Posted 09/20/2024

For immediate release:

Sept. 20, 2024

For more information, contact:

Randy Schmitt, NDSA president: (701) 537-3440 • schmittranch@hotmail.com

Jade Koski, NDSA special projects director: (701) 223-2522 • jkoski@ndstockmen.org

Julie Schaff Ellingson, NDSA executive vice president: (701) 223-2522 • jellingson@ndstockmen.org

Elizabeth Hasenwinkel, NDSA communications director: (701) 833-1162 • ehasenwinkel@ndstockmen.org

Dukart Ranch recognized as

Environmental Stewardship Award winner

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) presented the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award to Dukart Ranch of Manning, N.D., during the NDSA’s 95^th Annual Convention & Trade Show, “Building for the Future,” in Bismarck, N.D., this evening.

Dukart Ranch is a cow-calf and seedstock operation with environmental stewardship at it’s forefront. It is located in Dunn County in the Missouri Slope region of North Dakota. Dukart Ranch was established in 1918 and remains in the family today. Derrick and Angie Dukart own and operate the ranch along with their children, Iris, Ian and Jud, and, Derrick’s parents, Doug and Sandy.

The Dukart Ranch has both sandy and clay soil. Grass production has increased through the years with rotational grazing. In 1997, the family implemented a twice-over grazing system that allows the cattle to graze and get enough nutrients, but also provides plenty of rest for the pastures. On their rented land, they have started using poly-wire, which has improved the grazing patterns and allowed areas time for rest.

Finding ample fresh water for the cattle can be a challenge. To address this challenge, Dukarts have added water pipelines to most of the pastures to help evenly distribute water for the cattle. This has made a positive impact on their grazing system, as the cattle graze more evenly, Derrick said. It has also allowed them to graze their cattle on cover crops and crop residue during the winter.

Dukart Ranch was at the heart of the North Dakota oil boom in 2012. Oil wells, pipelines and new infrastructure became a reality for Dukarts as they witnessed the new infrastructure, industry and population increase in their area. The rapid construction of new wells and pipelines provided some challenges on their ranch. Today, they work closely with the oil companies to ensure that reclamation of these areas provides grass development on the steep slopes leading to the oil pads for grazing and to prevent water erosion.

“Across this great state, cattlemen and cattlewomen alike are committed to the care of the land, air and water resources, and they take their responsibilities seriously,” said NDSA President Randy Schmitt, a rancher from near Rugby, N.D. “On behalf of the Stockmen’s Association, I congratulate the Dukart family, a model of stewardship, on this special achievement.”

As the state Environmental Stewardship Award winner, Dukart Ranch will next compete on a regional level with state winners from South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas. If successful there, they will move on to the national competition.

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

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