Could ultra high density grazing have a positive impact on row crop fields? Today, we are trying to answer that question with a grazing experiment on one of our farms. Our goal is to determine if ultra high density grazing is any more beneficial than the rotational grazing we normally do.
Read MoreThe cover crop is as tall as the calves now! It doesn't seem to bother them or their mothers as they enjoy strip grazing this mix together.
Read MoreThe days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and the cover crops are taking off. This is the perfect time to experiment with strip grazing to help our cattle and future row crops get the most out of our winter cover crop.
Read MoreDuring a winter freeze, we feed our cattle hay bales on row crop fields to improve areas that are prone to erosion.
Read MoreThere is a growing movement within our industry that focuses on creating healthier soils by working with nature, rather than trying to control it. Farmers and ranchers all over the world are improving their soils by embracing soil health principles that mimic nature and promote soil biology.
Read MoreThere have been times I would have called our summer cover crop experiment a failure also. There are places where nothing came up and places where it is thick and tall. I’ve noticed that the summer annuals came up best where the existing grass stand was poor. Of course, this makes sense and encourages me, because this is exactly the areas that will most benefit from the increased biomass and diversity.
Read MoreOn every farm, there are days that cause heartache in the farmer’s chest. On every farm, there are miserably repetitive tasks that cause headache in the farmer’s mind. But everyday on the farm requires the farmer to get up and push on, because there will be a day when all the work and worry will be worth it.
Read MoreI would never have expected such simple, content animals to so clearly demonstrate the valuable lessons of working smarter, giving first, and saving room for quietness in our lives. But I guess that’s the point... everyday I watch them, I remember that life doesn’t have to be so complicated. I am reminded to sit back and take a deep breath, and I know in my heart that life is good.
Read MoreI have been helping my family raise cattle my whole life, but I've only just gotten serious about raising beef. There's a lot to know about the whole process and only a few places to find good information.
For those of you who are curious about just how a calf becomes a steak, I've now got the full inside scoop.
Here's the whole beef story:
A calf is born February 1, 2017. Let's call him Sir Loin...
Read MoreBack in the fall, Derek and I began our first major project together! We bought a set of commercial Red Angus heifers, all freshly weaned, all fuzzy to prepare for the cold months to come, all ready to be turned out on our wheat to grow into perfect little replacement heifers.
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