Grazing Management

We believe grazing animals are vital to ecological function, primarily in the development of biologically rich and naturally fertile soil.  Our land was once dominated by large groups of migratory animals who helped build the abundant prairies and savannahs of the Midwest. While we reasonably can’t return these migratory herds and flocks back to our landscapes, we can replicate these habits and positive impacts on a smaller scale. To do this we must mimic natural systems, favoring acute, short term disturbance patterns with long periods of rest and recovery.  

The Challenge

Most of our meat is raised and processed for efficiency and low cost. The result of this efficiency is artificially inexpensive meat, eggs and dairy, which hides the costs to the environment, human health, and small-town economies. 

 

The Opportunity

Through a better understanding of native ecosystems and with technological innovations in fencing and watering systems, we can now more efficiently use livestock as a driver for soil health.  Adaptive grazing management seeks to mimic patterns of migratory herbivores to restore ecosystems and farm economics.  

 

Benefits of Adaptive Grazing Management

By following a few basic principles we can:

• Graze more animals on the same amount of land

• See greater pasture production and weight gain

• Improve soil biology and fertility

• Create better resilience to drought and extreme rain events 

• Reduce parasite pressure on livestock

• Improve animal health

• Reduce purchased inputs and improve farm profits

• Improve soil health and increase soil organic matter (SOM)

• Sequester carbon

• Increase wildlife habitat

• Protect water quality and landscape hydrology