Each year, the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) recognizes cattle operations across the country that demonstrate outstanding stewardship practices and long-term conservation efforts. For 2026, M&D Overstreet Ranch of Kathleen, Florida was selected as the Region II winner, highlighting decades of commitment to land preservation, wildlife habitat, and responsible cattle production.
The Overstreet Ranch story stretches back generations. Ranch owner Mark Overstreet shared how the land became firmly rooted in his family following World War II. “My dad and his brother bought this place where I live now and it was 8,600 acres. So when my dad’s brother came back from the war, World War II of course, in 1945, he told my dad, he said, I want to buy you out or you’re buying me out. My dad said, well I’m getting married next year, I’m gonna live here.”
That decision shaped Mark’s childhood and future. “So my dad bought him out. We owned the place outright. I was raised there.”
Despite facing life-changing challenges, Overstreet remained deeply connected to the ranch and its stewardship values. “I’m in a wheelchair and I got shot in 1970. But for 19 years I was on the ranch, working the ranch, and we always thought about the environment. Trying to keep wildlife happy, if you want to call it that.”
One of the ranch’s most impactful conservation efforts began with a desire to give back. “So we had a 560 acre block that had a bird rookery in it. We got the state to buy it and it’s called the Little Gator Creek Woodstork Rookery.” Proceeds from the sale were donated to spinal cord research at the University of Florida, while permanently protecting vital wildlife habitat.
Conservation efforts expanded further in 2006. “In 2006 we decided to create Colt Creek State Park, 5,100 acres. And it’s for the people. It’s left alone, it can’t be developed.” Today, cattle production continues alongside conservation, with leased grazing and a cow herd historically maintained around 1,000 head.
Reflecting on the NCBA recognition, Overstreet said simply, “It’s an honor. It really is. A humble honor.”
The Region II Stewardship Award underscores how Florida cattle operations like M&D Overstreet Ranch successfully balance agricultural production with long-term environmental care.
Audio Reporting by Dale Sandlin for Southeast AgNet.