, Missouri Farmers Care, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes those who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.
Read MoreFeb 25, 2019
Russ and Jani Jackson of Kiowa County have been selected as the recipient of the 2018 Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award®. In Oklahoma the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, Noble Research Institute, the Oklahoma Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, and ITC Holdings Corp. Their name was revealed as this year’s recipient at the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts’ Legislative Banquet. They were presented with a $10,000 award and a crystal depicting Aldo Leopold.
Read MoreFeb 21, 2019
Ten Minnesota high schools have been awarded grants to establish habitat for imperiled insect pollinators and monarch butterflies. The pollinator habitat grants were awarded to Minnesota agricultural and science educators by Sand County Foundation and Enel Green Power North America Inc. Each grant recipient will receive native wildflower seedlings, a training webinar and consultation, and a $1,000 grant for the school district or FFA chapter to offset project expenses.
Read MoreFeb 18, 2019
Twelve Wisconsin schools have been awarded grants to establish habitat for imperiled insect pollinators and monarch butterflies. The pollinator habitat grants were awarded to Wisconsin agricultural and science educators by Sand County Foundation, We Energies Foundation, Syngenta, Bayer Crop Science, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and Dairyland Power Cooperative. Each grant recipient will receive native wildflower seedlings, a training webinar and consultation, and a $1,000 grant for the school district or FFA chapter to offset project expenses.
Read MoreFeb 14, 2019
Dan Stoffel farms with his brothers on Washington County’s rolling terrain in southeast Wisconsin. We asked him about the progress of a prairie strip project he is conducting on his land with Sand County Foundation.
Read MoreFeb 14, 2019
David Bailey of Liberty, Utah has been hired to manage Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award program in western states. Bailey will manage the award program in California, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota and Utah. He joins Sand County Foundation with broad experience in agriculture and working directly with farmers and ranchers.
Read MoreJan 11, 2019
The DiFebo family’s Harvest Home Farms has been selected as the first recipient of the 2018 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award®. The DiFebo family was presented with a $10,000 award and a crystal depicting Aldo Leopold at the 2019 Farm Show, January 11 in Harrisburg. The award is presented in Pennsylvania by Heinz Endowments, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and Sand County Foundation.
Read MoreJan 10, 2019
Scherder Farms of Frankford has been selected as the recipient of the 2018 Missouri Leopold Conservation Award®. The prestigious award honors Missouri farmers’ achievement in voluntary stewardship and natural resources management.
Scherder Farms consists of 3,500 acres in the Peno Creek watershed. John and Sandy Scherder farm with their daughter, Holly, and son-in-law, Curtis, growing corn, soybeans, wheat, hay, and beef cattle. The family implements conservation practices including cover crops, innovative seeding methods and crop rotations to preserve wildlife habitat, promote soil health and reduce erosion. Other conservation practices include constructing grass waterways, terraces, and sediment basin structures.
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