Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards Presented to 33 Farm Families at the 2026 Iowa State Fair

Aug 24, 2026

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 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards show how important it is that growers are trusted and empowered to pursue stewardship practices that allow them to thrive,” said Gov. Reynolds. “The award winners we honor today are putting conservation at the center of everything they do. Congratulations to the 2026 recipients.”

“Generations of Iowa farmers have helped build and sustain our country and make it the exceptional nation it is today. This has been possible because of our rich natural resources and we all have a responsibility to protect them,” said Secretary Naig. “As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, these 33 farm families are carrying that proud tradition of stewardship forward. Through their leadership and conservation efforts, they are protecting our soil, improving water quality and leaving our land in better condition for future generations. These conservation-focused families represent the very best of Iowa agriculture.”

“We take great pride in honoring these leaders across our farming communities who put sound conservation at the forefront of their operations,” said Director Lyon. “Their commitment to conservation is paving the way for future generations and encouraging other farmers to follow their example.”

The 2026 recipients were selected by a committee representing conservation and agricultural organizations. Since the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award was created in 2012, 894 Iowa farm families have received the recognition.

Source : iowaagriculture.gov

Video: Our Own On-Farm Research Is the Best Source - Managing White Mold in Northeast Nebraska

If you assumed Nebraska was too hot and dry for white mold to be a problem in soybeans, think again.

This week we're featuring Galen Samuelson, a farmer and dealer from Wakefield, Nebraska, who knows all too well how devastating white mold can be.

"We don't have it consistently every year, but with our temperature and humidity, it can hurt us quite bad," Samuelson says. Looking for alternatives, he explains, "What I like about Heads Up is that it's non-harmful to the beneficial fungal colonies in the soil." Galen has been using Heads Up for several years now, after first hearing about it through a small ad in a regional newspaper. Watch below to hear about his journey.

When asked to write about Samuelson Seed, Galen said the following:

"Samuelson Seed is a 4th-generation, family-based company. It started with my grandfather, and I'm now starting to pass the torch to my son, Caleb."

"In the early 1990s, I started working with a company whose focus was on plant and soil health before those benefits were widely known. I've continued to keep plant and soil health the main focus in our farming operation decisions."