The term sustainability may be new to the jargon of many ranchers, but the concept is not. The ideas of conserving and protecting environmental resources, ensuring animal welfare, and promoting the long-term viability of their ranch, have been recognized by ranchers for generations, as many, if not most, ranches throughout the U.S. are multi-generational.

One of the most common values that permeates the ranching community as they struggle to build and keep a successful ranching operation is the desires to leave something better for the next generation.

Ranchers learned a long time ago that taking care of the land and the animals is key to a successful ranching operation, and those that fail to do so will not last long as a viable business.

Another important trait, that is common among successful ranchers, is a willingness to learn and adapt as knowledge and tools become available. The ever changing natural as well as cultural environment requires continuous improvements in order for ranchers to succeed.

Ranching is built on a legacy of sustainability, even though we haven’t called it that. Sustainable is what we are, and sustainability is what we do.