Iowans are encouraged to nominate deserving farmers for the 2017 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award. Each year a number of Iowa farm families who have taken voluntary actions to improve and protect the environment and natural resources are honored. The ceremony takes place in August at the Iowa State Fair.

Nominations are due by June 15, and the nomination form, a list of previous awardees and other information can be found online.

The award is a joint effort among the governor’s office, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to recognize the efforts of Iowa’s farmers as environmental leaders committed to healthy soil and improved water quality.

Honoring stewards of the land
“Iowa farmers and their families are committed to conserving and preserving the land,” says Gov. Terry Branstad. “The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award is our chance to recognize producers who are going the extra mile in their land stewardship.”

Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds adds, “This is our chance to recognize Iowa’s farmers who feed and fuel the world and drive Iowa’s economy. We encourage all Iowans to take this opportunity to nominate farmers who have taken steps to protect the environment and the natural resources of our state.”

Farmers who are nominated should have made environmental stewardship a priority on their farm and incorporated best management practices into their farming operation. As true stewards of the land, they recognize that improved water quality and soil sustainability reaps benefits that extend beyond their fields to residents of Iowa and those even farther downstream.

“Iowa farmers are taking on the challenge of improving water quality and protecting our soil. This award is an opportunity to highlight and recognize those who are going above and beyond to adopt conservation practices on their farm,” says Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey. 

Nominations due June 15
Nominations may be submitted on a year-round basis, but are due by June 15 of the year to be considered for the award. Farm owners and operators are eligible for consideration.

An appointed committee of representatives from conservation and agricultural groups in the state will review the nominations and select the winners. This year’s award recipients will be recognized with a ceremony on Aug. 16 at the Iowa State Fair and are encouraged to attend.

Since creation of the award in 2012, more than 400 farm families have been recognized. Winners are presented a certificate, as well as a yard sign, donated by Monsanto. Hagie Manufacturing Co. sponsors a recognition luncheon for award recipients following the ceremony.