Farmers and ranchers have protected and cared for the land, environment and wildlife long before it was trendy or politically expedient. They have faithfully been stewards of our land for generations and have done this because the land that gives so generously to them deserves and demands respect. Farmers and ranchers are connected to the land, paying close attention to shifts in weather, nature, production, species, and the habitability of their spaces.

They have always been the most in-tune conservationists. The average farmer and rancher meticulously notes their management actions to ensure that they have a positive impact on the environment. Their unwavering commitment to preserving the planet is truly remarkable.

For generations, they have been following the guidelines left for them by Mother Nature. Conservation has been a byproduct of Colorado ranching for centuries. In the U.

S., over 90% of beef farms and ranches are family-owned and operated. These family operations have not only preserved the environment but helped to encourage the future bounty of the land.

Cattle grazing specifically helps sustain grasslands, create sanctuaries for wildlife and native vegetation all the while utilizing a forage source that is not available for traditional cropland. Through the managed grazing process, grasses are reseeded, forage root masses are increased, and the soil is aerated through the cattle lifecycle. Cattle are in a constant state of refurbishment of the land, as they wal.