The Buell Family Legacy: Preserving the Nebraska Sandhills Heritage
Nebraska rancher Homer Buell has a deep connection to the land beneath his feet, even if he can’t pinpoint exactly how the sandy soil of the Nebraska Sandhills came to be. For him, it’s not about the why or the how; it’s about the legacy of his family and their commitment to preserving the land for future generations.
A Family Tradition
Back in 1883, Benjamin and Harriett Buell first homesteaded in the Nebraska Sandhills near Bassett. Benjamin’s initial encounter with the area during a trek from Michigan to Washington left an indelible mark on him, prompting him to return and settle in the Sandhills with his family.
The Buell family’s stewardship of the land over generations has been remarkable. They established the iconic Shovel Dot brand, which is still in use today, showcasing their commitment to responsible land management and agricultural practices.
Continuing the Legacy
In July, Shovel Dot Ranch hosted the Trust In Beef Sustainable Ranchers Tour, welcoming neighbouring ranchers, researchers, and agribusiness officials to learn about their practices. As Buell addressed the crowd, he delved into the family’s rich history, dating back to the 1800s, illustrating their enduring connection to the land through vintage photos and stories.
The Buell Family’s lineage is interwoven with the history of the Sandhills, reflecting their deep roots in the region. With next-generation leadership in the form of Chad Buell, the family’s commitment to sustainability and conservation remains steadfast, ensuring that the legacy continues to thrive.
Preserving the Legacy
The Nebraska Sandhills represent one of the last intact temperate grasslands in the world, making them a vital ecosystem that requires careful preservation. Buell understands the delicate balance required to maintain the health of the grasslands and ensure their productivity for grazing cattle.
By implementing intensive rotational grazing practices, Buell ensures that the native grasses on the ranch remain healthy and abundant. He emphasises the importance of looking down at the ground to understand the ecosystem better, allowing him to make informed decisions about grazing patterns and land management.
The key to preserving the legacy lies in responsible land stewardship and a deep respect for the natural environment. Buell’s dedication to sustainable practices has enabled the ranch to flourish while safeguarding the unique ecosystem of the Sandhills.
A Legacy Under Threat
Despite their best efforts, the Buell Family faces challenges in protecting their land from threats such as woody encroachment, particularly from invasive species like the Eastern Red Cedar. These invasive trees pose a significant risk to the native grasslands, impacting water resources and ecosystem health.
To combat this threat, Buell sought assistance from experts at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the Sandhills Task Force to develop strategies for removing invasive species. By taking proactive measures such as prescribed burns and removal of cedar windbreaks, Buell has successfully mitigated the spread of invasive species on his land.
Through his involvement in the Sandhills Task Force and advocacy for responsible land management, Buell has become a leader in promoting conservation efforts among neighbouring ranchers. His dedication to preserving the land for future generations underscores his commitment to sustainable practices.
A Holistic Legacy
The Buell Family’s commitment to conservation and sustainable land management has not gone unnoticed. In 2012, Shovel Dot Ranch received the prestigious Leopold Conservation Award for their exemplary efforts in enhancing the local ecosystem. The award serves as a testament to their dedication to preserving the land and fostering a sense of community among all the elements of the natural environment.
As Buell looks ahead to the future, he envisions a legacy that transcends generations, with his son Chad already carrying on the family tradition. The Buell Family’s deep roots in the Sandhills serve as a reminder of the importance of responsible stewardship and a holistic approach to land management.
The legacy of the Buell Family is a testament to the enduring connection between humans and the land they inhabit. By preserving the Nebraska Sandhills heritage, they ensure that future generations can continue to benefit from the bounty of the land while upholding the values of conservation and sustainability.
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