The McLean County Conservationist of the Year is awarded to farmers and landowners that strive to protect and preserve our precious resources through conservation efforts. McLean County has a long history of conservation champions. To nominate a farmer or landowner, please contact our office.

2024 Conservationist of the Year

Congratulations to Greg Kelley!

Our 2024 recipient of McLean County Conservationist of the year award goes to a man that “Does it because it’s the right thing to do”. Greg Kelley is a lifelong farmer, with a passion passed on from generations, his family has occupied land north of Normal since the late 1800s. Like many of our McLean County farm operations, its a family business that includes brothers, cousins, and nephews working together on a shared goal. Greg and Frances Kelley have been involved in conservation practices and programs for more than 20 years at the USDA office. Their farms include reduced tillage, cover crop adoption, nutrient management with designed waterways, and water and sediment control basins. They outline streams and creeks with filter strips, and field borders that support wildlife habitat and promote nutrient management. They have installed pollinator habitat, and even leave standing grain for wildlife. Greg is a farm bureau member, FFA alumni and has been the Towanda Drainage District Commissioner now for 20 years. McLean County Conservationists of the year preserve this incredible resource we have for generations to come. In the words of Greg Kelley, “It’s just the right thing to do”. Congratulations Greg Kelley, on being awarded for this year’s McLean County Conservationist of the year! The McLean County Board and Staff are honored to induct you into this special recognition of our counties greatest Conservationists.