Holistic Management International Awards Environmental / Conservation Awards
Holistic Managers are consistently recognized by environmental and conservation organizations for their good work in improving land health and wildlife habitat. The following is a list of some of the awards won by Holistic Management producers.
HMI Outstanding Holistic Management® Demonstration Site Award
Every year, HMI offers a small number of “Outstanding Demonstration Site of Holistic Management” awards to recognize the ranches and farms that are such great examples of strong land stewardship and where the managers are integrating the practice of Holistic Management as well as the many other tools they employ to improve land and animal health. We only award producers who meet the following criteria:
- Recognized by others in their area as a good land steward
- Provide educational programming (field days, etc.)
- Talk about how Holistic Management is a part of their management toolbox
- Have been practicing Holistic Management for at least 5 years
- Demonstrate Holistic Management practices (ie. Holistic goal, written holistic grazing plan, etc.)
- Has monitoring evidence to back up claims that management practice has improved soil or land health.
- Have volunteered their time as collaborators within the Holistic Management community.
We are proud to recognize the individuals who have met this exacting criteria and who are a valued part of the Holistic Management community.
HMI Award Winners
“THANK YOU SO MUCH. I have no words, am just overwhelmed, grateful, honored. I humbly accept the award!”
“We are honored and flattered that HMI has recognized us with this award.”
“Thank you so very much for this acknowledgement. I am most honored for the ranch to be considered a recipient of the HMI award.”
“Thank you, from our whole family, for nominating us for the Outstanding Demonstration Site of Holistic Management® award. We would be honored to accept the recognition and the sign to put on display acknowledging the importance of being stewards of the land and the Holistic approach to land management.”
“Thank you so much for choosing us to join the ranks of successful Holistic Management practitioners.” Watch Date Creek Ranch’s video “Cows Can Save the World” here.
“We are delighted and honored to receive this award!”
HMI Award List
77 Ranch, Texas
Birdwell-Clark Ranch, Texas
Brown Ranch, North Dakota
Chico Basin Ranch, Colorado
Circle Ranch, Texas
Date Creek Ranch, Arizona
Dixon Water Foundation Ranches, Texas
Durham Ranch, Wyoming
Frantzen Farm, Iowa
Green Pasture Farm, Missouri
James Ranch, Colorado
JX Ranch, New Mexico
Mesquite Grove Ranch, Texas
Morris Ranch, California
Paicines Ranch, California
Polyface Farm, Virginia
Ranney Ranch, New Mexico
Richards Ranch, Texas
San Juan Ranch, Colorado
Springbokvley Farm, Namibia
Sunnybrae Farms, Saskatchewan, Canada
TomKat Ranch, California
Environmental/Conservation Awards Won by Holistic Managers
Congratulations to all our network who have been recognized for their great work in the field by many environmental and conservation groups. Almost 100 Holistic Management practitioners have received state, national, and international awards for their efforts.
2023
JX Ranch, Tom & Mimi Sidwell, Tucumcari, NM
LeValley Ranch, LeValley Family, Delta and Montrose Counties, CO
2022
Carrizo Ranch, Sid & Cheryl Goodloe, Carrizo, NM
Spring Valley Cattle, The Gartner Family, Glen Ullin, ND
Barney Creek Livestock, Pete & Meagan Lannan, Livingston, MT
2021
Ute Creek Cattle, Tuda Libby and Jack Crews, Bueyeros, NM
San Pedro Ranch, The Fitzsimons and Howard families, Dimmitt and Maverick Counties, TX
Sand Ranch, The Sand Family, Ellendale, ND
Jim & Sheryl Linne, White Clover Farm, Ohio
2021 Ohio Farm Family Conservationist Award
2020
3R Ranch, Betsy & Reeves Brown of Beulah, COColorado Section SRM Excellent in Rangeland Conservation Award
3R Ranch SRM Award – Final from George Sickler on Vimeo.
C Lazy J Livestock, Craig and Conni French, Malta, MT
Montana Leopold Conservation Award
Boies Ranch, Steve and Robin Boies, Wells, NV
2020 Region 6 Environmental Stewardship Award
2019
Badger Creek Ranch, 2019 Bloom Stewardship Award by the Colorado State Land Board
Goven Ranch, ND Leopold Conservation Award, Gene and Christine Goven, Turtle Lake, ND
Livingston Ranch, CO Leopold Conservation Award, Mike and Julie Livington, Stratton, CO
Milton Ranch, MT Leopold Conservation Award, Bill Milton, Roundup, MT
2018
Birdwell-Clark Ranch, Region IV ESAP NCBA Award, Emry Birdwell & Deborah Clark, Henrietta, TX
HMI Certified Educator Deborah Clark and Emry Birdwell of Clay County, Texas, 2018 Lone Star Land Steward Award from Texas Parks and Wildlife
HMI Certified Educator Blain Hjertaas and wife Naomi of Redvers, Saskatchewan, 2018 Environmental Stewardship Award from the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association
Jack Southworth, Southworth Brothers Ranch, Seneca, Oregon
Forest Service National External Range Management Award
2017
Miller Ranch, Ken and Bonnie Miller, Fort Rice, ND
Grady Grissom, Rancho Largo Cattle Company, 2017 Colorado Leopold Conservation Award
Dixon Water Foundation Ranches, 2017 Texas Leopold Conservation Award
2016
Derek & Kirrily Blomfield, 2014 New South Wales Farmer of the Year
Fitzsimons and Howard Families (San Pedro Ranch owners) and Chase Currie (Ranch Manager), Texas, Lone Star Land Steward Award from Texas Parks and Wildlife
Judith Isele, Springbokvley, Namibia, Namibian Farmers Union’s National Young Farmer of the Year
Frasier Family, Woodrow, Colorado, Leopold Conservation Finalist for Colorado
Deborah Clark, Henrietta, Texas, Audubon’s Texas Women in Conservation Program
Cronin Family, South Dakota, Leopold Conservation Finalist for South Dakota
Andrew and Corinne Grift, Windy Lake Farm, 2016 Pembina Valley Conservation District (PVCD) Conservation Award
Jerry and Renee Doan, Black Leg Ranch, North Dakota Leopold Conservation Award
Dawn and Grant Breitkreutz, Stoney Creek Farm, BEEF Magazine 2016 Trailblazer Award
Donnie and Trisha Feiring, ND Stockmen’s Association 2016 Environmental Stewardship Award
V6 Ranch, Jack Varian, 2016 California Rangeland Trust Conservationist of the Year
2015
Prather Ranch, Fall River, California, Leopold Conservation Award for California
Flying Diamond Ranch, Kit Carson, Colorado, Leopold Conservation Award for Colorado
Ann Adams, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Quivira Coalition’s Leadership in Conservation Award
2014
Ladder Ranch, Wyoming, Leopold Conservation Award for Wyoming
Emry Birdwell & Deborah Clark, Henrietta, Texas, University of North Texas Quail Keystone Ranch Award.
2013
Gail Fuller, American Soybean Association Conservation Legacy Award National Winner
2012
Grevy’s Zebra Trust, Kenya, AZA International Conservation Award
Gabe Brown, Bismarck, North Dakota, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) Growing Green Award
Dr. Lisa Bellows (Thomsen Foundation Nature Center), North Central Texas, Texas Parks and Wildlife’s Lone Star Land Steward Conservation Award
Dale Lasater, Colorado, Stuart Dodge Conservation Award
Bob Budd, Wyoming, Wyoming Stock Grower’s Conservation Award
2011
Mortenson Family, South Dakota, Leopold Conservation Award for South Dakota
McEndree Family, Colorado, Leopold Conservation Award for Colorado
2011 Emerald Award from the Alberta Emerald Foundation
Alberta cattle producers turn to holistic management
2010
Tom & Mimi Sidwell, Tucumcari, New Mexico, Quivira Coalition, Outstanding Leadership in Conservation Award
Bill & Kay Burrows, California, Leopold Conservation Award finalists
Betsy & Reeves Brown, Beulah, Colorado, Southern Colorado Conservation Award
2009
Tom & Irene Frantzen, New Hampton, Iowa, Midwestern Organic and Sustainable Education Services (MOSES), Organic Farmer of the Year
Joel Salatin, Swoope, Virginia, Heinz Environmental Leadership Award
J. David Bamberger, Selah, Texas, Leopold Conservation Award for Texas
2008
Chris Black, Bruneau, ID, BLM Rangeland Stewardship Award
Chet Vogt, California, Leopold Conservation Award for California
Campbell Family, Meadowlake, Saskatchewan, Canada, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association’s Environmental Stewardship Award.
AB Cox, Mullen, Nebraska, Leopold Conservation Award for Nebraska
2007
Gary & Sue Price, Texas, Leopold Conservation Award for Texas
Fitzsimons and Howard Families (San Pedro Ranch owners) and Chase Currie (Manager), Texas, Lone Star Land Steward Award from Texas Parks and Wildlife
2006
John & Brian Treadwell, Texas, Leopold Conservation Award for Texas
Deseret Ranch, Society for Range Management, Land Stewardship Award
Allan Savory, Albuquerque, New Mexico, Rocky Mountain Farmer’s Union, Conservation in Agriculture Award
2005
John Hackley, Jacksboro, Texas, Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Lone Star Steward Award
John Hackley, Jacksboro, Texas, National Cattlemen’s Association’s Environmental Stewardship Award
John Hackley, Jacksboro, Texas, Leopold Conservation Award for Texas
John & Brian Treadwell, Texas, Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Lone Star Steward Award
Jim and Mary Rickert, Fall River, California, National Cattlemen’s Association’s Environmental Stewardship Award
Mike & Cathy McNeil, Monte Vista, Colorado—Leopold Conservation Award for Colorado
2004
Rukin Jelks Jr, Elgin, Arizona, Arizona Cattle Grower’s Association’s Cattleman of the Year
John Hackley, Jacksboro, Texas, Society for Range Management-Texas, Outstanding Rangeland Manager
Jim and Mary Rickert, Fall River, California, Governor’s Environmental and Economic Leadership Award
David & Mary March, Boorowa, Australia, Central West Conservation Farming Association’s Conservation Farmer of they Year
Marshall Frasier & Sons, Woodrow and Limon, Colorado, National Cattlemen’s Association’s Environmental Stewardship Award
2003
Ian & Patricia Lisenby, Creede, Colorado, Colorado Riparian Association’s Award for Excellence in Riparian Management
George Work, San Miguel, California, National Cattlemen’s Association’s Environmental Stewardship Award
George Whitten & Julie Sullivan, Saguache, Colorado, Colorado Cattlemen’s Livestockman of the Year
Dennis Demmel, Ogallala, Nebraska, University of Nebraska Master Conservationist Award
Chico Basin Ranch, Society for Range Management Rangeland Conservation Award
Allan Savory, Albuquerque, New Mexico, International Banksia Award
2002
Buddy & Bonnie Baldridge, Snyder, Texas, Texas Parks & Widlife Lone Star Land Steward Award
2001
Mike & Cathy McNeil, Monte Vista, CO—National Wetlands Award in Land Stewardship and Development (Environmental Law Institute)
Mike & Cathy McNeil, Monte Vista, CO—2001 Steward of the Land (American Farmland Trust)
Jim & Judy Reed, Corsicana, Texas, Texas Parks & Wildlife Lone Star Land Steward Award
Dan Hanson, Lusk, Wyoming—Wyoming Stock Growers’ NCBA Region V Environmental Stewardship Award
2000
Dylan & Charlotte Biggs, Alberta, Canada—Growing Alberta Environmental Stewardship Award
1999
Tony Malmberg, Lander, WY—Outstanding Environmental Achievement (Environmental Protection Agency Region VIII)
Sid Goodloe, Capitan, NM—New Mexico Watershed Steward of the Year
Mike and Cathy McNeil, Monte Vista, CO—Conservationist of the Year—Ranching Division (Colorado Association of Conservation Districts)
James Ranch, Durango, CO—Outstanding Wildlife Landowner of the Year (Colorado Department of Wildlife)
Hoven Family Farm, Eckville, Alberta, Canada—Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Farmer of the Year Award
Dennis Moroney, Prescott, AZ—Wildlife Habitat Steward of the Year (Arizona Game and Fish Commission)
Dennis & Jean Wobeser, Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada—Emerald Award for Small Business (Foundation for Environmental Excellence)
Dan Hanson, Lusk, WY—Wyoming Stock Growers State Environmental Stewardship Award
Bill McDonald, Duncan, AZ—MacArthur Genius Award
1998
Tony Malmberg, Lander, WY—National Stewardship Award (National Cattlemen’s Association)
Dylan & Colleen Biggs, Alberta, Canada—Alberta Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Farmer of the Year Award (for humane handling of cattle)
1996
Tony Malmberg, Lander, WY—Wyoming Stockgrowers Environmental Stewardship Award
Kirk Hanna, Pueblo, CO—Smart Growth and Development Award (Colorado)
Bunker Sands, Dallas, TX—National Wetlands Award for Land Stewardship & Development
1995
Tony Malmberg, Lander, WY—National Stewardship Award (Bureau of Land Management)
Sid Goodloe, Capitan, NM—National Cattlemen’s Association Environmental Stewardship Award
George Work, San Miguel, CA—Farm Steward of the Year (Farm Journal)
Frank and John Mestas, Alamosa, CO—Excellence in Grazing Management Award (Colorado Section of the Society for Range Management)
Clarence Mortenson, Pierre, SD—National Cattlemen’s Association Environmental Stewardship Award for Preventing Soil Erosion and Rangeland Improvement
Argo Rust, Windhoek, Namibia—Land Degradation and Desertification Control Success Story (United Nations Environment Programme)
1994
Tom Sidwell, Capitan, NM—Outstanding Rancher (Upper Hondo Soil and Water Conservation District)
Tom Sidwell, Capitan, NM—Outstanding Accomplishments for Resource Conservation (Goodyear/National Association of Conservation Districts)
Roger Bowe, San Jon, NM—Environmental Stewardship Award (Regional Award by the National Cattlemen’s Association)
Phil Knight, Wickenberg, AZ—State Environmentalist of the Year (Arizona Game & Fish Department)
Kirk Hanna, Pueblo, CO—Colorado Riparian Steward of the Year
Gerda Hyde and family, Chiloquin, OR—Environmental Stewardship Award (Regional Award by the National Cattlemen’s Association)
Doc & Connie Hatfield, Brothers, OR—Renew America (honored for role in watershed management project)
Blair & Joseph Fitzsimons, Carrizo Springs, TX—Texas Cattlemen Environmental Stewardship Award
Billy Cordasco, Babbitt Ranches, Flagstaff, AZ—National Cattleman’s Association Environmental Stewardship Award for Rangeland Improvement and Enhanced Biodiversity
1992
Jack & Teresa Southworth, Seneca, OR—Conservation Ranch of the Year (Grant County Soil & Water District)
J. Rukin Jelks III, Elgin, AZ—Range Manager of the Year (Arizona Section of the Society of Range Management)
Gordon Claassen, Paso Robles, CA—California Farmer/Rancher of the Year (National Endowment for Soil and Water Conservation)
Gerda Hyde, Chiloquin, OR—Environmental Leadership Award (Oregon Cattlemen’s Association)
Gerda Hyde and family, Chiloquin, OR—Alexander Calder Conservation Award
Frank & Johnny Mestas, Alamosa, CO—Outstanding Conservationists (Soil Conservation Service)
Bart and Debbie Gillan, Llano, TX—Land Stewardship Award for Excellence in Wildlife Conservation (Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society)
1991
Tom Sidwell, Capitan, NM—Outstanding Accomplishments for Resource Conservation (Goodyear/National Association of Conservation Districts)
The Maddox Family, Colorado City, TX—Renew America’s Searching for Success Merit Award (Successful Environmental Programs)
Rollie & Gloria Stab, Ord, NE—Renew America’s Searching for Success Merit Award (Successful Environmental Programs)
Frank Hayes, Los Lunas, NM—Conservation Professional of the Year (New Mexico Wildlife Federation)
1990
Rollie & Gloria Stab, Ord, NE—Nebraska’s Good Earth Family (National Soil and Water Conservation Programs)
1989
Jerry & Ann Palen and Joe Foster, Cheyenne, WY—Environmental Protection Agency Outstanding Environmental Service Award
Butch Ellis, CO—Excellence in Grazing Management Award (Colorado Section of Society for Range Management)
Alan Kessler, Mayer, AZ—Range Manager of the Year (Arizona Society for Range Management)
Adelene is a resident of Arkansas and loves exploring the state’s natural trails. Her passion for education and technology led her to earn a master’s in learning systems technology from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. With her professional experience managing student/client databases and instructional design, Adelene will bring skill and understanding to her role as Office Manager & Instructional Designer at HMI. Her focus on making education more accessible to diverse communities is evident through her volunteer work as an board member for a scholarship program. Adelene is devoted to creating educational opportunities that align with HMI’s mission to promote healthy, resilient lands and thriving communities.
Seth Wilner has been a Holistic Management International Certified Educator since 2005. For 22 years he has worked as an agent educator with University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension where he specializes in farm business management with an emphasis on whole farm planning.
Dana was first introduced to Holistic Management in the 1990s while working in the Texas Hill Country. She strongly believes that Holistic Management can positively impact families that are on the land, the communities they are a part of, and larger landscape resource regeneration efforts.
Sarah Robertson grew up in Taos, New Mexico and has always been passionate about land stewardship, growing things, and nurturing others. After completing a BA in Communication from the University of New Mexico and working with local non-profits, she started her journey as a first-generation farmer. Since 2015, she has been learning and growing alongside her husband on various leased properties in Albuquerque, NM and running a small market farm with goats, chickens, and a CSA. In her role as Programs Assistant at HMI, Sarah brings her enthusiasm for regenerative agriculture, devotion to supporting others, and drive for lifelong learning and growing.
Jozua Lambrecht is from South Africa and divides his time between their home in Somerset West and their family farm in Sutherland, one of the coldest places in South Africa, where they farm with sheep. He is married to his wife Therese and they have two daughters.
Alejandro Carrillo is a fourth-generation rancher, and he is quite familiar with the challenges of running a profitable cattle ranch in the Chihuahuan desert. Because annual precipitation seldom exceeds nine inches, every drop counts when it comes to growing more grasses. Grazing year-round with only sea salt as an input, he is not willing to waste any water in such a brittle environment.
Jared L Talley was born and raised in Southwestern Idaho and now seeks to help rural communities adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing world. He is an Assistant Professor in the School of Public Service at Boise State University, earning his PhD in Philosophy from Michigan State University and his MPA in Environmental Policy and Natural Resource Management from Boise State University. An environmental philosopher by training and an interdisciplinary scholar in practice, he seeks to better understand how communities relate to the land and how this relationship poses obstacles and opportunities for collaboration and governance. In doing so, he studies the role of science in collaborative policy, the role of place in environmental identity, and the role of the imagination in mediating both. Specifically, he studies grazing management and public land permitting, community-led conservation programs, rural education and entrepreneurship, place-based environmental governance, and the imaginative experience of our natural and built environments — all in the contexts of the intermountain American West.
