Leopold Center to present Spencer Award to Carroll County grazier

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AMES, Iowa -- The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture will honor Carroll County grazier Steve Reinart with its annual Spencer Award for Sustainable Agriculture.

Steve Reinart owns and operates Reinart's Prairie Reds, a 500-acre grass-fed organic beef and seed stock operation near Glidden in west central Iowa. Currently, Reinart manages a herd of about 120 Red Angus cows, and relies entirely on forages and holistic grazing management for their nutrition. He also manages his pastures to encourage wildlife habitat establishment and incorporates conservation practices such as shelterbelts, ponds and wetlands into the farm system.

Reinart will be the fifth Iowa farmer to receive the Spencer Award, established in 2002 to honor farmers, educators or researchers who have made a significant contribution toward the stability of mainstream family farms in the state. The award includes a $1,000 stipend and is one of Iowa's largest awards in sustainable agriculture.

"I have known Steve for many years and he always has been willing to share what he has learned with other producers," said Jerry DeWitt, director of the Leopold Center, located at Iowa State University. "He is an innovative and passionate advocate for grassland agriculture, and shows that it is possible to manage the land for future generations while operating a successful business."

DeWitt said Reinart also has demonstrated leadership in other sustainable agriculture areas. He served 19 years on the Carroll County Conservation Board, and recently worked with them to set up the new Reinart's Bend conservation area along the North Raccoon River. He is a long-time member of Practical Farmers of Iowa and has hosted numerous pasture walks and field day events. He also has served on the soil and water district commission, and is a member of the boards of directors for the Iowa Forage and Grassland Council and M&M Divide RC&D in Carroll.

Reinart will receive the Spencer Award January 9 in Marshalltown during the annual Practical Farmers of Iowa winter conference. More about the award appears on the Leopold Center web site.

Through its research and education programs, the Leopold Center supports the development of profitable farming systems that conserve natural resources. Center funding comes from state appropriations and from fees on nitrogen fertilizer and pesticides, as established by the 1987 Iowa Groundwater Protection Act. 

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The Leopold Center was established by the 1987 Iowa Groundwater Protection Act as a research and education center at Iowa State University to develop sustainable agricultural practices that are both profitable and conserve natural resources. Iowa State does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Vietnam Era Veteran. Any persons having inquiries concerning this may contact the Director of Affirmative Action, 3210 Beardshear Hall, (515) 294-7612.

This page was found at http://www.leopold.iastate.edu/news/12-17-2008/leopold-center-present-spencer-award-carroll-county-grazier on 01/21/2013