Landowner Earns Farmland Legacy Award

OMAHA (DTN) -- Non-operator farmland owners play a critical role in the success of sustainable agriculture.

For that reason, Practical Farmers of Iowa annually awards the Farmland Owner Legacy Award to landowners who use their land to help the next generation of farmers get started, advance land stewardship and promote long-term sustainability of farm businesses, environmental quality and rural communities.

This year, the award was presented to Tim Kelley of Elmo, Missouri, for his commitment to conservation and creating opportunities for the next generation of farmers.

Kelley and his sister, Margaret Kelley, co-own around 800 acres of farmland in northwestern Missouri. Over the years, they have made significant investments in long-term soil health and have been committed to working with beginning farmers who also value stewardship of the land.

Tim's award was presented in September at one of Practical Farmers of Iowa's cover crop field days in Elmo.

"Tim has gone above and beyond as a landowner," said Sally Worley, PFI's executive director, in a news release. "It's tempting for non-operating landowners to take the path of least resistance when managing their land, and the downside of this is often less conservation and less opportunities for beginning farmers. We're grateful for Tim's efforts and are happy to recognize his outstanding work."

Sixty-two percent of farmland in the Midwest is owned by non-operating landowners, according to a report released by the Nature Conservancy. Non-operating landowners have tremendous potential to enhance stewardship across the Midwest through guided land management and sustainable farm practices.

Tim and Margaret's 800 acres of land in Elmo have been in the family since 1907 producing corn, soybeans, small grains, cover crops, restored cool-season and warm-season grass pastures, cool-season grassed headlands, filter strips and most recently, a restored oxbow.

Tim believes farmland owners have the responsibility to leave the land better than they found it. On conservation practices, Tim said, "The more that I learned, it seemed obvious that it was the right thing to do. Plus, the more one does, the more one sees what can be accomplished."

Tim's current tenant on the land is Brent Nold of Savannah, Missouri. Together, they share a vision for the farm and work to improve long-term soil health.

"Tim has been a great partner to work with, and both him and Margaret have gone above and beyond to make sure our goals are met," Brent stated. "Tim is always willing to brainstorm and tries to find opportunities to help us achieve those goals. I truly feel Tim always has my and the land's best interest in mind."

Practical Farmers of Iowa has awarded the Farmland Owner Legacy Owner Award annually since 2013. Past recipients include Hidden Falls, LLC; Chris Henning; Michael and Rosemary Roelf; Sally McCoy, Ann Novak, Peg Bouska and Carol Bouska; Lee Tesdell; Maggie McOuown and Steve Turman; John and Angela Tedesco; Rob and Susan Fleming; Dale Nimrod, Faith Sherman and Vance Nimrod; Charlotte Shivvers and Martha Skillman; and Helen Gunderson.

To learn more about Practical Farmers of Iowa visit https://practicalfarmers.org/….

Susan Payne can be reached at Susan.Payne@dtn.com

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