The Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts(MASWCD) partners with the Farmers Magazine to host the Outstanding Conservationist of the year award. One landowner is nominated from each county by their local SWCD. That landowner is then eligible to win their area, there are 8 areas in the state, and from there can win the state award. Winners are announce at the MASWCD Convention held every December in Bloomington, MN.