JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Time is running out! Applications for the 2026 Missouri Agriculture Stewardship Award are due by June 30th, 2025. Missouri Farmers Care, with partnership from Missouri Corn, Missouri Soybeans, The Poultry Federation, and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, are proud to present this prestigious honor. The award celebrates the exceptional commitment of Missouri farmers and ranchers to responsible land, livestock, and natural resource management.

“Missouri’s farmers and ranchers are the backbone of our state—not only in feeding our communities, but also caring for the land that sustains us,” said Ashley McCarty, Missouri Farmers Care executive director. “The Missouri Agriculture Stewardship Award honors those who lead by example, demonstrating that good stewardship and strong production go hand in hand.”

The Missouri Agriculture Stewardship Award highlights producers who exemplify innovation, sustainability, and leadership in conservation. The selection committee chooses recipients based on their outstanding efforts in implementing forward-thinking practices that protect soil health, water quality, and biodiversity while maintaining productive, profitable operations.

Missouri Farmers Care and partners will present the award at the Missouri Governor’s Conference on Agriculture, scheduled for November 12-13, 2025, in Columbia, Mo. The award recognizes a farm family whose dedication to stewardship sets a standard for agricultural excellence across the state.

Missouri Farmers Care and partners, alongside Governor Mike Kehoe, presented the 2025 award to Stanton Family Farms of Centralia, Missouri, a multi-generational operation that integrates crop and livestock production with innovative conservation practices.

The 2026 honoree will receive a $5,000 honorarium. Missouri Farmers Care will invite the recipient to share their story at conferences, through video, and an on-farm tour, inspiring fellow producers and advancing stewardship across Missouri agriculture.
Missouri’s agriculture community makes this award possible through the generous support of:

-Missouri Corn Merchandising Council,
-Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council,
-The Poultry Federation,
-USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service,
-Missouri Cattlemen’s Association,
-MFA, Inc.,
-Missouri Fertilizer Control Board,
-FCS Financial,
-Missouri Farm Bureau,
-Missouri Soil and Water Conservation Program, and
-The Nature Conservancy.

“Missouri’s farmers manage 27 million acres of farmland—93 percent of the state’s land is privately owned,” continued McCarty. “This award honors those who not only produce food, fuel, and fiber, but who do so with a vision for the future and a deep respect for the land.”

Applications are due June 30, 2025. Missouri’s farmers and ranchers are encouraged to apply today to be considered for this distinguished honor. Applications can be submitted online at https://mofarmerscare.com/agstewardshipaward.

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