THE SMITH & MOLSBEE FAMILIES

NEVADA RANCH HONORED FOR OUTSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP

Cottonwood Ranch is a six-generation cow-calf and horse operation in Wells, Nevada. The Smith and Molsbee families are at the forefront of sustainable cattle ranching, realizing that wildlife, healthy lands and livestock can coexist and thrive together through managing both private and public lands as a whole. The ranch has an extensive history of working with federal and state partners to implement conservation practices and is a leader in utilizing virtual fencing for cattle. Cottonwood Ranch has implemented intensive grazing management strategies on their private land that have created more diverse meadows. Diversification has also played a role in the ranch’s success, with the families expanding their business to include an events venue, hunting operation, veterans retreat and birding and wildlife learning center.