Environmental Stewardship - News

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.”

NCBA Recognizes Six US Cattle Operations

NCBA — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

NCBA Recognizes Six US Cattle Operations
Top Cattle Operations Honored for Commitment to Environmental Stewardship

Cattlemen are often called the best stewards of the land. NCBA recognized six U.S. cattle operations for their commitment to sustaining their family operations by conserving land, resources and wildlife.

Kissimmee, Fla. – For 21 years, the Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) has recognized U.S. cattle producers for outstanding stewardship and conservation practices. Six diverse cattle operations were recognized as regional Environmental Stewardship Award winners Aug, 2, 2011, at the 2011 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Kissimmee, Fla. The six operations will now compete for the national Environmental Stewardship Award, which will be announced in February 2012 during the annual Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn.

Sponsored by Dow AgroSciences; the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS); the US Fish and Wildlife Service; the National Cattlemen’s Foundation (NCF); and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA), ESAP recognizes cattle operations that use superior conservation practices to sustain the land for future generations. Candidates are judged on management of water, wildlife, vegetation, soil, as well as the nominee’s leadership and the sustainability of his/her business as a whole. The ESAP award program is administered by NCF and NCBA.

“The sustainability and economic success of the U.S. cattle industry is dependent on healthy land and resources. And responsibly using and conserving resources is a priority for U.S. cattlemen and women,” John Wallace, a representative from Dow AgroSciences said. “All cattlemen, not just the six recognized last night, take pride in their conservation practices. But the six regional winners have demonstrated a commitment to innovative practices and should be commended for their efforts.”

The six regional winners are The Masonic Village, Elizabethtown, Pa.; Daigle Farms, Ragley, La., Matador Ranch, Matador Texas; M/M Feedlot, Parma Idaho; Della Ranches and the Tanner Family of Grouse Creek, Grouse Creek, Utah; and the Center of the Nation Cattle Company, Newell, S.D.

Utah Ranch Wins Regional Environmental Award

NCBA — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Utah Ranch Wins Regional Environmental Award

KISSIMMEE, FLA. – Della Ranches, owned by the Tanner family near Grouse Creek, Utah, was recognized as a 2011 regional Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winner during the 2011 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Kissimmee, Fla. Della Ranches is the Region VI ESAP award winner and will compete with five other regional winners for the national ESAP award, which will be announced during the 2012 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn.

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.

According to the Utah Cattlemen’s Association, which nominated Della Ranches, Blaine and Julie Tanner; Jay and Diane Tanner; and Brent and Conny Tanner not only exhibit stewardship of private and public grazing lands, they also assume leadership roles in organizations promoting conservation. The family works to reduce soil erosion; maintain forage for cattle and wildlife; increase water quality and preserve local native species. David Eliason, president of the Utah Cattlemen’s Association, said the Tanners take great pride in their land and are recognized as leaders in environmental stewardship practices.

"The Tanner family has an unsurpassed legacy of stewardship in ranching on their northern Utah and southern Idaho cattle ranching outfit,” Eliason said. “The Grouse Creek area is in a very tough and harsh high desert environment. Their ability to manage range improvements, wildlife and a livestock enterprise does not come easily and can only be successful through hard work and good stewardship practices. They have certainty made a beautiful and productive ranch in an area that took a lot of effort to be successful.”

Through a dedication to responsible environmental practices and conservation, the Tanner family has worked closely with NRCS; the Utah Department of Natural Resources; Utah Division of Wildlife; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; Bureau of Land Management; wildlife research biologists; and many other agencies and groups to manage natural resources and improve range health. According to a letter of support for Della Ranches’ nomination, Jeff Schrick, USDA NRCS district conservationist, said the Tanner family has always been concerned with improving the land they control to make it better and more sustainable.

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.

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.

Louisiana Farm Wins Regional Environmental Award

NCBA — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Louisiana Farm Wins Regional Environmental Award

KISSIMMEE, FLA. – Daigle Farms, owned by David Daigle in Ragley, La., was recognized as a 2011 regional Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winner during the 2011 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Kissimmee, Fla. Daigle Farms is the Region II ESAP award winner and will compete with five other regional winners for the national ESAP award, which will be announced during the 2012 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn.

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.

Daigle runs a cow herd in wetland areas classified as Critically Imperiled Habitat by the Louisiana Natural Heritage Program. Through utilizing grazing management and prescribed burning, he not only maintains a productive cattle operation, but also provides habitat for the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker and the American chaffseed plant. His stewardship practices and cattle genetic selection have allowed him to produce beef with minimum inputs. According to the Louisiana Grazing Lands Conservation Coalition and USDA NRCS in Louisiana, which jointly nominated Daigle Farms, his conservation practices ensure the sustainability of the ecosystem.

Through a dedication to responsible environmental practices and conservation, Daigle has partnered with federal and state agencies to manage natural resources and preserve wildlife habitat. According to a letter of support for Daigles nomination, Chris Ebel, NRCS rangeland management specialist, said Daigle tries to consider how management decisions affect long term sustainability of the whole system.

“To David Daigle, sustainability is simple,” Ebel said. “Manage the natural resources so that the system works to produce products that are useful to man. If the manager does this without substantially degrading any of the system components, then you have sustainability. He (Daigle) continuously goes out of his way to promote conservation and sustainable agriculture.”

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.

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.

South Dakota Ranch Wins Regional Environmental Award

NCBA — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

South Dakota Ranch Wins Regional Environmental Award

KISSIMMEE, FLA. – The Center of the Nation Cattle Company, owned by Jeff and Kim Smeenk and Steve and Kay Smeenk, near Newell, S.D., was recognized as a 2011 regional Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winner during the 2011 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Kissimmee, Fla. The Center of the Nation Cattle Company is the Region VII ESAP award winner and will compete with five other regional winners for the national ESAP award, which will be announced during the 2012 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn.

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.

According to the South Dakota Cattlemen’s Association, which nominated the Center of the Nation Cattle Company, Smeenk’s 100 year-old family operation thrives on the sustainable practices of stewardship. Not only does the family continue to develop the land for its own cow/calf herd and the native wildlife, but they also actively participate in other associations and programs to educate about innovative stewardship practices. The Smeenk family has taken steps to protect their natural resources while maintaining a sustainable business operation.

Through a dedication to responsible environmental practices and conservation, the Smeenk family has worked closely with NRCS; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks; the South Dakota State University Cooperative Extension Service; and various other agencies and organizations to improve conservation and stewardship practices. According to a letter of support for the Center of the Nation Cattle Company, Steve Fairbairn, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service private lands wildlife biologist, said it is very evident that the Smeenk’s are interested in running a profitable cattle operation while providing a wide variety of high quality wildlife habitats; improving water quality; reducing soil erosion and controlling invasive wild plants.

Fairbairn said the Smeenks manage the range in a manner that allows them to maximize grass and beef production while protecting the natural environment at the same time. He said the Center of the Nation Cattle Company is a great example of how ranching and wildlife can go hand in hand.

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.

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.

Texas Ranch Wins Regional Environmental Award

NCBA — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Texas Ranch Wins Regional Environmental Award

KISSIMMEE, FLA. – Matador Ranch, managed by Bob Kilmer near Matador, Texas, was recognized as a 2011 regional Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winner during the 2011 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Kissimmee, Fla. Matador Ranch is the Region IV ESAP award winner and will compete with five other regional winners for the national ESAP award, which will be announced during the 2012 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn.

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

The Matador Ranch demonstrates its role as a steward of the land through its conservational practices. The ranch executes a well-organized grazing rotation and brush management program to supplement its cow/calf herd. Through its efforts to conserve natural resources, the Matador Ranch increases the forage available for livestock and wildlife while enhancing natural springs and improving riparian areas. The ranch was awarded the Lone Star Stewards Award in 2010. According to the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers (TSCRA) and the Texas Section, Society for Range Management (TSSRM), which jointly nominated Matador Ranch, Kilmer and his colleagues know they have to be full partners with Mother Nature to be successful.

"In the face of prolonged droughts, they have to optimally conserve the natural resources – or they will be out of business,” TSCRA and TSSRM said. “As a result of their dedication to market-based principles and strategies, the Matador ranch has achieved a number of successes in ensuring that its natural resources are not only being used to produce a customer-preferred product, but also to improve resources for the long term.”

Through a dedication to responsible environmental practices and conservation, Kilmer and his colleagues have worked with a number of governmental and nongovernmental agencies and third-party consultants to manage natural resources. According to a letter of support for Matador Ranch, Dana Wright, wildlife biologist for Texas Parks and Wildlife, said Matador Ranch continually strives to improve its property through water development, prescribed grazing, prescribed fire and brush management.

“The Matador Ranch is committed to improving the quality of their natural resources and all management decisions take into consideration the long term impacts that those practices will have on plants, water, livestock and wildlife,” Wright said. “The Matador Ranch has exhibited good land stewardship practices and has used innovative ideas to enhance their natural resources on the property.”

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.

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.

Idaho Cattleman Wins Regional Environmental Award

NCBA — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Idaho Cattleman Wins Regional Environmental Award

KISSIMMEE, FLA. – M/M Feedlot, owned by Kent Mann of Parma, Idaho, was recognized as a 2011 regional Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winner during the 2011 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Kissimmee, Fla. M/M Feedlot is the Region V ESAP award winner and will compete with five other regional winners for the national ESAP award, which will be announced during the 2012 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn.

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

According to the Idaho Cattlemen’s Association, which nominated M/M Feedlot, Mann feeds more than 10,000 cattle each year. Conscious of the waste produced by his operation, he implemented innovative waste management and water purifying practices. He has created a pond that allows sediments from a nearby stream to settle before the water enters the Snake River and started a composting business using the manure cleaned weekly from the pen. Mann actively participates in resource conservation; employs forward-thinking nutrition plans; and stays involved in his community. Jennifer Ellis, Idaho Cattlemen’s Association past president, said Mann sets a standard of excellence not only in the produce he delivers, but in every area of stewardship that can be ascribed to a cattle producer.

"Mann’s carefully managed operation is a show-piece for the industry and his management practices have influenced other operations,” Ellis said. “He has implemented forward thinking practices in nutrition, purchasing, waste management, resources conservation, moving and handling of cattle, neighbor relations, community involvement and more.”

Through a dedication to responsible environmental practices and conservation, Mann has worked closely with NRCS; the Idaho Department of Agriculture; the Idaho State Department of Fish and Game; the Boy Scouts of America; and more to manage natural resources. According to a letter of support for M/M Feedlot’s nomination, Celia Gould, director of the Idaho Department of Agriculture, said ‘doing things right’ is a standard operating procedure at M/M Feedlot.

“The feedlot serves as a shining example of how feeding cattle can be profitable without cutting corners and demonstrates that conservation and productivity are not mutually exclusive concepts,” she said.

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.

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.

Pennsylvania Farm Wins Regional Environmental Award

NCBA — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Pennsylvania Farm Wins Regional Environmental Award

KISSIMMEE, FLA. – The Masonic Village Farm near Elizabethtown, Pa., was recognized as a 2011 regional Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winner during the 2011 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Kissimmee, Fla. The Masonic Village Farm is the Region I ESAP award winner and will compete with five other regional winners for the national ESAP award, which will be announced during the 2012 Cattle Industry Annual Convention and Trade Show in Nashville, Tenn.

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

The Masonic Village Farm is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community, owned and operated by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, with goals of achieving great conservational practices while ensuring that its residents continue to enjoy open spaces. The Masonic Village implements rotational grazing to maintain its pastures; uses manure from feedlots to fertilize its fields; and has created innovative watering systems. Additionally, the farm invites the public to tour the facilities and learn more about the possibilities of stewardship in agriculture. The Masonic Village was nominated by the Pennsylvania NRCS.

"The Masonic Village Farm has been a pioneer in protecting and improving water quality on their operation,” said Donald McNutt, administrator of the Lancaster County Conservation District. “They are an exemplary example of a progressive, well managed beef and grazing operation which leads to their excellent conservation stewardship ethic.”

Through a dedication to responsible environmental practices and conservation, the Masonic Village Farm has partnered with federal and state agencies as well as private agricultural organizations to manage natural resources. According to a letter of support, Lance Kauf, Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association president, said the Masonic Village Farm is an exemplary steward of the land.

“Our association recognizes the efforts of those in our industry that embrace environmental stewardship practices and encourage others through their promotion of best management practices developed for our members within our state,” Kauf said. “They have implemented numerous practices and consistently share the positive impacts they have made environmentally with others in our industry who are trying to achieve the same goal.”

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.

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.

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.

South Dakota Ranch Wins Environment AwardSouth Dakota Ranch Wins Environment Award

NCBA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

South Dakota Ranch Wins Environment Award

Daybreak Ranch of Highmore, South Dakota is a 2009 Environmental Stewardship Award winner. Representing Region VII of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, the Faulstich and Roth families were recognized today at The Cattle Industry Summer Conference for their commitment to protecting the environment through sensible conservation practices.

Daybreak Ranch is a commercial cow-calf operation that manages approximately 350 pairs utilizing 5,027 acres. The managers of the ranch are Jim and Carol Faulstich and their daughter and son-in-law Jacquie and Adam Roth. Together they also no-till farm corn, sunflowers, oats, wheat, run a commercial hunting enterprise and custom graze yearling heifers.

Since purchasing the operation in 1973, the family’s focus has been on improving water quality, increasing the bio-diversity of the range, controlling erosion and planting trees to develop wildlife habitat, and establishing farmstead shelterbelts and field windbreaks. Daybreak Ranch has made these improvements while sustaining profitability in their livestock, even through severe drought by developing a drought management plan.

“The Faulstich and Roth families are doing many different things successfully,” said Dave Petty, chairman of the Environmental Stewardship Award selection committee and 2001 national award winner. “Their whole-farm approach to managing their natural resources including energy, wildlife, manure handling, water, air, plants and animals makes them sustainable.”

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).

“The Faulstich and Roth family’s passion and dedicated conservation approach on and off the ranch have been demonstrated by their leadership in protecting and conserving all of our natural resources, said Chuck Pyle, Wildlife Biologist, South Dakota Partners For Fish and Wildlife Program. To that effort, the family has implemented a number of practices aimed at protecting and improving the land upon which they make a living. These include:

Established over 60 acres of food plots for wildlife that are left standing over the winter to provide cover
Operate under proper Beef Quality Assurance certification
Dormant-season grazing of native grasses, cover crops and crop aftermath to reduce supplemental feeding, saving both time and money.
Rotation of the calving pastures to reduce herd health problems by eliminating disease cycles.
Development of multiple water sources to improve grazing distribution.
Establishment of native warm-season grasses on marginal farm land to complement existing grass forage resources.
Erosion prevention through rock crossings on creeks and no-till rotational farming
Management of wetlands for wildlife and for additional forage during extremely dry periods
Use of blended fuels, such as soy derived biodiesel and ethanol
Planted thousands of trees in farmstead shelterbelts and field windbreaks to provide wildlife habitat.

Daybreak Ranch was nominated for the Environmental Stewardship Award by the South Dakota Grassland Coalition. The family has partnered with the Coalition on technical assistance in the Management Intensive Grazing demonstration project and have hosted numerous tours. In addition, the Faulstich and Roth family have partnered with South Dakota Stockgrowers Association, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service, Society for Range Management, South Dakota Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, South Dakota State University, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, USDA Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks, Ducks Unlimited, Hyde County Conservation District, Pheasants Forever, Environmental Protection Agency, FFA and 4-H.

“Daybreak Ranch demonstrates how sensible conservation will help achieve the goal of a profitable ranch with longevity built into it,” said Petty. “Their proactive approach in adapting their operation to meet the needs both environmentally and financially, make them stewards.”

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

Diversified Beef Operation Wins Regional Environment Award

NCBA — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Diversified Beef Operation Wins Regional Environment Award

Stoney Point AgriCorp of Melissa, Texas, is a 2009 Environmental Stewardship Award winner. Representing the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Region IV, the South Central region, the multi-segmented operation was recognized here today at the 2009 Cattle Industry Summer Conference for its commitment to stewardship, conservation and for protection of natural resources.

Stoney Point AgriCorp Inc. is a family-owned corporation with diversified companies involved in cattle feeding, dairy heifer growing, byproduct utilization, innovative feed processing, environmental waste management, turf grass farming and composting. Owned and operated by Mark Quinn and family, as well as financial partner Clark Willingham, the “whole-farm” approach has enabled them to be sustainable.

The family of companies include Stoney Point Melissa Feedyard, Lazbuddie Feeders, Owl Livestock, Lazbuddie Calf Ranch, and Roswell Calf Ranch. The company also possesses a turf grass operation and composting in Melissa, and a reclaimed milk processing plant in Dallas. To date, Stoney Point has produced over 600,000 calves.

“Stoney Point has been able to improve the environment and become successful through their commitment to doing the right thing,” said Dave Petty, chairman of the Environmental Stewardship Award selection committee and 2001 national award winner. “Mark and his team have taken an approach to improve all resources in their care through research and innovations. In doing so, they have made it a priority to develop an extensive conservation plan to protect water quality, increase soil health, improve animal husbandry practices and wildlife habitat.”

“Mark and Stoney Points’ collective experience, leadership, initiative and cooperative spirit have been invaluable to our development and evaluation of sustainable nutrient management systems and practices,” said Donald Vietor, professor, Texas A & M University and AgriLIFE Research. To that effort, Mark and Stoney Point have implemented a number of practices aimed at protecting and improving the land upon which they make a living. These include:

Formed Alternative Feeds in 1999 to actively research and develop sources of “alternative” feeds that can be utilized in feeder cattle rations and in calf ranches to replace more traditional commodities. Alternative Feeds is responsible for the utilization of “waste” from the food industry, that would have gone into landfills, and converting it into feed for the various cattle operations.
Developed run-off lagoons around the feedyard that provide habitat for a number of waterfowl species
Partnered with a turf-grass company to use nutrient-rich water from its retention ponds to irrigate 35 acres of turf-grass. A portion of the nutrient-rich manure is also used to improve top soil
Use manure in a joint venture with Hope Agri-Products to compost and bag organic matter for sale in many retail stores
Implemented grass filter strips to reduce sediment run-off

Stoney Point AgriCorp Inc. was nominated for the Environmental Stewardship Award by the Texas Cattle Feeders’ Association, with which the operation has partnered to host several educational and best management practices tours. In addition, Mark and his team have partnered with Texas Center of Environmental Quality; Southern Region Sustainable Agricultural Research and Education Program (SARE); Texas A&M University System Agriculture Program; Texas Parks and Wildlife Department; Tri-Texas Turf Grass; Hope Agri Products; OK Foods; Dean Foods; Bordens, Dannon Yogurt, Daisy Brands, the Texas “Adopt A Highway” program; local FFA and 4-H programs; community schools; the Blue Ridge Rodeo and the U.S. Grains Council.

“Stoney Point AgriCorp represents a large segment of the beef industry in how they are implementing innovative and environmentally sustainable practices,” said Petty. “Mark and his team have built a successful business model while also doing their part to protect and enhance the natural resources that sustain the beef industry.”

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

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.”

“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.