Tour Stop Locations
S. Martinez Ranch
For the Martinezes, managing S.Martinez Livestock is a family business and far more than just a job; it embodies a nearly century-old tradition that involves a labor-intensive process spanning hundreds of miles across eastern Washington state. Founded in 1920 when Simon Martinez Sr. immigrated from Spain with just $20 and a determination to succeed, the operation began with him as a sheepherder before he invested in his own flock in 1926. Today, the Martinez business stands as the last large-scale sheep operation in Washington state permitted to graze on U.S. Forest Service allotments. Over the years, the family has collaborated closely with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, managing sheep grazing across nine allotments while maintaining regular communication with range technicians to ensure successful operations. At its height in the 1970s, the Martinez operation encompassed grazing lands from Richland to Twisp, with approximately 12,000 sheep in their care.
Beard Ranch
In the western U.S., cattle ranchers often collaborate with public agencies and private landowners to utilize the abundant grasses and forages of open spaces, including the picturesque landscapes of Washington, where cattle graze from spring until late autumn. However, Kyler Beard's innovative approach at Beard Ranch involves a unique partnership with the Washington State Departments of Natural Resources and Fish and Wildlife, the Forest Service, and local communities to implement a fence-free grazing practice in the Teanaway Community Forest, located west of Ellensburg. This initiative emphasizes the need for stewardship of public lands, as expressed by Kyler, who utilizes advanced drone technology and GPS collars to monitor his cattle's movements and grazing habits. By employing virtual fencing technology, Kyler can direct cattle grazing to overgrown areas, which reduces wildfire risks while allowing for the natural movement of wildlife and the maintenance of sensitive habitats, ultimately fostering a balanced ecosystem in the forest for future generations.
Stingley Ranch
Stingley Ranch, located in central Washington, is a cow-calf operation in the region's agricultural and shrub-steppe lands that heavily emphasizes including family in day-to-day ranch management. Established in the 1970s, the ranch currently supports approximately 850 cows, grazing across 25,000 acres of rangeland—predominantly native sagebrush steppe—during the spring and summer, with a winter grazing regimen in the Columbia Basin on crop residues. The ranch also cultivates about 2,000 acres of irrigated land in the Kittitas Valley, primarily for hay production. Throughout the years, the ranch has adapted to changes in land ownership, particularly after local energy company Puget Sound Energy acquired some grazing lands for renewable energy projects. This collaboration with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife reflects a commitment to sustainable agricultural practices while fostering community relationships and ensuring continued grazing opportunities on these lands.