ESAP acknowledges producers who go the extra mile when it comes to preserving and enhancing the resources on their land.
Each year, the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) honors a Montana ranch that exemplifies environmental stewardship and demonstrates a commitment toward improved sustainability within the beef industry. This award recognizes Montana ranchers who are at the forefront in conservation and stewardship and are willing to serve as examples for other ranchers.
2020 ESAP TOUR DATES:
The 2020 Environmental Stewardship Raising the Steaks Tour will be held September 17-18, 2020 at the Castle Mountain Ranch!
PAST WINNERS:
Environmental Stewardship Award winners are prime examples of how environmental management benefits both the rancher’s bottom line and the resources in their care. Learn more about past winners here
ESAP APPLICATION INFORMATION
While the ESAP program highlights industry stewardship, it also provides cattlemen with examples and ideas which may be useful on their own farms and ranching operations specifically through the on-ranch Raising the Steaks ESAP ranch tour. The tours gather an intimate group of thoughtful, creative individuals who represent chefs, foodservice professionals, wildlife advocates, ranchers, scientists, conservationists, storytellers, water users, and more to put their boots on the ground and their heads in the game in facilitated diverse and informative discussions that highlight current issues and solutions to challenges ranchers and conservationists face when managing private and public lands for future generations.
Applications for the Montana Environmental Stewardship Award are due on June 25, 2020
Applications can be sent to keni@mtbeef.org or mailed to MSGA’s office at 420 N. California St., Helena, MT 59601
Past Montana ESAP winners can be found at mtbeeffoundation.org/ESAP-past-winners
Applications may be submitted at an earlier date for review/critique by MSGA staff.
Ranches may be nominated by anyone, including themselves. The ranch must be a member of the Montana Stockgrowers Association and NCBA.
Applicants will agree to a ranch visit by Montana Stockgrowers staff for photography, video interviews, and other digital material as a part of the application process. Material may be used as promotional material for Montana ESAP and Montana Stockgrowers Association.
The applications will be evaluated by a committee, which will include, but is not limited to MSGA Board Members; past Montana, Regional and National Environmental Stewardship Award winners; Montana Beef Council; Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation.
The evaluation committee will rank the applications on a pre-determined scale. The committee will then approach nominees, starting with the highest-ranking nomination and moving down, to make sure the top choice is interested in receiving the award and moving on to the next level in the process.
Once a winner is determined, the winner will be announced at the MSGA MidYear Meeting.
MSGA staff will then work with the winner to prepare their application for the Regional and National Award competition, which is typically due in late February/early March of the following year.
ESAP SPONSORS
