Nominations are now open for the 2024 Iowa Conservation Farmer of the Year. Now in its 73rd year, this honor has been awarded to celebrate conservation progress among select Iowa farmers who are committed to exceptional environmental stewardship and conservation efforts. To nominate a farmer for the award, visit www.cdiowa.org/awards and complete a short form summarizing the nominee’s conservation efforts and commitment to improving soil.  Nominations are due by May 10th to your local Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) office. One nominee will be selected by each of Iowa’s 99 county SWCD offices. These individuals will be considered for regional conservation awards. Nine regional award winners will compete for the title of “Iowa’s Conservation Farmer of the Year.” The winner will be announced during the Iowa State Fair and will receive the keys to their tractor during the Conservation Districts of Iowa annual meeting, August 19-20, in Ames. The 2024 statewide Conservation Farmer of the Year winner will receive free use of a John Deere 5M Series utility tractor for up to 12 months or 200 hours of use.