Kielkopfs receive Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award

The 2023 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards were presented at the 2023 Iowa State Fair on Aug. 16, 2023. Thirty-nine awards were presented. Opening remarks and presentation of awards were given by Gov. Kim Reynolds, Lt. Gov. Adam Gregg, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, and DNR Director Kayla Lyon.

Recognized and representing Keokuk County and Wapello County for 2023 were Ron Kielkopf, John Kielkopf and Kielkopf Inc. They farm near Hedrick in Keokuk County and Wapello County in which they raise corn, soybeans, and multispecies cover crops.

The Kielkopf’s have partnered with Iowa Learning Farms to host field days. These field days usually target utilizing cover crops in their farming operation. In addition, through partnerships with the local watershed project, the Kielkopf’s are installing two saturated buffer strips and hosting an edge-of-field project field day in partnership with the watershed project. These saturated buffers will treat about 65 acres of pattern tile drainage. They have also implemented numerous terraces, water and sediment control basins, buffer strips and grassed waterways.

When asked what motivates them to implement conservation measures, John replied that they are just trying to preserve the farm for the next generation. By improving soil health and the entire agroecosystem, they are able to reduce fertilizer, chemicals and other inputs.