The Carbon Credit Conversation with James Clement III

James is a seasoned rancher and innovative leader in agricultural technology, currently serving as Senior Vice President of Grass and Rangeland at EarthOptics. In this role, he empowers ranchers by introducing cutting-edge technology that maps and quantifies soil health and carbon capture capabilities, enabling informed land management decisions and new revenue opportunities. With nearly 400 years of combined family ranching experience—including iconic operations like Beggs Cattle Co. (est. 1876) and King Ranch (est. 1853)—James is deeply rooted in the ranching tradition. He founded Bloody Buckets Cattle Co. and The Land Board, managing initiatives in livestock, resource management, wildlife conservation, governance, and succession planning. Before joining EarthOptics, James spent a decade at King Ranch, Inc., where he excelled as Land Resources Manager and Horse Division Manager. Under his leadership, the ranch won the prestigious 2019 AQHA Best Remuda Award, bred its first ranch-raised World Champion, CORONEL DEL RANCHO, and revitalized the commercial sales and marketing efforts of the horse program. In addition to his agricultural pursuits, James is a dedicated Marine Corps infantry officer, with service spanning both active and reserve components since 2008. His deployments include Afghanistan, Chile, and Mexico, as well as leading a refugee camp that successfully transitioned 3,000 Afghans to U.S. citizenship during Operation Allies Welcome. Throughout his career, he has trained and led over 3,500 American and foreign troops. James serves on the boards of several organizations, including Frontiers Market, Beggs Cattle Company, the National Ranching Heritage Center, the American Quarter Horse Association, and the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management. He is also a director and Chair of the Resources and Wildlife Committee for the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. A graduate of Goucher College with an MBA from Cornell University, James lives in South Texas with his wife, Paige Shaw, MSN RN, and their children, where they raise cattle and horses on their family ranch.