(Ankeny, Iowa – June 24, 2020) The Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) would like to congratulate the winners of the 2020 SWCS awards. Awards are presented annually to individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions in advocating and advancing the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources. All award winners will be showcased within the SWCS 2020 International Annual Conference virtual platform during the July 27-29, 2020, event. Additional information about each recognition can also be found at www.swcs.org/awards.
The Hugh Hammond Bennett Award, the Society’s most prestigious award, recognizes extraordinary accomplishments in the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources. The 2020 Hugh Hammond Bennett Award is presented to Dr. Jean L. Steiner, Manhattan, Kansas, who is recognized internationally as an authority on irrigated and rainfed cropping, crop residue management, evapotranspiration, watershed management, and integrated systems research.
During her career with the USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Steiner led research at multiple locations and provided crucial leadership within three major initiatives: the Conservation Effects Assessment Project, in which she set the framework for a new approach to data management for more than a dozen watershed projects; the Southern Plains Climate Hub, a robust regional partnership between government agencies, universities, and private sector entitles to develop and deliver improved adaptation and mitigation strategies for Southern Plains agriculture; and the Long-Term Agroecosystem Research network. Steiner also co-led the Grazing Coordinated Agricultural Project, a regional project focused on resilience of beef grazing systems in the face of a variable and changing climate. Additionally, she has served as president of both the Soil and Water Conservation Society (2004-2006) and the American Society of Agronomy (2015).
Three Society Fellow Awards are given this year, in recognition of SWCS members who have performed exceptional service in advocating the conservation of soil, water, and related natural resources. Fellowship is an honor bestowed upon the best in the conservation profession. This year’s Fellow awardees include
- Chris Gross, Maryland
- David Lobb, Manitoba, Canada
- Deanna Osmond, North Carolina
Additional awards presented in 2020 are listed below:
Conservation Innovation Award
In recognition of an outstanding activity, product, or service by a group, business, firm, corporation, or organization that promotes natural resource conservation.
- Rice Irrigation Water Management Field Day Team, Arkansas
- Science-Based Trials of Rowcrops Integrated with Prairie Strips, Iowa State University and Partners Research Group, Iowa
Harold and Kay Scholl Excellence in Conservation Award
In recognition of individuals who work on the ground to provide direct and personal delivery or conservation planning and technical assistance.
- Neil Shaffer, Iowa
Conservation Professional of the Year Award
In recognition of outstanding accomplishments in practicing and advancing the science and art of natural resource conservation.
- Jay Fuhrer, North Dakota
75th Anniversary Conservation Professional of the Year Honorable Mention
In recognition of outstanding accomplishments in practicing and advancing the science and art of natural resource conservation. Additional awards are given in 2020 in honor of the Soil and Water Conservation Society’s 75th Anniversary.
- Cari Williams, Oklahoma
- Herb Winters, Oregon
- James Culver, Nebraska
- Krista Kirkham, Illinois
- Norm Helzer, Nebraska
Society Service Award
In recognition of Society members for service to their chapter or to the Society.
- Hugh Brown, Washington
- Sharon Hartzold, Illinois
Chair’s Leadership Award
In recognition of exemplary assistance in helping to carry out the goals and objectives of the Soil and Water Conservation Society.
- Clare Lindahl, Soil and Water Conservation Society CEO, Iowa
- Jeff Strock, Minnesota
- Juan Herrera, Argentina
- Keystone Chapter, Pennsylvania
Conservation Research Award
In recognition of Society members or teams of members whose research has led to exceptional improvements in soil conservation, water conservation, and/or related natural resources research.
- J. Arbuckle, Iowa
- John Gilley, Nebraska
- Mark Tomer, Iowa
Best Research Paper for Impact and Quality Award
In recognition of the impact and quality of the following research paper:
Arbuckle, J.G., and G. Roesch-McNally. 2015. Cover crop adoption in Iowa: The role of perceived practice characteristics. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 70(6):418-429, doi:10.2489/jswc.70.6.418.
- J. Arbuckle, Iowa
- Gabrielle Roesch-McNally, Iowa
Best Research Paper for Impact and Quality Honorable Mention
In recognition of the impact and quality of the following research paper:
Lal, R. 2015. Soil carbon sequestration and aggregation by cover cropping. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 70(6):329-339, doi:10.2489/jswc.70.6.329.
- Rattan Lal, Ohio
Editor's Choice Award Winner
In recognition of the following article of excellence appearing in the “A” Section of the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation in the previous year:
Sharpley, A., M.J. Helmers, P. Kleinman, K. King, A. Leytem, and N. Nelson. 2019. Managing crop nutrients to achieve water quality goals. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 74(5):91A-101A, doi:10.2489/jswc.74.5.91A.
- Andrew Sharpley, Arkansas
- Matthew Helmers, Iowa
- Peter Kleinman, Pennsylvania
- Kevin King, Ohio
- April Leytem, Idaho
- Nathan Nelson, Kansas
Editor's Choice Honorable Mention
In recognition of the following article of excellence appearing in the “A” Section of the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation in the previous year:
Fleming, P.M., D.J. Merritts, and R.C. Walter 2019. Legacy sediment erosion hot spots: A cost-effective approach for targeting water quality improvements. Journal of Soil and Water Conservation 74(4):67A-73A, doi:10.2489/jswc.74.4.67A.
- Patrick Fleming, Pennsylvania
- Dorothy J. Merritts, Pennsylvania
- Robert C. Walter, Pennsylvania
Associate Editor Excellence Award
In recognition of associate editors for their contributions to the success and development of the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation.
- Daniel Moriasi, Oklahoma
- Gretchen Sassenrath, Kansas
- Zeyuan Qiu, New Jersey
Chapter Achievement Award
In recognition of chapters for significant achievements through a single activity conducted during the year.
- California Nevada Chapter
- Hoosier Chapter
- Iowa Chapter
- Land of Lincoln Chapter
- Montana Chapter
Outstanding Chapter Award
In recognition for the chapter’s success in carrying out its overall program during the past year.
- Arizona Chapter
- California Nevada Chapter
- Hoosier Chapter
- Iowa Chapter
- Michigan Chapter
- National Capital Chapter
- Nebraska Chapter
- North Dakota Chapter
- Southern New England Chapter
WiN Conservationist of the Year Award
In recognition of an outstanding woman/farmer/producer/conservationist.
- Sara Creech, Indiana
WiN Award of Excellence Recipient
In recognition of an individual woman who, over a period of time, has contributed substantially and creatively to our Natural Resources Conservation profession.
- Karen Brinkman, Missouri
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About SWCS
For seventy-five years, the Soil and Water Conservation Society has been the premier international organization for professionals who practice and advance the science and art of natural resource conservation. We believe sustainable land and water management is essential to the continued security of the earth and its people. Our goal is to cultivate an organization of informed, dynamic individuals whose contributions create a bright future for agriculture, the environment, and society. The Soil and Water Conservation Society is headquartered in Ankeny, Iowa, with chapters across the United States and Canada.
For More Information:
Courtney Allen, Event and Professional Development Director
Soil and Water Conservation Society
courtney.allen@swcs.org