MASWCD
Eight finalists from across Minnesota have been selected for the state’s 2026 Outstanding Conservationist Award, recognizing their leadership in implementing conservation practices and protecting Minnesota’s land and water resources. The Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts (MASWCD) has named the finalists for the annual award, which recognizes farm families, individuals, conservation organizations and other groups for their accomplishments in improving Minnesota’s natural resources.
“Each of these finalists represents the important conservation work happening across Minnesota, often in partnership with their local Soil and Water Conservation District,” said MASWCD Executive Director LeAnn Buck. “Being selected as a statewide finalist is a significant accomplishment and a reflection of their commitment to caring for the land and water. We’re proud to recognize their efforts and the example they set for others.”
The eight finalists, representing regions across Minnesota, are:
- Northwest: Jacob and Angela Nelson Family, Lake Park (Becker SWCD). The Nelson family operates a 3,800-acre crop farm and has introduced numerous conservation practices, including cover crops, no-till, precision nutrient management, and water and sediment control basins.
- West Central: Preston and Cullen Fischer, Lake Lillian (Kandiyohi SWCD). Third-generation farmers who have implemented cover crops, reduced tillage, pasture and hay plantings, and windbreaks to improve soil health, reduce erosion and strengthen their farming operation.
- Northeast: Hannah Bernhardt, Medicine Creek Farms, Finlayson (Pine SWCD). Bernhardt uses intensive rotational grazing with cattle, sheep and pigs, working with conservation partners to improve land management while advocating for sustainable agriculture and family farms.
- Metro: Ryan and Lindsey Lind, Harris (Chisago SWCD). Fourth-generation farmers who use no-till, cover crops and nutrient management practices while restoring wetlands and planting trees to improve wildlife habitat and preserve their land for future generations.
- Southwest: Kyle and Samantha Prechel, Wanda (Redwood SWCD): The Prechels operate a grain and cattle farm, using livestock management and diverse crop rotations to protect soil, improve water quality and preserve their land.
- South Central: Jamie and Andy Yokiel, Wells (Waseca SWCD). The Yokiels completed a wetland restoration project in 2026 through the Reinvest in Minnesota Reserve program, protecting environmentally sensitive land and reducing erosion.
- Southeast: Carey and Emily Tweten, Valley Acres Dairy, Lewiston (Winona SWCD). Fifth-generation dairy farmers who use cover crops, no-till, grassed waterways and other conservation practices, including the restoration of a historic Civilian Conservation Corps structure.
- North Central: Chad and Lisa Brink, Remer (Cass and Itasca SWCDs). The Brinks have adopted no-till, cover crops and other soil health practices across their farming operation, earning Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification and sharing their conservation experiences with others.
The winner will be announced at a luncheon on Dec. 2 during MASWCD’s 90th Annual Meeting, taking place Nov. 30-Dec. 2 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Bloomington – Minneapolis South in Bloomington. The award ceremony is the culminating event of the three-day conference.
The Outstanding Conservationist Award program is sponsored by MASWCD, with support from The Farmer magazine. Finalists were nominated by their local Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts news release
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