A deadline for nominations for an award through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has been extended.

The new deadline for the 2026 Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award is May 22nd. Recipients of this award include farm families and farmers who act as community pillars and showcase an exceptional dedication to protecting Iowa’s water and soil through voluntary conservation. Each year, the program honors leaders across the state for implementing essential strategies such as nutrient management, no-till techniques, and cover crops. These environmental stewards also employ grassed waterways, wetlands, and advanced systems like bioreactors and saturated buffers to reduce soil erosion and filter water throughout the region.

Nominations can be submitted by farmers, landowners and conservation professionals, along with commodity groups or members of the public. The form for nominations can be found on the IDALS website. Families selected for this award will be recognized at the Iowa State Fair as part of Iowa’s America250 celebration.