Awarding above and beyond the management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat. Nominations and applications are now being accepted for the 2024 Illinois 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.
Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 27 states. In Illinois, the award is presented with state partners: IL Corn and Illinois Soybean Association.
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 called for what he called “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.
Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. The application deadline is May 1, 2024. The application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.
Applications will be reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders. The recipient receives $10,000, and their conservation success story will be featured in a video and in other outreach. The recipient will be announced this summer. The recipient of last year’s inaugural award was Frey Family Farms of Dahlgren.
“After a successful first year, IL Corn is thrilled to honor another farmer leading the state through their implementation of conservation practices,” said Jon Rosenstiel, IL Corn Marketing Board Chairman. “Working alongside the Illinois Soybean Association, we aim to continue recognizing farmers making a positive impact on the health of our soil, air, water, and environment. Our organization is driven to meet the Nutrient Loss Strategy goals and finds joy in highlighting farmers who set an example for others.”
“The Illinois Soybean Association is proud to support the Illinois Leopold Conservation Award once again, alongside our friends at IL Corn,” said Ron Kindred, ISA Chairman and farmer from Atlanta. “We value this opportunity to recognize farmers in Illinois who prioritize the implementation of conservation practices to protect soil and water quality. Highlighting their outstanding efforts will hopefully encourage others to investigate how they can implement more conservation on their farms.”
“Leopold Conservation Award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.
“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of farmers, ranchers and forestland owners,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”
The Illinois Leopold Conservation Award is made possible through the generous support of American Farmland Trust, IL Corn, Illinois Soybean Association, Sand County Foundation, Coleman Family Fund, Farm Credit Illinois, Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts, Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership, McDonald’s, The Nature Conservancy in Illinois, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Illinois.
