Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Four finalists have been selected for the 2025 Wisconsin 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.

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 advocated 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 Wisconsin the $10,000 award is presented with state partners: Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.

The finalists are:

• Andy Bensend of Dallas in Barron County: Andy Bensend has seen measurable gains in soil health, water retention, and biodiversity at AB Farms. Despite northern Wisconsin’s shortened growing season, he grows cover crops which complement nutrient management and uses reduced tillage practices used to raise corn, soybeans, and winter wheat. In addition to collaborative and self-driven on-farm research projects, he is a member of Farmers of Barron County Watersheds and serves on Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Sustainability Committee.

• Michael Berg of Blanchardville in Lafayette County: The Berg family has practiced no-till and grown crops on contour strips since the 1970s. They have since installed terraces and nearly one mile of streambank riprapping to prevent soil erosion into the Pecatonica River. This effort to improve water quality and fish habitat as done in collaboration with local municipality, county, watershed, and state entities as part of Wisconsin’s Water Quality Trading Program. The Bergs rotationally graze beef cattle and have planted about 25,000 pine and walnut trees on marginal lands.

• Brattset Family Farm of Jefferson in Jefferson County: Mother and daughter, Weenonah Brattset and Kirsten Jurcek, have rotationally grazed beef cattle since 2005. Integrating cropland into perennial vegetation has produced quality forage while improving soil health, water quality, and biodiversity. Their commitment to improving grazing practices while enhancing grassland bird habitat includes mentoring other graziers and partnering with the National Audubon Society.

• Pat and Michelle Socha of Edgar in Marathon County: While growing crops, the Sochas utilize precision technology, no-till practices, and cover crops to reduce erosion and prevent nutrient losses. Buffer strips and a pollinator plot promote biodiversity. To manage timber production and wildlife habitat, selective harvests are carefully timed every 15-20 years without clear cutting. Pat is a founding member and board member of Eau Pleine Partnership for Integrated Conservation.

Wisconsin landowners were encouraged to apply, or be nominated, for the award. An independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders reviewed the applications. This year’s recipient will be revealed at the Wisconsin Board of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection meeting November 13.

The Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award is made possible thanks to the generous contributions from American Farmland Trust, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Sand County Foundation, Culver’s, Compeer Financial, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association, and Wisconsin Potato & Vegetable Growers Association.

The first Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award was presented to woodland conservationist Gerry Mich of Appleton in 2006. The 2024 recipient was Full Circle Farm of Seymour in Shawano County.

“Wisconsin farmers know that caring for the land sustains both their communities and future generations,” said Chad Vincent, CEO at Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin. “The Leopold Conservation Award finalists show how strong conservation practices protect natural resources while strengthening farms and rural life. Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin is proud to honor their leadership in proving that agriculture and stewardship go hand in hand.”

“Wisconsin farmers are proving that conservation is not just a smart choice; it is a vital investment in both the land and future of agriculture. These finalists show how protecting our environment goes hand in hand with keeping farms resilient. Wisconsin Farm Bureau is proud to honor their leadership in advancing a sustainable future for Wisconsin agriculture,” said Brad Olson, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation President.

“These award finalists 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.”

For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.