The deadline for nominations and applications for the 2024 Utah Leopold Conservation Award® have been extended to Aug. 26.

The $10,000 award honors ranchers, farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land. 

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present the Leopold Conservation Award to private landowners in 27 states. In Utah the award is presented with state partners: Utah Farm Bureau Federation, Western AgCredit and Utah Cattlemen’s Association. 

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for what he called “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage. 

Nominations may be submitted on behalf of a landowner, or landowners may nominate themselves. Applications are reviewed by an independent panel of Utah’s agricultural and conservation leaders. 

The application deadline date is August 26, 2024. The application can be found at http://www.sandcountyfoundation.org/ApplyLCA; Applications can be emailed to award@sandcountyfoundation.org. 

If mailed, applications must be postmarked by August 26, and mailed to:


Leopold Conservation Award

c/o Utah Farm Bureau Federation

9865 S. State Street

Sandy, UT 84070


The Utah Leopold Conservation Award will be presented at the Utah Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Meeting in November. For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.