Region VII
Wamego, KS
*National Winner
KANSAS RANCH HONORED FOR OUTSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Located in the heart of the Kansas Flint Hills, southwest of Wamego, Downey Ranch is a commercial cow-calf operation committed to stewardship. Owners Joe Carpenter and Barb Downey have incorporated numerous grazing management techniques to enhance rangeland health, minimize the need for harvested forages and meet the nutritional needs of their cattle with little supplemental feed. In addition to extensive use of rotational grazing, they utilize a novel bale grazing program to help cover winter feed needs. Downey Ranch utilizes prescribed burning to enhance the mix of grass species in their pastures as well as control woody encroachment. The family has also integrated new technology to enhance cattle well-being, improve land management and reduce labor needs. In addition to incorporating these resource management practices on their ranch, Barb and Joe are willing to share their experiences with others. Downey Ranch hosts multiple tours for industry groups, students and other stakeholders.
“If our grasslands, our cattle and our ranch are thriving, then our family thrives, and that is the foundation for everything we have built,” said Barb Downey with Downey Ranch. “The land is sometimes hard for a rancher to talk about because it is part of you, it’s just who you are, your soul. We’ve given our lives to it so our kids can continue on.”
