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.

Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Are you an Oklahoma rancher, farmer or forestland owner improving soil health, water resources, and wildlife habitat on your working land? You can now apply or nominate for the 2023 Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 25 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Oklahoma the $10,000 award is presented with Noble Research Institute, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, ITC Great Plains, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may apply themselves. Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders from Oklahoma. The application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.

The application deadline date is August 15, 2023. Applications must be emailed to award@sandcountyfoundation.org.

Maryland Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Are you a Maryland farmer or forestland owner improving soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on your working land? You can now apply or nominate for the 2023 Maryland Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners in 25 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Maryland, the award is presented with state partners: Keith Campbell Foundation for the Environment, Maryland Association of Soil Conservation Districts, and Maryland Farm Bureau Inc.

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

Owners of farms or forests in Maryland may apply for the award themselves or be nominated. The application deadline is August 1, 2023.

Missouri Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Are you a Missouri farmer, rancher or forestland owner improving soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on your working land? Apply for the 2023 Missouri Leopold Conservation Award®.

Sand County Foundation, national sponsor American Farmland Trust, and state partners present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 25 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Missouri, the $10,000 award is presented annually with state partners: Missouri Farmers Care Foundation, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, and Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council.

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.

Applications Being Accepted for 2023 New York AEM Leopold Conservation Award

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today announced applications are being accepted for New York State’s 2023 Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Leopold Conservation Award.

Presented in partnership with the Sand County Foundation, the annual award honors a farm and its nominating Soil and Water Conservation District for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In New York the $10,000 award is presented in partnership with national sponsor American Farmland Trust, and state partner Cornell Cooperative Extension.

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.

Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Are you a Pennsylvania farmer or forestland owner improving soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on your working land? You can now apply or nominate for the 2023 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust, present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 25 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Pennsylvania, the $10,000 award is presented with state partners: The Heinz Endowments, Horizon Farm Credit, and Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

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

Utah Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Are you a Utah rancher, farmer, or forestland owner improving soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on your working land? Apply for the 2023 Utah Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 25 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Utah, the $10,000 award is presented with Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Western AgCredit and Utah Cattlemen’s Association.

Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of Utah’s agricultural and conservation leaders. The application deadline date is August 1, 2023. Applications can be emailed to award@sandcountyfoundation.org.

California Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

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

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 25 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In California the $10,000 award is presented with state partners: Sustainable Conservation and California Farm Bureau Federation.

Kansas Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

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

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 25 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Kansas, the $10,000 award is presented with Kansas Association of Conservation Districts, and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas.

The application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA. The application deadline date is June 1, 2023. Applications should be emailed to award@sandcountyfoundation.org.

Iowa Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Are you a farmer or forestland owner who is improving soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on your working land? Apply for the 2023 Iowa Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners in 25 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.

Given in honor of renowned conservation Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private, working land. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac”, Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

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

The application deadline is July 1, 2023.

New England Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Are you a New England farmer or forestland owner improving soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on your working land? Apply for the 2023 New England Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 25 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In New England the $10,000 award is presented with the New England Forestry Foundation.

Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Landowners may also nominate themselves. The application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.

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.

Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

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

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor, American Farmland Trust, present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 25 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Wisconsin the $10,000 award is presented annually with Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

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

The application deadline date is August 1, 2023. Applications must be emailed to award@sandcountyfoundation.org.

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.

North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

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

Sand County Foundation presents the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 25 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In North Dakota, the $10,000 award is presented 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.

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

Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award Seeks Nominees

Are you a Kentucky farmer or forester who improves soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on your working land? Apply for the 2023 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award^®.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 25 states for extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. In Kentucky, the $10,000 award is presented annually with the Kentucky Agricultural Council and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts.

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