HeartBeat Winter 2017 | Page 27

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the Leopold Conservation Award recognizes extraordinary achievement in voluntary conservation. It inspires other landowners through these examples and provides a visible forum where farmers, ranchers and other private landowners are recognized as conservation leaders. "I am so proud of what our family does as farmers and conservationists," said Kate Lambert. "But it's not just us; so many Missouri farm families are doing the right things - the right way every single day. The Leopold Award showcases modern Missouri agriculture for everything that it truly is - sustainable, responsible, effective." The 2017 Leopold Conservation Award was announced at the National Association of Farm Broadcasters in Kansas City Nov. 8, 2017 and will be officially presented Jan. 6, 2018 at the 50th Missouri Cattle Industry Convention and Tradeshow in Columbia. The Lamberts receive $10,000 and a crystal award depicting Aldo Leopold. "Matt and Kate Lambert reflect the principles of Missouri agriculture - responsible land management, involvement in their community, and a long-term view of their farm business," said Dr. Alan Wessler, chairman of Missouri Farmers Care. "This year's entire class of award applicants exhibited exemplary production practices and Important Notice to Shareholders By March 15, 2018, FCS Financial will publish a copy of its 2017 Annual Report on our website. (myfcsfinancial.com) In addition, by March 31, 2018, FCS Financial will mail a copy of the 2017 Annual Report to all shareholders of record as of December 31, 2017. stewardship. We are proud to work with farmers, ranchers and the partner organizations who made this award possible." The Leopold Conservation Award Program in Missouri is supported by Missouri Farmers Care, Missouri Soybean Association, Missouri Soybean Merchandising Council, Missouri Cattlemen's Association, Missouri Corn Merchandising Council, Missouri Department of Conservation, MFA, Inc., Association of Missouri Electric Cooperatives, Missouri Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Missouri Soil and Water Conservation Program, and USDA NRCS. Apply for FCS Financial Scholarships and Grants FCS Financial scholarships are available for Missouri high school seniors whose parents or grandparents are current FCS Financial customers. Up to 35 are awarded and each is $1,500. The application is online at www.myfcsfinancial.com and due by March 1, 2018.* The Shaping Rural Missouri Grant offered by FCS Financial provides local 4-H and FFA organizations funds to implement projects that will benefit their communities. Applications are online and due by April 1, 2018.** *Scholarship applicants must meet all qualifications in application to be eligible. **Grant applicants must be a member of a 4-H club or FFA chapter located in one of the 102 Missouri counties served by FCS Financial. HEARTBEAT | WINTER 2017 27