Farmer Advocate from Palmyra, Michigan 

For nearly 160 years, the Isley family has farmed the rich soils of Lenawee County, Michigan, cultivating both crops and a deep respect for the land. Today, Jim and Laurie Isley, along with their youngest son Jake, operate Sunrise Farms, a 1,100-acre corn and soybean operation located in Palmyra, MI.  Under Jim’s leadership, Sunrise Farms has become known for its commitment to conservation and soil health. The Isley family has implemented a wide range of sustainable practices, including no-till and strip-till systems, cover crops, grassed buffers, filter strips, and water-retention structures, all designed to keep nutrients on the land and protect local waterways. For Jim, conservation isn’t just a practice, it’s a responsibility. “We want to make sure this land is productive, resilient, and environmentally sound for generations to come,” he says. That forward-thinking mindset has guided the family’s work and helped them adapt to new challenges while maintaining the integrity of their soils and the health of the watershed.

Farmer Advocate from Monroe, Michigan 

For Jerry Heck, conservation isn’t just about what happens in the field today, it’s about ensuring that good management continues long after he’s gone. Until recently, Jerry farmed about 580 acres near Monroe, Michigan, producing corn, soybeans, wheat, and cover crops in rotation. Over the years, he’s built his operation around a foundation of soil health, water quality, and long-term sustainability. His conservation practices include no-till or minimal tillage, cover crops, variable-rate seeding and fertilizing, filter strips along drainage ditches, fertilizer containment structures, and, most recently, the addition of water-level control structures on tile outlets. Each step reflects his commitment to reducing runoff, protecting local waterways, and improving soil resilience across his fields. But what sets Jerry apart is his forward-thinking approach. He’s developed plans to ensure that his conservation efforts, on both his own land and rented ground, will continue to be maintained and valued even after his retirement. By putting long-term stewardship at the center of his legacy, Jerry is making sure his farm remains productive, sustainable, and environmentally sound for future generations.