Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Three finalists have been selected for the 2026 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania, the award is presented with The Heinz Endowments and Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.

The finalists are:

Maple Valley Cattle Company of Meyersdale in Somerset County: Mike, Amanda, and Evelyn Butterfield employ rotational grazing practices to enhance pasture productivity and improve soil health. They utilize cover crops to reduce soil erosion, increase organic matter, and promote biodiversity. They avoid using pesticides and herbicides, opting for integrated pest management strategies to control pests while protecting beneficial insects and wildlife. The farm’s woodlands, wetlands, and native grasslands are preserved to support biodiversity.

Spiral Path Farm of Loysville in Perry County: Will Brownback grows organic produce that is marketed to more than 2,000 households through a Community Supported Agricultural program. He has dedicated decades to building soil health through diverse crop rotations, cover cropping, reduced tillage practices, compost utilization, and organic production methods that reduce dependence on synthetic inputs. He is a leader in the Pennsylvania Association of Sustainable Agriculture and the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association.

Willow Run Farmstead of Fleetwood in Berks County: Since 2016 Deanne Weber has transformed 75 acres of annual crops to permanent pastures. Her rotational grazing system prioritizes building soil health and healthy cattle, while beef from the cow-calf herd is marketed directly to customers. Five acres of forested riparian buffers were installed to protect water quality of two streams that run through the farm, while providing habitat for birds, pollinators, and wildlife. She shares her expertise with schools and conservation organizations. 

Pennsylvania landowners were encouraged to apply, or be nominated, for the award. An independent panel of Pennsylvania agricultural and conservation leaders evaluated the applications. The award will be presented during this winter’s Pennsylvania Farm Show. Last year’s award was presented to Jim Hershey of Elizabethtown in Lancaster County.

Sand County Foundation’s Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, The Heinz Endowments, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Horizon Farm Credit, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Pennsylvania State Conservation Commission, Center for Beef Excellence, Center for Dairy Excellence, Center for Poultry & Livestock Excellence, Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, The Foundation for Pennsylvania Watersheds, and The Nature Conservancy in Pennsylvania.

ACCOLADES

“Pennsylvania farmers are not just feeding their neighbors today, they are leaving a legacy of cleaner water, healthier soil and resources to feed Pennsylvania and our economy tomorrow,” Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “These three finalists exemplify that stewardship, foresight, and innovation lead to sustainable, prosperous farms for generations to come.”

“Once again, the finalists for the 2026 Leopold Conservation Award represent the very best of Pennsylvania agriculture,” said Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Tommy Nagle. “Our farmers continue to exemplify Aldo Leopold’s vision of and commitment to the land, and by developing, using, and educating their neighbors about their conservation innovations, they ensure for generations to come. Farm Bureau congratulates these three outstanding operators on their achivements.”

“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, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.