Sand County Foundation Receives Grant to Accelerate the Adoption of Regenerative Agriculture

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation has awarded Sand County Foundation a three-year grant to accelerate the adoption of regenerative agriculture among private landowners in Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan watershed.

Sand County Foundation’s project will work with farmers to generate whole-farm conservation plans and outcome metrics in order to quantify the benefit 15,000 acres of new regenerative agriculture practices can have on water quality and biodiversity.

The project titled, “Fostering Technical Assistance to Advance Regenerative Agriculture in the Lake Michigan Basin” was awarded $300,000 through NFWF’s Sustain Our Great Lakes Program (SOGL), with support from General Mills and USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Persistence Creek Farm Receives First Maryland Leopold Conservation Award

Persistence Creek Farm of Faulkner has been selected as the recipient of the inaugural Maryland Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The Warring family's Persistence Creek Farm is a grain, seafood and timber business in Charles County. The Warring family was presented with the $10,000 award at the Maryland Farm Bureau’s Annual Convention in Cambridge on December 6.

Marie and Glenn Nader Receive California Leopold Conservation Award

Marie and Glenn Nader’s Witcher Creek Ranch in Modoc County has been selected as the recipient of the 2021 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 Naders were revealed as this year’s recipient during the California Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in Garden Grove. The Naders, who own ranchland in near Canby and Penn Valley receive $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected.

Tricia Verville Joins Sand County Foundation as Agricultural Systems Director

Sand County Foundation has named Tricia Verville as its Agricultural Systems Director.

Verville will lead Sand County Foundation’s regenerative agriculture initiative in Wisconsin’s Lake Michigan Basin, where she will work with farmer-led groups to achieve water quality and climate resiliency goals.

Dwane Roth Receives Kansas Leopold Conservation Award

Dwane Roth of Holcomb has been selected as the recipient of the 2021 Kansas 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 land, water and wildlife resources in their care.

In Kansas the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust, with state partners: Kansas Association of Conservation Districts and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas.

Roth is a grain farmer with a strong interest in water conservation and irrigation technology. He was announced as the recipient of the award at the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts’ 77^th Annual Convention in Wichita, and receives $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected.

Yardley Cattle Company Receives Utah Leopold Conservation Award

Yardley Cattle Company of Beaver has been selected as the recipient of the 2021 Utah 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.

The Yardley family was 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.

Oetting Homestead Farms Receives 2021 Missouri Leopold Conservation Award

Oetting Homestead Farms of Concordia, Missouri, located in Lafayette County, has been selected as the recipient of the 2021 Missouri Leopold Conservation Award^®. This award, named after 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, this award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Missouri Farmers Care Foundation, the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Steve and Sharon Oetting’s farm was announced as the award recipient during the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture in Osage Beach on November 18. For their recognition, the Oettings received a check for $10,000 and a crystal award.

Choiniere Family Farm Receives New England Leopold Conservation Award

Choiniere Family Farm of Highgate Center, Vermont has been selected as the recipient of the 2021 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. Dairy farmers Guy and Beth Choiniere receive $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 23 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In New England the $10,000 award is presented with New England Forestry Foundation; Wildlands, Woodlands, Farmlands & Communities; and American Farmland Trust-New England.

John and Dorothy Priske Receive Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award

John and Dorothy Priske of Fall River have been selected as the recipients of the 2021 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers and forestland owners 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 Dorothy Priske were revealed as this year’s award recipient at the November 18 meeting of the Board of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in Madison. They receive $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected.

Sand Ranch Selected for North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award

The Sand Ranch of Ellendale is the recipient of the 2021 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 national sponsor American Farmland Trust, and state partners: North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition, North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts and the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association.

Brad Sand, a rancher from Ellendale in Dickey County, receives $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected for the award.

Finalists Selected for Utah Leopold Conservation Award

Three finalists have been selected for the 2021 Utah 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.

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 are from Beaver, Duchesne and San Juan counties.

Muscatine to Partner with Farmers on Water Quality Goals

Muscatine 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.

Muscatine became Iowa’s fifth community to sign such an agreement. Ames, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, and Storm Lake have reached similar agreements.

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.

Four Finalists Selected for Maryland Leopold Conservation Award

Four finalists have been selected for the 2021 Maryland 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 lands.

In Maryland, the Leopold Conservation Award is presented by Sand County Foundation with state partners Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, Maryland Association of Conservation Districts, and Maryland Farm Bureau Inc. Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award in 23 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation.

Finalists Selected for 2021 California Leopold Conservation Award

Three finalists have been selected for the 2021 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.

The finalists are from Marin, Modoc and Sonoma counties.

Finalists for Missouri Leopold Conservation Award Selected

Three finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2021 Missouri 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 land, water and wildlife habitat in their care.

“The finalists for this year’s Leopold Conservation Award are excellent examples of family farms exhibiting the highest level of conservation,” said Scott Edwards, NRCS State Conservationist. “The commitment they have made to implement conservation and improve their operations is a true success story.”

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

Pollinator Grants Offered to High Schools

Sand County Foundation is now accepting applications from high school teachers for pollinator habitat grants.

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

Successful applications will receive prairie seeds and seedlings, a webinar and consultation, and $1,000 to support project expenses. The deadline to apply is November 19, 2021. To apply, visit www.sandcountyfoundation.org/SchoolGrants.

Finalists Selected for Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award

Three finalists have been selected for the 2021 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers and forestland owners 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 finalists are farmers from Columbia, Dodge and Lafayette counties.

Ute Creek Cattle Company Receives First New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award

Ute Creek Cattle Company of Bueyeros has been selected as the recipient of the inaugural New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Tuda Libby Crews and her husband Jack revitalized their ranchland in Harding County by removing invasive species and adopting a rest/rotation grazing system for their beef cattle. The Crews will be presented with the $10,000 award at the Quivira Coalition’s Regenerate 2021 event in Albuquerque, November 3-4.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 23 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In New Mexico, the award is presented with New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts, Quivira Coalition and New Mexico Coalition to Enhance Working Lands.

Tuda and Jack improved wildlife habitat by restricting grazing on six miles of riparian area, and established a 23-acre sanctuary dedicated to imperiled shortgrass prairie birds in 2014.

Finalists Selected for Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award

Three finalists have been selected for the 2021 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.

Hidden Hollow Hideaway Cattle & Guest Ranch Selected for Montana Leopold Conservation Award

Hidden Hollow Hideaway Cattle & Guest Ranch is the 2021 recipient 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 State of Montana, and the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation’s Rangeland Resources Committee.

Hidden Hollow Hideaway Cattle & Guest Ranch, located near Townsend in Broadwater County, is owned by the Flynn family. The late Kelly Flynn, who served in the Montana Legislature from 2010 to 2018, passed away earlier this year. The ranch is operated by his wife Jill Flynn and the families of their daughters, Shannon and Siobhan. The family receives $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected.

Finalists Selected for New England Leopold Conservation Award

Four finalists have been selected for the 2021 New England Leopold Conservation Award.

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

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 23 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In New England the $10,000 award is presented with New England Forestry Foundation; Wildlands, Woodlands, Farmlands & Communities; and American Farmland Trust-New England.

Finalists Selected for 2021 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award

Four finalists have been selected for the 2021 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes landowners 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, American Farmland Trust, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas.

Table Rock Farm Receives New York AEM-Leopold Conservation Award

Table Rock Farm of Castile, along with the Wyoming County Soil and Water Conservation District, has been selected for the distinguished award, which honors a farmer for its extraordinary efforts to protect the environment through the preservation of soil and water quality while ensuring farm viability for future generations.

F.L. Sipes Farms Receives Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award

F.L. Sipes Farms of Ekron is the recipient of the 2021 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 23 states.

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

Fred L. Sipes, who received $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected, accepted the award at the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts’ 77^th Annual Meeting in Lexington.

Finalists Selected for 2021 North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award

Two finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2021 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, Sand County Foundation and national sponsor, American Farmland Trust, present the $10,000 award with state partners: North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition, North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts and the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association.

Two Finalists Selected for New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award

Two finalists have been selected for the 2021 New Mexico 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 lands.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 22 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In New Mexico, the award is presented with New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts, Quivira Coalition and New Mexico Coalition to Enhance Working Lands.

Environmental Policy Innovation Center’s Jake Li Tapped for EPA Leadership Role

Nationally-recognized endangered species policy expert, Ya Wei (Jake) Li, who has served as the Environmental Policy Innovation Center’s (EPIC) Director of Biodiversity since 2017 and helped found the organization, has joined the US Environmental Protection Agency as a Deputy Assistant Administrator in the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention.

While at EPIC, Li was a national leader on endangered species law, including the intersection with chemicals regulation, as he developed innovative strategies to conserve imperiled species.

Three Finalists Selected for Montana Leopold Conservation Award

Three 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 the third year the $10,000 award has been presented in Montana.

EPA Awards ‘Farmer to Farmer’ Grant to Sand County Foundation

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Sand County Foundation a grant to empower farmers with real-time data about their conservation practices.

Sand County Foundation’s project will provide 30 collaborating farmers in Minnesota and Wisconsin with on-farm data of how their management influences soil trafficability, temperature, nutrient runoff potential, and other factors.

The project titled, “Show Me the Data! Empowering Conservation Champions with Innovative Real-Time Soil Metrics” was awarded $997,383 from the EPA. It’s one of 12 projects the EPA selected to receive “Farm to Farmer” grant funding totaling nearly $11 million.

Driftless Area to Benefit from Conservation Funding

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Sand County Foundation, and other partners are combining forces to address conservation issues in the Driftless Area of Wisconsin.

The USDA-NRCS Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) awarded $1.5 million for the project to Sand County Foundation.

“We’re looking forward to assisting landowners in making land management improvements across the ecologically important landscapes of the Driftless Area,” said Dr. Heidi Peterson, Sand County Foundation’s Vice President of Agricultural Conservation and Research. “By targeting conservation funding and technical assistance to grasslands and oak savannas, we will reduce erosion from vulnerable landscapes, and increase habitat for grassland birds and pollinators.”

Three Finalists Selected for New York AEM-Leopold Conservation Award

Three finalists who have been selected for New York’s Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM)-Leopold Conservation Award. Last year, New York’s longstanding AEM Award joined forces with the nationally recognized Leopold Conservation Award^® program to honor one farm, and its nominating Soil and Water Conservation District, for its outstanding efforts to promote and protect the environment through the preservation of soil and water quality while helping to ensure farm viability for future generations.

Three Finalists Selected for Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award

Three finalists have been selected for the 2021 Kentucky 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 lands.

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.

The finalists are landowners from Carlisle, Marion and Meade counties.

San Pedro Ranch to Receive Texas Leopold Conservation Award

San Pedro Ranch is the recipient of the 2021 Texas 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 Texas, the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation and national sponsor, American Farmland Trust, in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Lone Star Land Steward Awards program.

San Pedro Ranch, located near Carrizo Springs is owned by siblings Joseph Fitzsimons and Pamela Fitzsimons Howard and their families. The family will accept the state’s highest honor for private land conservation and its $10,000 award, at the 25^th Lone Star Steward Awards banquet, on May 27.

Prairie Paradise Farms to Receive South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award

Prairie Paradise Farms of Fort Pierre has been selected to receive the 2021 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award^®.

In conjunction with Earth Day, Governor Kristi Noem announced that Prairie Paradise 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, American Farmland Trust, the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association and the South Dakota Grassland Coalition.

Levi and Crystal Neuharth took over management of Prairie Paradise Farms from Levi’s father in 2016. Levi is a founding member and current chairman of the Soil Dakota Soil Health Coalition. The Neuharths grow a diverse rotation of crops on 2,500 acres of farmland, and rotationally graze beef cattle on 3,000 acres of grassland. The Neuharths credit regenerative agricultural practices with lessening the risks of volatile markets and weather.

Switzer Ranch Receives Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award

Switzer Ranch of Loup County has been selected as the recipient of the 2021 Nebraska 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 Nebraska, the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN), Cargill and the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

Bruce and Sue Ann Switzer along with their children, Sarah Sortum and Adam Switzer, own and operate Switzer Ranch. They were announced as the recipients by Governor Pete Ricketts in advance of Earth Day. The Switzers will be presented with the $10,000 award during a ceremony honoring them later this year.

May Ranch Receives Colorado Leopold Conservation Award

The May Ranch of Lamar has been selected as the recipient of the 2021 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The May Ranch is owned and operated by the Dallas and Brenda May family of Prowers County. The conservation practices that the Mays have implemented on their cattle ranch have improved the wildlife habitat, water quality and grass and soil health.

The Mays will be presented with the award on Monday, June 21 at the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association’s 2021 Annual Convention held at the Double Tree by Hilton in Grand Junction.

In Colorado the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Colorado Cattlemen’s Association, Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Ames to Partner with Landowners on Water Quality Goals

AMES, Iowa – Ames 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 pollution control facility meet future, more stringent nutrient reduction requirements.

Ames became Iowa’s fourth community to sign such an agreement. Dubuque, Cedar Rapids and Storm Lake reached similar agreements last 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.

Incentive Program Launched for Small Municipalities to Replace Their Lead Pipes

The Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) has announced the launch of a Lead-Free Water Challenge to help incentivize small municipalities to remove and replace their lead service lines. EPIC will select five municipalities or public water systems who will receive technical assistance, connections to resources and funders, policy guidance, and information-sharing through peer networks with the goal of removing all lead pipes.

EPIC encourages interested municipalities and small water systems to apply on the Lead-Free Water Challenge webpage, where they can find additional information on the program. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis through June 15, 2021.

Four Farms to Demonstrate Benefits of Rotational Grazing on Cover Crops

Sand County Foundation will work with four Wisconsin farmers to demonstrate the conservation and economic benefits of rotational grazing livestock on cover crops.

“By gathering feedback from experienced graziers in an environmentally-sensitive region, these case studies will help reduce the trial and error of grazing cover crops for farmers elsewhere,” said Dr. Heidi Peterson, Sand County Foundation’s Vice President of Agricultural Research and Conservation.

Sand County Foundation is a national non-profit that works at the intersection of agriculture and environmental improvement. Its three-year grazing project is supported by a grant from the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (NCR-SARE) Program.

Finalists for Colorado Leopold Conservation Award Selected

Three finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2021 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners 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, American Farmland Trust, 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 Prowers, Rio Blanco, and Routt counties.

The Victor Ranch Receives Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award

The Victor Ranch of Afton has been selected as the recipient of the 2020 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association, 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.

Grant and Donna Victor and their three sons own and operate Victor Ranch. They receive $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected. The Ottawa County ranchers were announced as the award recipient at the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Meeting.

Enrollment Open for Conservation Mentorships for Underserved Farmers & Ranchers

A new mentorship program is linking historically underserved farmers and ranchers with award-winning conservationists.

“There’s often a steep learning curve when it comes to adopting conservation practices in agriculture,” said Dr. Heidi Peterson, Sand County Foundation’s Vice President of Agricultural Research and Conservation. “Now historically underserved farmers and ranchers have access to a reliable network of conservation mentors.”

Schools Receive Pollinator Habitat Grants

Imperiled insect pollinators and monarch butterflies will get some help from high school students this year. Sand County Foundation is awarding pollinator habitat grants to agriculture and science programs at five high schools. Each school will receive native wildflower seedlings, a training webinar and consultation, and $1,000 for the school district or FFA chapter to offset project expenses.

Missouri Leopold Conservation Award 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 2021 Missouri Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Sand County Foundation, national sponsor American Farmland Trust, and state partners present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 22 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation.

In Missouri, the $10,000 award is presented annually with state partners: Missouri Farmers Care Foundation, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Fund for Lake Michigan Backs Phosphorus Reduction Efforts in Grafton

The Fund for Lake Michigan has awarded a grant to the Sand County Foundation, a national not-for-profit that works at the intersection of agriculture and environmental conservation, to continue its water quality initiatives in the Village of Grafton, Ozaukee County.

The $94,668 grant supports Sand County Foundation’s outreach to farmers to implement practices that reduce the amount of phosphorus entering local waterways. The award represents a two-year commitment to water quality in this municipality of the Milwaukee River watershed.

“Keeping soil and nutrients on farm fields and out of our waterways directly benefits agricultural business and our shared waters,” said Vicki Elkin, Executive Director of the Fund for Lake Michigan. “Simply put, Wisconsin’s farmers are key to improving Lake Michigan water quality.”

Joshlin and Addie Yoder Receive Missouri Leopold Conservation Award

Joshlin and Addie Yoder of Leonard, Missouri, located in Shelby County have been selected as the recipients of the 2020 Missouri Leopold Conservation Award^®. The award, named for renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private land.

Progress – but too little – on toxic lead water pipes

Using toxic lead to make water pipes seemed like a good idea for the 1,000+ years before we knew that lead was extremely harmful, especially to children’s brain development and also to cardiac health of all people. Now we know that no amount of lead exposure is safe. It is therefore very disappointing that the Environmental Protection Agency’s new regulation for toxic lead (and copper) in water and water pipes does not direct more proactive work to remove those pipes.

There are around 6-10 million toxic lead water pipes installed in homes, schools, and workplaces around America (be thankful not to live in the UK where approximately 40% of dwellings have lead pipes or elsewhere in Europe where that number varies from 5 to 50%).

Removing those pipes is a solvable health problem in under a generation and is necessary if we want to remove the threat of lead in drinking water.