Kansas rancher Barb Downey is on a mission. But not what one would think.
“We are stewards of the land; we’ve been entrusted with it, and we want to make sure what you see today continues on,” Downey said in a news release. “What we do every day in some way, shape or form is in service to that mission.”
The ranch was recognized Feb. 5 at CattleCon 2025 as the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award Program national winner. They also were named the Region VII 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.
The ranch is committed to stewardship, and is located near the heart of the Flint Hills in Kansas by Wamego. The commercial cow-calf operation has incorporated a number of grazing management techniques aimed at enhancing range health, minimize harvested forage usage and meet nutritional needs of their cattle with little supplementing. According to NCBA, in addition to extensive use of rotational grazing, they utilize a novel bale grazing program to help cover winter feed needs.
In order to control woody encroachment, the Downey Ranch uses prescribed burning to help enhance the mixed grass species. New technology has been implemented to enhance cattle well-being, improve land management and reduce labor needs. Barb and Joe also want to share their experiences with others, hosting multiple tours for 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,” NCBA President Mark Eisele said. “The stewardship efforts of Downey Ranch and other ESAP winners confirm our industry’s commitment to protecting the land and water for future generations.”
2024 Regional Winners:
Region I: Angus Glen Farms, LLC, Watkins Glen, New York
Region II: Kempfer Cattle Company, Deer Park, Florida
Region III: Little Timber Farms, Blackduck, Minnesota
Region IV: Blue Ranch, Moore County, Texas
Region V: LeValley Ranch, Hotchkiss, Colorado
Region VI: Cottonwood Ranch, Wells, Nevada
Region VII: Downey Ranch, Wamego, Kansas
Previous National ESAP Honorees:
2023: G Bar C Ranch, Texas
2022: Carter Cattle Company, LLC, Alabama
2021: JY Ferry & Son, Inc., Utah
2020: Beatty Canyon Ranch, Colorado
2019: Blackbeard’s Ranch, Florida
ESAP is generously sponsored by companies and federal agencies who share the cattle industry’s commitment to caring for the environment and protecting natural resources. Sponsors including U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service, Corteva Agriscience, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partner with NCBA to promote environmental stewardship throughout the beef supply chain. For more information, visit www.environmentalstewardship.org.
Kylene Scott can be reached at 620-227-1804 or [email protected].
