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Sustainable Energy Management

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According to ISO (the International Organization for Standardization), energy management should strive for “continual improvement of energy performance, including energy efficiency, energy use and consumption.” Energy management is an important component of a sustainable ranch operation, including practices that help to reduce operational costs by using fewer inputs and producing fewer waste products, adapting to (and taking advantage of) varying climatic and weather conditions (e.g. solar power) and other strategies aimed at reducing ecological footprint. The broad objectives of this management category include energy security, cost savings and resource conservation.

Across North America’s central grasslands, innovative ranchers and grassland users are adopting sustainable energy practices. Whether it is to cut down on the cost of inputs—be they fuel, fertilizer or feed, enhance overall sustainability, adapt to changing weather patterns, or reduce waste, ranchers are making their operations more profitable, efficient and cleaner.

  • 77 Ranch

    Blooming Grove, Texas

    Located near Blooming Grove, Texas, 77 Ranch has grown over the past 37 years as it acquired neighboring lands. Restoring native grasses has been central to the ranch’s conservation efforts; it currently hosts over 200 species of forbs and grasses in its pastures.

  • BC Grassland Stewardship Guide: A Guide for Ranchers and Recreation Users

    BC Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks

    This guide was created by British Columbia (BC) Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks to help ranchers and recreation users to recognize stewardship activities as crucial to the successful conservation of diverse, healthy grasslands.

  • Bill Barby Ranch

    Clark County, Kansas

    The B bar B ranch is located in southwest Kansas within the Great Plains of North America. The property is primarily a working cattle operation with small-scale, premium deer hunting. The region also exhibits abundant northern bobwhite quail and other grassland birds.

  • Biodiversity Conservation Guide for Farmers and Ranchers in Alberta

    Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Alberta

    This guide, published by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, describes six basic principles of biodiversity conservation, listing supporting management strategies for each principle.

  • Bold Ranch

    Winifred, Montana

    Located near Winifred, Montana, Bold Ranch operates as a sustainable working and recreational enterprise. Bold Ranch was an early adopter of no-till farming in the region, providing soil and water conservation and carbon sequestration benefits.

  • Chinook Ranch Ltd.

    Longview, Alberta

    Located near Longview, Alberta, Chinook Ranch displays a long-term vision of sustainable ranching. During the growing season the cattle graze a maximum of two to five days in one area to prevent overgrazing, and the potential spread of invasive species into native habitats.

  • Ejido Casa de Janos

    Janos, Chihuahua

    With the implementation of sound management practices, Ejido Casa de Janos seeks to improve both the grazing system and the grassland conditions, which will result in a better habitat for fauna.

  • Ginn Family Farm

    Clinton, ON

    Located in Clinton, Ontario, the Ginn Family Farm operates a purebred red Angus cow‐calf operation. Over the past 25 years, the farm has taken major steps to create a healthy and productive ecosystem.

  • Gould Ranches Ltd.

    Consort, Alberta

    The Gould Family has ranched south of Consort, Alberta, for nearly 100 years. The operation includes native range, reseeded forage and annually cropped acreage near the center of Special Area 4.

  • Kidd Bro’s Ranch Mayerthorpe, Alberta

    Bob and Larry Kidd

    The Kidd Bros. ranch was originally homesteaded in 1913. Since then, the Kidd brothers have worked hard to engrain themselves not only in the land they work off, but also in the surrounding community.

  • Managing Saskatchewan Rangeland

    Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Saskatchewan

    This book was created over a number of years by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to assist range managers in the stewardship of rangeland resources in Saskatchewan.

  • Padlock Ranch

    Big Horn, Montana

    Padlock Ranch, located near Big Horn, Montana, demonstrates a commitment toward improved sustainability within the beef industry. The ranch’s beneficial practices focus on grazing and water management.

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