Cattlemen depend on the land and its resources for their livelihood. Therefore, good management demands that they care for the environment for their own welfare as well as for future generations. Cattlemen, 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.
The Environmental Stewardship Award recognizes cattlemen whose natural resource stewardship practices contribute to the environment and enhance productivity and profitability.
This year's winner will be recognized at the NDSA Annual Convention Banquet in Minot, Sept. 25, 2010. The state winner will receive a $250 cash prize and a recognition plaque. The award winner's application is then forwarded to another competition sponsored by the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, where it is considered for regional and national awards.
To apply or nominate someone for the 2010 Environmental Stewardshp Award, contact Tracey Koester, NDSA member services director, at 701-223-2522 or tkoester@ndstockmen.org.
A recent national independent survey shows:
* 82 percent of cattlemen practice rotational grazing.
* 52 percent of cattlemen have planted trees in the past 25 years.
* 87 percent of cattlemen have land that supports wildlife.
* 63 percent of cattlemen leave strips of grass or legumes for wildlife.
* 86 percent of cattlemen report increases in wildlife populations over the last 10 years.
* 800 million acres of land in the U.S. is grazing land (equal to Alaska, Texas, California, Nevada, Montana and Massachusetts combined.)
Past Environmental Stewardship Award winners:
1995 - Brandt Ranch, Hebron
1996 - X4 Ranch, Amidon
1997 - Bar Z Ranch, Killdeer
1999 - Tescher Ranch, Beach
2002 - Barenthsen Ranch, Powers Lake
2003 - Gerald & LuAnn Roise, Powers Lake
2004 - John & Marie Marshall, Towner
2005 - Gabe & Shelly Brown, Bismarck