Nominations Being Accepted
Applications are being accepted for New York State’s 2026 Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Leopold Conservation Award. Presented in partnership with the Sand County Foundation, the annual award honors a farm and its nominating Soil and Water Conservation District for extraordinary achievement in environmental stewardship. In New York, the $10,000 award is presented in partnership with national sponsor American Farmland Trust and state partner Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The prestigious New York AEM-Leopold Conservation Award recognizes farmers who are committed to protecting the environment and leaving the land better than how they found it through voluntary conservation of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.”
County Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) apply for the award on behalf of farms. Eligible candidates successfully incorporate AEM best management practices into their farm management, helping them meet business and environmental goals. Applicants should demonstrate conservation leadership and outreach in the agricultural sector and be an inspiration to other farmers. Applications must be received by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets by May 15, 2026.
Nominations will be reviewed by an independent panel of conservation leaders. Interested candidates should contact their county Soil and Water Conservation District. Contact information for districts can be found at agriculture.ny.gov/soil-and-water/soil-water-conservation-district-offices.
The application can be found at www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA.
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