North Dakota Ranch Receives Regional Environmental Stewardship Award
ORLANDO, FL. (Feb. 2, 2024) – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) announced today that Bartholomay Kattle Kompany, in Sheldon, North Dakota, was selected as a regional winner of the 2023 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP). The farm was recognized during CattleCon24 in Orlando.
“Cattle producers from coast to coast are committed to preserving natural resources for future generations,” said NCBA President Todd Wilkinson. “It is an honor to recognize these regional winners who utilize innovative practices and epitomize environmental stewardship.”
Established in 1991, ESAP celebrates outstanding land stewards in the cattle industry. Regional ESAP winners come from every corner of the country and undertake stewardship efforts unique to their environment, landscape and resources. The selection committee determined winners based on eligible applications received from six of the seven regions. The 2023 Environmental Stewardship Award Program Regional Winners are:
- Region I: Tuck Farms, Moneta, Virginia
- Region II: JB Ranch, Immokalee, Florida
- Region IV: G Bar C Ranch, Rosston, Texas
- Region V: Tower Rock Ranch, LLC, Mansfield, Washington
- Region VI: Hart Ranch, Montague, California
- Region VII: Bartholomay Kattle Kompany, Sheldon, North Dakota
“The Bartholomays have installed several conservation practices throughout the years including rotational grazing, winter feeding alternatives, manure management, solar water systems and tree plantings,” said Bob Flath, Ransom County Soil Conservation district manager. “Not only does Keith Bartholomay pursue improvements to his own operation, but he also offers his expertise to others.”
Bartholomay Kattle Kompany lies on the Sheyenne Delta on the edge of the Red River Valley in southeastern North Dakota. The cow-calf operation encompasses just over 4,000 acres, which includes areas of cropland, hayland, native range and pasture. The Bartholomay family constructed a hoop barn to keep rainwater and runoff away from the feedlot and manure, and they use manure to fertilize crops and improve soil health. Understanding the importance of soil conservation, the family implemented no-till farming practices to grow corn, soybeans, wheat, oats and sunflowers in their crop rotation system. In addition, the Bartholomay’s willingness to allow research projects on their land is a testament to their dedication to progressive, environmentally friendly farming and ranching management practices. They also host numerous research and education tours and are always happy to share their experiences with visitors.
“We take care of the land so that it can take care of us,” said Keith Bartholomay with Bartholomay Kattle Company.
ESAP is generously sponsored by companies and federal agencies who share the cattle industry’s commitment to caring for the environment and protecting natural resources. Sponsors including U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Corteva Agriscience, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partner with NCBA to promote environmental stewardship throughout the beef supply chain.
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Posted: February 6, 2024