Ranching legacies don’t endure by chance. They’re forged by grit, determination, innovation, and resilience. These operations survive because their caretakers look beyond the present, toward generations they may never meet. And although no crystal ball can predict what lies ahead, ranching families carry forward the hard-earned wisdom of those who came before them while finding the courage to forge new paths of their own.
Still, only a small percentage of family businesses survive a generational handoff. But for the Moores of Lone Star Ranch—now welcoming the seventh generation to the ranch—intentional succession planning, adaptability, and a steadfast commitment to stewardship have laid the foundation for a lasting legacy.
Mark and Dina Moore represent the fifth generation to call Lone Star Ranch home. The couple took over operations in 1981, soon after their wedding—an uncommon step in ranching, where responsibility is often passed down much later in life. As they raised their three children—Jake, Lauren, and Teal, the sixth generation—they worked to instill in them the same respect for agriculture and the land that had guided their family for more than a century.
“Unlike many, succession and responsibility were given to us at an early age,” Dina shared. “This allowed us the opportunity to grow and make mistakes and learn from them. So, for us, that has been a real gift, and we’ve been very conscious about carrying that same idea forward.”
Since taking the reins, Mark and Dina have adapted the ranch to balance the needs of the land with the demands of a changing market. Today, Lone Star Ranch supports a thriving cow-calf operation and sustainable timber harvesting.
But their commitment to growth hasn’t stopped there. The couple consistently seeks out innovative approaches to ensure the continued stewardship of their land and longevity of their business.
One way they’ve done this is through strategic partnerships. Over the years, the Moores have collaborated with a range of conservation-minded organizations, including the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Point Blue Conservation Science, University of California Cooperative Extension, Humboldt County Resource Conservation District, and many more.
These partnerships have brought valuable resources, knowledge, and capacity to the ranch, enabling themto make improvements that may not have been possible otherwise. Together, they’ve restored waterways, improved water infrastructure, and monitored migratory bird populations
“The reality is, cattle can’t pay for it all,” Mark shared. “To make some of these necessary improvements to our ranch, we had to be willing to let people from the outside in. They brought expertise and funding we simply didn’t have.”
Just as important as collaboration with outside partners has been the inclusion of the next generation. Mark and Dina have encouraged each of their children, now adults, to engage with the ranch in ways that suited their interests and strengths. Today, all three children and their families play unique roles in its operations.
In recent years, their daughter Lauren has taken the lead on the cattle side of the business. With her parents’ support, she’s introduced fresh ideas to the table, including the use of virtual fencing technology. This innovation allows for more targeted grazing, helping control invasive weeds and supporting native ecosystem recovery.
“My parents taught me that it’s really easy to become irrelevant in this industry,” Lauren explained. “In order to stay relevant, you must stay open to change and be willing to consider outside ideas. We’re constantly selfeducating and adapting to help the ranch do better.”
Yet even with a strong family work ethic and a culture of innovation, the Moores have witnessed many other ranches splinter under pressure from financial strain, lack of interest from the next generation, and the creeping spread of development. Determined to avoid that fate, Mark and Dina sought a long-term solution to protect the integrity of their land.
Inspired by the lifelong commitment of Mark’s mother to keep the ranch intact, the Moores reached out to the California Rangeland Trust to pursue a conservation easement on 4,600 acres of their property. The easement would not only ensure the land remained whole and in agriculture but also provide capital to reinvest in the ranch for long-term viability.
Earlier this year, that vision came to life. With support from the NRCS, the California Department of Conservation, and generous donors from across the state, the Rangeland Trust finalized the conservation of Lone Star Ranch, securing its legacy for generations to come.
“This easement was a lifelong goal,” said Mark Moore. “It was a dream of my mother to keep the ranch together as one. For us, this easement represents the fulfillment of a vision shared across multiple generations.”
As they look to the future, Mark and Dina are proud to watch their children and grandchildren carry the torch, bringing fresh perspectives and modern techniques with them.
“I did not know the generations before my parents personally,” Mark said. “You grow up with stories of how each generation did things on the ranch and the changes they made. Dina and I made changes. Our kids have made changes; some we might not have made at our age. But that’s why you engage the next generation. They bring the energy and enthusiasm needed to keep things moving forward.”
For the Moore family, conserving Lone Star Ranch was about protecting both the land and a way of life. Over five generations, they’ve built a resilient agricultural enterprise rooted in responsibility, innovation, and understanding that successful stewardship requires both tradition and adaptability. Their story is a testament to how families keep legacies alive—by honoring the past, tending the land today, and preparing the way for tomorrow.
California Rangeland Trust is a nonprofit, tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 31-1631453) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
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