Madrono Ranch

In 2005, Martin Kohout and Heather Catto Kohout decided to utilize their 1,500-acre family-owned land in Texas Hill Country by raising bison in a high-welfare system. The initial herd of 12 bison and some laying hens was established in 2007, and the residency program for environmental artists and writers soon followed. Today, the herd has grown to 40 bison, and the ranch also hosts cooking classes and workshops. Although the residency program ceased accepting applications in August 2015, the ranch continues to be a model of sustainable practice and a source of nourishment for the local community.

Madroño Ranch adheres to Animal Welfare Approved standards, raising bison and laying hens in a pasture-based farming system that allows animals to perform biologically and behaviorally appropriate behaviors. Bison are slaughtered on the farm under the supervision of a licensed inspector to reduce stress and preserve meat quality. The laying hens, including breeds like Ameraucana and Buff Orpington, are raised outdoors and housed in the 'Chicken Palace' at night. The ranch's practices emphasize high welfare and ecological balance, contributing to the rich natural diversity of the Hill Country.

Madroño Ranch is also a residential center for environmental writers and artists, though it no longer accepts applications for residencies as of August 2015. The ranch is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including madrone trees, feral hogs, and bald eagles. It features a 25-acre lake, numerous streams, and rolling hills. The Kohouts believe in drawing people out of the city to experience the complex relationship between people and their appetites. The ranch is a proud member of the Alliance of Artists Communities, the American Grassfed Association, and Foodways Texas.