Our Approach
What the rains brought in 2021.
managed grazing methods
We practice adaptive grazing management that emphasizes rest and recovery periods for our forage. Rotational grazing systems require multiple pastures and this is a big part of our long-term focus as we continue to improve our fencing by adding more permanent and temporary (electric) fences to control grazing. These pasture rotations allow for a period of recover time for individual grass plants following a graze. This results in patch effect of taller grasses, grazed grasses which are shorter, plant litter from animal impact, and of course good all cattle manure ripe with microbes and passed through the four stomachs of a bovine. This disturbance spurs more life when it it eventually rains. More life in and on the soil tends to slow wind and water erosion while creating habitat for wildlife.
Our grazing management plan aims to utilize approximately 40% or less of the forage from the growing season. By managing the seasonality of grazing in different pastures we also strive to utilize and rest both the warm-season and cool-season plants, fostering greater biodiversity. The remaining standing vegetation is left to slow the wind, catch the snow and rain, shade and feed the soil, provide food for our wildlife populations both above and belowground, and slow or reverse the process of soil erosion.
Cattle are our our land management tool and way of feeding our community. And they do more than just eat and provide meat! Hoof impact is an important method of breaking up clay-pan soil caps and incorporating organic matter into the topsoil. This activity helps stimulate the soil seed bank and the incorporation of organic matter in the soil increases the water holding capacity of the soil. As we move them about through the year, we aim to use low-stress livestock handling when working with our cattle to keep them gentle. This just means spending lots of time with them in beautiful country and teaching them that being moved is good news.
GOATS -In addition to our resident cow herd, Sol Ranch also had a seasonal goat grazing cooperative agreement with our friends at Rx Grazing Services. We feel that a multi-species grazing model allows for efficient utilization of the rugged landscape while targeting plant species that cattle typically do not prefer. This is done with daily herding techniques so as to encourage the use of brushy and rocky environments that would otherwise be left to grow into large swaths of fire fuels. The tighter grouping of the goats when they are herded has also been shown to provide greater hoof action, further increasing the incorporation of organic matter into the soil. Plus they are really interesting creatures that have the most adorable kids! UPDATE!!! The goats aren’t here anymore! We might be open to some more in the future for some projects though.
soil health
Soil is the origin of life here on the ranch. Every plant, critter, and microbe depends on healthy, functioning soil. We believe in practicing the five soil health principles; maintaining soil armor, minimizing soil disturbance, maintaining plant diversity, protecting the living root, and integrating livestock. We try to promote soil health through our livestock hoof action and incorporation of organic matter, but also through soil erosion control structures. One rock dams, rock rundowns, and other types of brush and rock structures form a vital part of the ranch’s land management strategy. We have hosted soil erosion and water conservation workshops here at the ranch. Sign up for our newsletter to be kept abreast of the next workshop opportunity.
OUR VISION
The land will exhibit indicators of healthy soil, rich plant and wildlife biodiversity, and optimal functioning of water and mineral cycles. Our management will serve to slow erosion, build soil, and improve water infiltration. Our grazing practices will improve the landscape, the welfare of livestock and humans, and the profitability of the business. Our food will promote healthy communities and foster connections to the land.
Each interaction that we have will show that we value honesty, hard work, innovation, and commitment to producing quality food in a sustainable way. We will have healthy, mutually beneficial relationships with our neighbors and the nearby community.
We will lead fulfilling, intentional lives rooted in the rhythms and seasons of the ecosystem in which we live. We will leave future generations a healthy productive landscape; a profitable, sustainable business; opportunities for personal and financial growth; and the values and knowledge necessary to continue caring for the land and for people.
