Local families receive Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards at Iowa State Fair

Awards presented by the Iowa Governor’s Office, Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Department of Natural Resources to families embracing environmental conservation practices

DES MOINES - Eighty-nine farm families from across the state were recognized for their environmental stewardship during a ceremony at the Iowa State Fair Wednesday.

The local farmers to receive awards were:

Rodger and Karen Krogmeier of Jefferson County.

Greg and Aimee Shepherd of Henry County.

Green Iron Farms (Tim and Ethel Sieren) of Washington County.

The awards were handed out by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Julie Kenney and Department of Natural Resources Director Kayla Lyon.

Recipients are from the last two years, including 42 from 2020 and 47 from 2021. The award acknowledges farmers who take voluntary actions to improve and protect the environment and our state’s natural resources while serving as leaders in their farming communities.

These farm families use scientifically proven practices like cover crops, wetlands, bioreactors and saturated buffers that support the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy. The recipients recognize the benefits of conservation practices extend beyond their fields to residents downstream, and their leadership encourages others to adopt similar conservation practices.

“For generations, Iowa farmers have led in conservation efforts and continue to be excellent stewards of the land,” said Gov. Reynolds. “They go above and beyond improving water quality and soil health, serving as a model for others to follow. The 2021 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards is one way we say thank you, and recognize farmers for all they do.”

“These are the farmers and landowners who are making significant, long-term investments to protect their farming legacies. As leaders in their own communities, they’re showing others how to do the same,” said Secretary Naig. “This program is a great opportunity to honor these individuals for their hard work. They’re making meaningful, impactful changes to our soil and water and helping the state advance the goals outlined in the Nutrient Reduction Strategy.”

“We always have great joy in honoring and recognizing these leaders in our farming communities throughout our state that put healthy conservation practices on the forefront of their operations,” said Director Lyon. “It’s now more important than ever that we focus on protecting and enhancing our natural resources—especially our water quality and land quality.”

Since the creation of the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award in 2012, more than 650 Iowa farm families have been recognized by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship and Department of Natural Resources.