Our Mission
We promote the advancement of land stewardship through ranching, science, and education.
OUR GOAL
01
Advancing Land Stewardship
Advancing land stewardship is at the heart of our efforts.
Our goal is to operate an efficient, sustainable production system where healthy rangelands support livestock production and wildlife populations, which together maximize the long-term value of a South Texas ranch.
We embrace a ‘management by experiment’ mindset, constantly seeking innovative approaches to maximize the long-term value of our ranches. This might involve testing new grazing rotation systems, implementing water conservation techniques, or exploring sustainable energy solutions. By systematically evaluating these methods, we continually refine our practices.
Ultimately, the value of the ranch is a metric for stewardship and sustainability. Good stewardship means increasing the long-term value of the asset over time, across generations.
How
02
Better Decision Making
Our land is a working laboratory where scientists and managers work together to address issues important to wildlife management, rangeland health, and ranch productivity. We ensure that ranching and wildlife management work together to conserve healthy rangelands.
Across our enterprise, our management philosophy is rooted in a comprehensive understanding of our land, resources, and operations. This knowledge empowers us to make informed decisions that benefit both the ecosystem and our productivity.
Our purpose is to enable better decision making by land stewards. We constantly seek innovative approaches to maximize the long-term value of our ranches. This might involve documentation of vegetation, soil, and weather assets, management of key wildlife species, or novel approaches in threatened and endangered species management.
WHY
03
Developing Future Leaders
Developing future professionals and leaders is at the core of our mission and programs. Our Behind the GatesSM education program advances land stewardship using a hands-on, science-based curriculum that demonstrates how working lands provide quality of life for both people and wildlife.
Our ranchlands and abundant natural resources are used to build conservation-minded leaders through programs that introduce students of all ages to land stewardship. We invest in future professionals through internships, graduate fellowships, and close engagements with university programs.
Our approach is multifaceted and takes place in the classroom, on the land, and in partnership with like-minded partners who aspire to connect students to the land.
our team
Together, we build the future of land stewardship.
Just as our mission drives our organizational focus, our people are the boots on the ground who work diligently to promote land stewardship through our ranching operations, science-focused research, and informative educational programs.
Our Sponsors
We couldn't do what we do without y'all.
Thankful for our Sponsors
Engaging with like-minded sponsors is an important aspect of our mission to promote the advancement of land stewardship through ranching, science, and education.
Support from our sponsors functions as a force multiplier, enhancing our ability to deliver on our mission and programs.
Together, we educate and promote future leaders, professionals, and conservation-minded citizens who will value and support Texas’ rangelands, and the private land stewards who make Texas such a vibrant, diverse, and unique place for people and wildlife to live.
