Two southeast Iowa farm families have received Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Awards for their conservation efforts.
Paula and Jeff Ellis of P-J Family Farms in Lee County and J-D and David Hollingsworth of Hollingsworth Farms in Jefferson County were among 33 families recognized Wednesday at the Iowa State Fair.
The award honors farmers who voluntarily work to protect Iowa’s soil and water while serving as leaders in their communities. Honorees use conservation practices such as cover crops, reduced tillage, nutrient management, grassed waterways, terraces and wetlands.
Recipients were selected by a committee representing Iowa agricultural and conservation organizations. Since the award program began in 2012, 894 Iowa farm families have been recognized.