ranching
Connecting Ranchers
& Working with the Land
Promoting the Viability of Ranching for generations to come
Ranchers as Conservationists
The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA), above all, promotes understanding and respect for ranching and the critical role it plays in conservation. Started by 30+ ranching families in 2003, ranching remains the foundation on which all actions are made. Working together, ranch stewards and conservationists can create effective, lasting solutions for prairie landscapes, ranching communities, and the wildlife that depend on them.
In 2021, 60 miles of new, wildlife-friendly fence was built through Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) efforts. Other projects included water pipelines, creating management improvements for the rancher and increased preservation of riparian areas utilized by upland birds. Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) has also assisted in drilling new water wells and installing bird escape ramps on stock tanks.
A legacy of wise stewardship is the utmost reason intact grasslands remain. An open, healthy prairie is good for the rancher. It’s also good for wildlife. Recognizing that close relationship, Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) has been able to create unique partnerships with wildlife groups. Together, we work to:
- Promote understanding and respect for ranching and the critical role it plays in conservation.
- Engage in collaborative conservation efforts and community building.
- Collect, implement, and disseminate accurate information on the ecology and sustainable management of the northern grasslands.
- Preserve our native grasslands and rural communities.
- Encourage ranching.
Through these efforts, ranching and rural communities are poised to grow financially and ecologically while building social resilience.
CONTINUING EDUCATION
EXPANDING Ranching KNOWLEDGE
Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) values education as a key pillar to its mission. Through both in-person and online workshops, Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) provides the tools and resources to ranchers on topics including ranch economics, soil health, carbon credits, estate planning, and low-stress livestock handling. Want to learn more about our conservation or education efforts? Use the contact form to the right.
"RSA is doing so many good things for such a wide variety of people and places. When I think about RSA and the good things that we do - keeping ranchers ranching, the support of our local communities to keep them strong and whole, and that in turn supports conservation because I don’t think that conservation can be done well without people on the ground that are committed and passionate about conservation and about this landscape."
- Conni French, local area rancher and RSA board member
