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Recognizing Leaders in Conservation
May 8, 2017
Written By Adam Buckallew
Did you know that more than three quarters of the land in the continental U.S. is privately owned?
The farmers, ranchers and foresters who own and manage the vast majority of private land in this nation hold the key to environmental improvement. Without their voluntary stewardship, our biggest conservation challenges cannot be met.
Sand County Foundation, in partnership with Missouri Farmers Care (MFA Oil is a member of Missouri Farmers Care), proudly announces the launch of the Leopold Conservation Award® Program in Missouri, and is now accepting applications for the award. The winner will receive a $10,000 prize presented at the 2017 Governor’s Conference on Agriculture in December.
“Missouri Farmers Care is pleased to partner with Sand County Foundation in launching the Leopold Conservation Award Program in Missouri,” said Alan Wessler, Chairman of the Board of Missouri Farmers Care. “This action fits MFC’s role in educating and advocating for agriculture’s hard working farm and ranch families and their history of responsible stewardship of the land and resources from which they derive their living. Those same families strive to ensure that the land and its wildlife environment are well taken care of, for passing along to future generations.”
Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the Leopold Conservation Award inspires other landowners and provides a visible forum where farmers, ranchers and other private landowners are recognized as conservation leaders. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage, which he called “an evolutionary possibility and an ecological necessity.”
Applications for the award must be postmarked by July 1, 2017 and mailed to Missouri Farmers Care, c/o Ashley McCarty, 19171 State Hwy 11, Kirksville, MO 63501.