To some, legacy is simply a tradition. To others, it represents a heritage passed from one generation to the next. Firmly rooted in land stewardship, this year the American Soybean Association is proud to honor four outstanding soybean growers whose conservation legacies are bound by their steadfast commitment to improving the natural resources under their care. While conquering a unique set of challenges, each has pledged to carry out a conservation legacy with true passion for their agricultural heritage.
The overall winner will be announced at Commodity Classic on February 24, 2026.
Congratulations to these regional winners of the ASA 2026 Conservation Legacy Award:
Regional Winners of the 2026 ASA Conservation Legacy Awards Announced
Lewis Unruh
Peabody, Kansas
Regional Winner: Midwest
Conservation practices help Lewis Unruh control erosion, manage water in the rolling Kansas Flint Hills.
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Jon & Cathy Nelson
Lake Preston, South Dakota
Regional Winner: Upper Midwest
No-till and cover crops help Jon and Cathy Nelson leave traditional farming methods behind to focus on soil health for future generations.
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James "Jay" Baxter
Georgetown, Delaware
Regional Winner: Northeast
Conservation practices help Jay Baxter practice advocacy in bustling Chesapeake Bay watershed.
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Alex Forsbach
Savannah, Tennessee
Regional Winner: South
Land stewardship practices help Alex Forsbach navigate farming along flood-prone Tennessee River.
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