For the first time, Missouri farmers and ranchers who demonstrate good stewardship and management of natural resources can compete for a $10,000 Leopold Conservation Award.

Sand County Foundation, in partnership with Missouri Farmers Care and the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, recently announced the award, which is given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold. In his 1949 book "A Sand County Almanac," Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage, which he called "an evolutionary possibility and an ecological necessity." According to the Sand County Foundation website, the Leopold Conservation Award recognizes extraordinary achievement in voluntary natural resources management.

"Missouri has a rich agricultural heritage and an enviable array of natural resources," says Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation president, in a news release. "We are eager to celebrate the land stewards who have worked hard to protect and improve the environment."

The Leopold Conservation Award is already presented to farmers and ranchers in California, Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

"Missouri Farmers Care is pleased to partner with Sand County Foundation in launching the Leopold Conservation Award Program in Missouri," says Alan Wessler, Missouri Farmers Care board chairman. "This action fits MFC's role in educating and advocating for agriculture's hardworking farm and ranch families, and their history of responsible stewardship of the land and resources from which they derive their living. Those same families strive to ensure that the land and its wildlife environment are well taken care of, for passing along to future generations."

The inaugural award will be presented at the 2017 Governor's Conference on Agriculture in December.

"In agriculture, our greatest resource is the land, and as farmers it is our duty to be good stewards of that land for future generations," says John Kelley, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council chairman. "Sustainability is a top priority for the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and key to our mission of supporting a bright future for soybean farmers."

Applications for the award must be postmarked by July 1 and mailed to Missouri Farmers Care, c/o Ashley McCarty, 19171 State Highway 11, Kirksville, MO 63501.

The Leopold Conservation Award Program in Missouri is made possible with the support of MFC, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, Missouri Cattlemen's Association, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, Missouri Department of Conservation, MFA Inc. and the Missouri Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.

For more application information, visit sandcountyfoundation.org. 

Source: Missouri Farmers Care