TIM SMITH, of Eagle Grove, speaks during a cover crops field day held at his farm in early September. Smith was named a Champion of Change Oct. 26 at the White House.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (White House Communications) – Tim Smith, of rural Eagle Grove, was among 12 individuals Oct. 26 from across the country receiving the White House Champions of Change for Sustainable and Climate-Smart Agriculture award.

The 12 were selected by the White House for their achievements and were honored for leadership and innovation in agricultural production and education.

The Champions have helped implement agricultural practices that promote soil health and energy efficiency, improve water quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Climate change can no longer be seen as a distant threat.

It is already impacting forest, grassland, and cropland systems in the United States, and is threatening agricultural producers and their communities.

These Champions understand the challenges our nation is facing from a changing climate and are taking steps to build resilience to the impacts of climate change, which also protects their bottom line.

Smith is a fourth-generation farmer who raises soybeans, corn and cover crops on his family’s Century Farm in Wright County.

In addition to raising crops, Smith focuses on strengthening soil health and improving water quality.

He has worked with a number of organizations, including the Iowa Soybean Association and the Soil Health Partnership, to implement new farming methods.

Smith travels throughout Iowa and the U.S. advising farmers on how to approach new sustainability efforts.

Smith was the only recipient from Iowa. Others were from Nebraska, Mississippi, Wyoming, Maryland, Minnesota, Connecticut, California, Illinois and Tennessee.

The Champions of Change program was created as an opportunity for the White House to feature individuals who are doing extraordinary things to inspire and empower members of their communities.