Environmental Stewardship - News

Texas Ranch Earns Wins NCBA Environmental Stewardship Award

NCBA — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

TAMPA, FLA. – Gary and Sue Price, 77 Ranch, Blooming Grove, Texas, were recognized today as the national winner of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) Environmental Stewardship Award Program. The award, presented during the 2013 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show, recognizes the family’s outstanding environmental stewardship of their ranch. The land under their stewardship is under tremendous pressure from urban and suburban development because it is just 53 miles from the ever-growing Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area. Thanks to their efforts, a jewel of prairie still exists, complete with native grasses and habitat.

“Cattlemen and women across the country understand the pressures of urban encroachment. At 77 Ranch the Prices have shown how stewardship and continuous improvement can benefit the environment while also improving the productivity of our lands,” said NCBA Chief Executive Officer Forrest Roberts. “For example, as a result of the extensive wetland conservation work of the Prices, Gary and Sue Price had enough standing forage to sustain their entire herd through all of 2011– with no additional hay or feed purchases.”

Roberts pointed out that although the majority of producers in their area were destocking their ranches and marketing their calves early, the Prices were able to maintain their entire herd and their normal production schedule for the year.

“Their ability to maintain their natural resources while also maintaining their ranch speaks volumes about the management techniques and stewardship of the Prices,” said Roberts.
The Prices began assembling their ranch as a young couple 36 years ago. Over the years, they have carefully purchased land that joins their original ranch, or that is nearby. The land under their management ranges from farmed-out cotton fields to untouched remnants of the Blackland Prairie. As a result of their extensive improvements and efforts to preserve wildlife habitat, Gary and Sue Price have been honored by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department with the statewide Lone Star Land Steward award. They welcome students of all ages – youth to adult – to their ranch for tours, field days and outings. Gary is a sought-after speaker on the topic of range management and cattle production in a native range environment. They tell their story about their partnerships with Ducks Unlimited and U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS), and how these partnerships help them find creative solutions to land management problems such as flood control and maintaining water quality while providing wildlife habitat.

ESAP, now in its 22nd year, 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 ESAP award is sponsored by Dow AgroSciences; USDA-NRCS; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; NCBA; and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation. Dave Owens, the range and pasture portfolio leader for Dow AgroSciences, said the award recognizes the work beef producers do to conserve and improve the land and its resources. Dow AgroSciences has sponsored the program for the last 13 years.

“The regional winners and this year’s national winner 77 Ranch, exemplify the outstanding innovation of American farmers and Ranchers,” Owens said. “The work that the nominees do to improve and conserve the natural resources in their care will benefit their ranches and the surrounding community for generations to come.”

77 Ranch was nominated by the Texas Section, Society for Range Management and Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and was recognized as one of seven regional ESAP winners during the 2012 Cattle Industry Summer Conference.

Cattle Ranchers Honored for Outstanding Environmental Stewardship

NCBA — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

- Program Encourages Producers to Practice Conservation Initiatives

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.

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The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) has represented America's cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef. Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.

Virginia Ranch Wins Regional Environmental Award

NCBA — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

DENVER (July 26, 2012) - Glenowen Farm, owned by the Thomas family of Round Hill, Va., was recognized as a 2012 regional Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winner during the 2012 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver, Colo. Glenowen Farm is the Region I ESAP award winner and will compete with six other regional winners for the national ESAP award, which will be announced during the 2012 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Tampa, Fla.

The ESAP award is sponsored by Dow AgroSciences; the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); U.S. Fish and Wildlife; the National Cattlemen’s Foundation; and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).

Glenowen Farm sits at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the northwest corner of Loudoun County, approximately 60 miles from downtown Washington, D.C. The Thomas family has owned Glenowen since 1784 and it has been designated as a Virginia Century Farm. Glenowen Farm comprises approximately 800 acres and produces registered Angus cattle for sale to beef cattle producers and freezer beef for local consumers. The farm also raises all the required crops (corn, barley and orchard grass hay) to feed the cattle and periodically sells excess bushel corn and orchard grass round bales of hay.

The Thomas family has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to sustainability through implementing a dedicated conservation plan over the past 10 years. The family has accomplished a generational change in ownership and management, renovated the 250 year-old homestead, placed a conservation easement on 400 acres, implemented farm Best Management Practices, installed a new water system to transform the property into compliance with the Chesapeake Bay Act, constructed new electric fences to utilize efficient rotational grazing strategies, constructed cattle handling facilities to improve herd genetics and health, and protected abundant wildlife and habitat on the property.
“The stewardship efforts of the Thomas family are evidenced in all aspects of their operation,” said Leslie Grayson, Deputy Director of the Virginia Outdoors Foundation. “The permanent protection of the property with an easement is coupled with land management practices and business decisions that assure the land will be in good condition and available for future generations to farm.”

Through a dedication to responsible environmental practices and conservation, NCBA has represented America's cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef.

The National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF) advances the future of the beef industry by assisting in the education of the next generation of beef industry professionals. For more information, visit www.nationalcattlemensfoundation.org.

Florida Ranch Wins Regional Environmental Award

NCBA — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

DENVER (July 26, 2012) - Circle Square Ranch, managed by E.L. Strickland of Ocala, Fla., was recognized as a 2012 regional Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winner during the 2012 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver, Colo. Circle Square Ranch is the Region II ESAP award winner and will compete with six other regional winners for the national ESAP award, which will be announced during the 2012 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Tampa, Fla.

According to the numerous organizations which nominated Circle Square Ranch, Strickland strongly believes in taking strong leadership steps to set a favorable example to the environmental community. The land provides refuge for wildlife, both protected and endangered species, and serves as a habitat for several plants and grass species.

Strickland, who has managed Circle Square Ranch for 37 years, believes that ranchers should be proactive in implementing good conservation and good business sense practices. Under Strickland’s management, Circle Square Ranch excels in cattle production, growing forage crops, water quality, low environmental impact, wildlife habitat and establishing ranchers as good neighbors. All areas of Circle Square Ranch are available for passive or active recreation. In addition to walking and hiking, visitors to the ranch can enjoy photography and bird watching.

The ranch also conducts regular prescribed burns which mimic natural fire frequency. Controlled burns set back plant succession, returns nutrients to soil, reduces the risk of wild fire and creates a diverse habitat which encourages plant diversity for many wildlife species.

"E.L. Strickland and Circle Square Ranch have consistently accomplished the demanding goals of operating a successful cow/calf operation while consistently setting an outstanding example of environmental stewardship,” said David Fisk, P.G., in a recommendation letter by the St. John’s River Water Management District. “The ranch maintains significant wildlife value through practices such as retaining areas of native vegetation and forage for wildlife, practicing sustainable silviculture and integrating monitoring of endangered and protected species that call the ranch home.”

Illinois Ranch Wins Regional Environmental Award

NCBA — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

DENVER (July 26, 2012) - Funk Farms Trust, located in Shirley, Ill., was recognized as a 2012 regional Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winner during the 2012 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver, Colo. Funk Farms Trust is the Region III ESAP award winner and will compete with six other regional winners for the national ESAP award, which will be announced during the 2012 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Tampa, Fla.
The ESAP award is sponsored by Dow AgroSciences; the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); U.S. Fish and Wildlife; the National Cattlemen’s Foundation; and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA).

According to a nomination by the Illinois Beef Association, conservation of the land and efficient utilization of the resources have been a long time priority at Funk Farms Trust, which is owned by Dan and Kathy Koons. The Funk Farm Trust is one of the oldest farms in Illinois, dating back to 1824. Presently, Funk Farms Trust encompasses 2,175 acres, of which 1,700 acres are used for corn and soybean production.

Funk Farms Trust has worked with many organizations to improve the environmental quality of their operation, including the USDA NRCS, the McLean County Soil Conservation Service, and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Conservation and stewardship measures taken by the farm include establishing 35 miles of waterways and 25 miles of terraces to prevent soil erosion, establishing grass along hedge rows, recycling nutrients back into fields by utilizing a feedlot and handling manure through composting.

Preserving hedge rows and buffer areas throughout farm is required at Funk Farms Trust. The farm uses hedgerows to help improve air quality by diminishing wind and airborne dust and pollutant distribution. These hedge rows also address water quality issues by filtering and slowing rainfall, allowing runoff to percolate slowly into the soil and water table.

"Funk Farms has always been a shining example of what conservation and stewardship could be and should be on farms and feedlots in the Midwest,” said Steven L. Foglesong, owner of Black Gold Ranch and Feedlot, and past NCBA President. “Funk Farms has always been willing to try new technology in their conservation efforts and then share the results with others as is evidenced by the many open houses and field days held there over the years. Dan and Kathy have always been willing to open their doors and be advocates for not only the beef industry but the rest of agriculture as well.”
Through a dedication to responsible environmental practices and conservation, NCBA has represented America's cattle producers since 1898, preserving the heritage and strength of the industry through education and public policy. As the largest association of cattle producers, NCBA works to create new markets and increase demand for beef.

Texas Ranch Wins Regional Environmental Award

NCBA — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

DENVER (July 26, 2012) - Gary and Sue Price, owners of 77 Ranch in Blooming Grove, Texas, were recognized as a 2012 regional Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winners during the 2012 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver, Colo. Seventy-seven Ranch is the Region IV ESAP award winner and will compete with six other regional winners for the national ESAP award, which will be announced during the 2012 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Tampa, Fla.

Located approximately 50 miles from the Dallas/Fort Worth metropolitan area, 77 Ranch has been in operation since 1976. Their conservation and restoration work has been recognized by state and professional agencies through such awards at the Outstanding Rangeland Steward Award from the Texas Section, Society for Range Management, the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the Leopold Conservation Award for Texas from Sand County Foundation and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). The enterprises at 77 Ranch include wetland and water development; wildlife management, restoration and leasing for bass fishing, waterfowl and upland bird hunting; quail habitat restoration; turkey population restoration; and harvesting nuts from 150 native pecans.

Wildlife management has focused on bobwhite quail and efforts have centered on habitat management. Involvement in the Western Navarro Bobwhite Restoration Initiative has provided the opportunity to implement landscape scale population monitoring with annual spring call counts and a quail nest depredation project. Water quality has been optimized by the conversion of cropland to wetland. These areas were established in wetland plant species for the primary use of waterfowl. This has minimized sediment loading, erosion and other water quality issues.

The effectiveness of the conservation and restoration work at 77 Ranch has been proven by the trial of the drought of 2011. In a year when all of Texas was in historic drought and when ranchers reduced or completely destocked herds and trucked in hay and water, the Price family was able to sustain their entire herd with their available forage and water resources.

“Gary and Sue Price are consummate land stewards who lead by example. They ‘walk the walk’ and ‘talk the talk’ to everyone young and old,” said Carter Smith, Executive Director of the TPWD. “Their passion is for helping people of all ages understand how to read the land, how plants grow, why plant and animal diversity is important and how working livestock producers who practice good stewardship protect natural resources important to all Texans.”

Montana Ranch Wins Regional Environmental Award

NCBA — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

DENVER (July 26, 2012) - Bold Ranch, owned by Robert and Annette Bold of Winifred, Mont., was recognized as a 2012 regional Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winner during the 2012 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver, Colo. Bold Ranch is the Region V ESAP award winner and will compete with six other regional winners for the national ESAP award, which will be announced during the 2012 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Tampa, Fla.

Nominated by the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSA), Robert and Annette Bold have engineered significant environmental improvement and productivity gains since 1979. Their diversified operation includes cattle grazing on native rangeland, no till crop production and a cattle feeding operation. The Bolds’ commitment to environmental stewardship and enhancing the natural resources on their land includes a soil reclamation project, implementing no till farming practices to decrease erosion, improving water resources to distribute livestock more evenly and protecting streams on their land.

In order to improve the environmental quality of their operation, the Bolds have worked closely with the MSA, Central Montana Extension Service, Bureau of Land Management, Montana Department of State Lands and other organizations. Through collaborating with these organizations, the Bolds have implemented conservation and stewardship measures such as converting saline seep lands into productive winter and fall grazing lands, developing a significant resident elk herd on their property and enhancing riparian areas and watersheds for long-term sustainability.

"The work of the Bold family demonstrates the positive impact that environmental consciousness can play in the sustainability of a ranching operation, as well as the health and well-being of the landscape, wildlife populations and local communities,” said Ariel Overstreet, Director of Communications for the MSA.

California Ranch Wins Regional Environmental Award

NCBA — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

DENVER (July 26, 2012) - Sparrowk Livestock, owned by Jack and Beverly Sparrowk from Clements, Calif., was recognized as a 2012 regional Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winner during the 2012 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver, Colo. Sparrowk Livestock is the Region VI ESAP award winner and will compete with six other regional winners for the national ESAP award, which will be announced during the 2012 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Tampa, Fla.

According to the California Cattlemen’s Association, which nominated Sparrowk Livestock, Jack and Beverly Sparrowk have both taken strong leadership roles in the industry through active participation in local and statewide organizations. Their efforts to forever protect their ranches for the next generation have encouraged others to follow their lead.

The Sparrowks operate their family ranching business on 85,000 acres including U.S. Forest Service permit lands, encompassing four ranches in Northern California and Southern Oregon. The Sparrowks have been instrumental in working with range scientists and other industry professionals to evaluate grazing practices and their effect on natural resources. It was through their efforts and cooperation that a groundbreaking study was completed that demonstrated the benefits of managed grazing in the health of vernal pool wetlands.

In addition, the Sparrowks have devoted much of their own funding as well as cost-share funds to the environmental improvement of their ranch lands. Miles of Sparrowk ranch stream banks have been restored with thousands of willows and the construction of check dams to improve wetlands, restore wildlife habitat and increase herd carrying capacity.

"The Sparrowk family is so committed to the cause of rangeland conservation that they were instrumental in the establishment of the Oregon Rangeland Trust,” said Billy Gatlin, Executive Vice President of the California Cattlemen’s Association. “They have stewarded and protected their ranches for many years, and have taken the vital steps to ensure that the succeeding generations will have the natural resources needed to continue the family’s proud tradition of cattle production.”

South Dakota Ranch Wins Regional Environmental Award

NCBA — Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

DENVER (July 26, 2012) - Slovek Ranch, owned by Bill and Pennie Slovek of Philip, S.D., was recognized as a 2012 regional Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winner during the 2012 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver, Colo. Slovek Ranch is the Region VII ESAP award winner and will compete with six other regional winners for the national ESAP award, which will be announced during the 2012 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Tampa, Fla.

Slovek Ranch is a family-operated cow/calf and yearling operation consisting of 13,200 acres of pasture land and 800 acres of hay ground. Since cattle provide the primary income for the ranch, pasture and feed management are imbedded in the Slovek Ranch management practices. One important grazing tactic introduced was incorporating rest for grass growth to build plant vigor. The Sloveks are very conscious about the number of days a pasture is able to rest. Management-intensive grazing practices have resulted in seasonal rotation of pasture, requiring each pasture to be grazed in a different season each year.

Due to drought and invasion of exotic plant species, some pastureland has been dominated by undesirable plants. By participating with the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks, in the Coordinated Restoration of Native Grasslands project, Slovek Ranch participated in a controlled burn to aid in the promotion of native grasses. Slovek Ranch also participates in the NRCS Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and recycles 100 percent of all farm lubricants. They store all oils, fluids, and greases and send them to a recycling program. Responsibly managing waste helps protect the quality of groundwater and other natural resources.

“By implementing innovative techniques while practicing sound management decisions, Slovek Ranch has demonstrated intelligent and outstanding environmental stewardship,” said Paul Flynn, in a letter of recommendation from the South Dakota NRCS. “They have been a great example for neighbors and future generations.”

Pennsylvania Farm Wins NCBA Environmental Stewardship Award

NCBA — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 00:00:00 GMT

NASHVILLE, TENN. (Feb. 3, 2012) – The Masonic Village Farm, near Elizabethtown, Pa., was recognized as the national winner of the National Cattlemen’s Foundation Environmental Steward Award during the 2012 Cattle Industry Convention and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn. The Masonic Village, a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community owned and operated by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, has partnered with federal and state agencies as well as private agricultural organizations to manage natural resources.

“For America’s cattlemen and women, conservation and environmental stewardship is a must. At the Masonic Village Farm, they have raised the bar by partnering with local, state and federal governmental and private organizations to implement innovative practices and technologies that will leave the land and its resources better for future generations of beef producers,” said NCBA Chief Executive Officer Forrest Roberts. “As the entire industry works to continually improve our environmental sustainability, the Masonic Village Farm is a shining example that we should all strive to achieve. It is an honor to recognize the leaders at the Masonic Village for their willingness to go the extra mile in the name of environmental stewardship.”

The Masonic Village Farm, which has been in operation for more than 100 years, raises 180 cow/calf pairs, maintains a feedlot that finishes approximately 200 steers annually, grows corn, soybeans and hay land. The Village implements rotational grazing to maintain its pastures; uses manure from feedlots to fertilize its fields; and innovative watering systems throughout the farm. Additionally, the farm invites the public to tour the facilities and learn more about the possibilities of stewardship in agriculture.

The Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP), now in its 21 year, 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 ESAP award is sponsored by Dow AgroSciences; the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS); U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; NCBA; and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation. Dave Owens, the range and pasture portfolio leader for Dow AgroSciences, said the award recognizes the work beef producers do to conserve and improve the land and its resources. Dow AgroSciences has sponsored the program for the last 13 years.

“All the winners are outstanding. They showcase the types of innovative work that takes place on farms and ranches nationwide,” Owens said. “The work they are currently doing not only benefits their operations today but will continue doing so for years to come.”

The Masonic Village was nominated by the Pennsylvania NRCS and was recognized during the 2011 Cattle Industry Summer Conference as one of six regional ESAP winners.

“It has been spoken by more than one person at The Village that they take blue sky and green grass and make red meat,” said Denise Coleman with the Pennsylvania NRCS, which nominated the Masonic Village Farm. “In doing so, they seek a balance between the land, the cattle, the crops, the residents and the environment to remain a profitable, productive and viable agricultural operation.”

California Cattle Operation Wins 2010 National Environment Award

NCBA — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT

California Cattle Operation Wins 2010 National Environment Award

Leavitt Lake Ranches of Vina, Calif., has been named the 2009 National Environmental Stewardship Award winner. The operation was honored yesterday at the 2010 Cattle Industry Annual Convention for making environmental stewardship a priority while improving production and profitability.

The Environmental Stewardship Award is sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, the USDA National Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and is administered by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF).

Leavitt Lake Ranches is owned and operated by Darrell Wood, his wife Callie, son Ramsey and daughter Dallice. It has family ranching ties dating back to the 1860s. Working in segments of agriculture and without any cattle or land when they wed in 1981, Darrell and Callie had a vision to restore ranches that had been owned by Darrell’s family. They began to acquire ranches and cattle, leasing property and gradually buying the former family property.

Today, they own about 3,670 acres of private land, manage 25,000 acres of Bureau of Land Management permits and lease another 11,000 acres between the winter range annual grasslands of the Vina Plains and the summer range on high elevation meadows of Lassen County. They run 600 mother cows and 400 yearlings and farm 600 acres of alfalfa and 900 acres of irrigated pasture. The cattle herd is made up of spring and fall calving herds of registered and commercial Angus cattle.

The Wood family has implemented a number of practices aimed at protecting and improving the land upon which they make a living. These include:

Worked in cooperation with TNC on a restoration plan for the Vina Plains, vernal pools project. The vernal pools are home to several threatened, endangered or at risk plant and animal species
Provide habitat for an abundance of wildlife including waterfowl, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, aquatic species, upland game birds and sage grouse
Improved irrigation systems, constructed cross-fencing, installed livestock water developments, conduct seeding, decrease streambank erosion and implement an overall prescribed grazing plan
Improved riparian conditions along Pete’s Creek and restore the hydrology of the surrounding meadow. This was targeted to increase sage grouse habitat
Participated in Nutritional Balance Analyzer program, a pilot program that tracks forage quality on rangelands through livestock fecal analysis
Fenced off riparian area to improve habitat condition for wild salmon that utilize Deer Creek for spawning

Completed conservation and grazing plans on all the lands associated with Leavitt Lake Ranches, where resource concerns were identified and technical assistance was provided to alleviate them.

“The Leavitt family has taken a leadership role through the cohabitation of endangered species and cattle,” said Dave Petty, chairman of the Environmental Stewardship Award selection committee and 2001 national award winner. “They show that cattle ranching supports these species better than non-use of the land.”

“We approached Darrell with a restoration plan to improve the condition as well as increase habitat and populations of several threatened and endangered species on the Vina Plains Preserve,” said Jake Jacobson, Lassen Foothills Project director, The Nature Conservancy (TNC). “Darrell is an exemplary livestock producer; he has a keen sense for good land stewardship.”

Darrell Wood is serious about the family’s approach to caring for the environment. “I take quite a bit of pride in knowing that this ranch is going to (thrive) in perpetuity, not only for my kids and their kids but for future generations down the line,” he said. “I feel very good about that.”

Callie Wood says caring for the environment involves respect for generations and the environment. “Stewardship is just like values that you learn from your parents or your grandparents, and it is passed down,” she said. “Our children look at what we’ve done, and to them that’s what should be done. We’ve always just had a love of the land.”

The lessons have been well-learned. “In order to have a sustainable ranch, we need to be a steward of the land,” said daughter Dallice. “And by doing what we’re doing – by irrigating and rotational grazing and working with NRCS – I believe that’s stewardship.”

Leavitt Lake Ranches was nominated for the Environmental Stewardship Award by the California Rangelands Trust and the California Cattlemen’s Association, with which the family has partnered to apply conservation and protection practices. In addition, the Woods have partnered with USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program; Wildlife Habitat Improvement Program; Wetlands Restoration Program; Grasslands Reserve Program; Nutritional Balance Analyzer Program and Texas A & M University. They also have working relationships with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife, Partners for Wildlife Program; The Nature Conservancy; Deer Creek Watershed Conservancy and Ducks Unlimited.

“The team at Leavitt Lake Ranches has done a tremendous amount to improve the natural resources in their care,” said Petty. “Their leadership, dedication and whole-farm approach make them valiant spokespeople for our industry.”

Leavitt Lake Ranches represented NCBA Region VI in the 2009 ESAP program. Other finalists for the 2009 Regional Environmental Stewardship Award included:

Region I: Young’s Cattle Co., Belmont, Ohio
Rick & Jayne Young
Nominated by Ohio Cattlemen’s Association &
Belmont Soil and Water Conservation District

Region II: Greenview Polled Hereford Farms, Inc., Screven, Ga.
Jonathan (Jonny) Harris and Family
Nominated by Georgia Cattlemen’s Association

Region III: Eckenfels Farm, Sainte Genevieve, Mo.
Bob Eckenfels
Nominated by USDA - NRCS

Region IV: Stoney Point AgriCorp, Melissa, Texas
Mark Quinn and Family
Nominated by Texas Cattle Feeders Association

Region V: Pape Ranches Inc, Daniel, Wyo.
Norm & Barbara Pape, Fred & Michelle Pape, and David Pape
Nominated by Wyoming Stock Growers Association

Region VII: Daybreak Ranch, Highmore, S.D.
Jim & Carol Faulstich, Adam & Jacquie Roth
Nominated by S.D. Grasslands Coalition

The Environmental Stewardship Award has recognized the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of U.S. cattle producers for almost two decades. Regional and national award winners are honored for their commitment to protecting the environment and improving fish and wildlife habitat while operating profitable cattle operations.

Wyoming Ranch Wins Regional Environment Award

NCBA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Wyoming Ranch Wins Regional Environment Award

Pape Ranches of Daniel, Wyo is a 2009 Environmental Stewardship Award winner. Representing the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Region V, the Northwest’s, the Pape family was recognized here today at the 2009 Cattle Industry Summer Conference for their commitment to preserving natural resources.

Pape Ranches is family-owned and operated by Norman and Barbara Pape, with the assistance from their sons Fred and David, and their families. Established in 1917 by Norman’s father, Lester Pape, the ranch began as a 160-acre, 800 sheep operation. Today, the family owns 10,475 acres of private rangeland and irrigated grassland and has grazing allotments on federal and state allotments. Norm and his family stock 1,000 mother cows, and at times, have about 2,700 total head when all livestock are on the ranch.

Since Norman’s father first began the operation, Pape Ranches has centered on these five ideals: keep the ranch as a working cattle ranch; provide a place for family to live and work; preserve open spaces; continue to provide resources for the wildlife; and provide public access so that everyone can enjoy the beauty of our country.

“Norm and his family take pride in the sustainability of their operation,” said Dave Petty, chairman of the Environmental Stewardship Award selection committee and 2001 national award winner. “The Pape family has been doing the right thing for generations through the management of resources, livestock and wildlife. Each member of the family is important and provides leadership beyond their fences and into the community.”

The Environmental Stewardship Award – now in its 19^th year – is an initiative of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation, with funding from Dow AgroSciences and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

“It did not take long for me to recognize that the Papes were held in high esteem in the community,” said Eric Peterson, extension educator, University of Wyoming. “Good ranchers, yes; but more importantly – good, actively involved citizens!” To that effort, the Papes have implemented a number of practices aimed at protecting and improving the land upon which they make a living. These include:

Lease additional private ground to raise more hay and rest some pastures for wildlife and conservation
Strive for as much wildlife on their private land as they can afford to sustain, including moose, elk, pronghorn, deer, waterfowl, sage grouse and others
Provide wildlife viewing and hunting opportunities for those less fortunate, including elderly and handicapped visitors
Apply tebuthiron for brush management with the assistance of Wyoming Game and Fish to address grazing and sage grouse migration and habitat needs
Pro-actively monitor feed sources that enable the adjustment for grazing periods and density
Installed cross-section fencing of large pastures that provide improved grasslands
Installed wildlife-friendly fencing all along a major highway and replaced approximately one-half mile of woven wire fence with a 4-strand wire fence to benefit antelope migration
Fabricated a water control structure that uses water from one field by creating a large storage reservoir that allows further control over application of water, timing of water, provides waterfowl habitat and provides a winter source of water that doesn’t freeze

Pape Ranches was nominated for the Environmental Stewardship Award by the Wyoming Stock Growers’ Association, with which the family has partnered to host Environmental Stewardship tours. In addition, the Papes have partnered with Wyoming Game and Fish; Wyoming Department of Transportation; Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program; Wyoming Livestock Board; local FFA and 4-H; and United States Department of Agriculture – Natural Resources Conservation Service. Each member of the Pape family has also taken an active role in state leadership positions, including the Wyoming Livestock Board, FFA, 4-H and their local Cattlemen’s association.

“Norm and family should be commended for their commitment to preserving the legacy,” said Petty. “Each family member is integral in the day-to-day dealings of the operation, which is evident through their daily morning planning meetings.”

The National Cattlemen's Foundation advances the future of the beef industry with passion and urgency for the benefit of consumers and cattlemen.