Richard Lyons, a seasoned farmer from northern Montgomery County, Illinois, has spent over five decades refining his approach to agriculture. His commitment to conservation has not only earned him recognition but also positioned him as a leader in sustainable farming. Over the years, Lyons has received multiple conservation awards, including the Mark Plummer Award from IL Corn, the Sustainability Award from the Stewardship Alliance, and most notably, the 2024 Aldo Leopold Award—one of only 28 given nationwide.
Winning the Leopold Conservation Award, which comes with a $10,000 prize, was a moment of reflection for Lyons. Rather than using the money for personal gain, he has chosen to invest in the next generation of conservationists. He is establishing a scholarship fund in honor of the late Henry Eilers, a well-respected advocate for native grasses and environmental preservation in Montgomery County. His goal is to grow the fund to $100,000, ensuring long-term support for students dedicated to conservation efforts—not just those pursuing agribusiness careers.
Lyons' passion for conservation stems from both personal experience and the environmental impact he witnessed firsthand. After returning to the farm following his father’s passing, he followed traditional tillage practices but soon realized their consequences. Reports showed excessive soil erosion was rapidly silting up local waterways. Recognizing his farm was a contributor, Lyons made a radical change, selling his plow and adopting no-till practices in 1976 (he also helped pioneer strip-tilling practices starting in 2002 – 2003). This decision not only improved soil health but also made financial sense, as he reduced equipment costs and reinvested in planters, sprayers, and other conservation-friendly technology.
His journey underscores the economic and environmental benefits of conservation farming. With decades of no-till and stip-till experience, he encourages hesitant farmers to consider the long-term financial gains and sustainability of these practices. His advice? Start small, test conservation methods on a portion of the farm, and track the break-even points. Lyons' story serves as a testament to the power of transformation in agriculture, proving that conservation can be both profitable and a legacy worth leaving behind.
Apply for the Illinois Leopold Conservation Award
The Illinois Leopold Award application period is now open! If you or a farmer you know is making a difference in conservation, consider applying.
