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Leopold award goes to SE Minnesota farmer dedicated to soil health and mentorship

The 2025 Minnesota Leopold Conservation Award recipient is a diversified crop and livestock farmer from the southeast part of the state.

Tom Cotter is a fourth-generation farmer who grows organic and conventional corn, soybeans, sweet corn, peas, sunflowers, oats, forages, and grazes cow-calf pairs across all 850 acres of his farm.

“It’s great to do things for nature, but it feels really good to be recognized for giving back to people and helping people. Because I really think that’s kind of been my path is working with nature and helping other people.”

He tells Brownfield his passion for conservation developed in the late 90’s when Cotter recognized the lack of microbial activity in his soil.

“When you’re looking at it from 4 feet down you see what’s happening above ground and below ground, and that was the thing that just kind of opened our eyes. Even though as a young farmer I didn’t want to acknowledge it. I always wanted to be bigger and better, and over the years realized it’s not about that.”

Cotter says he enjoys sharing what he’s learned with others.

“Back in 1998 when I started doing this stuff I didn’t have anyone to talk to, and I really feel if I would’ve been able to talk to people and get some of their knowledge I could’ve moved along even faster. Instead of 27 years to get to this spot, I think I could’ve got here in 10 or 12 (years).”

The Leopold Award recognized landowners who inspire others with their dedication to environmental improvement.