South Dakota Farm Bureau (SDFB) congratulates Blair Brothers Angus Ranch of Sturgis, S.D., as they were recently announced as winners of the Leopold Conservation award, which honors private landowners for their conservation efforts.

Award applicants were judged on their demonstration of improved resource conditions, innovation, long-term commitment to stewardship, sustained economic viability, community and civic leadership, and multiple use benefits.

SDFB members Ed and Rich Blair, and their sons Chad and Britton operate a cow-calf, stocker and feed lot business that spans 40,000 acres of deeded and leased rangeland near Sturgis and Vale in western South Dakota.

“Many of the Leopold Conservation honorees have been South Dakota Farm Bureau members, which speaks highly of the progressive and conscientious caliber of our members,” said Krystil Smit, SDFB executive director. “Blair family members have been active Farm Bureau leaders for many years and their recognition is well deserved."

The 2020 award recipient will be recognized at the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association’s Annual Convention in December. The Blair Brother’s will receive $10,000 and a crystal award depicting Aldo Leopold.

 More information about the Leopold award can be found at sandcountyfoundation.org. To learn more about SDFB visit sdfbf.org.