Lyons honored for commitment to conservation

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Richard Lyons of Harvel is the recipient of the 2024 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award.

The award, presented during the Illinois State Fair’s Ag Day, honors farmers and forestland owners who go above and beyond in the management of soil health, water quality and wildlife habitat on working land.

Lyons, a Montgomery County farmer, was presented with the award at the Illinois State Fair on Aug. 9. He receives $10,000 for being selected.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust will present the Leopold Conservation awards to landowners in 28 states this year.

In Illinois, the award is presented annually by the Illinois Corn Growers Association and Illinois Soybean Association.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement.

In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold called for “a land ethic” — an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

Illinois landowners were encouraged to apply, or be nominated, for the award. Applications were reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders from Illinois.

Among the many landowners nominated for the award were finalists Lieb Farms of Monticello in Piatt County, and Martin Family Farms of Mt. Pulaski in Logan County.

About Richard Lyons

Lyons says his conservation ethic began to evolve shortly after the death of his father. He began noticing things about the land they had farmed together.

Crops wilted sooner over areas of compaction from tractor and truck tires. Water running from grassy areas after heavy rains were free of sediment.

Without a father or grandfather to explain how they had farmed in the past, Lyons began farming with an open mind to prevent soil erosion from wind and rain.

During 37 years as a high school and college agriculture instructor, Lyons taught students what he practiced on his own land.

With dual careers of farming and teaching agriculture, he was in a unique position to give his students first-hand knowledge of what it means to be a conservation-minded farmer.

Early on, he retired his moldboard plow and began to chisel plow cornstalks to prevent erosion. In 1976, he also began planting no-till corn into soybean stubble to reduce fuel and labor costs.

At that time, research showed that nearby Lake Lou Yaeger was Illinois’ fastest-silting lake. It provides drinking water for 10,000 Montgomery County residents.

Determined to be part of the solution, Lyons took steps to improve the water quality in a creek that runs through his farm and into Lake Lou Yaeger.

He undertook a ditch and stream bank stabilization project using large rocks to prevent the undercutting and eventual collapse of the stream bank where it curves. He installed filter strips to capture runoff between farmland and the creek.

These areas provide wildlife habitat in a region primarily used for row-crop production. Improved nesting areas support pheasant and quail, and their predator, the coyote, which aids pest control in soybean fields.

In addition to contour planting crops parallel to the filter strips, Lyons has targeted nutrient management plans created for his farmland. He conducts soil tests every three years to guide the application of commercial fertilizer using variable rate technology.

In 2012, he began growing deep-rooted cover crops of rye, oats and radish to improve soil health by encouraging biodiversity, breaking up soil compaction, recycling nutrients and sequestering carbon. Covering soil with year-round living roots improves water infiltration while preventing erosion.

Since 2019, Lyons has grown overwintering cover crops of winter barley and Austrian winter peas for their ability to further reduce sediment loss.

He initiated a soil health training program by collaborating with individuals from various conservation organizations in Illinois.

This summer, he established pollinator-friendly habitat on a two-acre triangular parcel that was difficult to plant with large machinery. These are the latest examples of how his readiness to embrace new ideas and technologies, while remaining grounded in practical considerations, sets an example for others.

“In my heart and soul, I believe that soil and water conservation on my farm is an ethic that I wish to live by,” Lyons said.

Accolades

“As corn farmers, conservation and soil health are the center of our livelihood. Richard Lyons is a prime example of Aldo Leopold’s heart and passion for sustainability. We are happy to highlight his stewardship with this year’s Leopold Conservation Award,” said Jon Rosenstiel, Illinois Corn Marketing Board chairman.

“The Illinois Soybean Association is proud to recognize Illinois farmers, such as Richard Lyons, who dedicate their time to preserving and improving soil health. As implementing conservation practices become more integral to our industry, it’s important that we celebrate those who are leading the charge,” said Ron Kindred, ISA chair.

“Leopold Conservation Award recipients are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber,” said Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation president and CEO.

“As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of farmers, ranchers and forestland owners. At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three,” said John Piotti, AFT president and CEO.

The Illinois Leopold Conservation Award is made possible through the support of American Farmland Trust, Illinois Corn, ISA, Sand County Foundation, Farm Credit Illinois, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Illinois, Association of Illinois Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Compeer Financial, Illinois Department of Agriculture, Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership and McDonald’s.

For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.