ANKENY, IOWA ? The environmental and sustainability contributions of two Iowa Soybean Association (ISA) farmers were recognized by the White House. Tim Smith of Eagle Grove was named a Champion of Change and Mark Jackson of Rose Hill was recognized as a finalist for the award during a ceremony in Washington, D.C. today.
Tim Smith of Eagle Grove standing in front of the White House.
?Tim and Mark are shining examples of the progress that can be made when practices are implemented and monitored and they are willing to assert leadership,? said Roger Wolf, ISA Environmental Programs Services director. ?We are honored to partner with these farmers and inspired by the work they do to educate the public and advance environmental and water quality across the state.?
Smith, who was also nominated for the distinction by the Soil Health Partnership, is an ISA district advisory council member and engages in environmental programs with the association. After his experience with water monitoring through the ISA?s Environmental Programs and Services, Smith implemented conservation practices that showed measured progress on his farm.
?Although I am honored to be a part of this group of ?Champions Change,? I am simply an Iowa farmer doing his best to raise crops as sustainably and as environmentally-friendly as possible,? said Smith who is a fourth-generation farmer in Wright County. ?Conservation isn?t a buzzword for me. It?s how I farm after understanding how I truly play a part in the whole system.?
Jackson has also been instrumental in the discussion about sustainability and conservation in Iowa, across the nation and globally. While serving as ISA board president, Jackson pioneered a first-of-its-kind soybean sustainability documentation project and has continued to be a champion of the sustainable practices. Jackson presented a TED to talk in 2014 about the sustainable legacy of his family farm.
?Agriculture is evolving constantly and implementing environmental and sustainable practices are part of that,? Jackson said. ?I believe it is important that modern agriculture shares its story of sustainable production. That?s why I?m dedicated to continuing a legacy of sustainability on my farm and educating other farmers, industry partners and consumers about the environmentally and socially responsible efforts of Iowa farmers.?
The Champions of Change award recognizes everyday Americans who are making positive changes in their communities including protecting the environment through sustainable and climate-smart agriculture practices.
