FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Contact:   Jonathan Beitia            (303) 850-3392               jbeitia@beef.org                Bethany Shively           (202) 347-0228               bshively@beef.org                         Seven U.S. Cattle Operations Win Environmental Award for 2009 Statement by the 2009 Environmental Stewardship Award Selection Committee Dave Petty, Chairman July 16, 2009   “The members of the 2009 National Environmental Stewardship Award Selection Committee are extremely proud to announce this year’s regional award winners, hailing from diverse family cattle operations from across the United States.   “These operations have successfully conducted stewardship practices that serve as exemplary models for all cattle producers. They are actively working to protect and improve the environment and have proven that stewardship and good business can go hand-in-hand.  Each operation is committed to conservation and the cattle industry, which is evident through their leadership and practices.   “The seven regional winners have made extensive efforts to work closely with their local communities and government agencies, conservation and wildlife organizations including The Nature Conservancy, to assist in the development of conservation practices and valuable rangeland protection.  They have seen the value in building partnerships that strengthen their operation.  These folks showcase how the implementation of cooperative research efforts, educational events, partnerships and government programs can really pay off.   “We are also proud to announce that 2009 marks the 19th year of the Environmental Stewardship Award. Over the years, we have seen an exceptional number of applications, and we look forward to the continued growth of this prestigious award. We thank Dow AgroSciences LCC and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), for their dedication to sponsoring this award, which honors environmental innovation and perseverance among U.S. cattle producers.” The 2009 Regional Environmental Stewardship Award Winners are: -Region I:  Young’s Cattle Co., Belmont, Ohio Rick & Jayne Young Nominated by Ohio Cattlemen’s Association & Belmont Soil and Water Conservation District   -Region II:  Greenview Polled Hereford Farms, Inc., Screven, Ga. Jonathan (Jonny) Harris and Family Nominated by Georgia Cattlemen’s Association   -Region III:  Eckenfels Farm, Sainte Genevieve, Mo. Bob Eckenfels Nominated by USDA - NRCS   -Region IV:  Stoney Point AgriCorp, Melissa, Texas Mark Quinn and Family Nominated by Texas Cattle Feeders Association   -Region V:  Pape Ranches Inc, Daniel, Wyo. Norm & Barbara Pape, Fred & Michelle Pape, and David Pape Nominated by Wyoming Stock Growers Association   -Region VI:  Leavitt Lake Ranches, Vina and Susanville, Calif. Darrell, Callie, Ramsey and Dallice Wood Nominated by California Cattlemen’s Association & California Rangeland Trust   -Region VII:  Daybreak Ranch, Highmore, S.D. Jim & Carol Faulstich, Adam & Jacquie Roth Nominated by S.D. Grasslands Coalition   The 2009 Environmental Stewardship Award Selection Committee consists of past award winners, university faculty, federal and state government agencies, conservation and environmental organizations. The program is administered by the National Cattlemen’s Foundation and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.   ###   The 2009 National Winner will be selected from one of the seven regional winners and announced at the 2010 Cattle Industry Convention in San Antonio, Texas, next January. For REGIONAL PRESS RELEASES REGARDING of winners and photos of their winning operations, or additional information, contact the National Cattlemen’s Foundation at 303-694-0305.    The Environmental Stewardship Award has recognized the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of U.S. cattle producers for almost two decades. Regional and national award winners are honored for their commitment to protecting the environment and improving fish and wildlife habitat while operating profitable cattle operations. For information or to nominate a cattle operation, visit www.environmentalstewardship.org     The National Cattlemen's Foundation advances the future of the beef industry with passion and urgency for the benefit of consumers and cattlemen.