By Blake Jackson
Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell is inviting Kentuckians to nominate farmers or foresters for the prestigious 2025 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award.
This award celebrates farmers who go above and beyond in demonstrating exceptional conservation practices.
“This award honors those farmers who go above and beyond to showcase conservation practices,” Commissioner Shell said. “Farming is the backbone of our state, and the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is honored to work with the Sand County Foundation to present the Leopold Conservation Award to a Kentucky farm family who shows true devotion to the management of our natural resources.”
Named after the renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their commitment to managing land, water, and wildlife habitats on private working land.
In his 1949 book A Sand County Almanac, Leopold emphasized the importance of an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.
The Sand County Foundation, a leading advocate for the conservation of private land, presents the Leopold Conservation Award to agricultural landowners in 28 states.
In Kentucky, the award includes a $10,000 prize and is presented in collaboration with the Kentucky Agricultural Council and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts.
Nominations can be submitted by others or self-nominated. Applications are available at sandcountyfoundation.org and must be submitted electronically by March 31, 2025, to KentuckyLCA@sandcountyfoundation.org.
Photo Credit: kentucky-agricultural-board
Categories: Kentucky, Business, Government & Policy