Bill and Peggy Sproul of Sedan were recently awarded the Society for Range Management Excellence in Rangeland Management Award.

The purpose of this award is to recognize those who have demonstrated excellent skill and knowledge in practicing sound grazing management of their range and associated forage crops. Recognition is given by the Kansas Section of the Society for Range Management to rangeland operators for excellence in the application of grazing management, with due consideration to their knowledge and skill.

The Sproul Ranch has effectively implemented several range management practices that benefit the prairie resource as well as the wildlife that occupies their ranch.  Bill and Peggy have implemented practices including clearing invasive trees, scouting for and treating sericea lespedeza, developing water to improve grazing opportunities as well as improve water quality, and implementing grazing systems that allow rest for the native plants and at the same time builds adequate fuel loads for effective prescribed burns.

They have implemented a monitoring program where forage production, plant species composition, and upland bird numbers are determined on key sites throughout the ranch to make sure implementation of other practices are meeting their desired goals for the ranch.   Improving their knowledge of the range resource by attending range management schools and sharing that knowledge with others through field days and involvement with organizations is also very evident.

The Kansas Section of the Society for Range Management felt the Sproul Ranch was deserving of the Excellence in Rangeland Management Award in 2009.