Addie Yoder, GMLC 2019, and her husband Joshlin, owners of  Yoder Farms in Leonard, MO. were selected as on of three finalists for the prestigious 2019 Missouri Leopold Conservation Award^®. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers, ranchers and foresters who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.

The Yoders use minimum tillage or no-till practices on their corn and soybeans fields to control soil erosion and reduce compaction. Cover crops are utilized to control weeds and improve soil health and water quality. The impact of cover crops is measured by automated water monitoring stations that collect rain runoff from fields with and without cover crops. This water quality data also helps inform when to conduct field work and nutrient applications in relation to rain events. The Yoders also grow hay and raise beef cattle.

In Missouri the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, Missouri Farmers Care (MFC), the Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).  This year’s recipient will be announced in February 2020 at the Missouri Natural Resources Conference.

Congratulations and Good Luck Addie and Joshlin!