Wisconsin Ag Connection - Wisconsin Farm Receives Regional Environmental Award

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Wisconsin Farm Receives Regional Environmental Award
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 02/08/2023

The joint operation of Huth Polled Herefords and S&H Livestock Enterprises, LLC, in Oakfield, Wis. was selected as one of seven regional winners of the 2022 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP). The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA), a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, made the announcement during the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show in New Orleans.

"Farming and ranching families across the country continue to incorporate practices that protect and preserve land and water resources for future generations," said NCBA President Don Schiefelbein. "These regional winners represent the cattle industry's commitment to environmental stewardship." Established in 1991, ESAP celebrates outstanding land stewards in the cattle industry. The regional winners will compete for the national award, which will be presented during NCBA's Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C., April 24-27.

"Jerry and Josh are exceptional examples of a beef cattle operation focusing on long-term sustainability," said Brady Zuck, Wisconsin Cattlemen's Association president. "They have demonstrated an approach for other operations to emulate regarding sustainability of operations, transitioning ownership and securing the viability of the cattle operation, and they have focused on managing the land with grazing cattle to improve the environment."

Over the past 60 years, Jerry Huth has established a reputation for genetics and cattle which are productive and profitable in their environments. Josh Scharf first joined the operation as an employee then transitioned into ownership through S&H Livestock Enterprises. Together, their expanded enterprise required more pasture, leading the team to pursue utilizing 130 acres of state-managed public land that borders the farm. The public-private partnership to graze state land has been beneficial to the sustainability and expansion of the operation while also providing environmental and habitat benefits to public land. Jerry and Josh ensure pastures maintain good soil health by effectively managing stocking rates and resting pastures. These practices produce nutritious, dense and high-energy vegetation for cattle and reduce erosion and water runoff.

ESAP is sponsored by companies and federal agencies who share the cattle industry's commitment to caring for the environment and protecting natural resources.

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