Prestigious Environmental Stewardship Award Presented to Oregon Ranch

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (Aug. 5, 2026) – V Box Land and Livestock in Juntura, Oregon, was recognized today by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) as a 2026 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) Regional winner. Established in 1991, ESAP celebrates outstanding land stewards in the cattle industry. The national winner, which will be selected from these seven regional winners, will be announced during CattleCon 2027 in Nashville, Tennessee, in February.

“These award recipients undertake stewardship efforts unique to their environment, landscape and resources, and they share their learnings with fellow producers,” said NCBA President Gene Copenhaver. “Their dedication to conserving natural resources is ensuring a bright future for the next generation.”

The 2026 Environmental Stewardship Award Program Regional winners are:

• Region I: LB Porteus Farms, Coshocton, Ohio
  
• Region II: Donaldson Farms/D&D Meats, Celina, Tennessee
  
• Region III: Feikema Farms, Inc., Luverne, Minnesota
  
• Region IV: Bloody Buckets Cattle Company, Falfurrias, Texas
  
• Region V: V Box Land and Livestock, Juntura, Oregon
  
• Region VI: Munns Flying M Ranch, Snowville, Utah
• Region VII: Stomprud Angus Ranch, Mud Butte, South Dakota
  

“V Box Land and Livestock represents the very best of the beef industry through unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and leadership in implementing science-based management practices that conserve rangeland health, soil, water and wildlife resources,” said Sergio Arispe, associate professor with Oregon State University. “Linda Bentz has demonstrated that responsible cattle production and environmental stewardship are complementary principles essential to sustaining both working lands and rural communities.”

Through disciplined management, strategic expansion and taking bold risks, Mike and Linda Bentz combined four separate ranches into one exceptional operation — notable for its size, productivity and continuity. V Box Land and Livestock encompasses nearly 28,000 private acres and 180,000 acres of public lands. When Mike tragically passed in 2015, Linda and her five children continued the cow-calf operation. Through Linda’s leadership, more than 6,000 acres of western juniper were removed, 16,000 acres of invasive annual grasses treated, 10,000 feet of riverbank restored, and nearly 4,000 willows and native shrubs planted. These efforts improved water quality, enhanced sage grouse habitat, reduced wildfire risk, and strengthened long-term forage productivity. Today, the ranch is divided into separate operations for the next generation, and all five children and their families are ranching and carrying forward the conservation ethic instilled by their parents.

“It’s God’s land; it’s just here for us to utilize,” said Linda Bentz. “The story will tell whether you took care of it or not. The cows won’t be happy, the families won’t be happy, and they won’t continue to move on.”

ESAP is generously sponsored by organizations that share the cattle industry’s commitment to caring for the environment and protecting natural resources. Sponsors including Corteva Agriscience and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partner with NCBA to promote environmental stewardship throughout the beef supply chain. For more information, visit www.environmentalstewardship.org.

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