Year Inducted: 2025
Region V
Polson, MT
Montana Family Receives Regional Environmental Stewardship Award
Greg and Lynn Gardner started G&G Livestock; daughter Brittany Cathey and son-in-law Wacey Cathey later launched Cathey Cattle Company as their own direct-to-consumer beef business. Located on the Flathead Indian Reservation, the family works together to manage cattle and care for the land. Efficient range management is the family’s focus with efforts including weed control, grazing management and water development. By implementing a deferred rest rotation system, the family has seen their pastures develop deeper roots, rebound more quickly from grazing and increased grass production year to year. The family is active in the community and supports conservation causes that improve natural resources. They partnered with USDA-NRCS to install additional fencing and livestock watering systems, treat invasive weeds, improve pasture and range conditions through forage plantings and develop grazing management plans leading to measurable improvements to rangeland health.
“I learned early on that we are in the business of grass than we are in the business of cattle,” said Brittany Cathey with Cathey Cattle Company. “If you don’t take care of your ground, your cattle aren’t going to produce their best.”
“G&G Livestock/Cathey Cattle Company stands out in western Montana as a model for all landowners to follow,” said Jack Stivers, Montana State University Extension agent. “They have achieved positive results by focusing on productivity while enhancing and protecting environmental resources.”
