Posted 10/10/2020

For immediate release: Oct. 10, 2020

For more information, contact:

Jeff Schafer, NDSA president: (701) 653-5690 • schafer@gondtc.com

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

Elizabeth Neshem, NDSA communications director: (701) 223-2522 • eneshem@ndstockmen.org

Bar V Ranch recognized as Environmental Stewardship Award winner

The North Dakota Stockmen’s Association (NDSA) has selected the 2020 Environmental Stewardship Award recipient, the Bar V Ranch of Jamestown, N.D. The ranch was honored at the organization’s awards banquet at the NDSA Annual Convention & Trade Show in Bismarck, N.D., this evening.

Located near the James River Watershed and Pipestem River Watershed, Bar V Ranch is owned and operated by Brian Amundson, a fourth-generation rancher from Jamestown, N.D. In 1942, Amundson’s great-grandfather Oscar purchased land that was part of the Buchanan bonanza farm. Today, Bar V Ranch calls the original ranch headquarters home, in Stutsman County. Brian’s grandfather and grandmother Earl and Nelda and father and mother Van and Patricia have lived on the place. 

Bar V Ranch’s beef operation consists of a spring-and fall-calving cowherd. The operation encompasses many acres of native and re-established native pasture, all in a managed rotational grazing system. All pastures were converted to an intensive managed grazing system in 2010. 

In addition, the Amundson family also manages a feedlot. They began finishing cattle in 1996. Positioned along the James River, the feedlot sought to incorporate environmental protection and strong management practices. Since the initial build, the footprint has stayed quite similar, while Bar V Ranch has continued to adapt and change with advancements in the industry. Amundson updates the lot’s nutrient management plans each year with the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality.

Although Bar V Ranch specializes in beef production, it also includes Amundson Land and Cattle, farming enterprise. Amundson’s goal is to have something growing in the fields for as many days of the year as possible. He strives to maximize the green cover above and promote living continuous root systems below, he said.

The goal is to not only sustain the ranch, but to also improve the aspects of the land, financial balance sheet and lifestyle, he explained. Amundson tries to accomplish this with the use of re-generative managed grazing, by focusing on improving soil composition on farm acreage and by properly utilizing the available resources. Additionally, he utilizes cattle, the best available science and hands-on experience to reach those goals. Amundson’s overall goal is to increase production on his ranch, while improving its ecological function.

Amundson tells the story of what he has done on his operation, the challenges he has faced and what he would do differently in the future: “The most important advice I can give to other farmers and ranchers is to be patient, have a willingness to be flexible, but be decisive,” said Brian. “Don’t be afraid to make a wrong decision because if you fail, you will learn from your mistake and apply it to your knowledge for future management practices.”

“Across this great state, cattlemen and cattlewomen alike are committed to the care of the land, air and water resources. They take their responsibilities seriously,” said Immediate Past President Dan Rorvig, a rancher from McVille, N.D. “On behalf of the Stockmen’s Association, I want to congratulate the Bar V Ranch on this special achievement.”

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

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

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