The Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Montana Environmental Stewardship Award (ESAP). Each year, MSGA honors a Montana ranch that exemplifies environmental stewardship and demonstrates a commitment toward improved sustainability within the beef industry. The deadline for nominations is May 1, 2025.
“The Montana Environmental Stewardship Award continues to show us just how much Montana’s ranchers care about the land and livestock under their stewardship,” said Raylee Honeycutt, MSGA Executive Vice President. “We at MSGA know that this is nothing new to ranchers, but this program helps tell the story to those not intimately involved in the livestock industry and I encourage anyone to nominate a Montana ranch who is ready to tell our story.”
Ranchers, as individuals and as an industry, are actively working to protect and improve the environment because they know environmental stewardship is a crucial component to a successful ranching operation. Environmental Stewardship Award winners are prime examples of how environmental management benefits both the rancher’s bottom line and the resources in their care.
The award nomination process is an opportunity for county conservation districts, water districts, local livestock associations, wildlife organizations or other local and state agencies focused on conservation and multiple land use to recognize partnerships with ranchers who help them accomplish mutual goals. Any Montana Stockgrowers Association member who is working to leave the land better for the next generation would be an ideal candidate.
Winners of the Environmental Stewardship Award host a tour on their ranch, known as the Raising the Steaks Ranch Tour coordinated by the Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF), the year after they are announced.
“The Raising the Steaks Ranch Tour showcases ESAP award winners and connects ranchers and consumers to facilitate diverse and informative discussions that highlight current issues and solutions to challenges ranchers and conservationists face when managing private and public lands for future generations,” said Heidi Kool, MSF Program Coordinator.
Nominations for ESAP can be submitted at www.mtbeef.org/esap from December 1, 2024 – May 1, 2025. MSGA will provide ESAP award winners with the assistance of a professional writer and photographer to capture their ranch’s story to represent Montana in the regional Environmental Stewardship Award Program. The winner will be recognized at the Montana Stockgrowers Annual Convention in December 2025.
The Montana Stockgrowers Association is a grassroots membership organization and is the trusted voice of cattle ranchers. With 140-years of history, MSGA advocates and ensures cattle ranching remains relevant, safe and a sustainable way of life for generations to come.
The Montana Stockgrowers Foundation (MSF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and was established to ensure the future of Montana’s cattle industry through producer and public education, and promotion of MSGA programs. The Foundation supports the next generation by offering educational programs, academic scholarships and providing leadership opportunities.
MSGA Media Contact
Cheyenne Leach
Communications and Program Coordinator
406-442-3420
[email protected]
To view more MSGA news, visit https://mtbeef.org/news/
