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Nebraska ranch family focuses on conservation to protect grassland, wins Leopold Award

The Switzer Ranch in Central Nebraska is using rotational grazing and other conservation techniques to preserve native grass lands.

Sarah Sortum says her family’s 12,000-acre ranch in Loup County balances the need for clean air, wildlife management and sustainable food production. “By keeping out streams, wetlands and aquifer clean, sequestering and storing carbon, controlling erosion, pollination – these are just some of the ecological services delivered while providing essential habit for countless migratory and resident species,” Sortum says.

The Switzer Ranch won the 2021 Nebraska Leopold Conservation Award Wednesday for their stewardship of grasslands as well as conservation of prairie chickens and short tail grouse.

They also operate Calamus Outfitters, a nature-based tourism business offering lodging, event space, river float trips and eco-tours of the Sandhills.

The Leopold Award is given in honor of conservationist Aldo Leopold which recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water and wildlife habitat resources.

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts says conservation should be done by farmers and not through government programs like President Biden’s 30 for 30 plan. “There is a lot of questions about how you would do this so that’s why this is a really bad idea by the Biden administration and why if you look at states like Nebraska to see how it’s done properly by individuals and families like the Switzer family,” Ricketts said.

In an executive order to address the climate crisis, President Biden committed to conserving 30 percent of U.S. land and coastal seas by 2030.