As we face limited resources and a growing population, it is only going to become more important for our industry to adapt and innovate. As a farmer, it is my job to take care of the land, and if I take care of it, it will take care of us.

Mike Wilson took a neglected and overgrown farm in the heart of Kentucky and gave it life. He carefully crafted his operation around the limitations of the land and resources, and adapted when necessary to make it a thriving, profitable operation that can be passed down to the next generation of stewards. Wilson is an active participant in both the Environmental Quality Incentives Program( EQIP) as well as the Conservation Stewardship Program( CSP), working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service( NRCS) to implement a variety of practices including pipeline, heavy use area protection, watering troughs, fence, and forage and biomass plantings to help facilitate prescribed grazing. In addition to livestock related enhancements, he is an advocate for keeping the balance between agriculture and wildlife. He has partnered with state foresters to improve woodland, and he removes invasive species to enhance plant diversity. Wilson continues to serve as a role model to fellow cattle producers, influencing them to take positive steps towards stewardship and conservation efforts.

-Mike Wilson

M & D Overstreet Ranch sits at an urban-wildland interface in central Florida, surrounded by one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. The Overstreet’ s story is one of endurance, responsibility and a deep-rooted belief in leaving the land better than they found it. Mark Overstreet, paralyzed from the waist down since 1970, has never let his disability keep him from stewarding the land. With modified equipment, sheer determination and an unbreakable spirit, he continues to oversee rotational grazing, soil restoration and water conservation projects that benefit not just the cattle, but all of Florida. M & D Overstreet Ranch uses controlled burns to restore native grasslands, lime rock lakes to recharge the aquifer and wildlife corridors to protect species like deer, turkeys and wading birds. Overstreet remains a mentor and advocate, proving that true leadership isn’ t about personal success, it’ s about lifting others up. His work ensures that Florida’ s ranching traditions, environmental stewardship and community values will endure for generations to come.

This land is sacred to me. My grandfather taught me to leave it better than I found it, and that’ s what I intend to do, I promised myself I would not let my circumstances be an excuse. The land didn’ t quit on me, and I wasn’ t going to quit on it.

-Mark Overstreet