By Andi Anderson
At the 2025 Iowa State Fair, Governor Kim Reynolds, Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, and Iowa Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon recognized 40 farm families with the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award.
The honor celebrates farmers who take voluntary, proactive steps to protect Iowa’s soil and water resources while leading by example in their communities.
Award recipients use proven conservation practices such as cover crops, wetlands, bioreactors, saturated buffers, grass waterways, buffer strips, terraces, and no-till farming.
These efforts support the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy’s goals, improve soil health, enhance water quality, and demonstrate that agricultural productivity can align with environmental stewardship.
Governor Reynolds emphasized the connection between farming and conservation, noting that Iowa’s farmers “lead the way in protecting soil, improving water quality, and adopting innovative practices.”
Secretary Naig commended the winners for inspiring others through their actions, creating a “ripple effect” that drives conservation progress statewide. Director Lyon highlighted the example these families set for future generations.
The selection committee included representatives from agricultural and conservation groups. Since the program’s inception in 2012, 861 Iowa farm families have received the award.
The 2025 honorees represent counties across the state, from Adair to Worth, and reflect a diverse range of operations and conservation approaches. Their recognition underscores the importance of farmer-led initiatives in preserving Iowa’s natural resources and advancing sustainable agriculture.
A complete list of this year’s recipients and high-resolution photos from the ceremony will be available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website and Flickr page.
Photo Credit:istock-blackjack3d
Categories: Iowa, General, Rural Lifestyle, Sustainable Agriculture