By Scout Nelson
Practical Farmers of Iowa (PFI) has recognized Ruth Rabinowitz of Madison County with the 2025 Farmland Owner Legacy Award for her outstanding commitment to farmland conservation and sustainability. The award was presented on October 23 during a ceremony held in Winterset, Iowa.
Rabinowitz manages 800 acres of family farmland in both Iowa and South Dakota. Since taking over management in 2012, she has transformed her land with a wide range of conservation practices that support soil health, wildlife habitats, and long-term sustainability.
Her farms now feature corn, soybeans, and alfalfa, grown using environmentally conscious methods such as no-till farming, cover crops, and reduced chemical use.
She has also invested in habitat restoration by planting 300 native trees and shrubs, creating pollinator zones, restoring oxbows, building ponds, and seeding prairie areas. These efforts provide critical wildlife corridors and improve biodiversity across her farmland.
“It’s in my blood to grow things, and I felt for the land right away,” says Ruth. “It needed me to take care of it because everyone else was extracting from it.”
Non-operating landowners like Ruth play an important role in the future of sustainable agriculture. More than 60% of Midwest farmland is owned by such landowners, according to The Nature Conservancy. Their management decisions can help protect the environment and promote sustainable farming.
Sally Worley, executive director of PFI, praised Ruth for her dedication, saying she exemplifies how landowners can strengthen rural communities, support young farmers, and protect natural resources. For Ruth, farming is not just about productivity—it’s about connection, creativity, and responsibility.
Photo Credit: istock-alenamozhjer
Categories: South Dakota, Sustainable Agriculture