JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – A Jamestown couple has received the 2018 Leopold Conservation Award for their continued efforts in agricultural conservation.

Jeremy and Sarah Wilson of Jamestown were announced as one of three finalists earlier this year by the Sand County Foundation. In North Dakota, a $10,000 award is presented to the recipient who receives the award, which recognizes those who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.

Jeremy Wilson tells the Sand Foundation that their dedication makes them unique.

Wilson says they get a lot of visitors and he feels that a lot of individuals are experiencing soil degradation.

Sarah Wilson says their operation is just a few miles from Jamestown.

Wilson says they hope to use their farm to bridge the gap and continue sharing what they do on their farm. Jeremy says they’re looking at how to install a water system for rotational grazing. He says these would be beneficial to the soil and enhance it for future use.

For more than 20 years, the Wilsons have been outstanding spokespersons and advocates for conservation agriculture. Jeremy was selected as a “Soil Health Champion” by the National Soil Conservation Association of Conservation Districts.

“The Wilson’s donate three acres of sweet corn annually to the Great Plains Food Bank,” the Sand County Foundation reports. “That equals more than 27,600 meals of fresh produce to those in need. It’s another example of how through conservation practices and stewardship, the Wilson’s have provided benefits that go far beyond their farm gate.”

For more on the Wilson’s operation and their award, click here. You can watch a video from the Sand County Foundation below.

Audio and photos courtesy of the Sand County Foundation.