For Consumers and Conservationists: FAQs on Conservation Ranching
Learn more about what conservation ranching is, and why it can be good for birds and the environment
Conservation Ranching
Working with landowners to support better bird habitat.
Photo: Stacy Steinke
³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Certified Bird-Friendly Land
³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Conservation Ranching aims to stabilize declining grassland bird populations in partnership with farmers and ranchers.
Why farmers and ranchers? The majority of grassland birds–whose populations have declined by more than 40 percent in the last 50 years–inhabit privately owned land. This is where we scale our impact.
Landowners voluntarily enroll in our program, and when they meet requirements centering on habitat management, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare, they earn the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Bird-Friendly Land certification. Nationwide, more than 100 ranches and nearly 3 million acres have earned status as ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Certified Bird-Friendly Land.
Consumers with an appetite for conservation support these bird-friendly habitats. A special package designation – the ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Certified Bird-Friendly seal – lets shoppers know which beef or bison products come from these lands managed for birds and biodiversity.
About Conservation Ranching
For Retailers and Institutions
Learn why you should carry products that meet the desires of your eco-conscious customers.
For Ranchers: FAQs on ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's Conservation Ranching Initiative
Learn more about what conservation ranching means for ranchers.
Investing in Working Lands for Birds, Habitat, and Rural Communities
Farmers and ranchers lead ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ's first-ever Farm Bill Fly-in
Our Team
Nat Miller
Senior Director, Wings Over Working Lands
Christopher Wilson
Program Director, ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Conservation Ranching
Farley Green
Marketing Manager, ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Conservation Ranching
Anthony Hauck
Communications Manager, ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Conservation Ranching
Thomas Schroeder
Senior Partnerships Manager, ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Conservation Ranching
Thousand Hills Lifetime Grazed Ranch Network Earns ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ’s Bird-Friendly Land Certification
July 22, 2025 —
³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Certified Bird-Friendly Lands boast grazing practices that benefit birds
Jacob Yetter Joins ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ as Conservation Ranching Program Manager for Kansas & Oklahoma
March 14, 2025 —
³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Conservation Ranching is a grassland program that works for birds and herds
Paicines Ranch Deemed Bird Paradise by ³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Bird-Friendly Land Certification
February 27, 2025 —
³Ô¹ÏºÚÁÏ Certified Bird-Friendly Land status recognizes grazing practices that are good for birds
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