Leopold Conservation Award
The Leopold Conservation Award is presented in honor of renowned conservationist and author Aldo Leopold, who called for an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.
2023
Slovek Ranch,
Philip, South Dakota – 2023 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Winner
2022
Bien Ranch, Veblen, South Dakota – 2022 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Winner
2021
Prairie Paradise Farms, Fort Pierre, South Dakota – 2021 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Winner
2020
Blair Brothers Angus Ranch, Sturgis, South Dakota – 2020 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Winner
2019
Johnson Farm, Frankfort, South Dakota – 2019 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Winner
2018
Cammack Ranch, Union Center, South Dakota – 2018 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Winner
2017
Blue Bell Ranch/Hamann, Clear Lake, South Dakota – 2017 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Winner
2016
Cronin Farms & Dan Forgey – 2016 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award Winners
2015
Jorgensen Land & Cattle Partnership – 2015 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award
2014
2014 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award: Rock Hills Ranch
2013
2013 SD Leopold Conservation Award ~ The Guptill Ranch
2012
Kopriva Family – 2012 Leopold Conservation Award (South Dakota)
2011
Mortenson Family – 2011 Leopold Conservation Award (South Dakota)
2011
Rick & Marlis Doud – 2010 Leopold Conservation Award (South Dakota)
Leopold Conservation Award made possible through generous support from these sponsors
Friend of the Prairie Award
To recognize individuals for their conservation efforts, the South Dakota Grassland Coalition has established the “Friend of the Prairie” award. This award recognizes those working in public roles to ensure stewardship of the state’s natural resources through sustainable and profitable management. The awardees are given a framed display featuring the pasque flower and western wheat grass, the state flower and grass of South Dakota.
2021 Award Winner
2021 Friend of the Prairie Award Winner, Tim Olson
2024 Award Winner
2024 Friend of the Prairie Award Winner, Joe Dickie
2021 Award Winners
2021 Friend of the Prairie Award Winner, Jeff Zimprich
2020 Award Winner
Dave George Presenting Dave Schmidt one of the 2020 Friend of the Prairie Awards
2020 Award Winner
2020 Friend of the Prairie Award Winner, Dave Ollila
2017 Award Winners
Dr. Dennis C. Clarke, Former SD DENR Project Officer, & Jeff Hemenway, Retired NRCS State Soil Quality Specialist.
2016 Award Winners
2016 Friend of the Prairie Award, Rod Baumberger and Dave Steffen
2015 Award Winners
2015 Friend of the Prairie Award, Codi Vallery-Mills and Kindra Gordon
2014 Award Winners
2014 Friend of the Prairie Award, U.S. Representative Kristi Noem, U.S. Senator John Thune, and U.S. Senator Tim Johnson
Jim Faulstich (Chair SDGC), Kristi Noem (U.S. Representative), Judge Jessop (SDGC Project Coordinator)
Jim Faulstich (Chair SDGC), John Thune (U.S. Senator), Judge Jessop ( SDGC Project Coordinator)
Tim Johnson (U.S. Senator)