Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

2010 Spencer Award nominations due to Leopold Center June 10

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April 23, 2010

Update-The nomination due date has been extended to July 15.

AMES, Iowa -- Many Iowans have made important contributions to the vitality of family farms in the state. A unique opportunity to honor them is through the 2010 Spencer Award for Sustainable Agriculture. Nominations currently are being accepted with the award presentation to occur later this year.

Iowans who have helped family farms (their own or others) achieve sustainability—both economically and environmentally—are encouraged to apply. Nominations are due June 10, 2010 for the prestigious award which includes a $1,000 cash prize. The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture administers the nomination process on behalf of the Spencer family.

The Spencer Award recognizes significant contributions of farmers, researchers or educators to the advancement of practices that will make agriculture sustainable and the family farm secure for the future. Agricultural organizations are strongly encouraged to submit nominations to highlight the achievements of their members.

Since 2002, the award has commemorated the beliefs, innovations and stewardship of Norman and Margaretha Spencer, who farmed near Sioux City for 40 years. They believed that it is the obligation of each generation to leave the world a better and healthier place for the next generation.

More information about the award and nomination forms can be found on the Leopold Center website here, or can be requested by contacting the Center at (515) 294-3711. For questions, contact Mary Adams by fax, (515) 294-9696, or e-mail (with Spencer Award as the subject line) to madams@iastate.edu.

The Leopold Center, established by the 1987 Iowa Groundwater Protection Act, supports the development of profitable farming systems that conserve natural resources. The Center is named after Iowa-born conservationist Aldo Leopold and is located at Iowa State University. 

For more info contact:

Laura Miller, Leopold Center Communications, (515) 294-5272, lwmiller@iastate.edu

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