Iowa Environmental Steward Award

Pork producers are constantly looking for ways to reduce their environmental impact as they work to feed the world.  The Environmental Steward Award from the Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) annually recognizes those producers who go above and beyond in caring for the environment.

Applications will be evaluated on the following criteria: manure/nutrient management, soil and water conservation, air quality, public relations, wildlife habitat, and environmental management innovations. Other considerations are the commitment to the We Care® principles, and the contributions they make to their community.

Nominees must be IPPA members. Only one award is given each year. The recipient is honored at the Iowa Pork Congress Banquet in January where they will receive a $2,500 cash award. In addition, the person nominating the award recipient will receive $500. Questions can be directed to Brielle Smeby, or call 515-225-7675. 

Fillable PDF Nomination

Word Document Nomination

 

Nominations for the 2025 Awards are due July 15, 2025.

Download the full list of past winners, or watch the profile of the 2024 award winner below.

 

Mark Schleisman – Lake City, Calhoun County

For Mark Schleisman of Lake City, caring for the land is the foundation of every decision he makes on his diversified family farm. Across corn, soybeans, popcorn, cattle, and an independent hog operation, Mark has built a system rooted in soil health, water protection, wildlife habitat, and long-term sustainability. His efforts are intentional, well-researched, and designed to leave the farm better for future generations.  

Mark’s path back to the farm was not a straight line. He grew up on a diversified cow-calf and farrow-to-finish operation, raising pigs for FFA and 4-H and caring for his own small farrowing house. He studied agricultural business at Iowa State University, then spent decades in western Nebraska as an agronomist and later as a manager within the popcorn industry. Even while working off the farm, he stayed connected to pork production by custom-feeding pigs and participating in a sow co-op.  

In 2011, when his father and uncles were ready to begin transitioning the farm, Mark returned home. Today, the operation includes Mark, two sons, a son-in-law, and his daughter, who manages the farm’s finances. His father and uncle remain active, helping where needed and contributing toward the stewardship mindset that guides every acre.  

Environmental protection is central to Mark’s approach. The farm plants cover crops on every acre and has invested heavily in water quality practices. The farm has multiple saturated buffers, bioreactors, and filter strips installed. Energy efficiency is another priority. Three hog sites operate on solar power and produce more than 90 percent of their annual energy needs. Another site uses a wind turbine for supplemental power.  

A simple belief drives Mark’s commitment. His family lives here. They hunt, fish, and drink the water on this land. They want to protect it for future generations. His grandchildren already spend countless hours on the farm and eagerly volunteer to help with fieldwork. For Mark, that is the most precise measure of success.  

He also works to inspire neighboring farmers. Whether through watershed programs or simple conversations, Mark shows that environmental practices can improve both the land and the farm’s bottom line. Many improvements are cost-share eligible. Others pay back through better yields, healthier soils, or reduced inputs. His message is clear; conservation is achievable, practical, and worth the effort.  

Supported by his wife, Melissa, and a family that believes strongly in stewardship, Mark continues to find new opportunities to improve soil, water, and wildlife habitat. His approach blends agronomy, innovation, and long-term vision, setting an example for sustainable pork production and responsible land management across Iowa.