Three finalists have been selected for the 2023 Utah Leopold Conservation Award®.
Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.
In Utah the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Western AgCredit and Utah Cattlemen’s Association.
The finalists are:
Bennion Ranch of Vernon in Tooele County: Over the past 21 years, Elizabeth and Alan Mitchell have focused on range rejuvenation on their cattle ranch. Acres of brush and pinyon-juniper have been removed, and range has been reseeded to pastures. For better utilization of their land, they installed new waterlines and troughs with wildlife ramps. Beaver Dam Analogs on Vernon Creek improve water quality (by filtering silt) and provide wildlife habitat.
Lewis Farms of Monticello in San Juan County: The Lewis family grows organic wheat, alfalfa, and safflower. They engage in conservation practices that control soil erosion, improve soil health, eradicate noxious weeds, and enhance wildlife habitat. The Lewises have built terraces and sediment control basins to control water erosion, and developed several springs to supply water for livestock and wildlife. They were early adopters of cover crops and no-till practices in their region.
Warrior Rizen Ranch of Porterville in Morgan County: John and Barbara Schilcte’s cattle ranch uses a rotational grazing system to promote soil health. Barley seed is used to grow fodder as an efficient alternative way to produce livestock feed. Water used by the fodder system is recycled to irrigate hay fields. The Schilctes use an implement called a subsoiler is used to prevent erosion and retain rain and snow melt in the soil. Solar water pumps provide drinking water for livestock and wildlife.
This year’s finalists were recognized at the Utah Association of Conservation Districts luncheon in St. George. The award recipient will be formally presented with $10,000 and a crystal award on November 17 at the Utah Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention in Provo.
The first Utah Leopold Conservation Award recipient was Harold Selman Ranches of Tremonton in 2007. The 2022 recipient was Myrin Ranch of Altamont.
Source: utahfarmbureau.org
Photo Credit: missouri-farm-bureau
Categories: Missouri, Sustainable Agriculture