Three area farm families are among 33 Iowa recipients recognized with the 2026 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award.
The awards were presented during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair Wednesday. The program recognizes farmers and farm families for voluntary efforts to protect Iowa’s soil and water resources while serving as leaders in their communities.
Local recipients include Joe and Paige Roberts of Wright County, Jerry Ouverson of Jerdon Farms Inc. in Cerro Gordo County, and Dallas Wessels of Pleasant Valley Family Farms in Grundy County.
This year’s recipients use a variety of conservation practices, including cover crops, no-till and reduced tillage, nutrient management, grassed waterways, terraces, wetlands, rotational grazing and prairie restoration.
Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig and Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon recognized this year’s recipients during the ceremony.
The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award was established in 2012. This year’s class brings the total number of Iowa farm families receiving the recognition to 894.
Pictured, left to right: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig and Iowa DNR Director Kayla Lyon.
Link to full press release, including all recipients, can be found here
