Barby Ranch, located in Clark and Comanche counties, has been named the recipient of the 2024 Kansas Leopold Conservation Award. This prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who demonstrate exceptional stewardship of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Bill and Debbie Barby, owners of Barby Ranch, were presented with the award at the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts’ Annual Convention, along with a $10,000 prize.

The Leopold Conservation Award is presented annually in 28 states by the Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust. In Kansas, the award is given in partnership with the Kansas Association of Conservation Districts and the Ranchland Trust of Kansas.

Named in honor of conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award celebrates landowners who lead by example in environmental stewardship. Leopold’s 1949 book, A Sand County Almanac, called for a “land ethic,” emphasizing the ethical responsibility people have toward the land they manage. Kansas landowners were invited to apply or be nominated for this year’s award, which was reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders from the state. Among the finalists were Janus Farms of Cherryvale and Glenn and Barbara Walker of Brookville.