Leavitt Lake Ranches

Located in the Vina Plains of California, Leavitt Lake Ranches uses an integral approach to manage their land and has implemented a number of management practices aimed at improving production and profitability. Water management has been central to the ranch’s conservation strategy. In collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, the ranch created a vernal pool restoration plan to increase habitat for several threatened plants and animals, including species at risk.

Improvement of riparian areas included habitat restoration for salmon spawning grounds and enhanced water quantity and quality over the property. Grazing strategies include cross fence construction combined with rotational grazing to ensure the land is equally grazed and not over exploited. Leavitt Lake Ranches also participated in a pilot program to assess the quality of a ranch’s forage by analyzing livestock feces, called the Nutritional Balance Analyzer program.

The ranch is committed to fostering partnerships with conservation, government and academic organizations. The property also provides important habitat for waterfowl, mule deer, pronghorn antelope, aquatic species, upland game birds and sage grouse.

Leavitt Lake Ranches was the recipient of the 2009 National Environmental Stewardship Award presented by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.