Dahners Ranch recognized as Environmental Stewardship Award winner

Posted 09/26/2026

For immediate release:

Sept. 26, 2026

For more information, contact:

Tim Erbele, NDSA president: (701) 269-3045 • [email protected]

Jade Koski, NDSA special projects director: (701) 223-2522 • [email protected]

Julie Schaff Ellingson, NDSA executive vice president: (701) 223-2522 • [email protected]

Elizabeth Hasenwinkel, NDSA communications director: (701) 833-1162 • [email protected]

Dahners Ranch recognized as

Environmental Stewardship Award winner

The North Dakota Stockmen's Association (NDSA) presented the 2026 Environmental Stewardship Award to Dahners Ranch of Almont, N.D., during the NDSA's 97^th Annual Convention & Trade Show, "Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow," in Bismarck, N.D., this evening.

Dahners Ranch is a multi-generational Red Angus operation owned and operated by Jorey and Amanda Dahners and their children, carrying forward the legacy established by Jorey's parents, Jeff and Audrey, who continue to be actively involved in the ranch. The ranch's two units date back to 1906 and 1946 and were combined in 1976 by Jeff and Audrey.

The Dahners have adapted their management practices to the unique landscapes of their ranch, from steep hills and deep valleys along the Heart River to rolling sandhills near Carson, N.D. Their rangeland is divided into 37 pastures, with cattle rotationally grazed for seven to 14 days per year to allow adequate rest and enhance soil and forage health. Since the 1990s, the family has developed solar-, wind- and electric-powered wells, springs and pipelines, which have increased their water availability and allowed for additional cross-fencing and rotational grazing opportunities.

The ranch's long-term conservation efforts have produced noticeable improvements in soil, forage and water resources. The Dahners have practiced no-till farming since 1986 and have seen their once sandy, nutrient-poor soils become darker, healthier and more productive. Winter windrow grazing, swath grazing and corn stalk grazing have improved soil fertility and forage production and reduced their reliance on commercial fertilizers. Following a major flood in 2011, the family partnered with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture through the Livestock Pollution Prevention Program to construct a protective dike around their corrals, preventing manure and debris from entering the Heart River.

"Good stewardship is about making thoughtful decisions today that will benefit the land, livestock and future generations," said NDSA President Tim Erbele, who ranches near Streeter, N.D. "The Stockmen's Association is proud to honor the Dahners family, whose commitment to conservation sets a powerful example. We congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition."

As the state Environmental Stewardship Award winner, Dahners Ranch will advance to the regional level, where they will compete with state winners from South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas.

The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is the state Environmental Stewardship Award sponsor.

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