DENVER (July 20, 1999) — Jim Anderson of Anderson Farms and Cattle Company, Longmont, Colo., has received the 9th Annual National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Environmental Stewardship Award in his region. Sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, the award recognizes cattle producers across the United States for using innovative practices to enhance the environment.
Located approximately 35 miles north of Denver, along the I-25 corridor, Anderson Farms was honored during the NCBA summer conference in Denver for Region V, which includes: Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming and Colorado.
Anderson Farms is a diversified farming and cattle feeding operation with a capacity of, 1,400 head year-round, resulting in 3,500 head of finished cattle marketed annually. The farming operation consists of 750 acres of irrigated cropland used to produce barley, wheat, corn, alfalfa and sugar beets.
Environmental stewardship and resource conservation has been a constant focus, beginning in 1911 with August Anderson and continuing to this day. Water is an extremely valuable resource, and techniques to conserve and maximize its use are very important. Through thousands of feet of concrete ditch, pipelines, and in recent years, gated and poly pipe, distribution of water has resulted in an estimated 75 percent water savings prior to field application.
The Andersons have been innovators in water and soil conservation through the use of conservation and mulch tillage; a farming technique that has received wide acceptance among those farming non-irrigated ground or where center pivot sprinkler systems are used.
"Anderson Farms and Cattle Company. is an exceptional example of the unique partnership U.S. Cattlemen have with the environment," said NCBA President, George Swan of Rogerson, Idaho. "This is a prime example of U.S. cattlemen working with the rhythms of nature, to increase their bottom line, while improving the earth for future generations."
Habitat is maintained for wildlife including planting trees and constructing ponds to collect run-off and tail-water. Water captured in the ponds is also reused for irrigation.
"It is important to create a balance between modern farming methods and the wildlife with which we share the land and to work with nature in creating a healthy environment in which to raise our families," said Anderson. "Protecting our natural resources will ensure future generations a sustainable, healthy place in which to live."
The ESAP award annually recognizes up to seven cattlemen nationally. Members of the selection committee include representatives from the following organization: Environmental Protection Agency, USDA Agriculture Research Service, American Farmland Trust, US Fish & Wildlife Service, The Nature Conservancy, Texas A&M University, Mississippi Research & Extension Center, Society for Range Management, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Land Management, Wildlife Management Institute, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, Florida State Game and Fresh Water Fish Commission and the National Cattlemen's Beef Association. Several criteria were used in the selection process, including the range of conservation practices that the candidates employ, such as water quality programs, manure management and wildlife habitat development. Candidates’ leadership activities were also important elements in the selection process.
A national winner will be selected from among the seven regional winners and announced during the NCBA Annual Convention in Phoenix, AZ, January 26-29, 2000.