“We are changing up our process for the award this year. Rather than just having ranches apply for the award, we are hoping to get our local communities involved in helping us select a ranch that really goes above and beyond when it comes to environmental stewardship.”
People wishing to make a nomination are asked to fill out a short nomination form answering the following questions:
- If sustainability is defined as environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable, how would you describe this ranch in those terms?
- What are some special environmental measures this ranch incorporates into their management practices?
- Does the ranch partner with any government agencies or non-profit entities to implement these measures?
- How does this ranch benefit the community and public with their environmental stewardship?
- How does this ranch engage with the general public?
- Are they active in the community? On boards? On committees?
- Do they participate in tours, workshops, give presentations, etc.?
Nominations must be received by the MSGA office by May 28. Ranches may be nominated by anyone, including themselves. The ranch must be a member of the MSGA.
The nominations will be evaluated by a committee which will include MSGA Directors and past Montana, Regional and National Environmental Stewardship Award winners. The winner will be announced at the MSGA Mid-Year meeting in Great Falls, Montana, June 8-9.
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.
Since 1992, MSGA has honored 19 state winners, eight of whom went on to win the Regional award and two named National award winners. Click here to learn more. 
—From Montana Stockgrowers Association news release
