AMES, Iowa--The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture is accepting nominations for the distinguished Spencer Award for 2016. The Spencer Award is one of the largest and longest running awards of its kind in Iowa. It recognizes farmers, teachers or researchers who have made significant contributions to the environmental and economic stability of the Iowa farming community.
Individuals may apply for the Spencer Award or nominate others. Forms must be submitted, along with two letters of support, to the Leopold Center by June 15.
The Spencer Award honors Norman and Margaretha Spencer, who farmed near Sioux County for 40 years. The award was established in 2001 by an endowment from the Spencer family and includes a $1,000 cash prize. Learn more about the award, download the nomination form, and read a tribute to the Spencers written by their children, at www.leopold.iastate.edu/spencer-award.
The Leopold Center for Sustainable Agriculture was established in 1987 through the Iowa Groundwater Protection Act. It is a research and education center at Iowa State University created to identify and reduce negative farming impacts and to develop new ways to farm profitably while conserving natural resources. The Center's competitive grants program awards funds to researchers and investigators across Iowa, extending more than 500 competitive grants since 1988. For more information about the Leopold Center, visit the website: www.leopold.iastate.edu.
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