Mission in Motion: Restoring The Wild at The Flying D Ranch

At Force of Nature, our mission is rooted in transforming the food system and restoring balance to the land. Through regenerative agriculture, we’re creating a better future, and our Mission in Motion series brings these powerful stories to life. In the latest installment, Restoring the Wild, we highlight a trailblazing partnership that is rewriting the rules of ranching by merging commerce with conservation.

Nestled in the heart of Montana, Flying D Ranch is a beacon of hope for the future of our food system. This 120,000-acre private ranch is home to over 6,000 bison and serves as a critical habitat within the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. But what makes Flying D truly extraordinary is its commitment to regenerative agriculture, a holistic approach that not only raises nutrient-dense bison but also restores the land, revives biodiversity, and helps combat climate change.

From the Brink of Extinction to the Heart of Regeneration

Bison once roamed North America in unimaginable numbers — over 50 million strong. But by the end of the 19th century, these magnificent creatures were nearly wiped out due to overhunting and westward expansion. Today, thanks to the efforts of conservationists, ranchers, and consumers who value ethically raised meat, bison are making a comeback. The Flying D Ranch plays a pivotal role in this resurgence by managing one of the largest bison herds in the U.S. and applying regenerative practices that benefit the entire ecosystem.

By reintroducing bison to the land, Flying D is restoring natural processes that had been disrupted for over a century. Bison grazing patterns help regenerate perennial grasses, improve soil health, and provide essential habitat for other wildlife species.

Transforming the Landscape: The Power of Regenerative Agriculture

When Ted Turner purchased Flying D Ranch in 1995, he set out to do more than just raise livestock — he wanted to restore the land to its natural state. Under Turner's stewardship, The Flying D shifted from conventional farming to a regenerative model, eliminating large-scale haying and crop production in favor of rewilding the ranch.

This transformation wasn’t just about bringing bison back; it was about letting nature heal itself. "We let bison be bison," Joel, ranch manager of the Flying D, says. "They are the key to this landscape. They graze in a way that allows native plant species to flourish, and in doing so, they create a healthier ecosystem."

Flying D’s regenerative approach has yielded remarkable results. The soil is teeming with life, wildlife populations have rebounded, and the ranch now serves as a sanctuary for migratory species like elk and mule deer. The ranch’s location at the northern tip of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem makes it a crucial link in the region's conservation efforts, ensuring that wildlife can move freely across the landscape.

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

The partnership between Flying D Ranch and Force of Nature has been a key driver of this transformation. Together, we share a vision of creating a food system that benefits both people and the planet. Through our collaboration, Flying D has been able to scale its regenerative practices, bringing high-quality, grass-fed bison meat to conscious consumers across the country.

"Force of Nature has been a crucial partner in our journey," says Joel. "Their support has allowed us to expand our conservation efforts while ensuring that our meat reaches customers who care about sustainability and the health of the planet."

This partnership is not just about producing bison meat; it’s about changing the way we think about agriculture. By choosing regeneratively raised meat, consumers are directly supporting ranches like Flying D, where the focus is on promoting life and healing the land.

The Role of Bison in Ecosystem Restoration

Bison are more than just a source of meat — they are a critical part of the ecosystem. Their grazing patterns help maintain healthy grasslands, which in turn support a diverse array of plant and animal species. As Joel points out, "Bison are designed to live on this land. They evolved here, and their presence is essential to the health of the ecosystem."

At Flying D, bison graze in a way that mimics their natural behavior in the wild. By rotating them across different pastures, the ranch promotes soil regeneration, prevents overgrazing, and ensures that the land remains productive year after year. This regenerative grazing method not only improves the health of the soil but also helps sequester carbon, making it a powerful tool in the fight against climate change.

Commerce Meets Conservation

The success of Flying D Ranch demonstrates that it is possible to balance economic viability with environmental stewardship. Joel and his team are proving that regenerative ranching is not only profitable but also critical to the future of sustainable food production.

“Regenerative agriculture is the future of ranching,” says Jeremy Gingerich, Director of Land Operations at Turner Enterprises. "It’s about creating a system that works in harmony with nature, where we can produce high-quality meat while also restoring the land and protecting wildlife."

Flying D is a prime example of what can happen when commerce meets conservation. The ranch produces nutrient-dense, grass-fed bison meat that is free from hormones, antibiotics, and synthetic fertilizers. This not only benefits consumers but also supports a food system that prioritizes the health of the land and the animals.

The Importance of Scale in Conservation

One of the key themes of Flying D’s story is the importance of scale in conservation. Managing 120,000 acres of land requires a delicate balance between maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the ranch remains economically sustainable. For Joel and his team, this means embracing the complexity of managing such a vast landscape while staying committed to the principles of regenerative agriculture.

As Bob Wesley, a key figure in Turner Enterprises, explains, "Managing a landscape of this size requires a different mindset. You have to accept that nature is chaotic and unpredictable, and your job is to work with it, not against it." This holistic approach to land management allows Flying D to create a thriving ecosystem where bison, elk, grizzly bears, wolves, and other wildlife can coexist with agriculture.

The Role of Consumers in Regenerative Agriculture

Consumers play a vital role in supporting regenerative agriculture. Every time you purchase Force of Nature products, you are contributing to the preservation of ecosystems like the one at Flying D Ranch. By choosing regeneratively raised meat, you’re not just buying a product — you’re making an investment in the future of our planet.

"Every dollar you spend is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in," says Mike Phillips, Director of Turner Endangered Species Fund. "If you believe in the importance of wild landscapes and native species, choosing bison from ranches like Flying D makes sense. It’s good for your health, it’s good for the environment, and it supports a system that values life at every level."

A Call to Action: Support Regenerative Agriculture

At Force of Nature, we are committed to driving the movement toward regenerative agriculture. The Mission in Motion series is just one way we are sharing these stories and inspiring others to join the movement. The incredible work being done at Flying D Ranch is a testament to the power of regenerative practices, and we invite you to be part of this journey.

By choosing Force of Nature’s regeneratively raised bison, you are supporting ranches that prioritize the health of the land, the animals, and the people. Together, we can restore balance to our ecosystems, improve soil health, and ensure that future generations inherit a planet that is thriving and abundant.