Sand County Foundation Receives Federal Funding to Foster New Farmer-led Watershed Groups

Sand County Foundation has been awarded $13.8 million in Regional Conservation Partnership Program funds to advance farmer-led water quality improvement.

The award from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service will allow Sand County Foundation to initiate farmer-led watershed groups across Illinois, and to bolster existing groups in Wisconsin and part of Iowa. The funding will provide incentives and technical assistance for a variety of farm conservation practices.

David and Belinda Burrier Receive Maryland Leopold Conservation Award

David and Belinda Burrier of Union Bridge are the 2023 recipients of the 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.

The farm couple from Frederick County were revealed as the award recipient at the Maryland Farm Bureau’s Annual Convention on December 4. They 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 27 states. In Maryland the award is presented with Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, Maryland Association of Conservation Districts, and Maryland Farm Bureau Inc.

Park Farming Organics Receives California Leopold Conservation Award

Park Farming Organics of Meridian is the 2023 California Leopold Conservation Award® recipient.

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.

Park Farming Organics’ owners, Brian and Jamie Park, and Scott and Ulla Park, were presented with the award during the California Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting. The Park family 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 27 states. In California, the award is presented with Sustainable Conservation and the California Farm Bureau Federation.

Ray and Susan Flickner Receive Kansas Leopold Conservation Award

Ray and Susan Flickner of Wichita have been selected as the recipients of the 2023 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.

Bennion Ranch Receives Utah Leopold Conservation Award

Bennion Ranch of Vernon is the 2023 Utah Leopold Conservation Award^® recipient.

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.

Bennion Ranch was revealed as the award recipient at the Utah Farm Bureau’s Annual Meeting in Provo. Ranchers Alan and Elizabeth Mitchell receive $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected.

Cope Grass Farms Receives 2023 Missouri Leopold Conservation Award

Cope Grass Farms of Truxton, located in Montgomery County, Mo., has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Missouri Leopold Conservation Award®. The award honors farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who go above and beyond to manage soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Noll’s Dairy Farm Receives Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award

Noll’s Dairy Farm of Alma is the 2023 Wisconsin 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.

Noll’s Dairy Farm was revealed as the award recipient at the November 16 meeting of the Board of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection in Madison. Mark, Curtis, and Scott Noll and their families receive $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected.

Utah Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Three finalists have been selected for the 2023 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 Morgan, San Juan, and Tooele counties. 

New Local Fund Investing $1.4 Million to Fight Climate Change and Improve Water Quality in Western Lake Michigan Region

 The Daybreak Fund has announced $1.4 million in grants to nonprofits and community groups to help fight climate change, improve water quality, and address social inequities. Sand County Foundation is among the inaugural grantees. 

“This grant will allow us to deepen collaboration with farmers, providing them with the technology they need to act as first responders for the land,” said Heidi Peterson, Ph.D.​, Sand Count Foundation Vice President of Agricultural Research & Conservation.

Tom and Mimi Sidwell Receive New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award

Tom and Mimi Sidwell of Tucumcari have been selected as the recipients of the New Mexico 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 Sidwells, who own and operate JX Ranch in Quay County. Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 27 states. In New Mexico, the award is presented with New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts, Quivira Coalition, New Mexico Coalition to Enhance Working Lands and New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau.

California Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Two finalists have been selected for the 2023 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.

Finalists Selected for Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award

Two finalists have been selected for the 2023 Pennsylvania 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.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 27 states. In Pennsylvania, the award is presented with The Heinz Endowments, Horizon Farm Credit, and Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

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 what he called “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Jones Family Farms and Winery Receives New England Leopold Conservation Award

Jones Family Farms and Winery of Shelton, Connecticut has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 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. The Terry H. Jones family, who own and operate Jones Family Farms and Winery, 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 27 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In New England the award is presented with New England Forestry Foundation; and American Farmland Trust-New England.

Footprints in the Garden Receives Carolinas Leopold Conservation Award

Footprints in the Garden of Mount Olive, North Carolina has been selected to receive the inaugural Carolinas Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Erin Martin, owner and operator of Footprints in the Garden, is a seventh-generation farmer who grows fruits and vegetables with her family members for markets in five counties. She and other family members were presented with the $10,000 award at the Systems Change Conference in Statesville, North Carolina.

The Martins utilize cover crops, intercropping, and diverse crop rotations to build soil nutrients, retain moisture, and suppress weeds. Water is conserved with a micro-irrigation drip system. Forestland on the farm in Wayne County is managed to provide wildlife habitat.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award is presented to farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat on private, working lands.

Sand County Foundation to Expand Soil Health Management with Alabama, Mississippi Farmers

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Sand County Foundation a $1 million grant to empower farmers in Alabama and Mississippi with access to on-farm data to support their land management decisions toward improved climate resilience.

The project titled, “Building Soil Health and Resilient Conservation Advocates Through Collaboration and Data-sharing” is one of 11 projects the EPA selected to receive a “Farm to Farmer” grant with funding totaling more than $14 million.

Sand County Foundation, a national nonprofit organization that champions voluntary conservation on farmland, will partner with the conservation organizations across Alabama and Mississippi, and 24 farmers from Alabama and Mississippi on the three-year project. They will collect soil health samples and install CropX data-collecting soil sensors to provide farmers with information about how their farm management influences soil trafficability, temperature, nutrient runoff potential, and other climate resilience characteristics.

Finalists Selected for Maryland Leopold Conservation Award

Four finalists have been selected for the 2023 Maryland Leopold Conservation Award®.

In Maryland, the Leopold Conservation Award is presented by Sand County Foundation with state partners Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, and Maryland Farm Bureau Inc. Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award in 27 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. The finalists are from Carroll, Caroline, Frederick, Charles and Prince George counties. 

Dygert Farms Selected for New York AEM-Leopold Conservation Award

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball joined the Sand County Foundation to announce that Dygert Farms of Palatine Bridge has been selected for the 2023 New York Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM)-Leopold Conservation Award. The distinguished award honors a farm and its nominating Soil and Water Conservation District for their efforts to protect the environment through the preservation of soil and water quality.

Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Four finalists have been selected for the 2023 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 and forestland owners from Buffalo, Shawano, and Vilas counties.

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 Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, 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, consultation, and $1,000 to support project expenses. The application deadline is November 17, 2023. To apply, visit www.sandcountyfoundation.org/SchoolGrants.

Frey Family Farms Receives Illinois Leopold Conservation Award

Frey Family Farms of Dahlgren is the recipient of the inaugural Illinois 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 forestland owner in 27 states.

In Illinois the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, national sponsor American Farmland Trust, and state partners: IL Corn and Illinois Soybean Association.

Dennis and Jackie Frey were presented with the $10,000 award at the Farm Progress Show in Decatur on August 31. The Freys have implemented several conservation practices to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality, and enhance wildlife habitat at their beef cattle and grain farm in Hamilton County.

Loran Steinlage Receives Iowa Leopold Conservation Award

Loran Steinlage of West Union has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Iowa Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Loran, who owns and operates FLOLO Farms in Fayette County, will be formally presented with the $10,000 award this December at The Big Soil Health Event in Cedar Falls.

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 annually present the Leopold Conservation Award to farmers, ranchers and forestland owners in 27 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Iowa, the award is presented with state partners: Conservation Districts of Iowa, Farmers National Company, and Practical Farmers of Iowa.

Finalists Selected for New England Leopold Conservation Award

Four finalists have been selected for the 2023 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 27 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In New England the $10,000 award is presented with New England Forestry Foundation, and American Farmland Trust-New England.

The finalists are farms from Connecticut, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected in the Carolinas

Three finalists have been selected for the inaugural Carolinas Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award is presented in 27 states to farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat in their care.

In North Carolina and South Carolina the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, national sponsor American Farmland Trust, and regional partners: Carolina Farm Trust and Soil Regen.

Three Ranches Selected as Finalists for New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award

Three finalists have been selected for the 2023 New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers, forestland owners, and other 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 27 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.

The New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award will be presented this fall. The award recipient receives $10,000 and a crystal award. The finalists come from Colfax, Quay, and Sierra counties.

Kansas Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Four finalists have been selected for the 2023 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers, forestland owners, and other 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 27 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Kansas the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts and Ranchland Trust of Kansas.

The Kansas Leopold Conservation Award will be presented at the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts’ 79^th Annual Convention in Wichita in November. The award recipient will receive $10,000 and a crystal award.

Bartholomay Kattle Kompany Selected for North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award

Bartholomay Kattle Kompany of Sheldon is the recipient of the 2023 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.

Bartholomay Kattle Kompany is a partnership between Keith and Sandi Bartholomay, and their son Karl and his wife Becca. They manage more than 4,000 acres of cropland, native range, and pastures in Ransom County. The Bartholomays will be presented with $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected during the North Dakota Association of Soil Conservation Districts’ Annual Convention in November.

Veatch Farms Receives Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award

Veatch Farms of Campbellsville is the recipient of the 2023 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 forestland owner in 27 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.

Donald Veatch, who received $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected, accepted the award at the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Convention in Bowling Green on July 11.

Haleigh Summers Joins Sand County Foundation Team

Sand County Foundation has named Dr. Haleigh Summers its Agricultural Geospatial Data Scientist.

Sand County Foundation, based in Wisconsin, is a national non-profit that works at the intersection of agriculture and environmental improvement with farmers, ranchers, forestland owners and other land managers.

Summers will lead geospatial modeling efforts to target Sand County Foundation’s conservation initiatives that improve soil health, water resources, and wildlife habitat.

Three Finalists Selected for New York AEM-Leopold Conservation Award

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today announced that three finalists have been selected for New York’s Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM)-Leopold Conservation Award. New York’s longstanding AEM Award partnered with the Sand County Foundation’s nationally recognized Leopold Conservation Award^® program in 2020 to honor a farm and its nominating Soil and Water Conservation District for their efforts to promote and protect the environment through the preservation of soil and water quality while helping to ensure farm viability for future generations.

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 Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, 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, consultation, and $1,000 to support project expenses. This year the program will make two rounds of awards, with applications deadlines of August 10 and November 17, 2023. To apply, visit www.sandcountyfoundation.org/SchoolGrants.

Illinois Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

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

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award is presented in 27 states to farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat in their care.

The finalists are farm families from Champaign, Hamilton and Vermilion counties.

Kurt & PJ Myllymaki Selected for Montana Leopold Conservation Award

Kurt and PJ Myllymaki of Stanford are the 2023 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 Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation, and the Rangeland Resources Committee.

Samuel Kwakye Joins Sand County Foundation Team

Sand County Foundation has named Dr. Samuel Kwakye its Agricultural Field Data Scientist.

Sand County Foundation, based in Wisconsin, is a national non-profit that works at the intersection of agriculture and environmental improvement with farmers, ranchers, forestland owners and other land managers.

Kwakye will design and develop Sand County Foundation’s field demonstration activities and lead data analysis for agricultural conservation initiatives.

Brown Ranch Receives Texas Leopold Conservation Award

Brown Ranch is the recipient of the 2023 Texas Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who are improving soil health, water resources, and wildlife habitat on their working land.

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.

The state’s highest honor for private land conservation and its $10,000 award will be presented to Mark and Cheryl Brown of La Grange at the Lone Star Steward Awards banquet on May 25.

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, and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.

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.

The finalists come from Granite, Judith Basin, and Madison counties.

Three Finalists Selected for Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award

Three finalists have been selected for the 2023 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 own farms in Anderson, Carlisle, and Marion counties.

New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Are you a New Mexico farmer, rancher of forestland owner who improves soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on your working land? Apply for the 2023 New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award^®.

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 New Mexico, the award is presented with New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts, Quivira Coalition, and New Mexico Coalition to Enhance Working Lands (NMCEWL).

Nominations and applications for the New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award are now being accepted. The application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA. The application deadline has been extended to June 26, 2023.

Water Partnership Leaders

This National Drinking Water Week we salute the farms and ranches across America who are conservation leaders. Meet three Leopold Conservation Award recipients from California, New York, and Texas who are part of innovative water partnerships.

Teachers in the Classroom and on the Land

On 2023's Teacher Appreciation Day and Teacher Appreciation Week, we celebrate farmers and ranchers who have also worked as educators. When not in the classroom, each has shared their experience with agricultural conservation with other landowners.

Slovek Ranch Receives South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award

The Slovek Ranch of Philip has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 South Dakota 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 the land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.

In South Dakota, the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, and the South Dakota Grassland Coalition.

Slovek Ranch is owned and operated by the Bill and Pennie Slovek family.

Aldo, Earth Day & a Land Ethic

Earth Day 2023 falls just one day after the anniversary of Aldo Leopold's untimely death.

Read Dr. Stan Temple's beautiful summary of the "land ethic" that Leopold described in his conservation classic, A Sand County Almanac.

Dr. Temple is a University of Wisconsin Emeritus Professor and Sand County Foundation Board of Directors member.

LeValley Ranch Receives Colorado Leopold Conservation Award

LeValley Ranch has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The LeValleys raise beef cattle in Delta and Montrose counties. The conservation practices they have implemented are improving wildlife habitat, water quality, and soil health.

The award, given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who inspire others with their voluntary conservation efforts on private, working lands.

The LeValleys will be presented with the award in June at the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association’s Annual Convention in Steamboat Springs.

Trumler Ranch Receives Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award

Trumler Ranch of Rockville has been selected as the recipient of the 2023 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.

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 Nebraska, the award is presented with Alliance for the Future of Agriculture in Nebraska (AFAN), Cargill and the Nebraska Environmental Trust.

Chris and Jenifer Trumler and their sons raise beef cattle and own the 930-acre Trumler Ranch in Buffalo, Howard, Hall, and Sherman counties. The Trumlers will be presented with $10,000 and a crystal award at the AFAN annual meeting in November.

2023 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Finalists have been selected for the prestigious 2023 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.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to landowners in 27 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, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, American AgCredit, CoBank, Farm Credit of Southern Colorado, and Premier Farm Credit.

The finalists are from Colorado Springs, Hotchkiss, and Rush, Colorado.

Burlington Partnering with Farmers on Water Quality Goals

The City of Burlington has reached an innovative agreement with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. It allows investment in conservation practices on farms to improve water quality while helping its city water treatment plant meet state water quality goals.

Burlington became Iowa’s eighth community to sign such an agreement. Ames, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Muscatine, Storm Lake, Forest City, and Mason City have reached similar agreements with the Iowa DNR.

Sand County Foundation 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.

Improving Soil Health with Rotational Grazing

Meet four farm and ranch families who are finding environmental and economic success with rotational grazing practices. These innovators received Leopold Conservation Awards in Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and Wisconsin in 2022.

Leopold Conservation Award Comes to the Carolinas

A prestigious award program celebrating voluntary conservation on farmland and forestland is coming to the Carolinas.

The Leopold Conservation Award^® recognizes agricultural landowners who inspire others with their dedication to ethical land, water and wildlife habitat management. The award is named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac”, Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust annually present the Leopold Conservation Award to farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners in 27 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In North Carolina and South Carolina the award is presented with state partners: Carolina Farm Trust and Soil Regen.

Smith Family Farms Receives Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award

Smith Family Farms of Elk City has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 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.

Jimmy and Cathy Smith and their adult children, Spencer and Calli, are cotton growers from Beckham County. The Smiths were presented with $10,000 and a crystal award at the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Meeting on February 27.

Iowa Communities Partnering with Farmers on Water Quality Goals

Forest City and Mason City have reached innovative agreements with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources that allow investment in conservation practices on farms to improve water quality and help their city water treatment plants meet state water quality goals.

Forest City and Mason City became Iowa’s sixth and seventh communities to sign such an agreement. Ames, Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, Muscatine, 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.

Soil Health Success Stories

Meet four farmers who are finding environmental and economic success with soil health practices. These innovators received Leopold Conservation Awards in Kansas, Kentucky, Iowa, and Missouri in 2022.

Making Room for Wildlife Among Livestock and Crops

Meet families from Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah who received the Leopold Conservation Award for showing how successful ranches can make room for wildlife amid their livestock and crops.

Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm Receives Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award

Flinchbaugh’s Orchard & Farm of York County is the 2022 recipient of the 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, Horizon Farm Credit, and Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

The Flinchbaugh family was revealed as the award’s recipients at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. They receive $10,000 and a crystal award for being selected.