The Leopold Conservation Award recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners in 24 states for their efforts to improve soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on their working land. Each award is an annual state-specific program (one recipient from each state). Nationally, Leopold Conservation Award recipients receive hundreds of millions of media impressions annually and serve as ambassadors of agricultural conservation.  Illinois is the newest state to offer this prestigious award acknowledging the efforts of those who care for our working lands. 

“Illinois farmers have made substantial efforts to scale their conservation practices across more farm acres over the past several years and this award is the perfect way to recognize a farmer’s efforts,” says Megan Dwyer, Director of Conservation and Nutrient Stewardship, IL Corn.

Looking ahead, a call for nominations and applications will be issued in Illinois. A panel of judges made up of agricultural and conservation leaders from Illinois will determine who should be recognized as finalists and the recipient. The recipient will be recognized at a high-profile event and their story shared widely with the help of a professionally produced video. The recipient will receive a $10,000 cash prize and a crystal award.  

“We are excited that Illinois farmers who go above and beyond to prioritize conservation in their operations will now have the opportunity to be recognized with the prestigious Leopold Conservation Award,” says ISA Research Agronomist Jennifer Jones.