Nominations are open for the 2018 Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year. The award, co-sponsored by the Iowa Department of Ag and Land Stewardship (IDALS) and the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation (IFBF) since 1952, honors the 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.

The 2018 Conservation Farmer of the Year winner will again receive 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.

 “Farmers are the most effective at influencing other farmers to do even more on their land to prevent erosion and protect water quality, so it is important we recognize those that have made a commitment to conservation,” Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey said.  

Mark See, corporate equipment manager for Van Wall, said his company is happy to recognize the conservation efforts of farmers across the state.

Nominations are due by June 1. Go to http://bit.ly/2rI13M8 to download a nomination form.