Year Inducted: 2026
Region V
Juntura, OR
Through disciplined management, strategic expansion and taking bold risks, Mike and Linda Bentz combined four separate ranches into one exceptional operation — notable for its size, productivity and continuity. V Box Land and Livestock encompasses nearly 28,000 private acres and 180,000 acres of public lands. When Mike tragically passed in 2015, Linda and her five children continued the cow-calf operation. Through Linda’s leadership, more than 6,000 acres of western juniper were removed, 16,000 acres of invasive annual grasses treated, 10,000 feet of riverbank restored, and nearly 4,000 willows and native shrubs planted. These efforts improved water quality, enhanced sage grouse habitat, reduced wildfire risk, and strengthened long-term forage productivity. Today, the ranch is divided into separate operations for the next generation, and all five children and their families are ranching and carrying forward the conservation ethic instilled by their parents.
“It’s God’s land; it’s just here for us to utilize,” said Linda Bentz. “The story will tell whether you took care of it or not. The cows won’t be happy, the families won’t be happy, and they won’t continue to move on.”
“V Box Land and Livestock represents the very best of the beef industry through unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and leadership in implementing science-based management practices that conserve rangeland health, soil, water and wildlife resources,” said Sergio Arispe, associate professor with Oregon State University. “Linda Bentz has demonstrated that responsible cattle production and environmental stewardship are complementary principles essential to sustaining both working lands and rural communities.”
