Setting the stewardship standard

Applications are now being accepted for the 2027 Missouri Agriculture Stewardship Award, which will honor one farm or ranch family who demonstrate careful and responsible management of land, natural resources and livestock.

The award is presented annually by Missouri Farmers Care, a coalition of the state’s agricultural organizations, commodity groups and agribusinesses, including MFA.

“Missouri farmers manage natural resources with a long-term view of leaving them in better condition for the generations that follow in their footsteps,” said Ashley McCarty, executive director of Missouri Farmers Care. “With 93% of Missouri land privately owned and 27 million acres managed as farms and ranches, this award recognizes excellence in production stewardship and encourages continued innovation across Missouri agriculture.”

Paulsmeyer Farms of Chamois was honored as the 2026 recipient of the award, which was presented in November by Missouri Farmers Care and its member organizations. The award comes with a $5,000 honorarium, and recipients will be invited to speak at conferences and host an on-farm tour that highlights their successful conservation and stewardship practices.

Ideal nominees exemplify innovation, stewardship and sound decision-making on working farms and ranches. Deadline for applications to be submitted or postmarked is June 30, 2026. 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.

Photo caption: Another farm family will soon join Paulsmeyer Farms of Chamois, Mo., as recipient of the Missouri Agriculture Stewardship Award. The 2026 award was presented at the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture on Nov. 12.