Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award Finalists Selected

Five finalists have been selected for the 2026 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 served on Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Sustainability Committee.
• 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.
• Endres Berryridge Farms of Waunakee in Dane County: As co-owner of his family’s dairy farm, Jeff Endres installed a manure composting facility to reduce the need for winter spreading. As a founder and chairman of the Yahara Pride farmer-led watershed group, Jeff helped design voluntary cost-share programs that encourage other farmers to adopt conservation practices, preventing tons of phosphorus from entering waterways. His leadership shows how voluntary, farmer-driven stewardship can produce beneficial environmental outcomes.
• Schoepp Family of Lodi in Columbia and Sauk counties: Ron Schoepp utilizes no-till management and diverse crop rotations to grow corn, soybeans, alfalfa, and wheat. Strategically timed cover crops ensure that living roots and protective plant cover helps reduce erosion, improve soil structure, and increase water infiltration. Custom-raised dairy heifers and a small beef herd are rotationally grazed on cover crops to enhance soil health and minimize the need for commercial fertilizer.
• Jesse and Kylie Sebero of Porterfield in Marinette County: The Sebero Family Tree Farm is made up of over 500 acres of contiguous forest. The quality of timber and wildlife habitat of each acre is managed to reach its fullest economic and ecological potential. Jesse is a technical service provider for the Natural Resources Conservation Service who has wrote 272 forestry plans for thousands of private acres. The Seberos host research projects and tours for landowners, timber and conservation professionals.

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 12. 

Sand County Foundation’s Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award is made possible thanks to the generous contributions from American Farmland Trust, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Culver’s, The Mid-West Farm Report, Compeer Financial, Rural Mutual Insurance Company, The Nature Conservancy, 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 2025 recipient was Michael Berg of Blanchardville in Lafayette 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.