Scott Stone, Co-owner of the family-owned Yolo Land & Cattle Co., And Winner of the 2007 National Environmental Stewardship Award

Discusses the Growing Trend of Sustainable Farming Practices

Americas Cattle Farmers & Ranchers

Representing the Largest Segment of the American Agricultural Industry Stand Committed to Environmental Conservation

The foundation for Earth Day 2009, the Green Generation campaign focuses on the creation of a new green economy and renewable energy, as well as individuals commitments to responsible, sustainable consumption. Americas cattle farmers and ranchers, representing the largest single segment of the American agricultural industry, are already leading this charge. This Earth Day, we would like to offer the opportunity to highlight the environmental conservation and protection efforts of Americas beef producers the everyday environmentalists.

Nearly 90 percent of U.S. cattle farms and ranches are family-owned and operated, and almost two-thirds having been under the same family ownership for two generations or more. For these beef producers, sustainability is not a choice its a way of life. Conserving natural resources and employing sustainable practices also chart a course for future food producers as those exercises are passed down from generation to generation.

Highlights from a recent national survey of cattle farmers and ranchers about environmental conservation:

ؠ On average, U.S. beef producers have 13 different specialized

environmental practices in place in their cattle operation to accomplish environment goals such as nurturing wildlife, preventing erosion or conserving and protecting water .

ؠ Nearly 80 percent said they rotate the land used for grazing cattle

which allows pastures to regrow

ؠ 71 percent use conservation tillage systems, allowing the soil to use

water more efficiently, reduce erosion and retain nutrients

ؠ More than 60 percent have planted native grasses on their property

ؠ 60 percent of those surveyed provide feed for wildlife

ؠ Nearly 60 percent of the largest group of beef producers, the people

who breed and raise young cattle, said wildlife populations on their land have increased over the past 10 years.

The Stone family has provided conservation leadership in Yolo County for many years where Scott has served as Associate Director of the Yolo County Resources Conservation District. Yolo Land & Cattle Co. runs on deeded, leased and Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land that encompasses more than 12,000 acres. In addition to the cattle business, the Stones also operate a farming business that includes wheat, corn and hay crops. Some of their Conservation Partners include: Natural Resources Conservation Service, Audubon California-Landowner Stewardship Program, Michigan State University, Department of Botany and Plant Pathology, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and many more.

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