To the editor,

With Earth Day near, sustainability is top-of-mind with consumers, and beef farmers and ranchers are no different. I am proud of the high-quality beef I produce for consumers, but I can’t do that without caring for the land.  

On our ranch, we have implemented many practices to improve the sustainability of our operation. Rotational grazing advances both soil health and water quality. We graze cover crops to reduce erosion and sequester carbon in the soil. Our cows utilize crop residues and other feeds that humans cannot consume. We take the health and care of our cattle very seriously. Our ranch is our livelihood, our way of life. We take care of the land and the cattle, and they take care of us.

As ranchers, we are committed to continuous improvement. We are always looking for new ways to preserve natural resources so we can pass the land down to future generations and continue producing the beef consumers know and love.  

Marya Haverkamp

Bern