Kansas ranch receives Environmental Stewardship Award

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association has named Downey Ranch in Wamego, Kansas, as the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award Program National winner. The award, which annually recognizes the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of cattle producers, was presented to Barb Downey and her husband, Joe Carpenter, during CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio.

“We are stewards of the land; we’ve been entrusted with it, and we want to make sure what you see today continues on,” said Barb Downey with Downey Ranch. “What we do every day in some way, shape, or form is in service to that mission.”

Located in the heart of the Kansas Flint Hills, 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 forage,s 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,” Downey said. “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.”

Established in 1991, ESAP identifies outstanding land stewards in the cattle industry. Each year, regional award winners are recognized, and one is honored as the national winner.

“Conservation practices of cattle farmers and ranchers across the country help to preserve natural resources and provide wildlife habitat,” said NCBA President Mark Eisele. “The stewardship efforts of Downey Ranch and other ESAP winners confirm our industry’s commitment to protecting the land and water for future generations.”