Prestigious Environmental Stewardship Award Presented to South Dakota Ranch

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (Aug. 5, 2026) – Stomprud Angus Ranch in Mud Butte, South Dakota, 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
  

“It is difficult to imagine a ranch with operators who have a more sincere, focused and educational interest in conservation and natural resource stewardship than Stomprud Angus Ranch,” said Dennis Unkenholz, retired South Dakota Fisheries chief. “Not only do they share results of their conservation efforts that may benefit others, but also to learn more about conservation practices they may benefit from.”

Established in 1909, Stomprud Angus Ranch is a multi‑generation, family‑owned Angus cow-calf operation located in the remote range of western South Dakota. Larry and his wife Eileen care for the operation alongside their son Jay and daughter‑in‑law Jennifer, with support from their grandchildren. Together, the third, fourth and fifth generations work side by side to care for the land entrusted to them by those who came before, ensuring it remains productive and resilient for generations to come. Sustainability is approached with a long‑term, holistic mindset grounded in three core pillars of family, environment and financial viability. Rotational grazing allows grasses to rest and rebuild strong root systems, while a deep well pipeline delivers clean water across the ranch, easing pressure on creeks and riparian areas. Wildlife-friendly fencing keeps antelope moving freely across the landscape, and a later calving season reduces stress, lowers feed needs, and improves calf health. Together, these decisions protect habitat, conserve water, and keep a working prairie functioning as it should.  

“Having this legacy that you are responsible for is powerful,” said Jen Stomprud. “You know the stewardship aspect of being responsible for the land and then the animals and protecting it and making it the best it could be.”

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.

###