Twelve individuals from across the country involved in the agriculture industry were honored Monday in Washington DC as “White House Champions of Change for Sustainable and Climate-Smart Agriculture.” The diverse group of farmers, ranchers, researchers and educators were recognized for their exemplary leadership in supporting change in their communities through innovation in agricultural production and education.
The Champions were chosen from nominations made to the White House program which regularly recognizes different categories and industries of ordinary Americans doing extraordinary things in their communities.
The White House Champions are:
Anita Adalja – farm manager at Arcadia Center for Sustainable Food and Agriculture in Washington, D.C.
William “Buddy” Allen – Mississippi crop farmer
Keith Berns – farmer and cover crop seed producer from Nebraska;
Larry Cundall – Wyoming Vietnam War Veteran and fourth generation rancher
Herman “Trey” Hill – crop farmer from Rock Hall, Maryland
Loretta Jaus – Minnesota dairy producer
Martin Kleinschmit – organic farmer from Nebraska;
Jennifer “Jiff” Martin – Sustainable Food System Associate Educator, Connecticut
Jesus Sanchez – California specialty crop farmer
Erin Fitzgerald Sexson – Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy
Timothy Smith – 4th generation crop farmer from Iowa
Donald Tyler – soil management researcher, Tennessee
Tim Smith, who farms near Eagle Grove, Iowa, signed up for a federal program in 2011 that identified the watershed as a priority for reducing nitrate and phosphorous levels in the Gulf of Mexico. In 2014, he joined the newly formed Soil Health Partnership, which over a five-year period will identify, test and measure farm management practices that improve soil health and benefit farmers.
“American agriculture is more advanced and efficient than ever, but making deeper changes in the business of farming will enable us do even better for long-term sustainability,” Smith said. “Losing precious soil is not sustainable. Farmers are becoming more aware of this and the impact it has.”
The Soil Health Partnership and Iowa Soybean Association both nominated Smith for the award.