G Bar C Ranch showcases environmental stewardship in motion

Noble Research Institute has presented its first-ever Noble Land Stewardship Award to G Bar C Ranch and the Ellis family of Rosston, Texas, recognizing their leadership in regenerative land management and biodiversity conservation.

The award was announced October 22 during Noble’s 80th anniversary celebration, Roots & Revelry, in Ardmore, Oklahoma. G Bar C Ranch was selected for transforming 3,000 acres of rangeland into a thriving model of biodiversity and sustainable cattle production.

Founded in 1982 by GC Ellis, the operation now manages more than 200 Black Angus cows and has cataloged over 660 species of plants, animals and other ecological communities on its property.

Second-generation rancher Meredith Ellis, who helps lead the operation, said the family’s approach centers on maintaining balance between livestock and the landscape.

“Finding that perfect equilibrium where the cattle are helping the ecosystem, and the ecosystem is helping the cattle, is a balance that we always try to achieve,” Ellis said.

Steve Rhines, Noble Research Institute president and CEO, praised the Ellises for demonstrating how ranching and environmental stewardship can coexist. The award included a bronze sculpture, Keeper of the Land, by Oklahoma artist John David Rule, and a cash prize.

The Roots & Revelry event also celebrated Noble’s eight decades of work advancing soil health and regenerative agriculture. The organization, the nation’s largest nonprofit focused on improving profitability and sustainability on grazing lands, continues to provide education and applied research for farmers and ranchers nationwide.