Nominations are open for the 2025 Wisconsin Leopold Conservation Award to honor landowners committed to conservation.
The award recognizes farmers and forestland owners who excel in managing soil health, water quality, and also wildlife habitat.
Sand County Foundation and American Farmland Trust present the award in 28 states. In Wisconsin, the $10,000 award is presented with Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and also Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin.
Named after conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award celebrates landowners who inspire others to adopt conservation practices.
Nominations can be submitted by others or by landowners themselves at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA. The deadline is August 1, 2025.
A panel of Wisconsin agricultural and conservation leaders will review nominations. The 2024 award went to the Adamski family of Seymour.
“Dairy farmers care deeply for land and water, which strengthens communities and farms for future generations,” said Chad Vincent, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin CEO.
“Wisconsin farmers lead in conservation efforts,” said Brad Olson, Wisconsin Farm Bureau President. “We proudly support the Leopold Conservation Award and encourage nominations for deserving farmers.”
“Recipients reflect Aldo Leopold’s land ethic through their commitment to clean water, healthy soil, and wildlife,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation CEO.
“American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work of these land stewards,” said John Piotti, AFT President. “This award highlights the vital connection between land, practices, and people.”
The award is made possible by American Farmland Trust, Dairy Farmers of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation, Sand County Foundation, Culver’s, Compeer Financial, The Nature Conservancy, USDA NRCS, Wisconsin Corn Growers Association, Wisconsin Corn Promotion Board, Wisconsin Land and Water Conservation Association, and Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association.
