Date:
8/2/2011
Title:
Idaho Cattleman Wins Regional Environmental Award
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.