Cattle producers recognized for stewardship efforts with 2025 regional awards

Cattle producers from across the country were recognized during the industry’s Summer Business Meeting in San Diego through the 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP). 

Regional award recipients were honored for their commitment to conservation and stewardship, and the national winner will be announced during CattleCon 2026 in Nashville, Tenn. in February.

“It is an honor to recognize these cattle producers for their commitment to conservation,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Buck Wehrbein. “Not only are they protecting natural resources for future generations, but they also serve as stewardship role models for producers across the country.”

Region One honoree

The award winner from Region One is Whispering Hills Farm of Lawrenceburg, Ky.

Mike Wilson took a neglected and overgrown farm in the heart of Kentucky and gave it life. He carefully crafted his operation around the limitations of the land and resources and adapted when necessary to make it a thriving, profitable operation which can be passed down to the next generation of stewards. 

Wilson is an active participant in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program as well as the Conservation Stewardship Program, working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to implement a variety of practices including pipeline, heavy-use area protection, watering troughs, fencing and forage and biomass plantings to help facilitate prescribed grazing. 

In addition to livestock related enhancements, he is an advocate for keeping the balance between agriculture and wildlife. He has partnered with state foresters to improve woodland, and he removes invasive species to enhance plant diversity. 

Wilson continues to serve as a role model to fellow cattle producers, influencing them to take positive steps towards stewardship and conservation efforts.

Region Two honoree

Sitting at an urban-wildlife interface in central Florida and surrounded by one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, M&D Overstreet Ranch of Kathleen, Fla. is the Region Two honoree. 

The Overstreet’s story is one of endurance, responsibility and a deep-rooted belief in leaving 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 which 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 true leadership isn’t about personal success, it’s about lifting others up. His work ensures Florida’s ranching traditions, environmental stewardship and community values will endure for generations to come. 

Region Three honoree 

From Bankston, Iowa, Smith Family Farms is the ESAP Award Region Three winner.

In the family since 1853, the 100 percent no-till Smith Family Farm 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 which 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 Four honoree

Founded in 1877, McFaddin Ranch of Victoria, Texas – the honoree of Region Four – 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 to 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 continue the family’s ranching legacy. 

In addition, McCan shares what he’s learned through leadership roles at the state, national and international levels.

Region Five honoree

G&G Livestock and Cathey Cattle Company of Polson, Mont. received Region Five ESAP Award honors.

Greg and Lynn Gardner started G&G Livestock and their 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 increase grass production year to year. 

The family is active in the community and supports conservation causes to improve natural resources. 

They partnered with 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 Six honoree

 Last but not least, Wine Glass Ranch of Imperial, Neb. was honored from Region Six.

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 percent 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.

Founded in 1898, NCBA is the marketing organization and trade association for cattle farmers and ranchers. With offices in Denver and Washington, D.C., NCBA is a producer-directed organization focused on industry advocacy, promotion, education and research. For more information, visit ncba.org.