Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture

Leopold Center seeks nominations for 2007 Spencer Award

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April 9, 2007

AMES, Iowa -- The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture is seeking nominations for the 2007 Spencer Award, one of Iowa's largest awards in sustainable agriculture. Nominations are due April 27, 2007.

The Spencer Award for Sustainable Agriculture recognizes a farmer, researcher or educator who has made a significant contribution toward the stability of mainstream family farms in Iowa. Contributions can be practical improvements in a family-owned farming operation, research projects, or educational activities and other work that have led to the ecological and economic sustainability of Iowa's family farms.

The first award was presented in 2002. Past recipients have included four farm couples: Ron and Maria Rosmann of Harlan, Dick and Sharon Thompson of Boone, Dave and Diane Petty of Eldora, Dave and Amy Peterson of Blue Grass; and one educator, longtime ISU extension entomologist Jerry DeWitt, now director of the Leopold Center.

The award includes a $1,000 stipend, and was created by the family of longtime Woodbury County farmers Norman and Margaretha Spencer. For guidelines and a nomination form, contact Laura Miller at the Leopold Center, (515) 294-3711. Nomination materials also are posted on the Center's web site, www.leopold.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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