The Issert Family Farm, operated by Steve Issert of Wilmington, was named the winner of the 2025 Illinois Conservation Farm Family Award at the Association of Illinois Soil & Water Conservation District’s (AISWCD) Summer Conference on July 21.

teve Issert operates the farm with help from his wife Debbie and their daughters Janene Issert, Raechel Giradot, Lauren Schmidt, and their families.

This award, sponsored by the AISWCD, recognizes farm families for outstanding conservation practices and dedication to environmental stewardship. The Issert family was nominated by Will-South Cook Soil & Water Conservation District after they received the organization’s 2024 Conservation Farm Family Award at the district level.

Following the AISWCD Summer Conference, the Isserts were honored at Will-South Cook SWCD’s Annual Recognition Dinner on July 31.

On August 8, the family and representatives from Will-South Cook SWCD attended the Ag Day Breakfast at the Illinois State Fair, where Director Jerry Costello of the Illinois Department of Agriculture recognized the Issert family’s dedication to conservation.