Local Families Honored with Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards

Governor Kim Reynolds, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Iowa DNR Director Kayla Lyon recognized 33 Iowa farm families with Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards during a ceremony on Wednesday at the Iowa State Fair.

The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award recognizes farmers and farm families who demonstrate outstanding voluntary efforts to improve and protect Iowa’s soil and water resources while also serving as leaders in their communities. This year’s recipients utilize a wide range of conservation practices – including cover crops, no-till and reduced tillage, nutrient management, grassed waterways, terraces, wetlands, saturated buffers, rotational grazing, prairie restoration and other proven practices that improve water quality, protect soil and strengthen the long-term productivity of Iowa’s farmland.

The 2026 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award recipients from the KMCH listening area include:

Chris and Tammy Eibey
Delaware County

Scott Hilgerson
Penny-Royal Farms
Clayton County

Jon and Nicole Vernon
Jones County

Matt and Cassie Winters
Spring Valley Ranch Land and Cattle
Clayton County

As part of Iowa’s America250 celebration, each of this year’s recipients received a special America250 seal on their certificate, with their photo taken in front of an America250 backdrop. Photos of the winners will be available at a later date.

Since the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award was created in 2012, nearly nine hundred Iowa farm families have received the recognition. 

photo courtesy of IDALS