THREE WORDS...

High Stock Density.

This past week, we've been trying to increase stock density as a means to achieve better land management. What this means is that the cattle will be kept in a smaller paddock (15 acres is the ideal... maybe). The effect of an increased number of cattle on a small piece of land means that the grass, thistle, and other vegetation gets laid down over the ground. This, in turn, allows rain to be more efficiently trapped in the soil (as opposed to running off), promotes greater biological activity in and on top of the soil, and builds soil - in doing so sequestering carbon from the atmosphere.

To successfully obtain the ecological effects of high stock density we need to create paddocks for the cows that provide enough feed and water for a one day stay. This means that we also have to move the cattle every day to a new area or expose them to more feed each day.

So far, in three days, we've moved the cows through three paddocks. The landscape that was a result of the movement and grazing after the cows were moved indicates that we're getting closer to understanding the many variables involved in achieving optimal land management and grazing practices. Everett and I have been walking the cows from paddock to paddock and moving them to areas where higher density is needed to lay down thick areas of thistle. Soon, I think, we'll be able to accurately assess the land before moving the cows so as to successfully achieve all our holistic goals and maintain optimal cattle health!

I'm going to be more diligent in my blogging so I can better paint a picture of the day to day activities that are happening on the ranch. So really... look for daily posts to come!

- ben