2025 ESAP REGIONAL AWARDS
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the land better than they found it. Mark Overstreet, paralyzed from the waist down since 1970, has never let his disability keep him from stewarding the land. With modified equipment, sheer determination and an unbreakable spirit, he continues to oversee rotational grazing, soil restoration and water conservation projects that benefit not just the cattle, but all of Florida. M & D Overstreet Ranch uses controlled burns to restore native grasslands, lime rock lakes to recharge the aquifer, and wildlife corridors to protect species like deer, turkeys and wading birds. Overstreet remains a mentor and advocate, proving that true leadership isn’ t about personal success, it’ s about lifting others up. His work ensures that Florida’ s ranching traditions, environmental stewardship and community values will endure for generations to come. Region III: Smith Family Farms, Bankston, Iowa In the family since 1853, the 100 % no-till Smith Family Farms is located in the rolling hills of northeast Iowa, today owned and operated by Jack Smith, his wife Maria, and their two sons. The Smiths’ agriculture philosophy is based on soil health, which is accomplished through the three pillars of no-till, cover crops and cows. The Smiths have developed a cow herd that thrives in their environment by grazing throughout most of the year, limiting additional feed resources, and calving out in the field. Rotational grazing is another cornerstone for environmental stewardship, whether rotating on cover crops, corn residue permanent pastures, or converting Conservation Reserve Program fields to pastures. In addition to their conservation efforts, the family is dedicated to preserving the state’ s history through the Iowa Barn Foundation, which has saved more than 300 barns. Above all, the Smiths share their story and mentor others on their environmental and operational practices. Region IV: McFaddin Ranch, Victoria, Texas Founded in 1877, McFaddin Ranch is a living testament to the resilience and innovation of Texas ranching. Located near the Gulf Coast, McFaddin Ranch has worked for decades to hone grazing management practices to match the environment and optimize ecosystem services. From proper stocking densities, genetics, handling, forage quality, and flood and drought management, co-owner and general manager Bob McCan continually seeks out new tools and approaches that enhance all aspects of the operation. These efforts have improved wildlife habitat, protected and enhanced water quality, and increased carbon sequestration. These stewardship efforts are helping the ranch meet its goals of integrating research-proven strategies to maintain thriving wildlife and livestock populations through complementary practices, using economic, environmental and social sustainability to guide decisions, and continuing the family’ s ranching legacy. In addition, McCan shares what he’ s learned through leadership roles at the state, national and international levels.
Region V: G & G Livestock and Cathey Cattle Company, Polson, Montana
Greg and Lynn Gardner started G & G Livestock; daughter Brittany Cathey and son-in-law Wacey Cathey later launched Cathey Cattle Company as their own direct-to-consumer beef business. Located on the Flathead Indian Reservation, the family works together to manage cattle and care for the land. Efficient range management is the family’ s focus with efforts including weed control, grazing management and water development. By implementing a deferred rest rotation system, the family has seen their pastures develop deeper roots, rebound more quickly from grazing and increased grass production year to year. The family is active in the community and supports conservation causes that improve natural resources. They partnered with USDA-NRCS to install additional fencing and livestock watering systems, treat invasive weeds, improve pasture and range conditions through forage plantings, and develop grazing management plans leading to measurable improvements to rangeland health. Region VII: Wine Glass Ranch, Imperial, Nebraska Jeff and Connie Pribbeno and their son and daughter-in-law Logan and Brianna Pribbeno own and operate Wine Glass Ranch, located in western Nebraska near the Colorado border. The Pribbenos believe long-term care for their operation’ s ecology translates to profitability, which is why they have married together the values of ranching for profit and environmental stewardship to make a living. The cow-calf, stocker and grain operation thrives despite the arid climate and fragile sandy soil. The family installed more than 200 miles of cross fence, creating 90 paddocks for their rotational grazing system. At any given point, 95 % of the ranch is resting, and this practice has increased plant diversity and the return of native grasses such as Sand Bluestem and Indian grass, a species difficult to grow in sandy soil. With a focus on soil health, the Pribbenos work closely with several state and federal agencies on conservation projects and those partnerships have helped them with their stewardship efforts.
Established in 1991 by the National Cattlemen’ s Beef Association to recognize outstanding land stewards in the cattle industry, the Environmental Stewardship Award Program( ESAP) is generously sponsored by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service( NRCS), Corteva Agriscience, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the National Cattlemen’ s Foundation. For more information, visit www. environmentalstewardship. org. www. NCBA. org NATIONAL CATTLEMEN 7