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  • Cattle dogs can be as important to a successful drive as the horses in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 2012. These cattle were driven 60 miles through the Ruby Dell Mountains to their summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana.  The age of open range is gone and the era of long cattle drives over. Today, few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Spurred by growing concern over beef's environmental impact and the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of Montana ranchers is working to integrate ecological practices into livestock management.  The idea is that cows could be good for the landscape, particularly if they mimic the grazing behavior of wild herbivores. By bunching together for safety and intensely grazing an area for a brief period, before moving on, rangeland health will improve..
    DSC_0610.TIF
  • Mike Strong catches a calf during a cattle drive as they are driven to their summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  The age of the open range is gone and the era of large cattle drives  over. Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
    DSC_0125.TIF
  • Ranchers drive cattle 60 miles through the Ruby Dell Mountains to their summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana.  The age of open range is gone and the era of long cattle drives over. Today, few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Spurred by growing concern over beef's environmental impact and the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of Montana ranchers is working to integrate ecological practices into livestock management.  The idea is that cows could be good for the landscape, particularly if they mimic the grazing behavior of wild herbivores. By bunching together for safety and intensely grazing an area for a brief period, before moving on, rangeland health will improve.
    TAN_8903.TIF
  • Ranchers drive cattle 60 miles through the Ruby Dell Mountains to their summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana.  The age of open range is gone and the era of long cattle drives over. Today, few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Spurred by growing concern over beef's environmental impact and the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of Montana ranchers is working to integrate ecological practices into livestock management.  The idea is that cows could be good for the landscape, particularly if they mimic the grazing behavior of wild herbivores. By bunching together for safety and intensely grazing an area for a brief period, before moving on, rangeland health will improve.
    TAN_8874.TIF
  • Ranchers drive cattle 60 miles through the Ruby Dell Mountains to their summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana.  The age of open range is gone and the era of long cattle drives over. Today, few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Spurred by growing concern over beef's environmental impact and the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of Montana ranchers is working to integrate ecological practices into livestock management.  The idea is that cows could be good for the landscape, particularly if they mimic the grazing behavior of wild herbivores. By bunching together for safety and intensely grazing an area for a brief period, before moving on, rangeland health will improve.
    TAN_8705.TIF
  • Cattle are driven to their summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  The age of the open range is gone and the era of large cattle drives  over. Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
    DSC_1856.TIF
  • Ranchers drive cattle 60 miles through the Ruby Dell Mountains to their summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana.  The age of open range is gone and the era of long cattle drives over. Today, few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Spurred by growing concern over beef's environmental impact and the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of Montana ranchers is working to integrate ecological practices into livestock management.  The idea is that cows could be good for the landscape, particularly if they mimic the grazing behavior of wild herbivores. By bunching together for safety and intensely grazing an area for a brief period, before moving on, rangeland health will improve.
    TAN_8922.TIF
  • Ranchers drive cattle 60 miles through the Ruby Dell Mountains to their summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana.  The age of open range is gone and the era of long cattle drives over. Today, few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Spurred by growing concern over beef's environmental impact and the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of Montana ranchers is working to integrate ecological practices into livestock management.  The idea is that cows could be good for the landscape, particularly if they mimic the grazing behavior of wild herbivores. By bunching together for safety and intensely grazing an area for a brief period, before moving on, rangeland health will improve.
    TAN_8800.TIF
  • Barb Pearson drives cattle 60 miles through the Ruby Dell Mountains to their summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana.  The age of open range is gone and the era of long cattle drives over. Today, few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Spurred by growing concern over beef's environmental impact and the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of Montana ranchers is working to integrate ecological practices into livestock management.  The idea is that cows could be good for the landscape, particularly if they mimic the grazing behavior of wild herbivores. By bunching together for safety and intensely grazing an area for a brief period, before moving on, rangeland health will improve.
    TAN_8779b.TIF
  • Ranchers drive cattle 60 miles through the Ruby Dell Mountains to their summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana.  The age of open range is gone and the era of long cattle drives over. Today, few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Spurred by growing concern over beef's environmental impact and the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of Montana ranchers is working to integrate ecological practices into livestock management.  The idea is that cows could be good for the landscape, particularly if they mimic the grazing behavior of wild herbivores. By bunching together for safety and intensely grazing an area for a brief period, before moving on, rangeland health will improve.
    TAN_8757.TIF
  • Cattle are driven to their summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  The age of the open range is gone and the era of large cattle drives  over. Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
    DSC_1417.TIF
  • Cattle are driven to their summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  The age of the open range is gone and the era of large cattle drives  over. Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
    DSC_0570.TIF
  • Cattle are driven to their summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  The age of the open range is gone and the era of large cattle drives  over. Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
    DSC_0364.TIF
  • Cattle are driven to their summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  The age of the open range is gone and the era of large cattle drives  over. Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
    DSC_0322.TIF
  • Barb Pearson's horse takes her hat off as they relax during a cattle drive in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  The age of the open range is gone and the era of large cattle drives  over. Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
    DSC_0227.TIF
  • Cattle are driven to their summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  The age of the open range is gone and the era of large cattle drives  over. Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
    DSC_1832.TIF
  • Cowboys herd cattle at sunset on an August day at the J Bar L ranch, a unique conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. The ranch finishes their cattle on grass, in contrast to the vast majority of ranches in the U.S. that send cattle to feedlots. The 2,000 head at J Bar L "never go into a feedlot," said Bryan Ulring, manager of the ranch. He added that J Bar L is one of the biggest grass finishers in the state. The Centennial Valley is an important wildlife corridor for elk, moose, antelope, deer, wolverines, grizzly bears, wolves and hundreds of bird species. The valley is largely owned by a handful of large ranches, which means their use of the land impacts the local environment. © Ami Vitale
    TAN_4617.jpg
  • Stephen Becklund herds cattle at sunset on an August day at the J Bar L ranch, a unique conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. The ranch finishes their cattle on grass, in contrast to the vast majority of ranches in the U.S. that send cattle to feedlots. The 2,000 head at J Bar L "never go into a feedlot," said Bryan Ulring, manager of the ranch. He added that J Bar L is one of the biggest grass finishers in the state. The Centennial Valley is an important wildlife corridor for elk, moose, antelope, deer, wolverines, grizzly bears, wolves and hundreds of bird species. The valley is largely owned by a handful of large ranches, which means their use of the land impacts the local environment. © Ami Vitale
    TAN_4577.jpg
  • Will Sparks helps herd cattle during sunset at the J Bar L Ranch, a unique, conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. The ranch finishes their cattle on grass, in contrast to the vast majority of ranches in the U.S. that send cattle to feedlots. The 2,000 head at J Bar L "never go into a feedlot," said Bryan Ulring, manager of the ranch. He added that J Bar L is one of the biggest grass finishers in the state. The Centennial Valley is an important wildlife corridor for elk, moose, antelope, deer, wolverines, grizzly bears, wolves and hundreds of bird species. The valley is largely owned by a handful of large ranches, which means their use of the land impacts the local environment. © Ami Vitale
    TAN_4574.jpg
  • Ranchers from all across the Centennial Valley help J Bar L ranch brand young calves in August 2012. Branding is especially important in Western states, where grazing of public lands is vital to raising cattle. Cattle can easily wander or get mixed with other herds and being able to identify an animal's owner by a brand is critically important. ??Mark Boone, president of the Montana Cattlemen's Association, says the more environmentally focused philosophy used at J Bar L Ranch, first enshrined by Zimbabwean biologist Allan Savory, has seen a "steady increase" among Montana ranchers, especially with the newer generation, college-educated ones looking for ways to improve range productivity. ??Boone, who manages the VX Ranch, has read Savory's book himself, and his sense is that ranchers "use what fits" their operation. "I haven't heard, 'It didn't work out'," he adds, but ranchers do have to "tweak" things when Mother Nature "throws curve balls." This year, he notes, "drought has changed grazing plans entirely, with some shipping cattle to other states."
    DSC_5794.jpg
  • Hilary Anderson herds cattle on an August day at the J Bar L ranch, a unique conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. The ranch finishes their cattle on grass, in contrast to the vast majority of ranches in the U.S. that send cattle to feedlots. The 2,000 head at J Bar L "never go into a feedlot," said Bryan Ulring, manager of the ranch. He added that J Bar L is one of the biggest grass finishers in the state. The Centennial Valley is an important wildlife corridor for elk, moose, antelope, deer, wolverines, grizzly bears, wolves and hundreds of bird species. The valley is largely owned by a handful of large ranches, which means their use of the land impacts the local environment. © Ami Vitale
    DSC_5566.jpg
  • Ranchers from all across the Centennial Valley help J Bar L ranch brand young calves in August 2012. Branding is especially important in Western states, where grazing of public lands is vital to raising cattle. Cattle can easily wander or get mixed with other herds and being able to identify an animal's owner by a brand is critically important. 

Mark Boone, president of the Montana Cattlemen's Association, says the more environmentally focused philosophy used at J Bar L Ranch, first enshrined by Zimbabwean biologist Allan Savory, has seen a "steady increase" among Montana ranchers, especially with the newer generation, college-educated ones looking for ways to improve range productivity. 

Boone, who manages the VX Ranch, has read Savory's book himself, and his sense is that ranchers "use what fits" their operation. "I haven't heard, 'It didn't work out'," he adds, but ranchers do have to "tweak" things when Mother Nature "throws curve balls." This year, he notes, "drought has changed grazing plans entirely, with some shipping cattle to other states."
    TAN_5239.jpg
  • Ranchers from all across the Centennial Valley help J Bar L ranch brand young calves in August 2012. Branding is especially important in Western states, where grazing of public lands is vital to raising cattle. Cattle can easily wander or get mixed with other herds and being able to identify an animal's owner by a brand is critically important. 

Mark Boone, president of the Montana Cattlemen's Association, says the more environmentally focused philosophy used at J Bar L Ranch, first enshrined by Zimbabwean biologist Allan Savory, has seen a "steady increase" among Montana ranchers, especially with the newer generation, college-educated ones looking for ways to improve range productivity. 

Boone, who manages the VX Ranch, has read Savory's book himself, and his sense is that ranchers "use what fits" their operation. "I haven't heard, 'It didn't work out'," he adds, but ranchers do have to "tweak" things when Mother Nature "throws curve balls." This year, he notes, "drought has changed grazing plans entirely, with some shipping cattle to other states."
    DSC_6516.jpg
  • Cows are driven to the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  The age of the open range is gone and the era of large cattle drives  over. Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    The idea is called ?sustainable ranching? and it says to heal the land, put more animals on it, not fewer - but move them after a relatively brief interval. If livestock mimick the grazing behavior of wild herbivores - bunched together for safety, intensely grazing an area for a brief period, and then moving on - rangeland health will improve..
    TAN_9808.TIF
  • June 2012: Hilary Zaranek introduces her daughter Elle to draft horses in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana.  The age of open range is gone and the era of long cattle drives over. Today, few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Spurred by growing concern over beef's environmental impact and the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of Montana ranchers is working to integrate ecological practices into livestock management.  The idea is that cows could be good for the landscape, particularly if they mimic the grazing behavior of wild herbivores. By bunching together for safety and intensely grazing an area for a brief period, before moving on, rangeland health will improve.
    DSC_3092.TIF
  • Andy Anderson, 4, cries after his mother scolds him from almost getting stamped on by a Heifer protecting a calf  in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  The age of the open range is gone and the era of large cattle drives  over. Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    The idea is called ?sustainable ranching? and it says to heal the land, put more animals on it, not fewer - but move them after a relatively brief interval. If livestock mimick the grazing behavior of wild herbivores - bunched together for safety, intensely grazing an area for a brief period, and then moving on - rangeland health will improve..
    DSC_3633.TIF
  • Andrew Anderson hugs his son Andy, 4, who cries when he has to leave after dinner to check cows in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  The age of the open range is gone and the era of large cattle drives  over. Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    The idea is called ?sustainable ranching? and it says to heal the land, put more animals on it, not fewer - but move them after a relatively brief interval. If livestock mimick the grazing behavior of wild herbivores - bunched together for safety, intensely grazing an area for a brief period, and then moving on - rangeland health will improve..
    TAN_9774.TIF
  • Hank the cow dog waits to begin work  in their summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  The age of the open range is gone and the era of large cattle drives  over. Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    The idea is called ?sustainable ranching? and it says to heal the land, put more animals on it, not fewer - but move them after a relatively brief interval. If livestock mimick the grazing behavior of wild herbivores - bunched together for safety, intensely grazing an area for a brief period, and then moving on - rangeland health will improve..Andy Anderson, 4, waits while his parents gather a calf in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Ranching is tough business with most working 14-16 hour days in the calving season  in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    The idea is called ?sustainable ranching? and it says to heal the land, put more animals on it, not fewer - but move them after a relatively brief interval. If livestock mimick the grazing behavior of wild herbivores - bunched together for safety, intensely grazing an area for a brief period, and then moving on - rangeland health will improve..
    TAN_9389.TIF
  • The Ruby Ranch in Southwestern Montana drive their cattle from their winter pastures to summer pastures in the Centennial Valley. Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
    TAN_8688.TIF
  • The Ruby Ranch in Southwestern Montana drive their cattle from their winter pastures to summer pastures in the Centennial Valley.  Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
    TAN_8657.TIF
  • .Hilary Zaranek and her daughter Elle are met by  draft horses in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Ranching is tough business with most working 14-16 hour days in the calving season  in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    The idea is called ?sustainable ranching? and it says to heal the land, put more animals on it, not fewer - but move them after a relatively brief interval. If livestock mimick the grazing behavior of wild herbivores - bunched together for safety, intensely grazing an area for a brief period, and then moving on - rangeland health will improve..June 2012: Hilary Zaranek introduces her daughter Elle to draft horses in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana.  The age of open range is gone and the era of long cattle drives over. Today, few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Spurred by growing concern over beef's environmental impact and the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of Montana ranchers is working to integrate ecological practices into livestock management.  The idea is that cows could be good for the landscape, particularly if they mimic the grazing behavior of wild herbivores. By bunching together for safety and intensely grazing an area for a brief period, before moving on, rangeland health will improve.
    DSC_3097.TIF
  • Andy Anderson, 4, sleeps while his parents try to get a cow into their trailer in their summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  The age of the open range is gone and the era of large cattle drives  over. Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
    DSC_2798.TIF
  • Andy Anderson, 4, watches while his parents try to get a cow into their trailer in their summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  The age of the open range is gone and the era of large cattle drives  over. Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    The idea is called ?sustainable ranching? and it says to heal the land, put more animals on it, not fewer - but move them after a relatively brief interval. If livestock mimick the grazing behavior of wild herbivores - bunched together for safety, intensely grazing an area for a brief period, and then moving on - rangeland health will improve..Andy Anderson, 4, waits while his parents gather a calf in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Ranching is tough business with most working 14-16 hour days in the calving season  in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    The idea is called ?sustainable ranching? and it says to heal the land, put more animals on it, not fewer - but move them after a relatively brief interval. If livestock mimick the grazing behavior of wild herbivores - bunched together for safety, intensely grazing an area for a brief period, and then moving on - rangeland health will improve..
    DSC_2776.TIF
  • Andrew Anderson, left and Bryan Ulring, manager of JBarL Ranch meet in a pasture in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  The age of the open range is gone and the era of large cattle drives  over. Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    The idea is called ?sustainable ranching? and it says to heal the land, put more animals on it, not fewer - but move them after a relatively brief interval. If livestock mimic the grazing behavior of wild herbivores - bunched together for safety, intensely grazing an area for a brief period, and then moving on - rangeland health will improve.
    TAN_9453.TIF
  • The Ruby Ranch in Southwestern Montana drive their cattle from their winter pastures to summer pastures in the Centennial Valley.   Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
    TAN_8591.TIF
  • The Ruby Ranch in Southwestern Montana drive their cattle from their winter pastures to summer pastures in the Centennial Valley.   Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
    TAN_8472.TIF
  • The Ruby Ranch in Southwestern Montana drive their cattle from their winter pastures to summer pastures in the Centennial Valley.  Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
    TAN_8596.TIF
  • June 2012: Hilary Zaranek introduces her daughter Elle to draft horses in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana.  The age of open range is gone and the era of long cattle drives over. Today, few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Spurred by growing concern over beef's environmental impact and the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of Montana ranchers is working to integrate ecological practices into livestock management.  The idea is that cows could be good for the landscape, particularly if they mimic the grazing behavior of wild herbivores. By bunching together for safety and intensely grazing an area for a brief period, before moving on, rangeland health will improve.
    DSC_3149.TIF
  • Hilary Zaranak walks with her son Andy, 4, and checks cows in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  The age of the open range is gone and the era of large cattle drives  over. Today, very few ranches drive their cattle with horses, instead moving them by truck. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    The idea is called ?sustainable ranching? and it says to heal the land, put more animals on it, not fewer - but move them after a relatively brief interval. If livestock mimick the grazing behavior of wild herbivores - bunched together for safety, intensely grazing an area for a brief period, and then moving on - rangeland health will improve..
    DSC_2867.TIF
  • The Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309150057.TIF
  • Every morning during the dry season, the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309140635.TIF
  • Every morning during the dry season, the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309140628.TIF
  • Every morning during the dry season, the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309140334.TIF
  • The Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309150501.TIF
  • The Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309150468.TIF
  • Born into the Samburu tribe of northern Kenya, Tom Lalampaa could have ended up following the traditional pastoral lifestyle of his people – had his brother made a different choice. When Tom was a child, his father called his sons to him and said, “I’d like one of you to go to school and the other to remain here and help take care of the cattle.” The decision fell to Tom’s brother, as the eldest. He opted for the cattle, and Tom was sent to school. Ultimately – with the support of the entire community – he went on to complete a BA in social work and an MBA in strategic management at the University of Nairobi. His brother’s choice wound up changing not only Tom’s life but also that of the Samburu community and the land they call home. As community development manager for the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), Tom is now a key player in efforts to protect Kenyan wildlife and improve the lives of his people and others who inhabit this beautiful but often unforgiving place.The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for e(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    KEN_3225.JPG
  • Born into the Samburu tribe of northern Kenya, Tom Lalampaa could have ended up following the traditional pastoral lifestyle of his people – had his brother made a different choice. When Tom was a child, his father called his sons to him and said, “I’d like one of you to go to school and the other to remain here and help take care of the cattle.” The decision fell to Tom’s brother, as the eldest. He opted for the cattle, and Tom was sent to school. Ultimately – with the support of the entire community – he went on to complete a BA in social work and an MBA in strategic management at the University of Nairobi. His brother’s choice wound up changing not only Tom’s life but also that of the Samburu community and the land they call home. As community development manager for the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), Tom is now a key player in efforts to protect Kenyan wildlife and improve the lives of his people and others who inhabit this beautiful but often unforgiving place.The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for e(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    KEN_3210.JPG
  • The Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309150466.TIF
  • The Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309150054.TIF
  • Every morning during the dry season, the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309141047.TIF
  • Every morning during the dry season, the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309141044.TIF
  • Every morning during the dry season, the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309141042.TIF
  • Every morning during the dry season, the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309141031.TIF
  • Every morning during the dry season, the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309140174.TIF
  • The Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309150437.TIF
  • The Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309150430.TIF
  • The Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309150406.TIF
  • Every morning during the dry season, the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309141046.TIF
  • Born into the Samburu tribe of northern Kenya, Tom Lalampaa could have ended up following the traditional pastoral lifestyle of his people – had his brother made a different choice. When Tom was a child, his father called his sons to him and said, “I’d like one of you to go to school and the other to remain here and help take care of the cattle.” The decision fell to Tom’s brother, as the eldest. He opted for the cattle, and Tom was sent to school. Ultimately – with the support of the entire community – he went on to complete a BA in social work and an MBA in strategic management at the University of Nairobi. His brother’s choice wound up changing not only Tom’s life but also that of the Samburu community and the land they call home. As community development manager for the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), Tom is now a key player in efforts to protect Kenyan wildlife and improve the lives of his people and others who inhabit this beautiful but often unforgiving place.The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for e(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    KEN_3226.JPG
  • Born into the Samburu tribe of northern Kenya, Tom Lalampaa could have ended up following the traditional pastoral lifestyle of his people – had his brother made a different choice. When Tom was a child, his father called his sons to him and said, “I’d like one of you to go to school and the other to remain here and help take care of the cattle.” The decision fell to Tom’s brother, as the eldest. He opted for the cattle, and Tom was sent to school. Ultimately – with the support of the entire community – he went on to complete a BA in social work and an MBA in strategic management at the University of Nairobi. His brother’s choice wound up changing not only Tom’s life but also that of the Samburu community and the land they call home. As community development manager for the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), Tom is now a key player in efforts to protect Kenyan wildlife and improve the lives of his people and others who inhabit this beautiful but often unforgiving place.The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for e(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    KEN_3217.JPG
  • Born into the Samburu tribe of northern Kenya, Tom Lalampaa could have ended up following the traditional pastoral lifestyle of his people – had his brother made a different choice. When Tom was a child, his father called his sons to him and said, “I’d like one of you to go to school and the other to remain here and help take care of the cattle.” The decision fell to Tom’s brother, as the eldest. He opted for the cattle, and Tom was sent to school. Ultimately – with the support of the entire community – he went on to complete a BA in social work and an MBA in strategic management at the University of Nairobi. His brother’s choice wound up changing not only Tom’s life but also that of the Samburu community and the land they call home. As community development manager for the Northern Rangelands Trust (NRT), Tom is now a key player in efforts to protect Kenyan wildlife and improve the lives of his people and others who inhabit this beautiful but often unforgiving place.The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for e(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    KEN_3205.JPG
  • The J Bar L ranch is a unique conservation-friendly ranch nestled into the wide open land of the Centennial Valley in southern Montana. The ranch finishes their cattle on grass, in contrast to the vast majority of ranches in the U.S. that send cattle to feedlots. The 2,000 head at J Bar L "never go into a feedlot," said Bryan Ulring, manager of the ranch. He added that J Bar L is one of the biggest grass finishers in the state. The Centennial Valley is an important wildlife corridor for elk, moose, antelope, deer, wolverines, grizzly bears, wolves and hundreds of bird species. The valley is largely owned by a handful of large ranches, which means their use of the land impacts the local environment. © Ami Vitale
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  • The Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309150498.TIF
  • Every morning during the dry season, the Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309140420.TIF
  • The Samburu warriors bring their cattle to dry river beds where they have dug wells. They sing as they lift the buckets of water from the deep wells  and each warrior's cattle knows which well is theirs based on the sound of the songs. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309150060.TIF
  • Cowboys gather around a fire after a snowstorm and long day of herding cattle in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Ranching is tough business with most working 14-16 hour days in the calving season  in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
    DSC_1980.TIF
  • Cowboys gather around a fire after a snowstorm and long day of herding cattle in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Ranching is tough business with most working 14-16 hour days in the calving season  in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
    DSC_1960.TIF
  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species. Yet Lewa’s mission is not only to protect wildlife, but to act as a catalyst for conservation across northern Kenya and beyond.   Lewa is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area.<br />
Lewa’s  bloodhounds have helped to drastically reduce crime in the area.(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    KEN_3348.JPG
  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species and is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area.
    NCM3014_1309200937.TIF
  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species and is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309200634.TIF
  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species and is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309200629.TIF
  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species and is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309200609.TIF
  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species and is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309200607.TIF
  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
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  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309161047.TIF
  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309161011.TIF
  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309161005.TIF
  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309160949.TIF
  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309160942.TIF
  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309160420.TIF
  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species and is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area.
    NCM3014_1309201002.TIF
  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species and is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area.
    NCM3014_1309200952.TIF
  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309160912.TIF
  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309160906.TIF
  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309160592.TIF
  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species. Yet Lewa’s mission is not only to protect wildlife, but to act as a catalyst for conservation across northern Kenya and beyond.   Lewa is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area.<br />
Lewa’s  bloodhounds have helped to drastically reduce crime in the area.(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    KEN_3357.JPG
  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species. Yet Lewa’s mission is not only to protect wildlife, but to act as a catalyst for conservation across northern Kenya and beyond.   Lewa is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area.<br />
Lewa’s  bloodhounds have helped to drastically reduce crime in the area.(Photo by Ami Vitale)
    KEN_3328.JPG
  • The Lewa Wildlife Conservancy serves as a refuge for endangered species and is known for its 150 well-trained and highly motivated force of security personnel, who are deployed to incidents of poaching, cattle rustling, road banditry, robbery and any occurrences affecting peace and prosperity in the area. (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309200676.TIF
  • Passion Pictures crew film Samburu warriors digging wells for their cattle in Sara Conservancy in Northern Kenya for "Earth in the Age of Man." (Photo by Ami Vitale)
    NCM3014_1309161162.TIF
  • Bryan Ulring checks out Heifers in their summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.   Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.   .
    TAN_9521.TIF
  • Four year old Andy Anderson, dressed only in his rubber boots and underwear,  rushes to help his parents Andrew Anderson and Hilary Zaranek to save a cow in the middle of the night who was having problems delivering in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012.  Ranching is tough business with most working 14-16 hour days in the calving season. Spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
    DSC_3517.TIF
  • Elle Anderson is held by her nanny Karly while her parents work on the JBarL Ranch in the Centennial Valley of Montana. Ranching is tough business with most working 14-16 hour days in the calving season. Spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
    DSC_3249.TIF
  • Horses gather around Danielle Lattuga in the summer pastures of the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  Spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.
    DSC_2220.TIF
  • Andy Anderson, 4, races to say goodbye to his dad in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.  The days are long and hard on the ranch and family time is minimal. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    The idea is called ?sustainable ranching? and it says to heal the land, put more animals on it, not fewer - but move them after a relatively brief interval. If livestock mimick the grazing behavior of wild herbivores - bunched together for safety, intensely grazing an area for a brief period, and then moving on - rangeland health will improve..Andy Anderson, 4, waits while his parents gather a calf in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Ranching is tough business with most working 14-16 hour days in the calving season  in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana, June 13, 2012. Spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    The idea is called ?sustainable ranching? and it says to heal the land, put more animals on it, not fewer - but move them after a relatively brief interval. If livestock mimick the grazing behavior of wild herbivores - bunched together for safety, intensely grazing an area for a brief period, and then moving on - rangeland health will improve..
    TAN_9659.TIF
  • Fog lifts off a river in the summer pastures in the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012.   Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.   .
    TAN_9411.TIF
  • .Horses graze in the summer pastures of the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    .
    TAN_9194.TIF
  • .Horses graze in the summer pastures of the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    .
    TAN_9170.TIF
  • .Horses graze in the summer pastures of the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    .
    TAN_9152.TIF
  • .Horses graze in the summer pastures of the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    .
    TAN_9125.TIF
  • .Horses graze in the summer pastures of the Centennial Valley of Southwestern Montana in June 2012. Now, spurred by growing consumer concern over meat's environmental impact and concerned about the long-term viability of their livelihood, a cohort of ranchers is trying to apply the understanding gleaned from the science of ecology to livestock management.    .
    TAN_9096.TIF
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