Storm Lake to Partner with Farmers on Water Quality Goals

Storm Lake has reached an innovative agreement with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources that allows an investment in conservation practices on farms to improve water quality and help the city’s water treatment plant meet state water quality goals.

Storm Lake became Iowa’s third community to sign such an agreement. Dubuque and Cedar Rapids reached similar agreements earlier this year.

Sand County Foundation, a national agricultural conservation non-profit, worked closely with these municipalities and the Iowa DNR to develop a model agreement that incentivizes cities and farmers within the same watersheds to address water quality together.

Ward & Rosie Burroughs, Burroughs Family of Farms Receives California Leopold Conservation Award

Ward and Rosie Burroughs, and the Burroughs Family of Farms have been selected as the recipient of the 2020 California Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to water quality, soil health and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.

In California, the prestigious award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Sustainable Conservation and the California Farm Bureau Federation.

The Burroughs were revealed as this year’s recipient during the California Farm Bureau Federation’s virtual Annual Meeting. The Denair area farm family receives $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected.

Hoy Family’s Flying W Ranch Receives Kansas Leopold Conservation Award

Josh and Gwen Hoy’s Flying W Ranch of Cedar Point has been selected as the recipient of the 2020 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. The Hoys were recently presented with $10,000 and a crystal award at a special ceremony at their ranch near Cedar Point.

In Kansas the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas.

Pace Family’s Half Circle Cross Ranch Receives Utah Leopold Conservation Award

Colby and McKenzie Pace’s Half Circle Cross Ranch of Coalville has been selected as the recipient of the 2020 Utah Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers and foresters who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. The Paces were presented with $10,000 and a crystal award at the Utah Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in Provo.

In Utah the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Western AgCredit and Utah Cattlemen’s Association.

Linda Rinta & Rinta Family Farm Receive New England Leopold Conservation Award

Linda Rinta and the Rinta Family Farm of West Wareham, Massachusetts have been selected as the recipient of the 2020 New England Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes those who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife resources in their care. Rinta, a cranberry grower, receives $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected.

In New England, the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, and regional partners: New England Forestry Foundation, American Farmland Trust-New England, and the Wildlands and Woodlands Initiative.

John and Melissa Eron Receive Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award

John and Melissa Eron of Stevens Point have been selected as the recipients of the 2020 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, American Farmland Trust, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

John and Melissa Eron were revealed as this year’s award recipient during the November 19 meeting of the Wisconsin Board of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in Madison. They receive $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected. A video celebrating their conservation success will be premiered during the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation’s virtual Annual Meeting on December 4.

Slate Ridge Dairy Farm Receives Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award

Slate Ridge Dairy Farm is the 2020 recipient of the Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers and foresters who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat resources in their care.

In Pennsylvania, the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, The Heinz Endowments, and Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

Ben and Sharon Peckman, who own and operate Slate Ridge Dairy Farm near St. Thomas receive $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected. The Franklin County dairy farmers were revealed as the recipients during the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s virtual Annual Meeting.

Cedar Rapids to Partner with Farmers on Water Quality Goals

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Cedar Rapids has reached an innovative agreement with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources that allows an investment in conservation practices on farms to improve water quality and help the city’s water treatment plant meet state water quality goals.

Cedar Rapids became Iowa’s second community to sign such an agreement. The City of Dubuque reached a similar agreement in April.

Sand County Foundation, a national agricultural conservation non-profit, worked closely with municipalities and the Iowa DNR to develop a model agreement that incentivizes cities and farmers within the same watersheds to address water quality together.

New Program Links Conservation Award Recipients with Underserved Farmers & Ranchers

Award-winning, conservation-minded landowners will soon be sharing their knowledge by serving as mentors for historically underserved farmers and ranchers.

Since 2003, the Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award has recognized nearly 150 farmers, ranchers and forestland owners nationwide for their efforts to improve soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat.

A $250,000 Conservation Collaboration Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will fund Sand County Foundation’s two-year pilot project to promote conservation outreach by its award recipients.

Finalists for Utah Leopold Conservation Award Selected

Three finalists have been selected for the 2020 Utah Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious 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, American Farmland Trust, Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Western AgCredit and Utah Cattlemen’s Association.

The finalists come from Beaver, Duchesne, and Summit counties.

Finalists for Missouri Leopold Conservation Award Selected

Five finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2020 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 in their care.

In Missouri the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Missouri Farmers Care (MFC), the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Finalists for 2020 California Leopold Conservation Award Selected

Three finalists have been selected for the 2020 California Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes those who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife resources in their care.

In California, Sand County Foundation presents the award with American Farmland Trust, and state partners: Sustainable Conservation and the California Farm Bureau Federation.

Dockter-Jensen Ranch Selected for North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award

The Dockter-Jensen Ranch is the recipient of the 2020 North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes private landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife resources in their care.

In North Dakota, Sand County Foundation presents the award with American Farmland Trust, North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition, North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts and the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association.

The Dockter and Jensen families farm and ranch near Denhoff in Sheridan County. They receive $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected for the award.

Sand County Foundation Receives Grant to Demonstrate Benefits of Grazing Cover Crops

Sand County Foundation will demonstrate the conservation and economic benefits of grazing livestock on cover crops.

A $249,205 grant by the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) Program supports Sand County Foundation’s three-year project with farmers in Wisconsin’s Baraboo River watershed.

“We will demonstrate that grazing cover crops positively impacts soil health, nutrient runoff reduction, and feed cost efficiency,” said Dr. Heidi Peterson, Sand County Foundation’s Vice President of Agricultural Research and Conservation.

Craig and Conni French Receive Montana Leopold Conservation Award

Craig and Conni French of Malta are the 2020 recipients of the Montana Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. Sand County Foundation and American Farmland Trust present the award in Montana with the Office of Governor Steve Bullock, Montana Department of Agriculture, and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Rangeland Resources Committee.

Craig and Conni French own and operate C Lazy J Livestock in Phillips County. They receive $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected.

Sang Lee Farms Selected for New York AEM-Leopold Conservation Award

Sang Lee Farms of Peconic has been selected for New York’s inaugural AEM-Leopold Conservation Award (LCA). Awarded by the Sand County Foundation, in partnership with the Department of Agriculture and Markets, the AEM-LCA award honors Sang Lee Farms, along with the Suffolk County Soil and Water Conservation District, for their efforts to protect the environment through the preservation of soil and water quality while ensuring farm viability for future generations.

EPIC Announces Water Data Prize

The Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) is excited to announce the Water Data Prize! The Prize is an open invitation for teams to imagine a new way of communicating water quality. See www.waterdataprize.com for all the details.

Finalists Selected for Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award

Three finalists have been selected for the 2020 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat resources in their care.

In Pennsylvania, the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, The Heinz Endowments, and Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

The three finalists come from Franklin, Lancaster and Perry counties.

Five Finalists Selected for Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award

Five farms will vie for the 2020 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers and foresters who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat in their care. In Wisconsin the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. The five finalists come from Columbia, Dodge, Lafayette, Portage and Trempealeau counties.

Sand County Foundation Submits Comments on USDA's Agriculture Innovation Agenda

Sand County Foundation has submitted comments on USDA's Agriculture Innovation Agenda. The department-wide effort to align USDA's resources, programs, and research to achieve an increase in U.S. agricultural production by 40 percent by 2050 while cutting ag's environmental footprint in half.

JRS Angus Farm Receives Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award

JRS Angus Farm of Lawrenceburg is the recipient of the 2020 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 21 states.

In Kentucky, the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Kentucky Agricultural Council, and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts.

James R. “Buddy” Smith receives $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected. He has implemented a rotational grazing program and other conservation practices to reduce soil erosion and improve water quality at his beef cattle farm in Anderson County.

Finalists Selected for 2020 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award

Three finalists have been selected for the 2020 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award^®. The finalists come from Chase, Lane and Riley counties. In Kansas the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas.

American Farmland Trust becomes National Sponsor of Leopold Conservation Award® Program

American Farmland Trust (AFT), a national leader in protecting agricultural land, promoting environmentally sound farming practices, and keeping farmers on the land, will join forces with Sand County Foundation to present the Leopold Conservation Award^® Program.

Sand County Foundation created and presents the Leopold Conservation Award in 21 states to farmers, ranchers and foresters who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat conservation on agricultural land. AFT will become a national sponsor of the award program.

Three Finalists Selected for 2020 North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award

Three finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2020 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. The finalists come from Grant, Pierce and Sheridan counties.

Check Out Our 2019 Annual Report

We're proud to share with you our interactive 2019 Annual Report.

We are grateful to each our our supporters and partners. We couldn't do this important work without you!

Three Finalists Selected for New York AEM-Leopold Conservation Award

Three finalists have been selected for New York’s inaugural AEM-Leopold Conservation Award. For the first time, New York’s longstanding Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Award has joined forces with the nationally recognized Leopold Conservation Award^® program.

In New York, Sand County Foundation presents the award with New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, American Farmland Trust and Cornell Cooperative Extension.

The three finalists come from Montgomery, Ontario and Suffolk counties.

Three Finalists Selected for Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award

Three finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2020 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award^®. In Kentucky, the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, the Kentucky Agricultural Council, and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts. The finalists for the $10,000 award come from Anderson, Meade and Woodford counties.

Two Finalists Selected for Montana Leopold Conservation Award

Two finalists have been selected for the prestigious Montana Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers, ranchers, foresters and other landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. This is second year the $10,000 award has been presented in Montana.

In Montana, Sand County Foundation presents the award with Governor Steve Bullock’s Office, Montana Department of Agriculture, and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Rangeland Resources Committee.

California Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Conservation pays in California. $10,000 to be exact.

Know a California farmer, rancher or forester who goes above and beyond in the care and management of natural resources? Nominate them for the 2020 California Leopold Conservation Award^® before July 15.

Sand County Foundation presents the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 20 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In California the $10,000 award is presented with Sustainable Conservation and California Farm Bureau Federation.

Midwest Schools Still Helping Pollinators

Despite school closures, a group of teachers and their students are helping imperiled insect pollinators and Monarch butterflies.

Earlier this year, 28 high school agriculture and science educators in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin received pollinator habitat grants from Sand County Foundation. Each was to receive 600 tiny native wildflower seedlings this spring that students would grow in their school’s greenhouse and later plant on school or farm properties. Despite the sudden hurdle of school closings, more than half of the teachers have found a way to proceed with the project.

Sand County Foundation Joins Field to Market

Sand County Foundation announced that it has joined Field to Market: The Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture, a leading multi-stakeholder initiative working to unite the agricultural supply chain in defining, measuring and advancing the sustainability of food, feed, fiber and fuel production in the United States.

Blair Brothers Angus Ranch to Receive South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award

Blair Brothers Angus Ranch of Sturgis has been selected to receive the 2020 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award^®. In conjunction with Earth Day, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Blair Brothers Angus Ranch 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.

Collins Ranch Receives Colorado Leopold Conservation Award

The Collins Ranch of Kit Carson have been selected as the recipient of the 2020 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award^®. The Collins Ranch is owned and operated by the Toby and Amy Johnson family of Cheyenne County. The conservation practices that the Johnsons have implemented on their cattle ranch have improved the wildlife habitat, water quality and grass and soil health. The award, given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes ranchers, farmers, and foresters who inspire others with their conservation efforts on private, working lands. The Johnsons will be presented with the $10,000 award on Thursday, July 30 at the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association’s 2020 Annual Convention held at the Colorado Springs Marriott in Colorado Springs.

Ed and Leta Olson Receive Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award

Ed and Leta Olson of Craig have been selected for the 2020 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts announced that the Burt County farmers would receive the prestigious award in advance of Earth Day.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation by American farmers, ranchers and foresters in 21 states.

In Nebraska, the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN), Cargill and the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Applications Due May 15

Know a North Dakota rancher, farmer or forester who goes above and beyond in the care and management of natural resources? Nominate them for the 2020 North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award^®. The award deadline has been extended to May 15, 2020. 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.

Saving the Monarch Butterfly

The Monarch butterfly is that rarest of creations, an invertebrate that everybody likes. Everybody.

But the butterfly is in trouble in parts of North America.

So what will it take to turn the monarch butterfly around?

Landmark Watershed Agreement Reached in Iowa

A first-of-its-kind agreement has been reached to allow Iowa municipalities to address water quality by working with farmers.

On Monday, April 6, the Dubuque City Council approved an agreement between the City of Dubuque and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The agreement, negotiated by an agricultural conservation group, allows Dubuque to meet certain State of Iowa water quality requirements by working with farmers located within the Apple-Plum, Grant-Little Maquoketa, and Maquoketa River watersheds.

Missouri Leopold Conservation Award Program Seeks Nominees

Know a Missouri farmer, rancher or forester who goes above and beyond in the care and management of natural resources? Nominate them for the 2020 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.

Leopold Conservation Award Comes to New York

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball has announced a new partnership with the Sand County Foundation to enhance New York State’s annual Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Award by combining it with the nationally recognized Leopold Conservation Award program.

The Leopold Conservation Award is now presented to farmers, ranchers and foresters in 21 states for ethically managing natural resources for improved water quality, soil health and wildlife habitat.

The deadline to apply for the award has been delayed by one month to May 15.

Finalists for Colorado Leopold Conservation Award Selected

Three finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2020 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award^®. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes ranchers, farmers, and foresters who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private, working lands. In Colorado 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 come from Cheyenne, Prowers and Rio Blanco counties.

Chuck & Ruth Coffey Family Receives Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award

The Chuck and Ruth Coffey family of Springer have been selected as the recipient of the 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 North America Inc. and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Coffeys were announced as this year’s recipient at the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Meeting. The Carter County cattle ranchers will receive $10,000 and a crystal award.

Brinker Farms Receives Missouri Leopold Conservation Award

Brinker Farms Inc. of Auxvasse was named the 2019 recipient of the Missouri Leopold Conservation Award^®. The award, named for renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes farmers, ranchers and foresters who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private 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). The Brinker family was honored with the award and commemorative crystal at the 2020 Missouri Natural Resources Conference on Feb. 5.

Mt-Glen Farms Receives Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award

Mt-Glen Farms has been selected for the 2019 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award^®. Dean and Rebecca Jackson own and operate the third-generation dairy farm located near Columbia Cross Roads in Bradford County. Mt-Glen Farms is known for protecting the environment while raising high-quality dairy cattle. The Jacksons use agricultural conservation practices that retain nutrients on the soil, while protecting water quality

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers, ranchers and foresters in 20 states who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.

The Jackson family was presented with $10,000 award and a crystal award at the 2020 Pennsylvania Farm Show, January 10 in Harrisburg. The award is presented in Pennsylvania by Heinz Endowments, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and Sand County Foundation.

Perspective: Wildfire Impact on Australian Wildlife

The world is watching news of Australian wildfires with concern. Ecologist Dr. Tim Male puts it into context for us.

Wisconsin Schools Receive Pollinator Grants

Fourteen Wisconsin schools have been awarded grants to establish habitat for imperiled insect pollinators and monarch butterflies. The pollinator habitat grants were awarded by Sand County Foundation to Wisconsin agricultural and science educators. Each grant recipient will receive native wildflower seedlings, a training webinar and consultation, and first-time grantees will receive a $1,000 grant for the school district or FFA chapter to offset project expenses.

Minnesota Schools Receive Pollinator Grants

Nine Minnesota high schools have been awarded grants to establish habitat for imperiled insect pollinators and monarch butterflies. The pollinator habitat grants were awarded by Sand County Foundation to Minnesota agricultural and science educators. Each grant recipient will receive native wildflower seedlings, a training webinar and consultation, and first-time grantees will receive a $1,000 grant for the school district or FFA chapter to offset project expenses.

Iowa Schools Receive Pollinator Grants

Five Iowa high schools have been awarded grants to establish habitat for imperiled insect pollinators and monarch butterflies. The pollinator habitat grants were awarded by Sand County Foundation to Iowa agricultural and science educators. 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.