The Environmental Stewardship Award Program( ESAP) was established in 1991 by the National Cattlemen’ s Association( now NCBA), and is made possible by the generous sponsorship of the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service( NRCS), Corteva Agriscience™, and the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Now in its 35th year, the Environmental Stewardship Award Program annually recognizes the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of cattle producers from across the nation. Regional and national award winners are commended for their commitment to protecting the environment and improving fish and wildlife habitats, while also operating profitable cattle operations. Recipients of this award share the desire to leave the land in better shape for future generations— a desire expressed across the beef supply chain. In addition to highlighting stewardship, this program also provides fellow cattle producers with examples and ideas that may be useful on their own farm and ranch operations.

Environmental Stewardship Award winners are selected every year by the Environmental Stewardship Award Selection Committee, which is made up of representatives from universities, conservation organizations, cattle producers, and federal and state agencies. This committee considers the management of water, wildlife, vegetation, air and soil, along with leadership abilities and the sustainability of the business as a whole.