Two Ranches Selected as Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award Finalists

Two finalists have been selected for the 2024 Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma, the 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.

The finalists are:

Scotty and Jo Herriman of South Coffeyville in Nowata County: The Herrimans are dryland farmers growing corn, soybeans, milo, wheat, and rye. Their use of no-till practices and growing cover crops has improved their soil’s resiliency to rebound from severe droughts and major floods. In addition to winning statewide dryland corn yield contests, Scotty is a long-time advocate of voluntary conservation, having served as president of the Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts and the Oklahoma Soybean Association.

Cody Sloan of Gore in Sequoyah, Muskogee and LeFlore counties: Cody Sloan grows diverse rotations of cotton, watermelons, cantaloupe, pumpkins, and sweet corn to keep soil healthy. He uses strip-till practices on corn fields, and no-till for wheat and soybeans. Planting soybeans into wheat stubble helps with weed control, prevents erosion, and helps retain valuable moisture. He prevents pastures from being overgrazed by his beef cattle with cross fencing. Cody has restored four ponds, and acres of unharvested crops for wildlife to graze over the winter.

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

The Leopold Conservation Award in Oklahoma is made possible thanks to the generous contributions from American Farmland Trust, Noble Research Institute, ITC Great Plains, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Oklahoma Conservation Commission, Sand County Foundation, Emmons Family, McDonald’s, Oklahoma Association of Conservation Districts, and Oklahoma State University.

“These two families epitomize the conservation ethic of Aldo Leopold. What wonderful role models for all of us in agriculture. The Herrimans and Sloans have a long tradition of taking care of Oklahoma’s land and protecting the state’s water,” said Trey Lam, Oklahoma Conservation Commission Executive Director.

“These outstanding farmers are living proof that environmental stewardship and financial success can go hand in hand on a working farm,” said Dusky Terry, President of ITC GP. “At ITC, we are deeply committed to environmental responsibility, and we are proud to support farmers whose dedication to conservation is making Oklahoma a better place for everyone.”

“The finalists for the Leopold Conservation Award demonstrate firsthand how diverse conservation practices protect both Oklahoma’s resources and farm profits,” said Oklahoma NRCS State Conservationist, Jeanne Jasper. “Their commitment to the practices and advocacy for conservation benefits all Oklahomans.”

“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.”

“Farmers and ranchers have long been called to be good stewards of the land and natural resources within their care,” said David VonTungeln, Oklahoma Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture President. “These finalists for the Oklahoma Leopold Conservation Award are a testament to the hard work agriculturalists put in each and every day to ensure a bright future for our state and our industry.”