A longtime grazing land specialist from Wisconsin has been honored with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service's Pastureland Conservationist of the Year Award. Brian Pillsbury was recognized during the American Forage and Grassland Council virtual conference in January.
This award recognizes an NRCS employee for their exceptional education and outreach to promote sustainable grazing practices. Phillsbury is now retired after serving in the NRCS for more than 30 years. His nominators say he has exemplified outstanding service to the agency, its customers and the science of grazing land management.
During his career, Brian organized the first state grazing lands coalition and worked with agricultural groups and public agencies to build the grazing infrastructure in Wisconsin from the ground up. His influence extends beyond Wisconsin borders; he has created or updated grazing conservation practice standards, guidance documents and training curriculum that is used nationally.
Pillsbury has also been a mainstay speaker at regional and national grazing conferences.
Categories: Wisconsin, Business