By Blake Jackson
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced that applications are now open for the 2026 New York Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Leopold Conservation Award.
Administered in partnership with the Sand County Foundation, the annual award recognizes a farm and its nominating Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) for exceptional environmental stewardship.
In New York, the $10,000 honor is supported by national sponsor American Farmland Trust and state partner Cornell Cooperative Extension.
“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," Commissioner Ball said.
"Our farmers, alongside their Soil and Water Conservation Districts, are working hard to implement on-farm, best management practices that are directly benefiting the environment and it’s a privilege for us at the Department to help highlight their work. I thank the Sand County Foundation for collaborating with us to host this award program and encourage all eligible farmers to contact their Soil and Water Conservation District to apply.”
County SWCDs submit applications on behalf of farms that successfully integrate AEM best management practices into daily operations while meeting both business and environmental objectives. Candidates should demonstrate leadership in conservation, outreach within the agricultural community, and serve as a model for other producers.
Completed applications must be submitted to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets by May 15, 2026. An independent panel of conservation professionals will review all nominations. Interested farms are encouraged to contact their county Soil and Water Conservation District for additional details.
The Sand County Foundation awards Leopold Conservation Awards in 28 states nationwide. New York’s AEM Award joined the Leopold Conservation Award program in 2020, with Oechsner Farm and the Tompkins County SWCD receiving the honor most recently in 2025.
The application is available at https://www.sandcountyfoundation.org/our-work/leopold-conservation-award/application-info
Photo Credit: sand-county-foundation
Categories: New York, General, Government & Policy