Ag Department opens nominations for the 2026 Leopold Conservation Award

By News Reporter Gabby Cedano

Kentuckians are once again encouraged to recognize the state’s leading conservation-focused land stewards.

Commissioner of Agriculture Jonathan Shell is calling for nominations for the 2026 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award, an honor reserved for farmers and foresters who demonstrate exceptional care for the land.

Shell says Kentucky's farmers are the true stewards of our land and that this award highlights those who go above and beyond in their conservation efforts. He says the Kentucky Department of Agriculture is proud to partner with the Sand County Foundation to celebrate a Kentucky farm family devoted to responsible natural resource management.

The award is named after Aldo Leopold, the writer and conservation thinker whose 1949 classic “A Sand County Almanac” emphasized the moral responsibility landowners have in caring for their soil, water and wildlife. His philosophy is believed to continue to shape conservation practices nationwide.

The Sand County Foundation, which presents the Leopold Conservation Award in 28 states, partners with the Kentucky Agricultural Council and the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts to award a $10,000 prize to a landowner whose conservation work stands out.

Nominations may be submitted by others or by the landowners themselves. Applications are available at leopoldconservationaward.org. All materials must be submitted electronically to KentuckyLCA@sandcountyfoundation.org by March 31.

Kentucky first presented this award in 2013, when it honored Sherwood Acres Farm of LaGrange. Then, the 2025 recipients, John and Randy Seymour of Upton, were celebrated for their stewardship at Riders Mill Farms and Roundstone Creek.