DENVER (July 20, 1999) — Joe and Dee Ann Neill, owners of The Neill Cattle Company and Bar N Ranch, of Welch, OK have received the 9th Annual National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Environmental Stewardship Award in their region. Sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, the award recognizes cattle producers across the United States for using innovative practices to enhance the environment.
Located in the northeast corner of Oklahoma, the Neills were honored during the NCBA summer conference in Denver for Region IV, which includes Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas.
"The Neill Cattle Company and Bar N Ranch are exceptional examples 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."
Joe’s grandfather purchased the original homestead of 500 acres in 1906, this area is now referred to as the Bar N Ranch. Today the business includes a 14,000 capacity state and federally licensed feedlot located on 2,757 acres, a 2,343 acre blue-stem grass stocker operation, and a 279 acres Fescue and Bermuda pasture as well as 286 acres of farm-ground.
Neill has built an extensive lagoon system to handle waste from the feedlot, including installing underground pipe to distribute water from the lagoons through center-pivot sprinkler systems onto the farm-ground. Over the years the Neills have spent in excess of $1 million on lagoon capacity and de-watering facilities. "We have set our goals and have done each project in stages before the need became an urgent requirement. In the good years we will do more, in the lean years, less," said Neill.
Pastures have been improved through brush control in order to boost carrying capacity.
Dedicated wildlife areas in pastures surrounding the feedlot areas have increased the population of many species including turkey, quail and migratory fowl.
"I’m proud of the operation my family has put together over the years," said Neill "What I get the most enjoyment out of, is taking land that was marginal in production and scenery and increasing the productivity while succeeding at improving the landscape."
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.