The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship announced on May 5 that the deadline for nominations for the 2026 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award has been extended to Friday, May 22.
The award recognizes farm families who have shown voluntary efforts to improve and protect soil and water resources in Iowa. It also honors those who act as leaders in their communities by implementing conservation practices. Each year, farm families from across the state are recognized for using techniques such as cover crops, no-till or reduced tillage, nutrient management, grassed waterways, wetlands, saturated buffers, bioreactors, and other innovative water quality practices designed to filter water and prevent soil erosion.
Nominations can be submitted by farmers, landowners, conservation professionals, commodity groups or any member of the public. The nomination form is available on the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s website. An appointed committee representing conservation and agricultural groups will review all nominations before selecting this year’s honorees.
Families chosen for this honor will be recognized during a ceremony at the 2026 Iowa State Fair as part of Iowa’s America250 celebration. This event marks American independence while highlighting agriculture’s ongoing role in national strength. Recipients will receive a special America250 seal on their certificate and have photos taken with an America250 backdrop.
The department provides financial support through no-interest loans and grants for conservation and stormwater management practices; it also promotes social growth by enhancing rural areas and supports policies like the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy aimed at reducing nutrient runoff into waterways—all according to the official website.
Iowa remains a leading producer nationally in pork, corn, eggs, ethanol, and biodiesel—a distinction highlighted by its agriculture department—which extends operations statewide to support land stewardship efforts.
