For Jeff and Audrey Dahners, caring for the land isn't simply part of running a ranch. It's a way of life that has been passed down through generations, rooted in a deep appreciation for the land, livestock and the opportunity to work alongside family.
That commitment has earned Dahners Ranch, a multi-generational Red Angus operation near Almont, the 2026 Environmental Stewardship Award from the North Dakota Stockmen's Association (NDSA).
The award was presented during the association's 97th Annual Convention and Trade Show in Bismarck, recognizing the family's decades of conservation efforts and commitment to preserving natural resources for future generations.
The ranch is now operated by Jeff and Audrey's son, Jorey, and his wife, Amanda, along with their four daughters. Jeff and Audrey remain actively involved, while their daughters, Carey and Ashley, and their families live nearby and lend a hand when needed.
The family's ranching history stretches back to 1906, when Audrey's grandfather moved from Iowa to homestead in the sandhills north of Carson. He farmed the land for approximately 50 years before retiring.
After college, Jeff and Audrey married and had the opportunity to rent the property from Audrey's parents. Today, Jorey and his family live on that same ranch.
The family's other ranch, located along the Heart River south of Almont, was established in 1946 when Jeff's father purchased the land and began building the operation.
Jeff grew up on that ranch, developing an appreciation for cattle and conservation at an early age.
“I believe my father developed my interest in cattle,” Jeff recalled in a video highlighting the ranch. “My earliest memories are following him around.”
His father also instilled an appreciation for caring for the land, something Jeff has carried forward throughout his ranching career.
Today, the family primarily operates a cow-calf operation, with calves born in April and backgrounded until January or February. Steers are marketed to feedlots, while other cattle are sold through replacement heifer sales.
But raising cattle is only part of the family's approach to ranching.
The Dahners manage a diverse landscape that includes steep hills and deep valleys along the Heart River and rolling sandhills near Carson. Each area presents different challenges and opportunities for managing livestock and natural resources.
Their rangeland is divided into 37 pastures, with cattle rotationally grazed for seven to 14 days annually, allowing vegetation time to recover between grazing periods.
Over the years, the family has invested in solar-, wind- and electric-powered wells, springs and pipelines to improve water availability throughout the ranch. Those improvements have allowed for additional cross-fencing and more effective rotational grazing.
Jeff believes livestock and the land have a relationship that benefits both when properly managed.
“The animals depend on the vegetation and the vegetation depends on the animals being there,” he explained.
That philosophy has guided the family's conservation efforts for decades.
Dahners Ranch began using no-till farming practices in 1986, gradually transforming sandy, nutrient-poor soils into darker, healthier and more productive ground.
Winter windrow grazing, swath grazing and corn stalk grazing have also helped improve soil fertility and forage production while reducing the need for commercial fertilizers.
Protecting water resources has been another priority.
Following major flooding in 2011, the family worked with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture through its Livestock Pollution Prevention Program to construct a protective dike around their corrals, helping prevent manure and debris from entering the Heart River.
For Jeff, soil health, water quality and wildlife conservation are all connected to the responsibility of raising livestock.
“My focus has been on soil health, water quality,” he said, adding that the family especially enjoys the wildlife found throughout the ranch.
Those efforts have not gone unnoticed.
“Good stewardship is about making thoughtful decisions today that will benefit the land, livestock and future generations,” said NDSA President Tim Erbele, who ranches near Streeter.
“The Stockmen's Association is proud to honor the Dahners family, whose commitment to conservation sets a powerful example. We congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.”
For the Dahners family, however, the rewards of ranching go far beyond awards and recognition.
The opportunity to live and work on land that has supported generations of their family remains one of their greatest sources of satisfaction.
“We just love living here,” Jeff said. “We look forward to every day that we're here.”
That passion continues to guide the family's approach to raising livestock and caring for the land.
“We work every day because we love it,” Jeff said.
As the 2026 North Dakota Environmental Stewardship Award recipient, Dahners Ranch will advance to regional competition against state winners from South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department sponsors the state Environmental Stewardship Award.
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