For Consumers and Conservationists: FAQs on Conservation Ranching
Learn more about what conservation ranching is, and why it can be good for birds and the environment
Conservation Ranching
Working with landowners to support better bird habitat.
Photo: Stacy Steinke
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Certified Bird-Friendly Lands
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Conservation Ranching aims to stabilize declining grassland bird populations in partnership with farmers and ranchers.
Why farmers and ranchers? The majority of grassland birds – whose populations have declined by more than 50 percent in the last 50 years – inhabit privately owned land. This is where we scale our impact.
Landowners voluntarily enroll in our program, and when they meet requirements centering on habitat management, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare, they earn the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ bird-friendly land certification. Nationwide, more than 100 ranches and nearly 3 million acres that have earned status as ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Certified bird-friendly land.
Consumers with an appetite for conservation support these bird-friendly habitats. A special package designation – the ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Certified bird-friendly seal – lets shoppers know which beef or bison products come from these lands managed for birds and biodiversity.
Where to Buy Products Raised on ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Certified Bird-Friendly Land
Find Products and RetailersAbout Conservation Ranching
For Retailers and Institutions
Learn why you should carry products that meet the desires of your eco-conscious customers.
For Ranchers: FAQs on ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡'s Conservation Ranching Initiative
Learn more about what conservation ranching means for ranchers.
What in the World is Conservation Ranching?
Your guide to ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡'s program to make cattle ranching prairie- and bird-friendly
Our Team
Melinda Cep
Vice President, Natural Solutions and Working Lands
Christopher Wilson
Program Director, ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Conservation Ranching
Farley Green
Marketing Manager, ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Conservation Ranching
Anthony Hauck
Communications Manager, ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Conservation Ranching
Thomas Schroeder
Senior Partnerships Manager, ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Conservation Ranching
̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ and Heifer International Partner to Expand Conservation Ranching Program into Arkansas
September 18, 2024 —
Bird-friendly certification aims to improve bird habitat & connect consumers to conservation
Grazing the Bar: ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Awarded $2.5 Million Conservation Innovation Grant from USDA
August 09, 2024 —
Funding to propel grassland bird conservation on beef & dairy farms in Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin
Grazing Gone Wild: Hoskin Family Farm Earns ̽»¨¾«Ñ¡ Bird-Friendly Certification
August 06, 2024 —
Rotational grazing is the key component to creating a patchwork of habitat for grassland birds
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