North Dakota Farmer Gabe Brown Recognized for Regenerative Agriculture

Brown's Ranch has won multiple awards for its sustainable farming practices.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:19am

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An abstract, textured painting in muted greens, browns, and blues, featuring sweeping geometric shapes and organic botanical patterns that symbolize the interconnected natural systems of a sustainable farm.Regenerative agriculture practices at Brown's Ranch aim to restore the natural balance and resilience of the land.Bismarck Today

Gabe Brown, co-founder of Understanding Agriculture, owns and operates Brown's Ranch, a 5,000-acre diversified farm and ranch near Bismarck, North Dakota. Brown and his family have received numerous accolades for their regenerative agricultural practices, including a Growing Green award, an Environmental Stewardship Award, and a Zero-Till Producer of the Year Award. Brown is also considered one of the 25 most influential agricultural leaders in the United States.

Why it matters

Regenerative agriculture practices like those implemented at Brown's Ranch are increasingly seen as critical to addressing climate change, improving soil health, and ensuring long-term food security. As more farmers adopt these sustainable methods, it highlights the important role that individual producers can play in driving positive environmental and agricultural outcomes.

The details

Gabe Brown, along with his wife Shelly and son Paul, own and operate Brown's Ranch, a 5,000-acre diversified farm and ranch near Bismarck, North Dakota. Through their work, they have implemented a range of regenerative agricultural practices that have earned them national recognition. This includes a Growing Green award from the Natural Resource Defense Council, an Environmental Stewardship Award from the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, and a Zero-Till Producer of the Year Award.

  • Gabe Brown and his family have been operating Brown's Ranch for over two decades.
  • Brown has been named one of the 25 most influential agricultural leaders in the United States.

The players

Gabe Brown

Co-founder of Understanding Agriculture, a regenerative agricultural consulting company, and owner-operator of Brown's Ranch, a 5,000-acre diversified farm and ranch in North Dakota.

Shelly Brown

Gabe Brown's wife and co-owner of Brown's Ranch.

Paul Brown

Gabe and Shelly Brown's son and co-owner of Brown's Ranch.

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The takeaway

Gabe Brown's work at Brown's Ranch demonstrates how regenerative agriculture can be successfully implemented at scale, producing both economic and environmental benefits. As more farmers adopt these sustainable practices, it offers hope for addressing critical challenges facing the agricultural sector.