NCBA Opens Nominations for 2026 Environmental Stewardship Award
The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Environmental Stewardship Award, which celebrates exceptional conservation practices among cattle producers across the United States.
“Since its inception 35 years ago, this prestigious program has recognized 235 cattle operations for their stewardship efforts. We look forward to finding the next deserving stewards and sharing their stories,” said NCBA President Buck Wehrbein.
This annual award highlights cattle operations that go above and beyond in natural resource conservation, land stewardship, and sustainable agriculture. Nominations are open to any individual, group, or organization wishing to nominate a deserving individual or business involved in raising or feeding cattle.
“Nominations may be submitted by any individual, group or organization for any individual or business raising or feeding cattle. Nominees may not nominate themselves but are encouraged to participate in the preparation of the application.”
The application must include a typed submission, one nomination letter, and three letters of recommendation. These letters should outline the nominee’s leadership and success in environmental conservation.
“In addition to the typed application, one nomination letter and three letters of recommendation must be submitted outlining the nominees leadership in conservation.”
A selection committee, made up of experts from conservation organizations, universities, cattle production, and federal and state agencies, will review all applications. The regional winners will be announced at the NCBA Summer Business Meeting in Denver in July 2026, with the national winner to be recognized during CattleCon 2027.
“Winners are selected by a committee of representatives from conservation organizations, cattle production, universities and federal and state agencies. Regional winners will be recognized at the NCBA Summer Business Meeting in Denver in July 2026 and the national winner will be recognized at CattleCon 2027.”
The deadline to submit applications is February 16, 2026.
The Environmental Stewardship Award Program is a collaborative initiative led by the NCBA and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation, with support from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Corteva Agriscience, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“The Environmental Stewardship Award Program is an initiative of NCBA and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation, and is supported by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Corteva Agriscience and US Fish and Wildlife Service.”
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.