ESAP-AWARD

2007 National Winner

Environmental Stewardship Award


Environmental Stewardship Award Program

Environmental Stewardship Award Program
Since 1991, cattle ranches from all over the United States have competed for the prestigious Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP), which is sponsored and presented by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA). The purpose of the award is to recognize the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of American cattle producers. While the award highlights stewardship, it also provides fellow cattle producers with examples and ideas which may be useful on their own farms. The award is also sponsored by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, Dow AgroSciences, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. In order to qualify, a U.S. cattle producer must be nominated by any organization, group, or individual. One winner is selected from each of the seven regions in the U.S., and an overall national winner is selected from the regional finalists. Prior to 2007, only one producer from California had ever received the national award. The selection committee is comprised of representatives from universities, conservation organizations, state and federal agencies, and previous award winners.
YOLO LAND AND CATTLE
YOLO LAND AND CATTLE
Environmental Stewardship Award Program
In July of 2007, we became the Region Six finalist, which allowed us to compete for the national award at the 2008 NCBA Annual Convention in Reno. At the convention, it was clear that all of the regional finalists were well-qualified to become the national winner. Each ranch demonstrated extensive commitment to improving their particular grazing ecosystem, and all had impressive restoration examples. At the end of the program that night, our family was extremely surprised and humbled to learn that we had been selected for the top honor.
In early 2007, because of our long-time involvement with both organizations, we were nominated jointly by the California Cattlemen’s Association, and the California Rangeland Trust. With assistance from their staff members, we completed the extensive nomination package and submitted it. The district we were competing in encompassed California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, and Hawaii.
We received the bronze trophy pictured above. It depicts a rancher pointing out wildlife to his two children, and represents the positive vision that we must maintain for our future.

As a result of this honor, our ranch gained national recognition. To view the related news articles, please see our Media & Links page. In addition, Scott has received national exposure as a spokesman on ranching conservation issues, and past member, became a member of the ESAP National Selection Committee.
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