Landon and Anne Plagge Receive Iowa Leopold Conservation Award

Landon and Anne Plagge of Latimer have been selected as the 2025 Iowa Leopold Conservation Award^® recipients.

The $10,000 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. 

The Plagges who grow 4,000 acres of corn, soybeans, and oats in Franklin County, were presented with the award at The Big Soil Health Event on Dec. 8.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Iowa, the award is presented with Conservation Districts of Iowa and Practical Farmers of Iowa.

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 advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. 

Earlier this year, Iowa landowners were encouraged to apply, or be nominated, for the award. Applications were reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders from Iowa. 

ABOUT THE PLAGGES

Landon and Anne Plagge build healthier spaces, on their farmland, in their local community, and within the regional ag economy.

The Plagges grow a rotation of corn, soybeans, and food-grade oats on 4,000 acres. For over a decade they have utilized no-till practices while growing a diverse crop rotation, and a mix of cover crops. 

By keeping their soil surface covered, they improve soil biodiversity while preventing erosion. Building soil organic matter helps sequester carbon and boost crop yields without increasing inputs. Their improved soil structure allows for better water infiltration and retention.

To stimulate soil microbes, the Plagges fertilize their fields with a custom blend of local livestock manure, including waste from the 10,000 hogs they raise, to optimally and naturally balance the nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients in the soil. By partnering with other farmers to have cattle graze their fields, they reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and herbicides, while controlling weeds. 

Landon earned a degree in business administration, and Anne is an assistant professor of family services at the University of Northern Iowa and a former public health official. In 2020, they started Green Acres Seed Co., specializing in soil health consulting, diverse crop rotations, cover crop transition planning and seeding, and rural community preservation. 

Their experience farming has taught them that improving soil health requires diversity from the traditional corn-soybean rotation. Adding oats as a third cash crop to their rotation has built drought resiliency and improved pollinator biodiversity. 

However, when talking with other farmers, the Plagges noticed that many were hesitant to grow oats due to mistrust of the processing and pricing structure farmers face when selling small grains. Instead of accepting that oats aren’t profitable, the Plagges decided to get creative and solve the problem.

After a few years of planning and securing financing with another 105 farmer-owners, construction is underway on a $55 million processing, storage, and distribution facility in southern Minnesota. When the oat milling facility opens in 2026 it will process 4 million bushels of oats grown on 60,000 acres within a 120-mile radius. The nutrient-dense, gluten-free oats will be made into branded flour, flakes, and steel-cut oats.

This huge undertaking provides an avenue for diversified cropping systems that allow soil health and carbon sequestration to take root. It also underscores the Plagges commitment to getting conservation practices on the ground.

The oat mill is not the first time the Plagges have worked to provide others with greater food options. When Landon was a member of the Latimer City Council, the community’s only grocery store closed. The Plagges didn’t want Latimer to be without a place to congregate and buy food, so they and another farmer bought a building, remodeled it, and re-opened a grocery store. They’ve since transitioned ownership of the store to a new board of community members, and redeveloped other properties that provide opportunities for others in their rural community

The Plagges demonstrate a strong conservation ethic on and off the farm, serving on several conservation-focused committees and boards. Their passion for conservation is contagious as they explore how they can move the needle through education, data sharing, experimentation, curiosity, and teamwork. 

ACCOLADES

“Anne and Landon are not only problem solvers, but also builders of healthier and more resilient communities. They saw a barrier holding back other farmers from diversifying their rotations, and instead of talking about a solution, they decided to create one,” said Sally Worley, Practical Farmers of Iowa Executive Director. “Their vision and dedication make them deserving recipients of the Iowa Leopold Conservation Award.”

“The conservation practices embraced by Landon and Anne, along with their innovative approach to finding ways to make their operation profitable, make them well deserving of this award,” said Dien Judge, Conservation Districts of Iowa Executive Director.

“These award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO. “Their dedication to conservation is both an inspiration to their peers as well as a reminder to all how important thoughtful agriculture is to clean water, healthy soil, and wildlife habitat.”

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the award recipients,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that exemplary conservation involves the land itself, the practices employed on the land, and the people who steward it. This award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

Among the outstanding Iowa landowners nominated for the award were finalists: Bob and Robby Jewell of Decorah, and James Hepp of Rockwell City. Last year’s recipient was Wendy Johnson of Charles City.

The Iowa Leopold Conservation Award is made possible through the generous support of American Farmland Trust, Conservation Districts of Iowa, Practical Farmers of Iowa, Sand County Foundation, Soil Regen, Farm Credit Services of America, Nancy and Marc DeLong, Iowa Agriculture Water Alliance, Iowa Corn, Iowa Farmers Union, Leopold Landscape Alliance, Loran and Brenda Steinlage of FLOLO Farms, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Iowa.

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SAND COUNTY FOUNDATION inspires and empowers farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners to ethically care for the land to sustain water resources, build healthy soil, and enhance wildlife habitat. www.sandcountyfoundation.org