DENVER (July 26, 2012) — Cattlemen and women from across the country were recognized today for their commitment to environmental stewardship during an award ceremony for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP).
Now in its 22nd year, ESAP was created to recognize beef producers who make environmental stewardship a priority on their farms and ranches while they also improve production and profitability. The Environmental Stewardship Award annually recognizes the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of U.S. cattle producers from across the nation. Regional and national award winners have been commended for their commitment to protecting the environment and improving fish and wildlife habitats while operating profitable cattle operations. The common trait among all winners is the desire to leave the land in better shape for future generations while also inspiring the next generation of land stewards.
“The environment and conserving natural resources are of high importance to cattlemen and women, because these resources directly affect their bottom-line,” said John Wallace, representative of Dow AgroSciences, which sponsors the program. “Also, education is one of the most important components of this program. By conducting education summits and workshops, it allows producers to tell their stories and learn new opportunities to be green.”
During the Cattle Industry Summer Conference, seven regional Environmental Stewardship Awards were presented. Sparrowk Livestock (Clements, Calif.); Circle Square Ranch (Ocala, Fla.); Funk Farms Trust (Shirley, Ill.); Bold Ranch (Winifred, Mont.); Slovek Ranch (Philip, S.D.); 77 Ranch (Blooming Grove, Texas); and Glenowen Farm (Round Hill, Va.). A national award winner will be recognized during the 2013 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and NCBA Trade Show that will be held Feb. 6-9 in Tampa, Florida.
The award program is sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.