Little Timber Farms in Blackduck, Minn., was recognized today by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) as a regional winner of the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP). Seven regional awards were presented to recipients during CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio. 

“Conservation practices of cattle farmers and ranchers across the country help to preserve natural resources and provide wildlife habitat,” said NCBA President Mark Eisele. “The stewardship efforts of these award recipients confirm our industry’s commitment to protecting the land and water for future generations.”

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 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award Program Regional winners are:

Region I: Angus Glen Farms, LLC, Watkins Glen, New York

Region II: Kempfer Cattle Company, Deer Park, Florida

Region III: Little Timber Farms, Blackduck, Minnesota

Region IV: Blue Ranch, Moore County, Texas

Region V: LeValley Ranch, Hotchkiss, Colorado

Region VI: Cottonwood Ranch, Wells, Nevada

Region VII: Downey Ranch, Wamego, Kansas

“The efforts made by Little Timber Farms to improve the natural and human resources for the betterment of making conservation easy, affordable and sustainable make them outstanding environmental stewards,” said Larry Voltz, retired USDA NRCS district conservationist. “In addition, there is never a time when the Gray family turns down the opportunity to share what they are doing for conservation with people in the community.”

Located in northern Minnesota, Little Timber Farms is owned and operated by fourth-generation farmer Rachel Gray and her family. Over the years, the farm transitioned from dairy and crop production to cow-calf and the current heifer development operation. Gray recognized that the nutritious grass would benefit growing heifers through effective rotational grazing. The family also takes protecting the Red Lake Watershed seriously as water eventually flows into Hudson Bay. The farm utilizes a nutrient management plan and restricts animal access to water to help protect the vital resource. Due to the family’s conservation practices, the farm has become a haven for wildlife and waterfowl, and species diversity has increased. Rachel and her family share a passion for communicating with the public about farming and ranching through media interviews, Ag in the Classroom activities, speaking engagements and hosting tours. 

“I believe raising beef is a privilege because not only do we get to feed people, but we get to make our environment a better place,” said Rachel Gray with Little Timber Farms. “I want to know that I made a difference and that my grandchildren have something to come back to.”

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. For more information, visit www.environmentalstewardship.org.