Four South Dakota farm and ranch operations are vying for Leopold Conservation Award this year. The Sand County Foundation, South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association and State Grasslands Coalition sponsor the award. Cattlemen’s Executive Director Jodie Anderson says the purpose of the program is to recognize the state’s farmers and ranchers for their conservation efforts.
She says there are several states that are presenting their own version of the Leopold Award.
Anderson says the Leopold Award is a prestigious honor that carries with it a plaque, as well as a generous cash gift.
The four finalists are the Camack ranch of Union Center owned by Gary and Amy Camack, Center of the Nation Cattle company of Newell owned by Jeff and Steve Smeenk, Cronin farms of Gettysburg owned by Monty and Mike Cronin and the Moes family of Florence, John and Donita Moes. The award is will be handed out on Earth Day, Friday April 22.
