Innovation is everything in agriculture. And when innovation can help farmers carry on their legacies in land and water sustainability, they become true pioneers, trendsetters and industry leaders. This year, we honor four growers with a passionate agricultural heritage.
Congratulations to these four outstanding soybean farmers, each a regional winner of the American Soybean Association (ASA) 2025 Conservation Legacy Award: Midwest–Jim O’Connell, Iowa; Northeast–Aaron Thompson, Delaware; Upper Midwest–Kurt Stiefvater, South Dakota; South–Benjamin and Shannon Ellis, Virginia.
The conservation commitment and sponsorship support from ASA, United Soybean Board (USB), BASF, Bayer, Valent, Nutrien, Farm Journal and Top Producer make this distinguished award program possible.
The overall winner will be announced at Commodity Classic on March 1, 2025.
Regional Winners of the 2025 ASA Conservation Legacy Awards Announced
Jim O’Connell
Ceader Rapids, Iowa
Regional Winner: Midwest
Iowa farmer Jim O’Connell teaches others about conservation by practicing what he preaches.
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Aaron Thompson
Hartly, Delaware
Regional Winner: Northeast
Stewardship practices help Delaware farmer Aaron Thompson plow through production trials.
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Benjamin and Shannon Ellis
Champlain, Virginia
Regional Winner: South
Benjamin and Shannon Ellis focus on soil health and water quality as they continue to build on a conservation legacy cultivated centuries before.
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Kurt Stiefvater
Salem, South Dakota
Regional Winner: Upper Midwest
South Dakota farmer Kurt Stiefvater begins and ends his conservation journey beneath his feet.
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