The PA Farm Bureau, The Heinz Foundation and the Sand County Foundation are now accepting nominations for the 2021 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award.  The deadline for nominations is August 5.

The $10,000 prize and the Aware are given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.

In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

“Many farmers across Pennsylvania have poured their sweat and resources into practices that benefit the land, water and natural resources and climate because they believe that environmental stewardship and smart farming go hand in hand,” said PA Farm Bureau President Rick Ebert. “We are encouraging Pennsylvania farmers to showcase their dedication to stewardship and innovative approaches to conservation by applying for the 2021 Leopold Conservation Award.”

“Pennsylvania farms sustain our lives and our economy,” Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “The Leopold Conservation Award recognizes farmers who exemplify our longstanding culture of protecting our precious soil and water resources and who are investing daily in a sustainable future.”

“We believe the Leopold Conservation Award, and the outstanding leadership in agriculture that it recognizes, plays an important role in encouraging the continued growth of Pennsylvania’s sustainable agriculture movement,” said Andrew McElwaine, Vice President of Sustainability for The Heinz Endowments.

“As a 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, American Farmland Trust 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.”

“Recipients of this award are real life examples of conservation-minded agriculture,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer. “These hard-working families are essential to our environment, food system and rural economy.”

Previous winners in Pennsylvania include-- Ben and Sharon Peckman, Franklin County- 2020; Dean and Rebecca Jackson, Bradford County-2019; and the DiFebo Family, Northampton County.

The Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award is made possible through the generous support from American Farmland Trust, The Heinz Endowments, PA Farm Bureau, Sand County Foundation, USDA NRCS-PA, PA Department of Agriculture, and PA Association of Conservation Districts.

The Leopold Conservation Award will be presented at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in January.

For all the details and how to apply, visit the 2021 Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award webpage.  [2020]

Related Articles:

-- Ben & Sharon Peckman From Slate Ridge Dairy Farm In Franklin County Receive Leopold Conservation Award  [2020]

-- Dean & Rebecca Jackson Of Mt-Glen Farms In Bradford County Receive PA Leopold Conservation Award [2019]

-- Harvest Home Farms In Northampton County Receives Sand County Foundation Pennsylvania Leopold Conservation Award [2018]

[Posted: January 30, 2021]

2/1/2021