Seeking Stewardship Leaders

Applications are now being accepted for the second year of the Missouri Agriculture Stewardship Award, which will honor one farm or ranch family who demonstrate careful and responsible management of the land, natural resources and animals entrusted to their care.

Stanton Family Farms of Centralia, Mo., was the first recipient of the new award, which was presented this past December by Missouri Farmers Care (MFC) and its member organizations, which include MFA Incorporated. The award comes with a $5,000 honorarium, and recipients may be invited to speak at conferences and host an on-farm tour that highlights their successful conservation and stewardship practices.

In the selection process, an external committee will consider such criteria as voluntary stewardship practices, collaboration with conservation partners, leadership, outreach and education.

Deadline for applications to be submitted or postmarked is June 30, 2025. The winner will be announced at an agricultural or natural resources conference later this year.

For more information or to submit an online application, visit MoFarmersCare.com/agstewardshipaward. Applications can also be mailed to Missouri Farmers Care Foundation, 19171 State Highway 11, Kirksville, MO 63501.