The 2025 Leopold Conservation Award for Minnesota is presented by the Sand County Foundation in collaboration with American Farmland Trust and key state partners including the Minnesota Soil Health Coalition and Soil Regen. This prestigious $10,000 award is designed to recognize exemplary farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who demonstrate superior stewardship in soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat conservation on their working lands. Rooted in the legacy of Aldo Leopold, an influential conservationist and author of A Sand County Almanac, the award promotes the adoption of an ethical relationship between landowners and the environment.
The award aims to honor individuals who have voluntarily surpassed regulatory conservation requirements and whose practices inspire broader engagement in sustainable land management. The program seeks to highlight landowners who implement innovative, resilient, and ecologically harmonious agricultural methods. Nominees may be self-nominated or nominated by others. The judging process is conducted by a panel of agricultural and conservation experts specific to Minnesota.
Eligible applicants must submit a completed nomination via email by July 1, 2025, to MinnesotaLCA@sandcountyfoundation.org. The application must include detailed responses to five evaluation criteria—Conservation Ethic, Resilience, Leadership and Communication, Innovation and Adaptability, and Ecological Community. Each response must be limited to 1,000 words. Additional background such as acreage managed, a description of the farm or forestry operation, participating agencies or programs, and the use of conservation resources is also required.
Supporting materials for the application must include three letters of recommendation, with at least one from a recognized conservation organization or agency. Applicants must also sign and affirm several declarations including ownership and compliance statements, willingness to engage in promotional activities, and participation in a documentary video about their conservation practices.
The Minnesota Leopold Conservation Award is supported by numerous regional sponsors including Audubon Minnesota, Minnesota Corn, Minnesota Ducks Unlimited, the Minnesota Farm Bureau and its foundation, Minnesota Farmers Union, Minnesota State Cattlemen’s Association, Minnesota Wheat Research & Promotion Council, Pheasants Forever, Renovo Seed, Saddle Butte Ag, Inc., and The Nature Conservancy.
