Org Organizations Menu Gerda and Dayton Hyde Yamsi Ranch Chiloquin, Oregon Yamsi Ranch has been operated by four generations of the Hyde family since Dayton's uncle started the ranch in 1911. Today Gerda and Dayton's children and grandchildren contribute to the success of the operation. Wildlife are a vital element in the successful management of Yamsi Ranch. Birds and wildlife from marshes control grasshoppers and other insects. Cattle movement and birds control the fly population and coyotes help control the scour problem in calves.
Predators control mice and squirrels.
Instead of trying to eradicate pest populations, the Hydes now manage for enough of each pest specie to keep its predators well fed. With Yamsi Ranch located in the watershed of the Williamson River, the Hydes have joined forces with the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, Oregon State University Extension Service, the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Federation of Indian Tribes, and private ranchers and environmentalists to manage the environment around the river. By emphasizing native plants through rotational grazing and proper fencing, vegetation on Yamsi Ranch has doubled. Beef tonnage has also doubled since the days when Dayton's uncle operated there, in part due to the environmental stewardship the Hydes practice. The Hydes converted a quarter of their ranch to wetlands and created a 312-acre lake to provide habitat for many species of wildlife.