Recipients of the Iowa Secretary of Agriculture’s Leader in Conservation Awards were announced  February 15th during the Agribusiness Showcase and Conference in Des Moines. The Ag Leader Awards are presented by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig to individuals and organizations that make exceptional contributions to Iowa agriculture. Since 1963, James Waterhouse Construction in Washington has devoted its mission to advancing soil conservation and water management needs for landowners and farmers in and around Keokuk and Washington Counties. Jim and his wife, Berna, owned and operated their company for over 58 years. Waterhouse Construction has played a key role in renovating and building 162 structural projects draining 12,500 acres to improve the longevity and water quality of the state park and its resources. Now 60 years later, Jim and Berna’s sons, Jamey and Justin, continue the family tradition for conservation.