Eight area farmers have been recognized by the state for their commitment to using things like cover crops to reduce erosion and improve water quality.

They each received an Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award during the Iowa State Fair Wednesday. That award is presented by Gov. Kim Reynolds, the state Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the state Department of Natural Resources.

The area farmers who received the award are:

• Rusty and Karen Corderman, of Sac County

• Perry and Stacey Corey, of Calhoun County

• Troy and Jeanne Elbert, of Pocahontas County

• Peters Farm, of Pocahontas County

• Jon Sampson Farm, of Humboldt County

• The late Curt Sindergard, of Pocahontas County

• Todd and Angie Thilges, of Kossuth County

• Jasen and Jen Tiefenthaler, of Sac County

According to the Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, those farmers use in-field and edge-of-field practices such as cover crops, not-till, wetlands, bioreactors and saturated buffers. The department reported that those practices support the goals of the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy by holding soil in place and improving water quality.

For example, Sampson, who farms 200 acres southwest of Humboldt, plants cover crops and practices no-till farming. He was named the 2022 Humboldt County Conservation Farmer of the Year.

“We continue to see record engagement in our state’s conservation activity, and it is important that we recognize the dedicated Iowa farm families who lead by example in implementing these proven practices,” Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said in a written statement.

“As we accelerate our water quality efforts statewide and work toward meeting our nutrient reduction goals, I believe Iowa farmers and landowners will continue to rise to the challenge in the years ahead by adding even more conservation practices,” he added.