25 Sep Round Up: Noteworthy: The Leopold Conservation Award recognizes three outstanding farms and ranches in Montana

In every corner of Montana, ranching and farming families are caring for their land in ways that improve yields and quality while also benefiting the larger ecosystem. In many ways, conservation isn’t an act for these people. It’s a way of life, which, in some cases, has persisted for multiple generations. The Sand County Foundation honors this way of life with its annual Leopold Conservation Award, which this year recognizes three finalists in Montana, with the single award recipient slated to be announced later this year.

According to Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, the three finalists “demonstrate the many ways our Montana farmers, ranchers, and forested landowners are the best stewards of our lands. Their innovative management of land and water resources goes hand in hand with maintaining productive farm and ranchland operations. I’m grateful for the example they set as caretakers of our working landscapes.”

Named after conservationist Aldo Leopold, this award celebrates ranchers, farmers, and forested landowners who are committed to improving the environment and work to inspire others in the conservation of their lands. Leopold fought for people to have an ethical relationship with the land they watch over, and this award is a continuation and a celebration of his legacy. Presented by the Sand County Foundation and sponsored by the American Farmland Trust, the Leopold Conservation Award is given in 28 states, with the Montana winner receiving $10,000 and acknowledgment of the lifetime of work they have put into conservation efforts.

The Treasure State finalists are Living Sky Grains in Three Forks and Barthelmess Ranch and Veseth Ranch, both in Malta.

Living Sky Grains uses innovative techniques to conserve soil health, including using home-brewed compost, which helped create a closed-loop system that positively impacted the water cycle.

At Barthelmess Ranch, improved grazing practices have reduced reliance on hay for winter feeding, which creates a more resilient ranch. The family works with the rancher-led nonprofit Ranchers Stewardship Alliance to support stewardship, education, and collaboration among ranchers.

The Leopold Conservation Award given by the Sand County Foundation honors land stewardship in 28 states. This year, three Montana finalists, the Barthelmess Ranch (far left), Veseth Ranch (middle) and Living Sky Grains (above), were selected with the award recipient set to be announced later this year.

Meanwhile, Veseth Ranch works to maintain soil cover by growing perennial vegetation rather than annual crops, many of which were never meant for the harsh climate of Montana. In addition to their conservation work, owners Dale and Janet Veseth announced they will be gifting their ranch to the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance at the end of their careers.

“The finalists for the Montana Leopold Conservation Award have all gone above and beyond in their conservation efforts,” says Sand County Foundation Vice President Lance Irving. “These three finalists have all identified unique opportunities their landscape offers and made the most of it.”

While this award is a massive achievement, Irving says the recipients aren’t doing the work for recognition. “They all have a strong land ethic and are outstanding examples of what is possible on working lands and truly deserve the recognition,” he says. “The Leopold Conservation Award brings more attention to these land stewards and allows them to share lessons learned with their neighbors and community. There is no more credible person to share lessons learned on a farm or ranch than a farmer or rancher who has gone through those challenges.”