By MICHAEL CRIMMINS
Glasgow News 1
March 31 is the deadline to nominate a Barren County farmer or forester for the 2026 Leopold Conservation Award.
This award “recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private working land,” a Kentucky Department of Agriculture press release stated.
In Kentucky the $10,000 award is given by the Kentucky Agricultural Council, the Kentucky Association of Conservation Districts and the Sand County Foundation, which takes its name from a 1949 book written by the award’s namesake Aldo Leopold, according to the press release.
Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. The application can be found here.
“Our farmers are the true stewards of our land,” Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell said. “This award honors those who go above and beyond to practice conservation efforts. The Kentucky Department of Agriculture is honored to work with the Sand County Foundation to present the Leopold Conservation Award to a Kentucky farm family who shows true devotion to the management of our natural resources.”
A 2025 Agriculture Development Council report stated there roughly 253,834 acres within Barren County involved in agriculture with 1,621 farms. Barren County ranks first in cattle and dairy productions, the council stated.
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