Woodland ranchers eco-honored

The Stone family of Woodland (pictured) has been chosen from among ranchers in seven states as the winners of the Environmental Stewardship Award Program, which recognized innovative ranching practices of the family’s Yolo Land and Cattle Co.

Henry and Suzanne Stone, and their children, were credited for their efforts in multiple areas of conservation: soil, water, native plants and wildlife habitat. During the past 30 years, the family has taken many steps to be good stewards of their 7,500-acre ranch, such as replacing annual and invasive species with native grasses and trees, rotating their herd of cattle, keeping the livestock out of waterways, and using solar-powered water troughs.

The Stones and five other regional winners are up for the National ESAP Award, which will be announced at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention in February.