Iowa’s farm families have long understood the importance of state-of-the-art conservation practices. Our state’s farmers pay close attention to the preservation of soil and water quality. They understand that the protection and enhancement of these crucial resources is absolutely vital to the future of agriculture in the Hawkeye State.

Each year the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation sponsor a statewide effort to identify a farmer who is making conservation efforts that are especially worthy of note. The award recognizes an individual who has gone above and beyond in their conservation efforts and the excellent practices common in rural Iowa. The person selected is honored with the Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year Award.

“Farm families take great pride in caring for their land so they can pass it down to their children and grandchildren. That’s why farmers all over the state are embracing conservation practices to improve soil health and water quality,” said Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig. “I encourage all Iowans to nominate deserving conservation leaders in their communities for this distinguished award.”

Anyone wishing to nominate a candidate for this prestigious award is being invited to submit a short letter — 100 words or less — to the Soil and Water Conservation office in their locale. Nominations are due by May 18. Each SWCD office will then choose one candidate to forward to the regional level. There will be nine regional winners who will be in contention for the state-level honor. The grand prize winner will be announced at the Iowa State Fair.

According to information provided by IDALS, the statewide winner will have free use of a John Deere 6E Series utility tractor for one year. The Van Wall Group of Perry and John Deere are providing the use of the tractor. That’s a nice benefit, but having important conservation efforts recognized and publicized so they can be emulated is the real reward for the winner.

More information about the award and the selection process can be obtained at local SWCD offices. A SWCD directory is available on the IDALS website.

This competition helps educate Iowans about the importance of conservation and publicizes especially significant successes by innovative farmers. The Messenger urges readers to consider nominating worthy candidates for this important award.