Michael Thompson of Almena has been selected as the recipient of the 2022 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award.
Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes those who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife resources in their care. In Kansas, the $10,000 award is presented annually by the Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Kansas Association of Conservation Districts and Ranchland Trust of Kansas.
Thompson grows crops and raises cattle on Thompson Farm and Ranch in Norton County with his father, Richard, and brother, Brian. He is an avid soil conservationist and vocal advocate for soil stewardship among other farmers and ranchers. Thompson is a founding member and chairman of the Kansas Soil Health Alliance, president of No-till on the Plains and a supervisor on the Norton County Conservation District Board.
“Michael’s passion for conservation and improving soil health serves as an inspiration to farmers and ranchers across Kansas,” said Kansas Secretary of Agriculture Mike Beam. “His commitment to sharing his experience and knowledge with others makes him very deserving of the honor of being a Leopold Conservation Award winner.”
The Kansas Leopold Conservation Award is made possible by numerous sponsors, including the Farm Credit Associations of Kansas, ITC Great Plains, Evergy, the Kansas Department of Agriculture-Division of Conservation, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, the Kansas Forest Service, McDonald’s, The Nature Conservancy, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service and a Kansas Leopold Conservation Award recipient.
