2024 Award Winners
Conservation Producer Recipient
Shaun and Linda Gillilland have been named the national winners of the Conservation Producer 2024 Hugh Hammond Bennett Awards for Conservation Excellence for outstanding conservation efforts on their farm, The Ben Weaver Farm, in Willsboro, New York.
“NRCS is proud to work with Shaun and Linda in their efforts to protect and conserve the land. The Gillilland's hard work and dedication to conservation will allow their farming operation to be successful for generations to come,” stated Blake Glover, New York NRCS State Conservationist.
Shaun dedicated 25 years to serving in the United States Navy, living in various locations across the country. In 2005, they made the decision for Shaun to retire from the military and set down roots. Shaun and Linda chose New York, where they acquired a farm from their friend and mentor, Ben Weaver. Shaun expressed gratitude for Ben's guidance, "We learned everything that we possibly could from Ben, and he slowly began to step back."
Eager to explore different agricultural practices, the Gillillands soon recognized a major limitation. "Time is the most valuable asset on any farm, especially when you work full time and provide for the farm," remarked Shaun. Together they envisioned transforming their farm into a distinct regenerative operation. Acknowledging the importance of time management, the couple began connecting with various organizations including the Soil and Water District of Essex County and the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS), New York.
The Ben Weaver Farm encompasses 495 acres along the steep Bouquet River in New York. Featuring approximately 70 acres of tillable land, 115 acres of grazing land, 90 acres of hay land, and 220 acres of woodland. The Bouquet River is a vital habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, including endangered mussels and landlocked Atlantic salmon.
The Gillillands have collaborated with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to monitor salmon populations in their river section. With the goal of preserving and restoring local species. Additionally, Shaun and Linda have allowed public fishing access on their portion of the river. The collaboration with various agencies has not only enhanced their farming operation but also contributed positively to the surrounding environment. Recently, Shaun and Linda have designated 294 acres of their farm to a permanent easement with the Adirondack Land Trust and additional support of The Nature Conservancy.
Their main operation is grassfed beef, where they use prescribed grazing. Although this is Shaun and Linda’s main operation, they also graze a flock of hair sheep for meat. The farmhouses an equestrian operation, operated by their daughter Chauntel. Chauntel’s equestrian business (CSG Horsemanship) offers public riding lessons, training, and provides a special way for kids to connect with animals and the land. The Ben Weaver Farm is always accepting tours and visits from the public, and they encourage it!
The Gillilland’s work with NRCS includes two Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) contracts, one for grazing management, the other forest management. These programs encourage participants to address priority resource concerns, improve, and conserve the quality and condition of natural resources in a comprehensive manner. Through CSP, NRCS provided financial and technical assistance to the Gillillands to enhance, protect, and improve their soil, water, energy, and related natural resources through conservation.
NRCS Soil Conservationist Allie Holmes, who worked extensively with the couple notes, "The story of Shaun and Linda Gillilland holds immense significance in our North Country community. Their unwavering commitment to both the community and the conservation of our natural resources is truly remarkable. Shaun and Linda are always willing to try something new. They embody the image of what it means to be good stewards of the land. I feel incredibly lucky to be a part their journey."
When asked, “What is biggest challenge you faced on your farming journey?” Shaun and Linda paused and said “COVID was one of biggest challenges in the economics of the farm.” During that time, it was impossible for them to get a slaughter date until a year out. Linda’s response was different, “I think that when you do something well, there’s going to be other people who are going to want to do that same thing. The sense of competition is tough. We are all working for the same audience locally, the same population, so we are constantly having to innovate.” This embodies Shaun and Linda’s dedication and determination to adapt and be open to new ideas and find ways to enhance their farm.
Receiving this award means a lot to Shaun and Linda both; Shaun remarked “I think it’s a testament that, you know, nobody is an island. It takes a village to build everything up. This means so much to our family and to our community as well.”
NRCS District Conservationist Tricia LaValley from the Plattsburgh Field Office expressed the joy of working with Shaun and Linda, “They represent the ideal producer every conservation planner aspires to collaborate with. Their approach is infused with positivity, extensive experience, and a genuine passion for their mission and vision. Their journey is remarkably inspiring and aligns seamlessly with the objectives of our agency. Together, they embody enthusiasm, determination, and resilience, dedicating their heart and soul to their farm. Shaun and Linda have faced numerous challenges, yet these obstacles have only fueled their drive to succeed. These are just a few of the reasons this family is more than deserving of this coveted award.
They recognized the importance of adaptability and embraced innovative ideas and practices to improve their farm, which they have successfully implemented. Collaborating with Shaun and Linda is always invigorating, as they continuously seek out new methods and knowledge to explore. They have emerged as role models in the North Country, inspiring countless farmers to persevere and maintain hope in the face of adversity. Their farm and their narrative will resonate for years to come, and I feel honored to know and work alongside Shaun and Linda. They have demonstrated to farmers that success is attainable, and that the effort is worthwhile.”
Regional Producer Winners:
| Northern Plains | ND | Lewis and Sherry Heaton |
| Southwest | UT | Braden McMurdie |
| North Central | IL | Allen DeCrane |
| Northeast | NY | Shaun and Linda Gillilland |
| Southeast | SC | Kirsten Robertson |
Conservation Planner Recipient
Brandon Bing, Grazing Land Specialist for the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Palestine, Texas has been named the national winner of the Conservation Planner 2024 Hugh Hammond Bennett Award for Conservation Excellence for his outstanding conservation efforts.
Brandon’s passion for agriculture began as a child. Brandon grew up on a cattle operation in Leon County, Texas, where he not only worked on the ranch, but also participated in groups like 4-H and Texas FFA showing steers and heifers. Knowing he wanted a career in agriculture, he went on to attend Texas A&M University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in animal science in 2008.
Originally planning to work in real estate development, Brandon had a change of plans when the economy went into recession. Looking for work, he reached out to an old friend from 4-H, Truman Lamb, who worked for Texas AgriLife Extension in Palestine, Texas. Brandon went to meet him and he immediately walked Brandon to the local NRCS office knowing they had a vacant position. Within a few weeks, Brandon was hired to serve as the Soil Conservation Technician for Anderson and Freestone Counties, a position he served in until 2018 when he was promoted to the Grazing Land Specialist providing service to 21 counties in northeast Texas.
Kristy Oates, NRCS Texas State Conservationist says, “Brandon is a conservation leader in East Texas. He is highly respected by his peers, co-workers, leadership, partners, and producers. NRCS Texas is proud to have an employee like Brandon.”
In 2016, as a soil conservation technician, Brandon was instrumental in beginning a small grassroots group that provided opportunities for landowners to meet and learn from each other and conservation professionals. The very first meeting included two landowners, but quickly grew exponentially as word spread and still meets today. The group meets once per month at various locations to have discussions about management strategies or go on pasture walks, to see various management strategies utilized on various landscapes. Brandon facilitated the group in a way that encouraged discussion and collaboration among managers with widely varying management strategies, from high density intensive grazers to traditional rest rotation operators.
Kelsey Cavener-Sumner, District Conservationist in Palestine, Texas, says, “Brandon is an outstanding mentor, trainer and planner. His knowledge of the area and the resources coupled with his relationships with private landowners have provided excellent training opportunities for employees, partners and area landowners to gain technical skills when it comes to conservation planning.”
Brandon’s favorite part of his job are the individual people, the relationships that have been forged with the agricultural producers while helping them achieve the goals for their operation. He has made friendships with many of them that will last not only throughout his career, but throughout his life. His proudest accomplishment is watching a producer realize the full potential of themselves integrated with their land. He is thankful to be a part of that journey and that is what is the most rewarding and fulfilling to him.
Kelsey Cavener-Sumner, District Conservationist in Palestine, Texas, says, “Brandon is an outstanding mentor, trainer and planner. His knowledge of the area and the resources coupled with his relationships with private landowners have provided excellent training opportunities for employees, partners and area landowners to gain technical skills when it comes to conservation planning.”
In forging those relationships, a network of like-minded people who share a passion for the land and for conservation has been built. The passion is contagious, and the group grows as one producer sees another producer succeed. He is truly moved when a producer he has worked with is recognized for their efforts and even more people get to see their story and begin to think that they can do something similar on their land too.
Charles Kneuper, NRCS Texas State Resource Conservationist, says, “Brandon personifies Hugh Hammond Bennett in everything he does. He spends time on the land with the producer putting into common terms the resource needs that he’s identified. He is knowledgeable, friendly, a good listener, has a strong work ethic, and a willingness to help everyone achieve their conservation goals. I am always amazed at how well Brandon can connect with Texas farmers, ranchers, forest land stewards and partners. I aspire to be more like Brandon.”
Brandon also enjoys training new employees. He specifically like the one-on-one opportunities to work with new employees and not only teach them technical skills, but more importantly tries to be a mentor to them for their personal and professional life and ways to find balance between the two. He also tries to pass on his skills and talent for being an effective communicator with the customer and how to build relationships that will last a lifetime.
John Stone, NRCS District Conservationist in Quitman, Texas, says “I have worked with Brandon for years, and it has always been a pleasure. He is very knowledgeable about grazing lands, grazing livestock, and plant identification. His method of passing technical information on to the landowners and other NRCS employees is unmatched. He is passionate about the land, the resources and helping others achieve their goals, whether they are new to agriculture, new to the job or seasoned professionals.”
Brandon is an exceptional communicator who has a gift for words and is able to articulate the benefits of integrating livestock on various landscapes, from the tall grass prairie to longleaf pine forests, mesmerizing his audience and garnering support for conservation across East Texas.
“Brandon is an effective communicator and leader for conservation,” says Frank Baca, NRCS Wildlife Biologist. “His practical knowledge of land management and NRCS conservation practices gives him the ability to meet the landowner where they are and work closely with them to help them achieve their conservation goals.”
Regional Planner Winners:
| Northern Plains | ND | Darrin Olin |
| South Central | TX | Brandon Bing |
| North Central | IN | Kevin Chastain |
| Southeast | GA | Kevin Lee |
