Our Rancher Partners: Ron Brownotter

Sitting on 20,000 acres of land on the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota, Brownotter Buffalo Ranch is making history as the nation’s largest Native-owned Buffalo herd.

 Ron Brownotter (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe), board member and rancher partner, has stewarded the land for more than 20 years. His work reflects the importance of keeping Indigenous ceremonies and traditional ways of life alive, with Buffalo remaining a vital part of both past and future cultural practices.

 Brownotter Buffalo Ranch emphasizes land stewardship and education, including cultural harvests that teach the next generation important traditions. To sustain this work, the land must support a healthy Buffalo herd. Earlier this month, Ron reseeded 500 acres of his land with Native grasses to support future Buffalo. That brings his total to 2,700 acres planted to natural grasses so far — with this latest effort completed in six days.

Reseeding with grasses naturally suited to the region is a critical part of that process. Native grasses help rebuild soil health, improve water retention, reduce erosion, support pollinators and wildlife, and create healthier grazing systems overall. Buffalo evolved alongside these ecosystems. When the land is restored in a way that honors that relationship, it benefits not only the Buffalo, but also the entire surrounding environment and community because these relatives are a keystone species.

Ron’s work is part of a long-term plan to care for the land in a way that supports both people and Buffalo for generations to come.