A University of Missouri Extension (MUE) horticulture specialist has been named Conservationist of the Year by the Show-Me chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society.The award, recognizing Todd Higgins’ decades of work in soil conservation and agricultural sustainability, was presented at the Missouri Department of Natural Resources Conference at the Margaritaville Lake Resort, Lake of the Ozarks.Receiving the Conservationist of the Year award was an unexpected honor for Higgins, which he viewed as a chance to emphasize the significance of soil conservation.“Personally, it was nice to be recognized,” said Higgins. “It’s always nice to be considered and that somebody looks at what you do and thinks that you are worthy of some recognition. However, conserving our soil resources must be our primary goal. Without healthy fertile soils, our food resources are at risk and our forests are less productive, affecting wildlife and fisher...