Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds recently honored 39 farm families with the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards for their commitment to environmental stewardship. The award recognizes farmers who voluntarily adopt practices that protect and improve the state's natural resources.
The 2023 recipients come from all over Iowa and represent a variety of farming operations. They have implemented a range of conservation practices, such as cover crops, no-till farming, and wetlands preservation. These practices help to prevent soil erosion, improve water quality, and reduce nutrient runoff.
In addition to their on-farm conservation efforts, many of the award recipients also serve as leaders in their communities. They share their knowledge and expertise with other farmers, and they advocate for sound environmental policies.
Governor Reynolds said, "The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award is a way to thank these dedicated farmers for their commitment to protecting our natural resources. Their work is essential to ensuring a healthy environment for future generations."
Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said, "The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Iowa's farmers. These families are leading the way in conservation, and they are setting an example for others to follow."
Director of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Kayla Lyon said, "The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award is an important way to recognize the farmers who are working to protect our state's natural resources. These families are making a difference, and we are grateful for their leadership."
The 2023 recipients of the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award are:
• Craig and Nancy Anderson, Plymouth County
• Daniel and Lisa Berns, Clayton County
• Bice Family Farm, Boone County
• Buhr Family Farms LLC, Benton County
• Roger Bumann, Ida County
• Cook Family Farm, Black Hawk County
• Rusty & Karen Corderman, Sac County
• Perry and Stacy Corey, Calhoun County
• Kendall & Maureen Curtis, Chad, Kristie & Kyler Curtis, Howard County
• Downs Family Farm, Madison County
• Scott Eichelberger Family, Muscatine County
• Troy & Jeanne Elbert, Pocahontas County
• Ryan and Kristy Gibbs Family, Delaware County
• Joshua Henik, Linn County
• Mitchell and Brian Hora, Washington County
• John Kielkopf and Ron Kielkopf, Keokuk County
• Steve Killpack, Harrison County
• John & Ione Koster, Carroll County
• Krogmeier Dairy & Hinterland Dairy, Lee County
• Buffalo Grove Farms, Boone County
• Millard Land Corp., Darrell Millard, Buena Vista County
• Tynie Enterprises, Tyler, Annie, Tripp, Sawyer and Walker Millard, Buena Vista County
• BarLee Farms, Ltd., Miller Time Farms, Inc., Black Hawk County
• KA Miller Farm, Kris and Michele Miller, Wapello County
• Mike Paustian, Scott County
• Valley View Farms, Inc., Randy, Josh, and Jake Pedersen, Cedar County
• Peters Farm, Pocahontas County
• Dan and Lori Ryner, Ryner Farms, Gillespie Family Farms, Madison County
• Sampson Family Farm, Story County
• Jon Sampson Farm, Humboldt County
• Searle, Inc., Leland H. Searle and Matthew L. Searle, Marshall County
• Curt Sindergard, Pocahontas County
• Jarrett Smith, Clay County
• Zack Smith, Winnebago County
• Todd and Angie Thilges, Kossuth County
• Jasen and Jen Tiefenthaler, Sac County
• Ryan & Tarin Tiefenthaler, Carroll County
• Vos Family Farm, Ron and Nancy Vos, Sioux County
• Hal R. Youngkin and Lu Anne Youngkin, Shelby County
The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award is a collaborative effort of the Iowa Governor's Office, the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The award is presented annually to recognize the outstanding environmental stewardship of Iowa's farmers.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-steve-baccon
Categories: Iowa, Sustainable Agriculture