Statement by the 2007 ESAP Selection Committee

July 18, 2007

“The members of the 2007 National Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) Selection Committee are extremely proud to announce this year’s regional award winners, hailing from diverse family cattle operations from across the United States.

“These families have successfully conducted stewardship practices that serve as exemplary models for all cattle producers. They are actively working to protect and improve the environment and have proven that stewardship and good business can go hand-in-hand.

“The six regional winners have made extensive efforts to work closely with their local communities and government agencies, including the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), to implement conservation programs that benefit everyone. They have seen the value in utilizing conservation programs such as the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) on their operations. These folks showcase how the implementation of cooperative research efforts, educational events and government programs can really pay off.

“We are also proud to announce that 2007 marks the 17^th year of the Environmental Stewardship Award Program. Over the years, we have seen an exceptional number of applications, and we look forward to the continued growth of this prestigious award program. We thank Dow AgroSciences LCC and the NRCS for their dedication to sponsoring this award program, which honors environmental innovation and perseverance among U.S. cattle producers.”

The 2007 Regional ESAP Winners are...

-Region I:  Sunrise Club Calves, Shippenville, Pennsylvania

 Nominated by Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association

-Region II:  Dee River Ranch, Aliceville, Alabama
Nominated by Alabama Cattlemen’s Association

-Region III:  Oak Knoll Ranch, Salem, Missouri
Nominated by Top of the Ozarks

-Region V:  Roaring Springs Ranch, Frenchglen, Oregon

 Nominated by Oregon Cattlemen’s Association

-Region VI:  Yolo Land & Cattle Co., Woodland, California

 Nominated by California Cattlemen’s Association and California Rangeland Trust

-Region VII:  Alexander Ranch, Sun City, Kansas

 Nominated by Comanche Pool Prairie Resource Foundation

The 2007 ESAP Selection Committee consists of past award winners, university faculty, federal and state government agencies, conservation and environmental organizations. The program is administered by NCBA and sponsored by Dow AgroSciences LCC and the NRCS.

The 2007 National Winner will be selected from one of the six ESAP Regional Winners and revealed at the 2008 Cattle Industry Convention in Reno, Nevada next February. For PHOTOS OF THE WINNING RANCHES or additional information, contact NCBA’s Washington D.C. office at 202-347-0228. 

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