Audubon Conservation Ranching Program Certificate of Compliance
At Willow Creek Ranch, caring for the land is just as important as caring for our cattle. Our ranching philosophy is rooted in stewardship—working with nature, not against it—to produce high-quality beef while protecting the grasslands, wildlife, and natural resources that make our land special.
That commitment has earned Willow Creek Ranch certification through the Audubon Conservation Ranching Program (ACRP), a nationally recognized initiative that supports ranchers who use sustainable grazing practices to benefit birds, ecosystems, and rural communities.
What Is the Audubon Conservation Ranching Program?
The Audubon Conservation Ranching Program is designed to conserve grassland habitats through responsible livestock grazing. Audubon works directly with ranchers to implement science-based land management practices that improve soil health, protect water quality, and provide critical habitat for grassland birds and other wildlife.
By participating in this program, ranchers demonstrate that well-managed grazing can be a powerful tool for conservation—supporting both healthy ecosystems and productive working lands.
What Certification Means at Willow Creek Ranch
Achieving Audubon certification means Willow Creek Ranch meets rigorous standards for conservation-focused grazing and land management. These practices include:
- Rotational and adaptive grazing that supports native grasses and prevents overuse
- Protection of water sources and riparian areas
- Improved soil health and carbon sequestration
- Preservation of wildlife habitat, especially for grassland bird species
Our grazing plan is carefully managed to mimic natural grazing patterns, allowing pastures time to rest and regenerate while maintaining a thriving, diverse landscape.
Why Conservation Matters to Our Ranch
Grasslands are one of the most endangered ecosystems in North America, yet they play a vital role in biodiversity, water filtration, and climate resilience. By participating in the Audubon Conservation Ranching Program, Willow Creek Ranch helps protect these landscapes for future generations—while continuing a proud tradition of responsible ranching.
For us, sustainability isn’t a trend; it’s a long-term commitment to the land that sustains our family, our animals, and our community.
Beef Raised With Purpose
Audubon certification reflects our belief that exceptional beef begins with healthy land. When cattle are raised on well-managed pastures, the result is not only a better environment—but also a wholesome, high-quality product customers can feel good about supporting.
By choosing beef from Willow Creek Ranch, you are supporting conservation-minded agriculture that protects wildlife, strengthens rural landscapes, and keeps working lands productive.
Willow Creek Ranch is proud to be Audubon Conservation Ranching Program certified—proof that good ranching and good conservation go hand in hand.
Carbon Neutral Proteins* Confirmation by UW-Madison
Below is the Carbon balance of farmland at Willow Creek Ranch as cited by the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Campbell-Bascom Professor of Grassland Ecology, Randall D. Jackson. (Negative) values indicate CO2 sink; positive values indicate CO2 source to the atmosphere. Click here to see documentation.
*Land operations at Willow Creek Ranch, based on the land acreages for southern hardwood forest, grazed grassland pasture, and hayed grassland; taken on net, represent a drawdown of atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Contact us today to learn more about our certifications on raising healthy proteins!