(DES MOINES) – Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds on Friday encouraged Iowans to nominate farmers for the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award who have taken voluntary actions to improve or protect the environment and natural resources of our state. Nominations are due by June 15, and the nomination form, a list pf previous awardees and other information can be found at www.iowaagriculture.gov/EnvironmentalLeader.asp.
The award is a joint effort between the Governor, Lt. Governor, Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources to recognize the efforts of Iowa’s farmers as environmental leaders committed to healthy soils and improved water quality.
“Iowa farmers and their families are committed to conserving and preserving the land,” said Branstad. “The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award is our chance to recognize producers who are going the extra mile in conservation and land stewardship.”
Farmers that 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 citizens of Iowa and residents even further downstream.
Nominations may be submitted on a year-round basis and 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 both conservation and agricultural groups will review the nominations and select the winners. The recipients will be recognized on Wednesday, Aug. 16, at the Iowa State Fair.
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 also sponsors a recognition luncheon for award recipients following the ceremony.
