Richard Lyons: A Triple-Threat Farmer

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.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

The sun is setting behind the capitol building in washington d.c.

Budget Reconciliation Bill Passes Congress

By Lyndi Allen • July 3, 2025

Illinois corn farmers will be impacted by many provisions in the Budget Reconciliation Bill that passed in both chambers this week.

Importance of Trade Series: Ethanol

By Lyndi Allen • July 3, 2025

Trade plays a critical role in driving demand for U.S. corn—not only as grain or feed, but also as fuel.

Corn: More American Than Apple Pie

By Lindsay Croke • June 30, 2025

When we think of Independence Day traditions, sweet corn on the cob is as iconic as fireworks and often even more central to the celebration. According to Instacart, purchases of sweet corn surge by 380% over the annual average heading into July 4th, outranking other grilling staples like baby back ribs and burgers. But corn's role in your Fourth of July celebration goes far beyond your plate. In Illinois alone, 8,300 acres of sweet corn are harvested annually, averaging 155 cwt per acre. That’s more than 128 million pounds of locally grown sweetness fueling summer cookouts across the state. And while sweet corn makes a big impression on the grill, most of Illinois’ corn crop isn’t sweet corn - it’s field corn. Less than 1% of the state’s crop is sweet corn, while the rest is used in products that are often invisible to consumers but vital to everyday life: fuel, packaging, fireworks, and even spirits.