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 Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Illinois the award is presented with IL Corn and the Illinois Soybean Association.
Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others to consider conservation opportunities on their land. 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.
Award applications may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. The application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.
The application deadline is February 15, 2026. Applications must be emailed to IllinoisLCA@sandcountyfoundation.org.
Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders from Illinois. Last year’s recipient was Dan Sanderson, a farmer from Clare. To view profiles of all past recipients, click here.
“The Illinois Leopold Conservation Award remains one of the most meaningful honors a farmer can receive in our state, and IL Corn is proud to help recognize leaders driving conservation forward,” said Tim Thompson, IL Corn Marketing Board Chairman. “This award shines a light on farmers whose stewardship protects our soil, water, and wildlife while strengthening the future of agriculture. Their commitment to sustainable practices sets the bar for our entire industry and shows what it looks like to leave the land better than we found it.”
“On behalf of the Illinois Soybean Association, we are honored to once again support the Illinois Leopold Conservation Award in partnership with our friends at IL Corn,” said Bryan Severs, ISA Chairman and corn and soybean farmer from Vermillion County. “Celebrating the outstanding conservation efforts that are actively protecting soil and water quality in our state is crucial as we continue to promote the benefits of sustainable farming practices.”
“The Sand County Foundation is doing important work to recognize sustainable agricultural activities in Illinois and BASF is proud to support these efforts as a sponsor in 2026. We look forward to celebrating an Illinois farmer who is prioritizing environmental stewardship in farm operations,” said Jessica Monserrate, head of Sustainability of BASF Agricultural Solutions, North America.
“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.”
The Illinois Leopold Conservation Award is made possible through the generous support of American Farmland Trust, IL Corn, Illinois Soybean Association, BASF, Sand County Foundation, Farm Credit Illinois, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Illinois, Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts, Compeer Financial, Illinois Department of Agriculture, and the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership.
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SAND COUNTY FOUNDATION inspires and empowers farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners to ethically care for the land to sustain water resources, build healthy soil, and enhance wildlife habitat. www.sandcountyfoundation.org
