Congratulations go to Black Leg Ranch of McKenzie, ND. The ranch was named the 2016 winner of the prestigious Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) for its commitment to protecting America’s natural resources in a flourishing operation. Dow Agrosciences, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the National Cattlemen’s Foundation are sponsors of the award which was presented last week during the Cattle Industry Convention.

I was able to not only watch them receive the award but also sat down with Jerry Doan, who heads up the Doan family, to learn more about his family legacy and how they have thought outside the box making the farm sustainable for the entire Doan family. And when I say entire, I mean Jerry and his wife Renae’s four children and their families all live and work on the ranch.

Wondering about the name of the ranch? I was but here’s the answer. Homesteaded in 1882, the ranch was named for the Angus cattle that were imported to stock it. These were some of the first Angus imported to the United States.

About 14,000 of the 17,000 acre ranch is grazing land and they have implemented an intensive grazing program. The family also partners on 3,000 acres of cropland and utilizes cover crops. Diversification of the operation has been key to allowing current and future generations to make their living from the land.

Learn more about the Doan family and this award in this week’s program: ZimmCast with Jerry Doan, Black Leg Ranch

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