Montana Environmental Stewardship Award

A Montana Stockgrowers Association Research, Education and Endowment Foundation Program

Cattlemen depend on the land and its resources for their livelihood. Therefore, good management demands that they care for the environment for their own wellbeing 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.

Environmental Stewardship Award winners are prime examples of how environmental management benefits both the cattlemen'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 20 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.”

For more information on the Montana Environmental Stewardship Award Program, please contact Ariel Overstreet at the Montana Stockgrowers Association office at (406) 442-3420. The Montana Environmental Stewardship Award is coordinated by MSGA's Research, Education and Endowment Foundation and brought to you by Montana Beef Producers and Checkoff Dollars.

2012 Application Guide

Keystone Ranches, Inc., Ismay, Mont. - 2011 Montana Environmental Stewardship Award Winners

2011 MT Environmental Stewardship Award

For the past half century, Bill and Joyce Almy have worked to improve the natural sustainability-and profitability-of the 22,000 acres of Keystone Ranches, Inc. Through innovative water and grazing management, supported by cooperation with various agencies, they have raised the carrying capacity of the land by almost 50%, cut their debt-to-asset ratio from 55% to under 15%, improved wildlife habitat, maintained long-term relationships with employees, and supported their eastern Montana community. Keystone Ranches, Inc. is the 2011 Montana Environmental Stewardship Award winners.

Past Winners

National
1998 – Matador Cattle Co., Dillon
1996 – Robert E. Lee Ranch, Judith Gap

Regional
2008 – Veseth Cattle Company, Malta
2004 – Barthelmess Ranch Corporation, Malta
2002 – Sieben Livestock, Cascade
2001 – Milesnick Ranch, Belgrade
1998 – Matador Cattle Co., Dillon
1996 – Robert E. Lee Ranch, Judith Gap
1995 – Sitz Angus Ranch, Harrison
1992 – Smith 6-S Ranch, Glen

Montana
2012 – Bold Ranch, Winifred
2011 – Keystone Ranches, Inc., Ismay
2010 – Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, Malta
2008 – Veseth Cattle Company, Malta
2007 – IX Ranch Company, Big Sandy
2006 – Mule Tracks Cattle Company, Malta
2005 – Rein Anchor Ranch, Melville
2004 – Barthelmess Ranch Corporation, Malta
2002 – Sieben Livestock, Cascade
2001 – Milesnick Ranch, Belgrade
2000 – Warm Springs Grazing Association, Alder
1999 – Christensen Ranch, Big Timber
1998 – Matador Cattle Co., Dillon
1997 – Tee Six Ranch, Choteau
1996 – Robert E. Lee Ranch, Judith Gap
1995 – Sitz Angus Ranch, Harrison
1994 – Ruffato Land and Cattle Company, Hamilton
1993 – Ray Banister Ranch, Wibaux
1992 – Smith 6-S Ranch, Glen