In celebration of Earth Day, Wyoming Governor Matt Mead proclaimed June 26, 2018 as Wyoming Environmental Stewardship Day. Governor Mead signed the proclamation during a ceremony on Monday, April 23 in his formal office.
Each year, Wyoming Environmental Stewardship Day marks the date of the Environmental Stewardship Tour hosted by the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) and the Wyoming Department of Agriculture (WDA). The annual event showcases the recipient’s environmental stewardship efforts on their operation. The 2018 recipient of the award is the Cundall Ranch, a sustainable and profitable cow/calf ranch east of Glendo, Wyoming.
Owned and managed by Larry and Ruthie Cundall, the Cundall Ranch is located near Glendo, Wyoming. The family’s dedication to outstanding, voluntary conservation, research and dedication to sustainability sets an example for landowners across Wyoming and the United States. “We’re so appreciative of the people who have helped us through the years and nominated us for this award,” states Larry Cundall in the January 27th edition of the Wyoming Livestock Roundup. “It’s really exciting and humbling to receive this award.”
The Cundall Ranch was established in 1917 with the original base of the operation residing on the Platte River. Over time the original ranch was split up between the younger generations with part of the ranch moving from a seed-stock operation of purebred Herefords to Larry Cundall’s father starting his own yearling operation. Once returning home from serving in the Vietnam War, Larry Cundall married Ruthie and over time the operation moved to a cow-calf operation. For the past 45 years, the Cundall ranch have noted improvements and, with research, made many favorable changes. Over time, improvements in grazing, water and genetics became key to sustaining the Cundall Ranch. “To me, research, conservation and agriculture go hand-in-hand, and they all three have to happen to be sustainable,” states Larry Cundall.
“Larry and Ruthie Cundall exemplify resource conservation and stewardship. While implementing measurable practices on his own ranch, Larry has dedicated immeasurable time to serving his industry through participation in agricultural education-based programs,” states Jim Magagna, Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA) Executive Vice President.
Award applicants are judged based on their demonstration of improved resource conditions, innovation, long-term commitment to stewardship, sustained economic viability, community and civic leadership, and multiple use benefits.
The monetary award, ranch sign and crystal award will be presented to the family at WSGA’s Cattle Industry Convention & Trade Show Awards Luncheon Friday, June 8th in Riverton, WY at the Holiday Inn Riverton – Conference Center.
The WSGA Environmental Stewardship Tour will be held in June 26th and will highlight the Cundall Ranch, the history of the operation and the family’s land management practices over the years. This event is open to the public with RSVP’s strongly encouraged. Additional information will be provided in further press releases and on the WSGA website at www.wysga.org.
Source: WY Stock Growers Association
