Org Main Menu Beef. Org Organizations Menu David and Loretta Hamilton Reed Hamilton Ranch Thedford, Nebraska David and Loretta Hamilton's goal for their 17,500 acre ranch is to continue the commitment to environmental stewardship that has existed at the ranch for over 100 years. As forth generation ranchers, they have worked to improve the planned grazing system that has for the last 30 years upgraded plant composition, improved livestock distribution, increased wildlife habitat and population and subsequently increased the ranch's carrying capacity. Working with the Soil Conservation Service, the Hamiltons have focused on a ranch improvement-plan that expanded the planned grazing system. The ranch now has 85 water systems, primarily wind driven mills, in 50 separate pastures of predominately native warm season grasses.
Riparian areas are thick with vegetation of all types which decreases the amount of erosion.
Fifteen shelter belts have been planted, providing habitat protection for quail, pheasant, and deer. The grazing system in place allows for a long rest between grazing periods, yielding regrowth cover and nesting habitat for upland water fowl and game birds along with winter feed. Waterfowl species include several species of ducks and geese, both thriving in the wetlands located on the ranch. Mule and white tail- deer as well as a population of antelope live on the ranch. Evidence of the effectiveness of range improvements have been indicated by the Hamilton's bottom line, which has expanded each year.