Spickler Ranch North recognized as Environmental Stewardship Award winner

Posted 09/27/2025

For immediate release:

Sept. 26, 2025

For more information, contact:

Randy Schmitt, NDSA president: (701) 537-3440 • [email protected]

Jade Koski, NDSA special projects director: (701) 223-2522 • [email protected]

Julie Schaff Ellingson, NDSA executive vice president: (701) 223-2522 • [email protected]

Spickler Ranch North recognized as

Environmental Stewardship Award winner

The North Dakota Stockmen's Association (NDSA) presented the 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award to Spickler Ranch North of Glenfield, N.D., during the NDSA's 96th Annual Convention & Trade Show, "Think Big, Achieve More," in Minot, N.D., this evening.

Spickler Ranch North is a third- and fourth-generation registered Angus seedstock operation that focuses on stewardship, sustainability and generational succession. The operation is owned and operated by Justin and Sara Spickler and their children, Wyatt, Will, Jessa and Watson. Established in the early 1940s by Justin's grandparents, the ranch has been a member of the NDSA for 76 years.

The Spicklers have adapted their practices to the unique challenges of their location along the James River. Flooding in 2009 and 2011 prompted the construction of a protective dike that prevents damage to their corrals and limits runoff into the river. When constructing the dike, they worked with the NDSA Environmental Services Program to construct a 2,200-head permitted feedlot. The feedlot now has a holding pond that contains the waste from the feedlot and better protects the environment.

Since 1999, the Spicklers have added more than 10 miles of cross-fencing to improve their rotational grazing system. The majority of their pastures are managed under a twice-over grazing system that supports improved forage quality, increased biodiversity and healthier cattle. Despite access to freshwater from the Prairie Pothole Region and New Rockford aquifer, the Spicklers have invested in infrastructure such as solar-powered water tanks, wells and pipelines to ensure reliable access to clean water for their livestock.

For Justin, sustainability also means improving their cattle genetics and raising animals that thrive in their environment and complement the available resources. Their calving season is from February to April each year and aligns with the growth of native cool-season grasses, ensuring optimal nutrition for cows during peak lactation.

"From every corner of our state, cattle producers are dedicated stewards of the land, air and water, and they approach that responsibility with great care," said NDSA President Randy Schmitt, a rancher from Rugby, N.D. "The Stockmen's Association is proud to honor the Spickler family, whose commitment to conservation sets a powerful example. We congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition."

As the state Environmental Stewardship Award winner, Spickler Ranch North will advance to the regional level, where they will compete with state winners from South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas.

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

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