Ted Alexander lives by the philosophy ancora imparo or “I am still learning.” He doesn't claim to have it all figured out, but he has the passion to push onward to improve, including working to drought-proof his Medicine Lodge, Kan., operation -- a place that receives just 21 inches of rain a year. Since 1984, Alexander has implemented practices recommended by Soil Conservation Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, such as cross fencing, ponds, and other water developments, plus solar power to move water from storage to cattle. Alexander speaks on Aug. 22 on contract grazing.

Doug Peterson has been a Natural Resources Conservation Service employee for more than 20 years. Currently he is a State Grassland Conservationist assisting producers over much of the state. He is also on the National Soil Health Training Team. He operates a cow/calf and contract grazing operation with his father. Currently they run about 500 cows and use Management-Intensive Grazing and High Density Grazing to improve soil health, eliminate the need for most purchased fertilizer and limit hay needs to about one bale per cow per winter. Peterson speaks about soils on Aug. 22.

Ron Morrow recently retired as the state grazing lands specialist with USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in Arkansas. He presently raises beef cattle and direct markets grass-fed beef through Ozark Pasture Beef. Ron spent 20 years at the University of Missouri, where he taught beef cattle production, introductory animal science classes and classes in grazing management. Morrow will speak on “Grazing for Livestock Needs” on Aug. 21.

Gary Price and his wife, Sue, were awarded the 2012 Outstanding Rangeland Stewardship award by the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Gary has implemented a comprehensive rangeland management program to optimize rangeland conditions on the ranch. Rangeland and reseeding has also been a key practice on the ranch. Wildlife habitat management and water quality have also been areas where Gary and Sue have worked to sustainably manage. Price will speak on “Grazing Management and Wildlife” on Aug. 22.