The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has extended the deadline to nominate farmers and farm families for the 2026 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award.
Nominations are now due Friday, May 22.
The award recognizes farm families who voluntarily work to improve and protect Iowa’s soil and water resources while also serving as leaders in their communities. Honorees are selected for conservation practices such as cover crops, no-till and reduced tillage, nutrient management, grassed waterways, wetlands, saturated buffers, bioreactors and other water quality practices that help filter water and keep soil in place.
Nominations may be submitted by farmers, landowners, conservation professionals, commodity groups or members of the public. The nomination form is available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website.
An appointed committee representing conservation and agricultural groups will review the nominations and select the winners.
This year’s honorees will be recognized during a ceremony at the 2026 Iowa State Fair as part of Iowa’s America250 celebration. Recipients will also receive a special America250 seal on their certificate.
