Montana ranchers depend on the land and its resources for their livelihood. Therefore, good management demands that they care for the environment for their own well-being as well as for future generations. Ranchers, as individuals and as an industry, are actively working to protect and improve the environment because they know environmental stewardship and good business go hand-in-hand.
Environmental Stewardship Award winners are prime examples of how environmental management benefits both the rancher’s bottom line and the resources in their care. That’s why the Montana Stockgrowers Association sponsors the Montana Environmental Stewardship Award Program. Montana ranchers have an outstanding reputation for their protection, care, and enhancement of the natural resources that not only make our state beautiful but make it ideal for raising top-quality cattle.
The goal of the Environmental Stewardship Award Program is to acknowledge producers who go the extra mile when it comes to preserving and enhancing the resources on their land. While the program highlights industry stewardship, it also provides cattlemen with examples and ideas which may be useful on their own farms and ranching operations. Established in 1991 by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and sponsored by Dow AgroSciences, LLC, the national Environmental Stewardship Award Program provides an opportunity for the beef industry to showcase the stewardship and business practices that exist together on progressive farms and ranches.
State winners selected by the Montana Stockgrowers Association advance to the regional and national levels. Montana has a history of regional and national winners in the 22 years since the Environmental Stewardship Award Program was established. Help us continue this strong tradition by taking the time to apply for this prestigious award, or by nominating a producer in your area who has practiced environmentally sustainable practices or demonstrated conservation improvements on their land. Help us spread the message that cattlemen are the “original stewards of the land.”
Learn more about our most recent recipients of the ESAP recognition, the Hahn Ranch.
Applications for the 2019 Environmental Stewardship Award Program are due by June 15. All materials must be submitted to [email protected] or mailed to 420 N California, Helena, MT 59601.
You can nominate someone online, email your nomination, or mail it to the office. Questions? Please email [email protected].
The Montana Environmental Stewardship Award is funded in part by Montana Beef Producers with Checkoff Dollars.