For the first time, Minnesota farmers have a chance to showcase and be recognized for their conservation efforts with the Leopold Conservation Award.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold awards to private landowners in 27 states. The award is given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold.

The application deadline for the 2024 award has passed, and the winner will be announced at the Premier Soil Health Event Dec. 3-4 in Mankato, Minn. Mark Gutierrez, executive director of the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition, says he is impressed by the number of high-quality applications for this year’s award, and he doesn’t envy the decision to be made by the seven judges.

Start planning applications for next year

In planning for next year, Gutierrez encourages farmers to start assessing their operation to get a handle on the application process for the 2025 award.

“This is a really good opportunity to recognize Minnesota farmers for the great conservation they are doing across the land, improving the environment, improving their soil health and improving their profitability,” Gutierrez says.

The Leopold 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.

The Minnesota Soil Health Coalition and Soil Regen are the state partners that aided bringing the award to Minnesota. According to a press release announcing the award coming to Minnesota, the award, given in honor of Aldo Leopold, recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his 1949 book “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

In addition to the aforementioned national sponsors and state partners, the award is made possible by support from General Mills, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Minnesota Soybean Research and Promotion Council, Audubon Minnesota, Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association, Minnesota Corn, Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Ducks Unlimited, Minnesota Farm Bureau, Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota Wheat Research & Promotion Council, Pheasants Forever, Renovo Seed, Saddle Butte Ag Inc. and The Nature Conservancy.

The Leopold winner receives $10,000 and a crystal award.

Watch the video as Gutierrez shares his excitement about the Leopold Conservation Award being offered in Minnesota for the first time.