A farm or ranch dedicated to conservation practices will be recognized in April thanks, in part, to electric co-op power supplier Tri-State Generation and Transmission Association.
Three finalists were selected for the prestigious 2019 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold.
In Colorado, the $10,000 award is presented annually by Tri-State in partnership with four other organizations.
The finalists are:
• The Livingston Ranch of Stratton in Kit Carson County: Mike and Julie Livingston raise cattle, wheat, milo, corn and hay with their children, Kari and Justin, and their families. Cover crops and no-till practices have improved soil health, while reducing water runoff and soil erosion. Wildlife habitat is important to this operation and has been included in all conservation efforts.
• Off Ranches of Del Norte in Rio Grande County: Cory Off raises beef cattle and hay at his ranch along the Rio Grande River. Conservation improvements to the ranch’s landscape, such as the establishment of buffer areas around wetlands, have bolstered wildlife habitat and attracted a variety of plants, birds and wildlife.
• Gregg, Chris and Brad Stults of Wray in Yuma County: The Stults’ have added cover crops and no-till practices. Their land provides habitat for 53 species of birds, including greater prairie chickens and the western yellow-billed cuckoo.
This year’s recipient will be honored June 17 at the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association’s annual convention.