News

Washington, D.C. (February 28, 2003) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is currently accepting nomination applications for the 13th annual Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP). The final deadline for applications is June 13, 2003.

"This is an exceptional opportunity for cattle producers across the country to showcase the stewardship and business practices that exist together on today’s progressive farms and ranches. Cattlemen are actively working to protect and improve the environment because they know environmental stewardship and good business go hand-in-hand, and we are proud to recognize them," says Stephanie Tinsley, director of the ESAP.

Sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, the National Environmental Stewardship Program recognizes cattle producers who use innovative practices to protect and enhance natural resources while maintaining or increasing the profitability of their businesses.

"The program has inspired many operations in our industry over the past 12 years, and it continues to thrive. There are some great candidates out there, in every region. This year’s program should prove to be another highly competitive contest—so get your nomination applications in the mail as soon as possible!" says Tinsley.

Any group or organization is eligible to nominate one individual/business, however the nominee must raise or feed cattle. Individuals and families may not nominate themselves. Nominees need not be NCBA members, but they must support NCBA’s mission: working to increase profit opportunities for cattle and beef producers by enhancing the business climate and building consumer demand. Past winners cannot resubmit, but past nominees are encouraged to resubmit.

Nominees will compete for one of seven regional awards based on their state of residency. The seven regional winners then compete for the national award.

The ESAP nomination application is readily available online at: hill.beef.org/esap, OR please contact Stephanie Tinsley in NCBA’s Washington D.C. to request a copy of the application, 202/347-0228 or stinsley@beef.org.

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Producer-directed and consumer-focused, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association is the trade association of America’s cattle farmers and ranchers, and the marketing organization for the largest segment of the nation’s food and fiber industry.