The industrialization of the meat industry has transformed meat into a commodity and has replaced the producers incentive to produce quality with an incentive to cut the cost of production.  At the O X Ranch, we are proud to play a role in returning the industry to the days when each farmer and rancher placed their reputation on the line and worked to provide the highest quality healthiest beef in a humane and environmentally responsible manner.

These are a few of the environmental projects we have undertaken at the OX Ranch.

· In collaboration with the Arizona Department of Game & Fish, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Arizona State Land Department, the Yavapai County Audubon Society, and the University of Arizona, the O X Ranch has undertaken numerous environmental projects including: 

· Annual Range monitoring program of the land and vegetation

· Solar powered well pumps and ranch house

· Eradication of invasive species

· Erosion control projects

· Trees planted for migratory birds

· Monitoring of bird populations

· Underground irrigation lines to conserve water

· Educational tours

· Fenced riparian areas to control grazing impact

· Introduced beaver to the stream.

· Added water lines

· Cattle rotated regularly through pastures

· Laser leveled fields to conserve water

· No-till seeding

· Created quail habitat

· Range health enhancement project

· Increased number of water facilities for cattle and wildlife

We, as ranchers on public lands, feel strongly about acting as stewards of the land - and believe that ranchers provide the best solution to managing the health of the land.  This concept is well recognized and is often talked about in mainstream media.  Click the following link for more information on the topic.

http://www.loe.org/shows/segments.htm?programID=09-P13-00004&segmentID=4