Three finalists have been selected for the 2024 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award^®.

The award honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Named in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, Leopold called for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 28 states. In Illinois the award is presented with IL Corn and Illinois Soybean Association.

The finalists are:

• Lieb Farms of Monticello in Piatt County: Brothers Josh and Jake Lieb credit their late father Terry with being a firm believer in soil conservation. He planted trees and enrolled land in the Conservation Reserve Program. Today, his sons are engaged in a local effort to prevent pollution of Lake Decatur, which supplies drinking water to area residents. The Liebs grow cover crops and use no-till practices on their crop fields to prevent erosion. The streams they farm next to are well buffered with native species. Ponds and terraces were constructed to trap sediment and nutrients. Windbreaks and forests are managed to control invasive species and promote biodiversity and wildlife habitat.

• Lyons Farm of Harvel in Montgomery County: Since adopting strip and no-till on his corn and soybean fields in the 1970s, Richard Lyons has sought other conservation practices that prioritize economic and environmental stewardship. Growing cover crops prevents wind and water erosion and improves soil organic matter, which helps address issues ranging from Gulf of Mexico hypoxia to carbon sequestration for climate change mitigation. Lyons has planted a two-acre of pollinator plot, and 13 acres of filter strips to improve wildlife habitat and improve water quality. He uses variable rate technology on farm fields to apply phosphorus and potassium based on soil tests taken every three years.
• Martin Family Farms of Mt. Pulaski in Logan County: Jeff Martin and his sons, Doug and Derek, regularly hosts groups at their farm to show impacts of their conservation practices. Jeff was an early adopter of no-till practices before growing implementing diverse crop rotations, growing cover crop mixes, and using microbe amendments to improve soil health. The Martins have enrolled hundreds of acres into a permanent tree program and have planted diverse stands of native grasses and wildflowers to benefit pollinators and wildlife. Twice annually they apply the beneficial bacteria and fungi found in a compost tea to their crop fields. Filter strips were installed to prevent erosion.

Illinois farmland and forestland owners were encouraged to apply, or be nominated, for the award. An independent panel of Illinois agricultural and conservation leaders reviewed the applications.

The award recipient will be revealed this summer at the Illinois State Fair. The recipient receives $10,000, and their conservation success story will be featured in a video and in other outreach.

Earlier this year, owners of Illinois farmland and forests were encouraged to apply (or be nominated) for the award. Applications were reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders.

Last year the inaugural recipient of the Illinois Leopold Conservation Award was Frey Family Farms of Dahlgren in Hamilton County.

The Illinois Leopold Conservation Award is made possible through the generous support of American Farmland Trust, IL Corn, Illinois Soybean Association, Sand County Foundation, Coleman Family Fund, Farm Credit Illinois, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Illinois, Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts, Compeer Financial, Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership, and McDonald’s.

“IL Corn is proud to be part of this important farmer recognition opportunity. We already know that many of our farmer members are implementing some conservation practices, but these applications represent the cream of the crop,” said Jon Rosenstiel, IL Corn Chairman. “These families have a passion for conservation, a willingness to share with and teach others, and a desire to leave their family farm better for the next generation..”

“Conservation and sustainable farming practices are at the forefront of our industry’s future, and we’re excited to recognize those who are leading the charge,” said Ron Kindred, Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) Chairman. “This year’s finalists are exemplary stewards of the land. Their dedication to soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat sets a powerful example for others, and ISA looks forward to recognizing their achievements and sharing their stories.”

“Leopold Conservation Award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and CEO.

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of farmers, ranchers and forestland owners,” said John Piotti, AFT President and CEO. “At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.

Lieb Farms of Monticello in Piatt County

Lyons Farm of Harvel in Montgomery County

Martin Family Farms of Mt. Pulaski in Logan County