Year Inducted: 2025
Region I
Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
KENTUCKY FARM RECIEVES REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD
Mike Wilson took a neglected and overgrown farm in the heart of Kentucky and gave it life. He carefully crafted his operation around the limitations of the land and resources, and adapted when necessary to make it a thriving, profitable operation that can be passed down to the next generation of stewards. Wilson is an active participant in both the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) as well as CSP, working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to implement a variety of practices including pipeline, heavy use area protection, watering troughs, fence and forage and biomass plantings to help facilitate prescribed grazing. In addition to livestock related enhancements, he is an advocate for keeping the balance between agriculture and wildlife. He has partnered with state foresters to improve woodland, and he removes invasive species to enhance plant diversity. Wilson continues to serve as a role model to fellow cattle producers, influencing them to take positive steps towards stewardship and conservation efforts.
“As we face limited resources and a growing population, it is only going to become more important for our industry to adapt and innovate,” said Mike Wilson with Whispering Hills Farm. “As a farmer, it is my job to take care of the land, and if I take care of it, it will take care of us.”
“Mike Wilson has worked with numerous federal, state and local government conservation agencies for the last two decades, allowing him to gain new insight on an array of techniques related to cattle farming, silviculture and wildlife habitat,” said Brandon Jacobs, Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) state manager for USDA-NRCS. “The meetings, trainings and field days Mr. Wilson has hosted or attended are far too many to count, but one thing is for certain the impact his family has within the local community is inspiring, it resonates and makes a significant impact on those aspiring to be better stewards of the land.”
