The Beasleys

John and Kelsey are a young family passionate about ranching. They are part of a large family ranching operation near Youngstown, and enjoy the lifestyle that a farming life offers. The Beasley’s also care deeply about their land, carefully monitoring range health, condition of the grass, and grazing. When approached by Operation Grassland Community they were keen to get involved with some grassland restoration. Last year John and Kelsey and OGC undertook a major reseeding project on their ranch in hopes of increasing habitat for the Sprague’s Pipit (a small sparrow-sized songbird that requires large tracts of healthy prairie to survive). The seed and labour for this project was cost-shared with OGC, and resulted in over 250 acres of restored pasture that will be used for grazing. It is the commitment and dedication of members like the Beasley’s that make it possible to have a successful ranching operation while continuing to benefit the species that depend on this land.

Kelsey and John were also recently featured on the FarmOn Foundation website, describing their story, and providing great advice and support to other young ranching families. They are an example of the passion, determination, courage and wisdom that it takes to be successful in this business. See the video of Kelsey and John’s farm and check them out in the Conservation Caravan.