Four Eastern Iowa Farm Families Honored for Conservation Leadership at Iowa State Fair

Iowa's fair season is a time to celebrate our unique culture, but at its core, it's a chance to thank farmers for feeding America and the world as a whole. Now, four Eastern Iowa farm families have received one of the state's highest honors during the 2025 Iowa State Fair. The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award was presented to farmers from Clayton, Delaware, Dubuque, and Fayette Counties who have gone above and beyond to care for the land and water that sustain their communities.

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The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award was presented to 40 farm families across the state, including four from our region: Joe Sass of Clayton County, Nathan Goedken of Delaware County, Lillie Beringer Crock of Beringer Family Farms in Dubuque County, and Rick and Damien Matt of Varykino, Inc. in Fayette County.

"Here in Iowa, we know that agriculture and conservation go hand in hand. Our farmers feed and fuel the world - and they also lead the way in protecting soil, improving our water quality, and adopting innovative practices that will keep our state striving for generations to come."

-Kim Reynolds, Iowa Governor

The award recognizes farmers who voluntarily take steps to protect Iowa’s soil, water, and natural resources while encouraging conservation within their communities. The local recipients have implemented a variety of practices, including cover crops, wetlands, buffer strips, grass waterways, terraces, and no-till farming. These methods help improve soil health, reduce nutrient runoff, and contribute to statewide efforts to enhance water quality under the Iowa Nutrient Reduction Strategy.

"Iowa’s farm families continue to be the driving force behind building a lasting culture of conservation within our state. Farmers are voluntarily adopting practices like cover crops, no till, buffer strips, wetlands, bioreactors and many more, and are helping us set conservation adoption records year after year. The Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award winners are shining examples of community leaders who are taking action on their own land and inspiring others to do the same. This creates a ripple effect and helps drive conservation progress across Iowa."

Mike Naig, Secretary of Agriculture

Since its creation in 2012, the Iowa Farm Environmental Leader Award has recognized 861 farm families across Iowa. Winners are selected by a committee of agricultural and conservation organizations, highlighting farms that go above and beyond in environmental stewardship while serving as local leaders.

Eastern Iowa’s winners demonstrate how conservation practices benefit not only the farms themselves, but the towns they serve and live in. By adopting safe practices, they are contributing to healthier rivers, streams, and landscapes that support both agriculture and local communities.

"We take great pride in recognizing these leaders in our farming communities throughout our state who put sound conservation practices at the forefront of their operations. Their conservation practices are leading the change and setting an example for future generations and other farmers."

-Kayla Lyon, Department of Natural Resources Director

Recognition at the Iowa State Fair is a great honor and highlights the important role our farmers play in environmental leadership. These families are part of a growing number of Iowa farmers who are making conservation a priority. They are setting an example for neighbors, and showing that sustainable farming practices can go hand-in-hand with successful everyday operations. It is, after all, our job to ensure Iowa’s land and water remain productive and healthy for generations to come.