Grazing Recognized Again as a Conservation Leader in Illinois

The Illinois Grazing Lands Coalition is excited to share that, for the second year in a row, a grazier has received the Illinois Leopold Conservation Award (one of the state’s highest honors for environmental stewardship).

The 2026 award has been presented to Greg and Janis Thoren of Thoren Farms in Jo Daviess County, recognizing their leadership in conservation-minded farming and regenerative land management.

Presented annually by the Sand County Foundation, the Illinois Leopold Conservation Award honors farmers who demonstrate outstanding commitment to improving soil, water, and wildlife habitat while maintaining productive working farms. Only one operation in Illinois receives this award each year.

For Illinois graziers, this recognition is especially meaningful. As a predominantly corn and soybean state, livestock integration is often overlooked as a conservation strategy. Yet well-managed grazing systems play an important role in improving soil health, increasing water infiltration, cycling nutrients, and supporting biodiversity on working lands.

Greg Thoren is well known to many in the Illinois grazing community. In addition to receiving one of ILGLC’s 2025 Master Grazier Awards, Greg has hosted pasture walks on his farm and was featured as a speaker at our 2025 Grazing Conference, sharing practical lessons and experiences with other producers interested in grazing and soil health practices.

At ILGLC, we believe grazing is an important part of Illinois’ conservation story. Recognition like the Leopold Conservation Award helps highlight the role livestock can play in building resilient farms, healthier soils, and stronger rural communities.

We congratulate Greg and Janis Thoren on this well-deserved honor and celebrate what it represents for graziers across Illinois!