Four finalists have been selected for the 2025 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award.
The 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.
Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In Wisconsin, the $10,000 award is presented with partners Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.
Meet The Finalists
- Andy Bensend of Dallas in Barron County: Andy Bensend has seen measurable gains in soil health, water retention, and biodiversity at AB Farms. Despite northern Wisconsin’s shortened growing season, he grows cover crops, which complement nutrient management, and uses reduced tillage practices to raise corn, soybeans, and winter wheat. In addition to collaborative and self-driven on-farm research projects, he is a member of Farmers of Barron County Watersheds and serves on Wisconsin Farm Bureau’s Sustainability Committee.
- Michael Berg of Blanchardville in Lafayette County: The Berg family has practiced no-till and grown crops on contour strips since the 1970s. They have since installed terraces and nearly one mile of streambank riprapping to prevent soil erosion into the Pecatonica River. This effort to improve water quality and fish habitat is a collaboration with municipality, county, watershed, and state entities via Wisconsin’s Water Quality Trading Program. The Bergs rotationally graze beef cattle and have planted about 25,000 pine and walnut trees on marginal lands.
- Brattset Family Farm of Jefferson in Jefferson County: Mother and daughter, Weenonah Brattset and Kirsten Jurcek, have rotationally grazed beef cattle since 2005. Integrating cropland into perennial vegetation has produced quality forage while improving soil health, water quality, and biodiversity. Their commitment to improving grazing practices while enhancing grassland bird habitat includes mentoring other graziers and partnering with the National Audubon Society.
- Pat and Michelle Socha of Edgar in Marathon County: While growing crops, the Sochas utilize precision technology, no-till practices, and cover crops to reduce erosion and prevent nutrient losses. Buffer strips and a pollinator plot promote biodiversity. To manage timber production and wildlife habitat, selective harvests happen every 15-20 years without clear-cutting. Pat is a founding member and board member of Eau Pleine Partnership for Integrated Conservation.
An independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders reviewed the applications. The Wisconsin Board of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection meeting on Nov. 13 will reveal this year’s recipient.
The first Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award went to woodland conservationist Gerry Mich of Appleton in 2006. The 2024 recipient was Full Circle Farm of Seymour in Shawano County.
Learn more: www.leopoldconservationaward.org
