The Doans Set an Example in Regenerative Management
Imagine running a ranch that's been in the family since 1882 and still finding ways to innovate. That's Black Leg Ranch for you, guided by the hands of the Doan family in McKenzie, North Dakota. They've been recognized with the 2026 Noble Land Stewardship Award for their impressive regenerative management efforts.
A Legacy of Sustainability
This isn't your typical patch of grazing land. It's 21,000 acres in the Missouri Coteau—75% of which is native grassland. Since the late '80s, Jerry and Renae Doan have been on the forefront, implementing holistic management that led to rotational grazing. Talk about forward-thinking! Their approach isn't just about managing land but passing down an improved version of it to future generations.
The ranch boasts 700 cow-calf pairs, 1,500 yearlings, and 400 buffaloes on its soil, not to mention the custom grazing for 1,100 cow-calf cattle. It's a harmony of agriculture, conservation, and legacy.
Efforts That Speak Volumes
Black Leg Ranch isn't just about livestock numbers. They've got a comprehensive water system with pipelines feeding 100 paddocks. What's that done? Improved water infiltration and better ground cover, no less.
"We're losing the grasslands at astronomical levels," said Jerry Doan, underscoring the urgent need for collective action. It's not just about keeping the ranch viable, but safeguarding our natural heritage.
This earnest commitment is why the Doans earned their accolade. The family also indicated boosted fish populations and improved aquatic insect quality, proving that thoughtful interventions pay off.
Partners in Conservation
It's clear the Doans aren't going it alone. They've got partners like Ducks Unlimited and the U.S. Forest Service in their corner. These alliances magnify impact, demonstrating the power of pooling resources for environmental stewardship. Audubon bird surveys showing more nesting birds are proof positive of their communal ecosystem efforts.
- Diverse Operations: Black Leg isn't just a ranch—it's a hub for Rolling Plains Adventures, Black Leg Events, and even Black Leg Brewery. These initiatives open up streams of income and create cultural touchstones for the area.
- Workshops and Tours: By sharing their knowledge with other farmers and producers, the Doans amplify their impact. The ranch serves as a living classroom—valuable for spreading best practices across the industry.
Award Reception with a Purpose
The Noble Land Stewardship Award isn't just about pats on the back. Awardees receive a bronze sculpture, "Keeper of the Land," symbolizing the rejuvenating power of grazing animals. It's both accolade and inspiration, crafted by artist John David Rule.
For those who grind to maintain their land, hoping to hand it down more vibrant to the next generation, Black Leg Ranch stands as a glowing benchmark. And with applications for next year's Noble Award opening soon, there's hope this kind of sustainability spreads further.
What Lies Ahead
Rooted in a vision by the Noble Research Institute's founder Lloyd Noble, celebrating the Doans at the Roots & Revelry event isn't merely a nod to history. It's a clarion call for others in agriculture to innovate and conserve, just as the Doans have shown.
Undoubtedly, ranches like Black Leg are pivotal in the unsung fight against the decline of America's grasslands. They don't just offer a model to farmers, but a way forward for a land that's looking for stewards. Keep an eye on how these practices will echo through the industry.
