Regenerative - More than Just a BUZZ-word

Regenerative Ranching

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Featured Guest Brent WeissBackground, self introductionWhat does regenerative ranching ACUTALLY mean?Ranching in synch with nature to rebuild healthy ecosystems starting with the soilNot just a marketing buzzword2 types of people in regen:Interested in conservationInterested in increased profitsSoil Health – why is it important?Soil has been the downfall of ancient civilizationsFacing increased drought and climate challengesHealthy soils are more drought tolerantMASSIVE carbon sinksFertilizer, pesticides, etc. are just bandaids to the soilSoil microbes create a great growing environmentSoil health = increased nutrients, fertility, and water infiltrationRotational Grazing and Grazing SystemsMaximum impact, maximum restStocking rates in pounds/acre, not acre/headForage available vs forage consumedSubdivisions create longer rest periodsRoots stop growing for 11-17 days when 50+% of forage consumedIf roots cannot recover, eventually neither will the topEase of moving cattle and implementing systems with single strand electric wireForage managementGrass farmers using cattle as a means of harvesting crop and convert to usable productImportant to leave behind some leafy material (ideally ~50%)Solar panels for regrowthWithout solar panels, must steal carbohydrates from roots (recession)Armors the soilKeeps soil temps down (helping keep moisture in soil)Slows down rain to increase infiltration and decrease run offCattle ManagementCulling cattle that do not fit your system (they work for you)Defined calving and breeding seasons (45/60 plan)Allows you to match the growing season with peak lactation and when calves begin grazingIdeally a closed loop system, or even a closed herdBull selectionHeifer selectionUse consistent sources with similar goals to your operation   Biodiversity – different plants and animals play different rolesPollinators, birds spreading seed, dung beetles, other beneficial insectsLegume Nitrogen, Grass Roots, Forbs armorMesquite in desert countryMedicinal/Anthelmintic propertiesSecondary and tertiary compounds like tanins and alkaloidsMinimize Inputs/EpigeneticsIncreasing Revenue is not the only way to increase profitLess reliance on supplemental protein, mineral, dewormer/fly sprayCows that do not fit the system will come up open, wean small calves, or stand out in one way or anotherCULL THEMGradual decrease of eachPersonal Belief – Don’t skimp on vaccinationsCalves will go to feed lot and be exposed to A LOTImplementationWe need everyone to move in the right directionDo what you can in your environment/situationSubdivide pastures – ½ à ¼ à 1/8 etc…Move cattle more often between planting and harvestOnly supplement when forage quality is decreasedANY step is a step in the right directionWhat’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?SummaryChallenge