The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is accepting nominations for the 2027 Environmental Stewardship Awards. Established in 1991, the Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) annually recognizes outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of cattle producers across the country.
“Cattle producers across the country work tirelessly to steward the land for the next generation,” said NCBA President Gene Copenhaver. “This program celebrates their conservation efforts and shares their success stories.”
Any individual, group or organization is eligible to nominate one individual or business raising or feeding cattle. While individuals and families may not nominate themselves, they should be involved in the preparation of the application. Past nominees are encouraged to resubmit applications; however, previous winners may not reapply.
Along with a typed application, one nomination letter and three letters of recommendation highlighting the nominee’s leadership in conservation are required. The application deadline is Feb. 15, 2027. Nominees do not have to be members of NCBA but should support the objectives of their state and national organization.
Award winners are selected by a committee of representatives from universities, cattle production, conservation organizations as well as federal and state agencies. Judges consider the management of water, wildlife, vegetation, air, and soil along with leadership abilities and the viability of the business. Regional winners will be recognized in summer 2027, and the national winner will be announced during CattleCon 2028 in New Orleans, Louisiana, in February 2028.
The Environmental Stewardship Award Program is an initiative of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation and is made possible with generous support from Corteva Agriscience and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. For more information and to download the nomination packet, visit www.environmentalstewardship.org.
