MEADOW, S.D. – Dan and Sharon Anderson’s Darling Creek Ranch has been selected as the 2026 South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award® recipient.

The $10,000 award honors ranchers, farmers, and forestland owners who go above and beyond in their management of soil health, water quality, and wildlife habitat on working land.

Sand County Foundation and national sponsor American Farmland Trust present Leopold Conservation Awards to private landowners in 28 states. In South Dakota, the award is presented with the South Dakota Grassland Coalition and South Dakota Soil Health Coalition.

The Dan and Sharon Anderson family owns and operates Darling Creek Ranch, located near Meadow in Perkins County. They will be formally presented with the South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award later this year.

Conservation is a family legacy for the Andersons. While ranching and grazing practices continue to evolve, a passion for the land they steward has burned strong for generations. Dan’s father, Jim, served on the Perkins County Soil Conservation Board for 48 years.

Building organic matter in the soil, building litter as armor on the surface, and retaining soil moisture are all measurements for the Andersons’ conservation practices. They rotationally graze beef cattle and sheep to pursue these improvements while also helping native grass populations reestablish their deep root systems.

“My dad improved the ground from when he bought it, we have improved the ground since we took over from him, and we hope the next generation improves it even more,” said Anderson, who is a lifelong member of the Grand River Cooperative Grazing Association.

The Andersons’ daughters: Danci, Danika, Dantae, and Danessa, are all involved in the ranch’s operation.

The Andersons are cattle and sheep ranchers who showcase the regenerative ability of rangelands and native grasses to improve soil health, water and air quality, and wildlife habitat while also profitably raising livestock.

“Conservation has always been on the forefront of how we manage our rangeland and our resources,” Dan Anderson said.

“It’s great to be able to recognize farmers and ranchers like the Anderson family, who practice conservation and soil health principles that help to improve and maintain the sustainability of their operations,” said Mike McKernan, South Dakota Grassland Coalition Chairman. “Their hard work and dedication to conservation will secure a legacy for future generations.”

The award, given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, recognizes landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement. In his influential 1949 book, “A Sand County Almanac,” Leopold advocated for “a land ethic,” an ethical relationship between people and the land they own and manage.

“The operations at Darling Creek Ranch are guided by a commitment to land stewardship, family values, and community engagement. A focus on soil health through holistic management ensures optimal utilization of resources and shows a passion that continues to be handed down through generations. Congratulations to their families,” said Brian Johnson, South Dakota Soil Health Coalition Chairman.

The first South Dakota Leopold Conservation Award was presented in 2010. The 2025 award recipient was Stomprud Angus Ranch of Mud Butte.

Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award in South Dakota is made possible thanks to the generous support of American Farmland Trust, South Dakota Grassland Coalition, South Dakota Soil Health Coalition, South Dakota Farmers Union, South Dakota Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, South Dakota Farm Bureau Federation, South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks; South Dakota State University College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences; USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of South Dakota, Agassiz Seed & Supply, Audubon Great Plains, Bad River Ranches, Belle Fourche River Watershed Partnership,  Blue Bell Ranch, Cammack Ranch, Daybreak Ranch, Ducks Unlimited, First Dakota National Bank, Jim and Karen Kopriva, Millborn, North Central Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, South Dakota Agricultural Land Trust, South Dakota Association of Conservation Districts, South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, Pheasants Forever, South Dakota Soybean Association, The Nature Conservancy, Todd Mortenson family, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-Partners for Fish and Wildlife, and Wagner Land & Livestock.

For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.