By Blake Jackson
Missouri Farmers Care, a coalition of agricultural organizations, commodity groups, and agribusinesses, is now accepting applications for the Missouri Agriculture Stewardship Award. This award highlights responsible land, resource, and livestock management by Missouri farmers and ranchers.
The initiative seeks applicants who demonstrate innovative and effective stewardship practices on their farms and ranches. It is presented in collaboration with Missouri Farmers Care, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, and other agricultural organizations.
“Missouri farmers and ranchers have a deep commitment to conservation and stewardship of their private lands,” said USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service State Conservationist Scott Edwards. “The Missouri Agricultural Stewardship Award is a great way to recognize and highlight the conservation work of deserving producers across the state and it allows the award winner to share their story, inspiring other producers to practice sound conservation.”
Stanton Family Farms from Centralia has been named the 2025 recipient of this prestigious award. “Missouri farmers manage natural resources with a long-term view of leaving them in better condition for the generations that follow in their footsteps,” said Ashley McCarty, executive director of Missouri Farmers Care. “Private landowners hold 93% of Missouri land, with 27 million acres managed as farms and ranches. This award recognizes the best of the best in production stewardship and, in doing so, hopefully inspires further adoption of innovative management across Missouri agriculture.”
The 2026 Missouri Agriculture Stewardship Award will be presented at agricultural and natural resource conferences during the winter. The selected farm family will be invited to share their experiences through panel discussions, conference presentations, and an on-farm tour showcasing their conservation efforts. The recipient will also receive a $5,000 honorarium.
Applications are available online at Missouri Farmers Care. Missouri farmers and ranchers can apply online or submit their applications by mail to the Missouri Farmers Care Foundation at 19171 State Highway 11, Kirksville, MO 63501. The deadline for submission is June 30, 2025.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-artiemedvedev
Categories: Missouri, Business