CONTACT:     Tanya Augustson Camarra   (202) 347-0228  tacamarra@beef.org

                        Karen Batra                           (202) 347-0228   kbatra@beef.org

National Environmental Stewardship Award Program Calls for Entries

Washington, D.C.  – The 17^th Annual Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) has officially opened its nomination season for 2007. The program has nationally recognized the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of U.S. cattle producers since 1991. Regional and national award winners are honored for their commitment to protecting the environment and improving fish and wildlife habitats while operating profitable cattle operations.

“There are so many operations across the nation dedicated to doing things right for the environment,” says Stacey Katseanes, program director for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). “This year, we are expecting another great pool of applicants.  With ESAP, we showcase innovative stewardship practices and acknowledge a long-term job well done.”

Nominations can be submitted by any organization, group, or individual on behalf of a U.S. cattle producer. In the past, nominations have been submitted by a diverse mix of organizations.  A partial list includes: The Nature Conservancy, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the Society for Range Management, state government services, universities, wildlife organizations, and livestock groups.

“This is always a great program, which gets a great deal of attention, so if you haven’t had a chance to nominate someone in the past, now’s the time. You have from now until March 2007 to get your application and nomination ready,” says NCBA President and Missouri cattle producer Mike John.  “This program has inspired cattle producers to try new techniques utilized by the winners. It continues to reward innovators for their stewardship, and exhibits to the world how producers are the original, true environmentalists.”

ESAP was established in 1991 by NCBA and is made possible by the generous support of Dow AgroSciences, LLC, and NRCS. Seven Regional Winners and one National Winner are selected annually by a committee of representatives from universities, conservation organizations, and federal and state agencies. The nominees compete for Regional awards based on their state of residency, and these seven Regional Winners then compete for the National Award.

The deadline for 2007 ESAP applications is March 17, 2007. Go to: www.beefusa.org/esap or contact NCBA’s Washington D.C. to request a copy of the application at 202-347-0228.

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