Six area farm families were among 40 statewide honored with the 2025 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award at the Iowa State Fair. From Franklin County, Doug Alert and Margaret Smith of Ash Grove Farm were recognized. Cerro Gordo County honorees were Jeff and Karla Rooney of Rooney Farms. Grundy County had four award recipients—Doug Christiansen; Grant and Vernon Johnson; Lance and Jerry Moeller; and Michael and Jason Murphy.
The award honors farmers who voluntarily adopt conservation practices such as cover crops, wetlands, terraces, and buffer strips to improve water quality and soil health. Governor Kim Reynolds, Lt. Governor Chris Cournoyer (CORE-noy-er), Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, and DNR Director Kayla Lyon presented the awards.
Since its creation in 2012, the program has recognized 861 farm families across Iowa, including this year’s recipients from Franklin, Cerro Gordo, and Grundy counties.
Information from a Press Release from the Iowa Department of Agriculture & Land Stewardship — the entire release can be viewed here.
