The four finalists for the Minnesota Leopold Conservation Award 2025 have been announced, recognizing farmers who go above and beyond in their stewardship of working lands. The award, named after renowned environmentalist Aldo Leopold, celebrates individuals who embody his philosophy of a "land ethic"-a moral responsibility to care for the land and resources they manage.

Presented in 28 states by the Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust, the award includes a $10,000 prize and in Minnesota is supported by Minnesota Soil Health Coalition and Soil Regen. According to Coalition Executive Director Mark Gutierrez, "The work these finalists are doing to grow healthy, nutrient-dense food through practices that lead to clean water, nutrient cycling and reduced emissions is nothing short of amazing. These finalists are true leaders in the future of agriculture."

Hannah Bernhardt - Medicine Creek Farm, Finlayson (Pine County) At Medicine Creek Farm, Hannah Bernhardt raises grass-fed beef using a rotational grazing system that changes yearly to support biodiversity both above and below ground. Improved soil health and water-holding capacity have made her operation more resilient to drought and heavy rainfall. She also installed ditch crossings to protect the Medicine Creek-part of the St. Croix River watershed-and powers her fencing system with portable solar panels.

A pioneer in soil conservation, Tom Cotter combines reduced tillage, multi-species cover cropping, and livestock grazing to dramatically improve soil health on his diverse crop fields. In 2016, Cotter Farms became the first Clean Water Certified Farm in Mower County. All cover-cropped acres are grazed by grass-fed beef cattle, and Cotter frequently speaks at state and national agricultural events promoting soil health education.

The **Didrikson family-Dana, Michelle, Thor, and Kelsey-**manage yearling cattle through rotational grazing, improving soil structure, reducing erosion, and fostering the growth of native vegetation. They enhanced 160 acres of pasture with native grasses and planted 80 acres of perennial wildflowers under a Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) contract, providing vital habitat for pollinators and butterflies.

Led by the Udermann family, Meadowbrook Dairy employs no-till farming and cover crops to increase soil organic matter and reduce runoff. They've expanded buffer strips along waterways to 50 feet and restored nearly 100 acres of wetlands with native grasses and wildflowers. The operation also engages in conservation research and regularly hosts public outreach events, making them a hub for agricultural education and innovation.

In a time when the agriculture sector faces mounting pressures from climate change, input costs, and regulatory demands, these operations prove that conservation and productivity are not mutually exclusive. Practices like no-till, rotational grazing, perennial plantings, and solar-powered infrastructure not only protect resources but also build resilient, profitable farms.

As more producers consider how to adapt to changing conditions, these finalists serve as living examples of how to integrate regenerative practices into profitable operations-laying the groundwork for federal and state policy discussions on conservation incentives, climate-smart farming, and ecosystem services.

The winner of the 2025 Minnesota Leopold Conservation Award will be announced later this year, but all four finalists have already proven themselves as leaders in sustainability, inspiring a new generation of farmers to view stewardship as integral to success.