Two Ranches Selected as New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award Finalists

Two finalists have been selected for the 2024 New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award^®.

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.

Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In New Mexico, the award is presented with New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts, New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau, and Quivira Coalition.

The finalists are:

Hibner Ranch of Cebolla in Rio Arriba County: Before retiring as a soil scientist with a natural resources agency, Charles Hibner applied a variety of conservation practices at the 250-head cattle ranch he owns with his wife Verna. Range renovations of bush hogging, discing, and reseeding have increased forage availability. These practices have also bolstered the soil’s organic matter, and its ability to infiltrate water and sequester carbon.

Lanford Livestock of Truth or Consequences in Sierra County: Dick and Meagan Lanford rotationally graze beef cattle and raise pastured poultry to improve their soil’s health. They have installed bat boxes, stacked large brush piles for quail habitat, and planted wildlife-friendly legumes in their farm fields. The Lanfords installed solar pumps to conserve electricity while providing drinking water for livestock and wildlife.

New Mexico landowners were encouraged to apply, or be nominated, for the award. An independent panel of New Mexico agricultural and conservation leaders reviewed the applications. The award recipient, who receives $10,000, will be recognized this fall.

The New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award is made possible through the generous support of American Farmland Trust, New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts, New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau, Quivira Coalition, Sand County Foundation, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services of New Mexico, American AgCredit, and Taos Ski Valley Foundation.

“The New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts through the local Soil and Water Conservation Districts through our local Soil and Water Conservation Districts is proud to honor these hard-working farmers and ranchers whose stewardship of New Mexico’s natural resources is second to none,” said Josh Smith, NMACD President.

“We at New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau want to congratulate the New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award finalists,” said Larry Reagan, New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau President. “These finalists exemplify the land, water, and wildlife stewardship that farmers and ranchers put into practice on working lands across our great state.”

“Quivira and New Mexico Coalition to Enhance Working Lands has supported the Leopold Conservation Award for four years, and I’ve come to appreciate the care and attention that is conveyed through the applications we get from farms and ranches across the state. Judges are extremely thoughtful in considering applications and how the award recognizes the conservation and agriculture values in our state. We are thrilled to highlight producers across New Mexico who foster health for communities, watersheds, and ecosystems,” said Sarah Wentzel-Fisher, Quivira Coalition Executive Director.

“These award finalists are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the New Mexico award finalists,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”