By Blake Jackson
Kentucky Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell is encouraging residents to nominate a deserving farmer or forester for the 2026 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award, which recognizes exceptional conservation leadership on private working lands.
“Our farmers are the true stewards of our land. This award honors those who go above and beyond to practice conservation efforts," Commissioner Shell said.
"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 in honor of legendary conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award celebrates landowners who demonstrate outstanding care for land, water, and wildlife habitat.
Leopold’s influential 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, emphasized the importance of developing an ethical relationship between people and the land they manage.
Sand County Foundation, a national leader in private land conservation, presents the Leopold Conservation Award to agricultural landowners in 28 states who exemplify strong land stewardship principles.
In Kentucky, the $10,000 award is presented in partnership with the Kentucky Agricultural Council and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts.
Nominations may be submitted by individuals or by landowners nominating themselves. The application is available online, and completed materials must be submitted electronically. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2026.
Kentucky’s first Leopold Conservation Award was presented to Sherwood Acres Farm of LaGrange in 2013. The 2025 honorees were John and Randy Seymour of Upton, a father-and-son team operating Riders Mill Farms and Roundstone Creek.
Photo Credit: sand-county-foundation
Categories: Kentucky, General