Dwane Roth, Manhattan, is one of three finalists for the 2020 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife resources in their care.
Roth owns Big D Farms in Finney County. He uses cover crops to build soil health and combat wind erosion on sandy soils. As one of the state's first water technology farmers he is passionate about addressing declining water levels and extending the life of the Ogallala aquifer. His participation involves researching and testing new irrigation strategies and technologies that maintain crop production while reducing water usage.
Other finalists include Vance and Louise Ehmke, Healy, and Josh and Gwen Hoy, Cedar Point.
In Kansas the award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation, American Farmland Trust, Kansas Association of Conservation District and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas.
The award will be presented at the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts' 76th annual convention in Wichita in November. The award recipient will receive $10,000 and a crystal award.