IN THIS ISSUE
National Cattlemen’ s Beef Association
AUGUST 2025 | Vol. 41, No. 10 | NCBA. org
CATTLE PRODUCERS RECOGNIZED FOR STEWARDSHIP EFFORTS WITH 2025 REGIONAL AWARDS
Cattle producers from across the country were recognized during the industry’ s Summer Business Meeting in San Diego through the 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award Program( ESAP). Regional award recipients were honored for their commitment to conservation and stewardship. The national winner will be announced during CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee.
“ It is an honor to recognize these cattle producers for their commitment to conservation,” said NCBA President Buck Wehrbein.“ Not only are they protecting natural resources for future generations, but they also serve as stewardship role models for producers across the country.”
Regional ESAP winners undertake stewardship efforts unique to their environment, landscape and resources. The 2025 ESAP Regional winners are: Region I: Whispering Hills Farm,
Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
Mike Wilson took a neglected and overgrown farm in the heart of Kentucky and gave it life. He carefully crafted his operation around the limitations of the land and resources, and adapted when necessary to make it a thriving, profitable operation that can be passed down to the next generation of stewards. Wilson is an active participant in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program( EQIP) as well as the Conservation Stewardship Program( CSP), working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service to implement a variety of practices including pipeline, heavy use area protection, watering troughs, fencing, and forage and biomass plantings to help facilitate prescribed grazing. In addition to livestock related enhancements, he is an advocate for keeping the balance between agriculture and wildlife. He has partnered with state foresters to improve woodland, and he removes invasive species to enhance plant diversity. Wilson continues to serve as a role model to fellow cattle producers, influencing them to take positive steps towards stewardship and conservation efforts.
The 2025 ESAP Regional Winners gathered in San Diego to celebrate their recognition.
Region II: M & D Overstreet Ranch, Kathleen, Florida
M & D Overstreet Ranch sits at an urban-wildland interface in central Florida, surrounded by one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. The Overstreet’ s story is one of endurance, responsibility and a deep-rooted belief in leaving
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IN THIS ISSUE
THE LONG RANGE PLAN | PG. 6
NCBA CEO Colin Woodall shares the goals and vision of the 2026-2030 Beef Industry Long Range Plan adopted by both Cattlemen’ s Beef Board and NCBA Board of Directors.
MORE THAN JUST A NEEDLE | PG. 8
Strategies, scheduling and types of vaccinations are all a part of a sound herd health protocol.
ONE BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL | PG. 10
This bill was signed into law on July 4 and includes many provisions critical to cattle producers’ ability to continue farming and ranching for generations.