Nominations are open for the 2020 Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year award. 

The award honors an Iowa farmer who has a proven track record of excellence in soil conservation and water quality im­­provements and is committed to long-term land and water protection. 

It has been co-sponsored by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation since 1952.

The winner receives free use of a John Deere 6E Series utility tractor for up to 12 months or 200 hours of use. The prize, valued at more than $12,000, is sponsored annually by Van Wall Equipment of Perry and John Deere. Last year’s winner was Jarad Weber of Donnellson in Lee County.

Nominations for Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year award are due May 18. 

To nominate a farmer for the award, send a brief letter, 100 words or less, summarizing the nominee’s conservation efforts to your local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD).  

The local SWCD will choose one nomination in each county to advance for consideration for a regional award, and the nine regional award winners will then compete for the state award. 

You can learn more about the award criteria by reviewing the nomination form at your local SWCD office. 

The state winner will be announced during the Iowa State Fair. 

The winner will then receive the keys to the tractor at the county soil commissioners annual conference, during the Conservation Districts of Iowa annual meeting Aug. 10 and 11 in Ames at the Gateway Hotel. 

For more information, contact Rick Robinson (RRobinson@ifbf.org ) or your county Soil and Water Conservation District office.