SPARKS, NEVADA – Bob McCan received the W.R. Chapline Land Stewardship Award at the Society for Range Management’s 77th Annual Meeting in Sparks, Nevada last week. The W. R. Chapline Land Stewardship Award gives special recognition to members of the Society for exceptional accomplishments and contributions in the application of the art and science of range management. It is given in recognition of exceptional landowners, land managers, administrators and counselors in the field of range management and supporting disciplines.
McCan and his family have owned and operated McFaddin Enterprises for five generations, with ranches in Victoria, Bee and Refugio Counties in Texas. He has been a member of SRM since he majored in Range at Texas A&M.
The gates to McFaddin and Roche Ranches are always open. McCan believes showing fellow producers his stewardship is the most effective way to share the message. There’s no telling how many hearts and minds among land stewards and even politicians have been changed by McCan. His quiet leadership style has earned him a seat at the table when the most influential people in the cattle and land stewardship business are gathered. From local Grazing Land and SWCD Boards to the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, McCan has carried the stewardship message far and wide.
To have him be a “range guy” through and through is a blessing to range scientists and practitioners everywhere. He has ensured SRM and it’s values and mission have had a voice in some of the most important conversations in the livestock industry for many years.
Bob and Julie currently live on the ranch in a house which overlooks the polo field and is within sight of the rangelands and unique breed of cattle he developed to be suited to the coastal prairie environment. The couple has hosted numerous polo match fundraisers for local charities. If you drop in at McFaddin Ranch at the end of the day, you will likely be greeted with, “let’s go out to the pasture and look around.”
For the tremendous contributions to the science and management of rangeland ecosystems he has made, it is with great honor the Society of Range Management recognized Bob McCan with the W.R. Chapline Land Stewardship Award.