New Mexico Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Four finalists have been selected for the 2026 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 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 New Mexico, the award is presented with New Mexico Association of Conservation Districts, New Mexico Farm & Livestock Bureau, and Quivira Coalition.

The finalists are:

JT Land and Cattle of Newkirk: Jim and Carol Thorpe began JT Land and Cattle more than 25 years ago as first generation ranchers, teaching themselves how to care for the land while building enduring partnerships with NRCS, universities, and other researchers. Over time, they have expanded water systems, added cross fencing, improved grazing distribution, restored eroding areas, and used detailed monitoring to understand which practices are producing stronger rangeland conditions. Their succession planning and involvement with the Society for Range Management ensures their ranch and the knowledge can be passed on to the next generation.

Pitchfork Ranch of Silver City: A.T. and Lucinda Cole have devoted more than two decades to helping water once again slow, spread, and sustain life across Pitchfork Ranch. Their voluntary conservation work reflects the highest standards of conservation practice, with extensive monitoring and research showing how their efforts have restored watershed function, raised groundwater levels, and renewed cienega and riparian habitat. Just as importantly, the Coles have generously shared what they have learned through tours, student research, workshops, presentations, and publications that inspire others to care for land and water.

Rancho Armendariz of Cuervo: The Armendariz family came to the United States from Mexico in 1989 with a dream of their own ranch.  Since then, they built Rancho Armendariz from just 12 cattle into a ranch of more than 14,000 acres. Guided by the belief that “if you take care of the land, the land will take care of you,” they have placed conservation first, using available programs and partnerships to restore degraded rangelands while also building A&G Family Meats, a direct-to-consumer business that connects consumers with locally raised beef. They host hands-on demonstrations, ranch tours, and engaging presentations with other ranchers.   

Three Mile Hill LLC of Animas: Cash and Kanzas Massey have built their lives around sustaining agriculture in the Animas Valley. Their commitment to restoring agave habitat for migrating bats reflects a rare, long-term vision and commitment to wildlife diversity. Their partnerships with researchers and openness to new technology has provided real-world information to guide development of virtual fence technology. The Massey family leads beyond the ranch through service on local agricultural and conservation boards, collaboration with community partners, and a willingness to share what they have learned with others. 

New Mexico landowners were encouraged to apply, or be nominated, for the award. An independent panel of New Mexico agricultural and conservation leaders evaluated the applications. 

The award recipient, who receives $10,000, will be recognized this fall. The 2025 award recipient was Viramontes Farms of Luna County. 

Sand County Foundation’s 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, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services of New Mexico, Lanford Livestock, and American AgCredit.  

“This year’s finalists demonstrate the care and dedication New Mexicans have for the land, ecosystems, and communities that make this state so unique. Quivira is round to support this award and the farmers and ranchers who work tirelessly to be responsible stewards of their working lands,” said Xochitl Torres Small, Quivira Coalition Executive Director. 

“We congratulate this year’s Leopold Conservation Award finalists for their outstanding commitment to conservation and responsible stewardship,” said Larry Reagan, New Mexico Farm and Livestock Bureau President. “Their dedication to caring for New Mexico’s land and natural resources reflects the values that have sustained agriculture for generations, and we are proud to recognize their leadership.”

“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.

“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.”