Through in-person and virtual discussions with farmers, extension specialists and each other, the unique Land Stewardship Leadership Academy (LSLA)  helps early-career natural resource professionals in Iowa gain knowledge to build relationships with farmers and increase confidence in their skills as conservation professionals. Inspiration for LSLA came from awareness, backed up by research, that many people working at the interface between agriculture and conservation lack an agricultural background. LSLA is funded with support from ISU Extension and Outreach, the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, the Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture, registration fees and travel and staff time of the participating organizations. Read the story.