Dusty Downey

Dusty Downey  was born and currently lives with his wife and two daughters on a working cattle ranch in Northeast Wyoming.  Dusty has extensive experience with cattle production, supply chain development, and animal husbandry and he oversees all aspects of the Conservation Ranching Program across the Rockies and 2 millions acres including certification, marketing, science and outreach.  He gradauated from the University of Wyoming with a B.S. in biology. Before returning to the family ranch to work for Audubon in 2005,  Dusty held a variety of jobs including groundfish observer in Alaska, Education Coordinator in Louisiana and California, and wilderness guide.  Dusty is also a Wilderness EMT and certified interpretive guide through the National Association for Interpretation. 

Articles by Dusty Downey

Conservation Ranching Initiative

Curlews, Ranching, and Reconsideration

July 2, 2021 — A Wyoming rancher discusses the surprising benefits of an alternative form of grazing.

Conservation Ranching Initiative

Conservation Ranching During the Pandemic

August 19, 2020 — A Q&A with two ranchers about providing local food during a health crisis.

Conservation Ranching Initiative

Conservation Ranching is a Win for Wildlife and People

September 10, 2019 — We don't need to burn down the Amazon to produce our protein. An opinion piece published in the Wyoming Tribune Eagle.