Year Inducted: 2020
Region IV
Springer, OK
Oklahoma Ranch HONORED FOR OUTSTANDING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP
Double C Cattle Company is a fifth-generation commercial cow-calf operation owned and operated by Chuck and Ruth Coffey. The ranch is situated outside Oklahoma City in the Arbuckle Mountains. Double C Ranch has an outstanding record for its environmental stewardship practices, advocacy and public education programs. Depending on the year, the Coffey family will host 10-15 educational tours of their ranching operation promoting proper grazing management combined with prescribed fire to promote biodiversity and the entire ecosystem. “Our ranch goal is to optimize profitability while managing the land for the success of future generations,” Coffey said. “In giving tours, I hope that others will see and understand the importance of managing livestock, wildlife and the environment together as one big system because they all simultaneously affect one another.”
“Our ranch goal is to optimize profitability while managing the land for the success of future generations,”
Serving as great stewards of land, livestock, and legacy are the values held by the Double C Cattle Co from Springer, Oklahoma. Learn how Double C Cattle Co overcome challenges such as limited water resources, red cedar trees, and taking care of the land for future generations!
“In giving tours, I hope that others will see and understand the importance of managing livestock, wildlife and the environment together as one big system because they all simultaneously affect one another.”
The Coffeys have implemented approximately 20 solar watering systems for livestock and wildlife and laid water line 2.5 miles across the ranch to provide water to key areas and their home. An aggressive program utilizing prescribed fire and mechanical treatment to control juniper has restored many acres of native grass, increased water infiltration and decreased erosion. In addition, grazing is closely monitored using grazing enclosures to ensure adequate plant residuals and ground cover to protect the soil. The operation produces electricity from wind turbines on the property to support a community of more than 50,000 homes as well as recreational opportunities for many local residents. The Coffeys have always been willing to adopt new ideas and best management practices to mitigate future regulatory issues and promote ranchers as good stewards of the land. “Environmental sustainability starts with a healthy ecosystem encompassing soil, plants, water, livestock and wildlife. We keep each of these in the forefront of our minds as we develop management plans,” Coffey said. “The community benefits from our environmental impact in areas such as a healthy watershed, improved ecosystem for pollinators and bees, improved habitat for diverse wildlife and soil health. My wife and i are committed to passing along our knowledge and passion for environmental stewardship to our children and future generations.”
"Environmental sustainability starts with a healthy ecosystem encompassing soil, plants, water, livestock and wildlife. We keep each of these in the forefront of our minds as we develop management plans"
