Posted 04/22/2024

For immediate release: 

April 22, 2024

For more information, contact:

Jason Leiseth, NDSA president: (701) 770-1129 • jpleiseth@gmail.com

Jade Koski, NDSA special projects director: (701) 223-2522 • jkoski@ndstockmen.org

Julie Schaff Ellingson, NDSA executive vice president: (701) 223-2522 • jellingson@ndstockmen.org

Elizabeth Neshem, NDSA communications director: (701) 833-1162 • eneshem@ndstockmen.org

Bartholomay Kattle Kompany recognized as regional Environmental Stewardship Award winner

Bartholomay Kattle Kompany, a North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) member from Sheldon, N.D., owned by Keith and Sandi and Karl and Becca Bartholomay, was recognized as a regional winner of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s prestigious Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) last week at a special ceremony during the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s annual Spring Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.

Bartholomay Kattle Kompany lies on the Sheyenne Delta on the edge of the Red River Valley in southeastern North Dakota. The cow-calf operation encompasses just over 4,000 acres, which includes areas of cropland, hayland, native range and pasture. The Bartholomay family constructed a hoop barn to keep rainwater and runoff away from the feedlot and manure, and they use manure to fertilize crops and improve soil health. Understanding the importance of soil conservation, the family implemented no-till farming practices to grow corn, soybeans, wheat, oats and sunflowers in their crop rotation system. In addition, the Bartholomays’ willingness to allow research projects on their land is a testament to their dedication to progressive, environmentally friendly farming and ranching management practices. They also host numerous research and educational tours and are happy to share their experiences with visitors.  

“We take care of the land so that it can take care of us,” said Keith Bartholomay. “The goal for our operation is to make a living, but, more importantly, I want to have the ability to keep the land healthy for future generations.”

Keith is a mentor for other cattle producers who are interested in learning more about environmentally sound management practices through the North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition. He also serves on the National Grazing Lands Coalition Board of Directors as the National Association of Conservation Districts representative. 

“The Bartholomays have installed several conservation practices throughout the years including rotational grazing, winter feeding alternatives, manure management, solar water systems and tree plants,” said Bob Flath, Ransom County Soil Conservation district manager. “Not only do Bartholomays pursue improvements to their own operation, but they also offer their expertise to others.”

“Across this great country, cattlemen and cattlewomen alike are committed to the care of the land, air and water resources, and they take their responsibilities seriously,” said NDSA President Jason Leiseth, a rancher from Arnegard, N.D. “On behalf of the Stockmen’s Association, congratulations to Bartholomay Kattle Kompany, a model example of stewardship, on this special achievement.”

Established in 1991, ESAP identifies outstanding land stewards in the cattle industry. Before receiving this honor, Bartholomay Kattle Kompany was recognized as the NDSA’s state ESAP winner. The operation also was North Dakota’s Leopold Conservation Award winner last year. 



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