Final report for FW19-354
Project Information
This project will establish forage to support high-intensity short duration regenerative rotational grazing with cattle. A multi-species component of the project includes integrating meat goats into the grazing management plan to help utilize forage more effectively and encourage plant species diversity. A goal is to demonstrate that ecological health is improved on dryland pastures through regenerative grazing. No one has studied this in the southwestern region of Colorado and surrounding four corners region before. A better understanding of the role regenerative agriculture plays in this region is vitally important because it will result in major changes in how dryland is utilized while establishing farmer/rancher partnerships. Negative effects on agricultural communities occur as family farms and ranches are taken out of agricultural production (Brunson and Huntsinger, 2008). Socioeconomic effects will include increased employment, abundance of affordable meat, and effective succession of family agricultural operations. It's essential that we produce the most food with the least resources as the world’s needs and demands continues to rise (World Watch, 2017).
The McAfee family homesteaded and began farming this land in 1915--dry beans, wheat, and alfalfa. Soil preparation, planting, cultivating, harvesting, and disking caused compaction and a plow pan. Nothing beyond crop residue was returned to the soil, reducing organic matter accumulation and nutrient cycling. This is no longer feasible. The soil is degraded through erosion, compaction, and over-use. Periodic drought is devastating for traditional dryland row-cropping. The land went into CRP in 2005 and is now in Grasslands CRP. Successes with native and non-native grasses and native shrubs demonstrate that these species are viable even in drought. Traditional cropping generally focuses on one ecosystem service to produce a commodity, while forage-based systems utilize many services, improving carbon sequestration, soil water holding capacity, wildlife habitat, etc. (Robertson and Swinton, 2005).
Pastures are divided into paddocks of approximately 100 acres. Grazing is managed using a regenerative approach of high intensity, short duration rotations utilizing a modest amount based on the growth curve. A deferred rotation system is in place allowing each set of paddocks (A, B,C paddocks) approximately 18 months of rest between grazing which is recommended in dryland range environments. Ecological monitoring includes measuring forage production, utilization, plant community composition changes, soil chemical and physical changes, and presence of key wildlife species. Outreach will be through SWCRC. As they report to their advisory committee and the public we will report with them, including field demonstrations.
Mission: The mission of the McAfees is to be exemplary stewards of the land that is entrusted to them through identification of best practices leading to improvements in soil health and increases in forage and beef production.
Specific Objectives:
1. Increase desirable soil physical properties, water absorption and retention, and carbon sequestration and storage over a three-year period beginning fall 2019.
2. Increase biomass production and ground cover by 20%, and increase species diversity over a three-year period beginning fall 2019.
3. Increase production of protein pounds per acre by increasing biomass production and introducing an additional meat production species by 25% annually.
4. Partner with SWCRC to establish and maintain an outreach program and technical assistance with statistical analysis of collected data, in place by June 2019.
Preliminary project activities have been underway since spring 2013. Grazing paddocks have been identified and some electric fencing is installed. Utilization cages have been constructed and located in the paddocks. Four control exclosures are in place. Technical adviser Bangert is engaged in background work to design the experiments. Conceptual and planning discussions continue including producers Zwicker and McAfee, technical adviser Bangert, botanist Meier, SWCRC researchers Russell and Lockard, NRCS staff, and other community members who are interested in the work. Soil sampling and analysis will happen annually beginning in 2019 (Objective 1). Long-term trend data for measuring biomass production will occur annually beginning in 2019 (Objective 2). Grazing is being done according to the established rotational plan--cattle are currently on Paddocks B1 – B5 and biomass monitoring will take place with each grazing rotation (Objective 3). Outreach will overlap with SWCRC’s planned outreach events and field tours. (Objective 4).
Cooperators
- - Technical Advisor (Researcher)
- (Researcher)
- - Producer
- - Producer
- - Technical Advisor (Researcher)
- - Technical Advisor (Researcher)
- (Researcher)
- - Producer
- - Producer
Research
On/off dates and estimated head for 2019 are found in Grazing data all paddocks 2019.
Following our experimental design using regenerative grazing techniques, 7 of the 19 paddocks were used during the grazing season of 2020. In 2020 approximately 400 head of running age nanny goats were added to the livestock using McAfee farms during parts of the growing season. Early season grazing of both cattle and goats spanned from early April until mid June and late season grazing went from September through October. All paddocks were used for a period of time ensuring approximately 40% utilization collected through ocular methods.
In 2021, following the established grazing span, 12 of the 19 paddocks were used during the grazing season of 2021. In 2021 approximately 400 head of running age nanny goats were rotated throughout the paddock system. Early season grazing of goats spanned from mid March through mid June and late season grazing went from October through November. Cattle were only on site during 2021 for a short period in the fall and visited only three paddocks. Due to extreme drought here the cattle on the McAfee dryland project was largely destocked. The cattle were on the land for about 3 weeks, there were only around 120 cattle. We are stockpiling forage for winter. This winter 2022 we are using the stockpiled forage for cows and stocker calves, and have been able to increase numbers again to 180 cows and 50 stocker calves. All paddocks were used for a period of time with average utilization by goats to be 10% and cattle utilization 50%.
Ecological monitoring was preformed throughout the growing season of 2019, 2020, and 2021 through soil sampling and monitoring and production and utilization was measured to get an accurate picture of carrying capacity and associated stocking rates.
1. Increase desirable soil physical properties, water absorption and retention, and carbon sequestration and storage over a three-year period beginning fall 2019.
Soil Sampling and Analysis
Chemistry
No soil samples were extracted in 2020 for chemical analysis. With the arid landscape that the study is located in, yearly soil core samples are not necessary due to the time it takes to see detectable changes in soil chemistry in this environment. However baseline soil core samples were taken in 2021 on established trend study sites being re-read.
Bulk density
See above for 2020.
Soil samples to measure soil bulk density have been collected from each grazing paddock and from one-acre fenced control plots. The samples were collected using a stainless-steel circular cylinder of known volume. The cylinder was inserted into the soil so that the open top of the cylinder was in the same plane as the soil surface. Using a hand trowel, soil was removed from around the cylinder. The contents of the cylinder were emptied into a clean plastic bucket. This was repeated two times in the vicinity of the first sample location for a total of three samples with approximately a ten-foot separation between sample locations. The contents of the bucket for each collection area were homogenized and transferred to a paper bag and left open to dry. The bag and contents were weighed every few days and the dates and weights were recorded. When the weight changes between weighings fell within the readability specifications of the scale, 0.01gm, the samples were deemed to be dry. The volumes and final weights were used to calculate bulk density of each sample.
2. Increase biomass production and ground cover by 20%, and increase species diversity over a three-year period beginning fall 2019.
Plant Canopy Cover, Species Composition, and Production
Utilization/production cages were placed in a new location in all paddocks in the spring of 2020 and 2021 to capture annual growth. These were used to capture production and also calibrate visual utilization. After each graze period ocular utilization was taken of the key grazed species. At the end of the growing season the vegetation found within the cages was clipped, dried, and weighed. Utilization and production in 2020 of all paddocks can be observed in table 2. Ocular utilizations were not collected due to the light use by the goats in 2021.
In 2018 long-term trend studies were established and read using line-point intercept methods in paddocks A2, B2, C6, C7, and B4 pollinator patch. Long-term monitoring was not preformed in 2020 on trend studies established in 2018 and 2019 as no changes are expected in plant community composition and characteristics in less than three year periods. No new long-term trend studies were established in 2020.
Long-term trend studies established in 2018 were re-read in 2021 using line point intercept to estimate foliar and ground cover.
Photo points were also taken at all previously established photo point locations and/or long term trend study locations in 2020 and 2021. Photo's were taken and stored on the Grass Snap.
3. Increase production of protein pounds per acre by increasing biomass production by 25% annually.
Animal handling and grazing rotation
4. Partner with SWCRC to establish and maintain an outreach program and technical assistance with statistical analysis of collected data, in place by June 2019.
Producer Outreach:
The Project display and presentations were integrated into a field day conducted by SWCRC in August 2019. The display included photographs of various field components of the project, a paddock map showing grazing rotation, a statement of our vision, statement of project objectives, a summary of methods, and the physical tools that are being used to collect samples and gather data. Tools included a soil probe, scale, and soil density equipment. The project was in its very early stages, such that the presentations by participants consisted primarily of descriptions of goals, methods, and processes. No data were yet available. Presenters included the PI, one of the technical advisers, a local soils expert, and one of the producers/ranchers.
Utilization, soil stability, and production data were collected during the growing season of 2020 and 2021. Below are the results from the monitoring and procedures used in 2019, 2020, and 2021 per stated objectives. Figures, tables, and photographs are included from monitoring in 2019, 2020, and 2021 and can be viewed in the media files.
1. Increase desirable soil physical properties, water absorption and retention, and carbon sequestration and storage over a three-year period beginning fall 2019.
Soil Sampling and Analysis
Soil chemical and physical property results from samples collected in 2019 and 2021 can be observed in the media files . Soil stability results from data collected in 2020 and 2021 can be observed in Soil Stability Test Averages in the media files.
2. Increase biomass production and ground cover by 20%, and increase species diversity over a three-year period beginning fall 2019.
Plant Canopy Cover, Species Composition, and Production
Ocular utilization estimates in 2020 averaged 36% across all paddocks and key species monitored. Total utilization ranged from 21-57%. Dry matter production varied widely from 479 lbs/acre to 1,737 lbs/acre, however the variance was not as extreme between paddocks as was observed in 2019. Average production across paddocks was 58% lower in 2020 than 2019. Production data from the 2019 and 2020 growing season and difference across years can be observed in Biomass Clippings . Photos from 2020 can be viewed in the media files. Average foliar cover, bare ground, and plant basal cover across all long term trend studies established and read in 2019 were 74%, 9%, and 12% respectively. Long-term trend data was not collected in 2020. Ground cover data and foliar cover by species across all long term trend studies plots established and read in 2019 can be observed in Long Term Trend Study Results 2019.
Ocular utilization estimates in 2021 were not collected due to the very light use of the goats during the growing season. The cattle did not arrive and complete grazing until after the growing and data collection season of 2021. Estimated utilization by goats was about 10%. Dry matter production varied widely from 500 lbs/acre to 2,190 lbs/acre, however the variance was not as extreme between paddocks as was observed in 2019. Average production across paddocks was 20% higher in 2021 compared to 2020. Production data from the 2019, 2020, and 2021 growing season and difference across years can be observed in Biomass Clippings. Photos from 2020 and 2021 can be viewed in the media files. Average foliar cover, bare ground, and plant basal cover across all long term trend studies established and read in 2021 from sites established in 2018 were 57%, 10%, and 6% respectively. Long-term trend data was not collected in 2020. Ground cover data and foliar cover by species across all long term trend studies plots established and read in 2019 and 2021 can be observed in the media files.
3. Increase production of protein pounds per acre by increasing biomass production by 25% annually.
Animal handling and grazing rotation
4. Partner with SWCRC to establish and maintain an outreach program and technical assistance with statistical analysis of collected data, in place by June 2019.
Farmers, ranchers, and students who attended the SWCRC event in August 2019 had an opportunity to become familiar with the project via presentations, displays (photos, tools, charts), and individual discussion.
Discussion
Baseline ecological data were collected during the growing season of 2019 and trend studies established in 2018 were re-read in 2021, but no additional long term data was collected in 2020. No site-specific comparisons can yet be made to the conventional methods of dryland farming and ranching due to lack of earlier baseline data to compare with the 2019 and 2021 monitoring results. However, results can be compared to NRCS ecological site description properties and forage production estimates found on Web Soil Survey.
In 2019 production exceeded production estimate capabilities by ecological/soil type on a normal year (Web Soil Survey) in all paddocks/soil types sampled with the exception of Gladel-Pulpit complex soil type. Gladel-Pulpit complex soil types support a forested area comprised of primarily pinyon/juniper and interspersed shrubs which is not a highly productive ecological type, however our samples showed grass and forb production was slightly lower than its potential at 405 lbs/acre compared to the estimated potential of 498 lbs/acre. Ocular observations comparing the site where the biomass sample was collected to another similar area that has not been grazed confirmed that there is less forage in this area of paddock A6. The highest production was found in A1 and A4 at 4,308 lbs/acre which exceeds the production potential of this soil type by several thousand pounds/acre. These paddocks were re-planted the most recently following CRP guidelines. In addition, a cover crop was grown in these paddock directly prior to planting and grazed at a high stock density resulting in immense hoof impact which helped to work the cover crop into the soil possibly increasing organic matter, but more likely ground cover. SOM results from soil testing are not higher than other paddocks with similar soil types. It is hypothesized that this animal impact helped to increase water infiltration and holding capacity assisting these paddocks to be highly productive.
2020 painted a much different production picture than 2019. In 2020 average lbs/acre across all paddocks was significantly lower than the 2019 average and also lower than production estimate capabilities by soil type in a normal precipitation year according to Web Soil Survey by 83 lbs/acre. Southwestern Colorado and the associated study site experienced extreme drought conditions and high daily temperatures throughout the growing season of 2020. Average annual precipitation for the area from 2003-2017 is 14.25 in. The total annual precipitation received in 2020 was 5.4in which was 62% below average Precip Data . It is obvious that the climatic conditions reduced vigor and production of plants in 2020 explaining the deviation of dry matter produced in 2020 from previous averages. However, it can be observed that while the average lbs/acre of dry matter production was below production averages by soil type in a "normal" precipitation year, it is above average production by soil type for a drought year as experienced in 2020. This indicates that soil conditions are improving through water infiltration and retention capabilities. While this is still an anecdotal observation it is encouraging that we are on the right path in the face of many more drought years to come.
2021 started out dry with no precipitation received in April, a crucial time for cool season plant production. Monsoon rains returned to the area in July, and by the end of December precipitation for 2021 was slightly above average at 15 inches accumulation. Production of plant material was about 20% higher in 2021 compared to 2020, but substantially lower than 2019. It is hypothesized that the timing of precipitation as well as a previous years depletion of soil moisture in 2020 resulted in the lower plant production in 2021 despite of higher than average precipitation. Precipitation data can be found in the media files in the document labeled Precip. Comparisons of annual precipitation across years is not precise due to the lack of ability to collect precipitation data until the year of 2021. Comparisons are made across two different locations and although they are not far apart precipitation events can vary in the amount of precipitation received considerably within just a few miles.
Data collected in 2019 and 2021 showed that soil physical and chemical properties are in line with comparisons using soil reports found on Web Soil Survey, rating slightly higher than the low range of soils, but below the potential for the soils found on the project. We hope to see an increase in soil organic matter in particular over the course of this project and beyond considering that SOM is one of the most influential factors in soil and plant health. We also hope to see an increase in aggregate stability and water infiltration and holding capacity. Water infiltration is directly related to ground cover, organic matter, and soil aggregation.
Monitoring during the season of 2019 and 2021 showed a relatively low amount of bare ground with a decent accumulation of embedded litter and foliar cover helping to increase soil organic matter, water infiltration rates, and holding capacity, and reduction in erosion and soil loss. Plant basal cover was very low (9%) and we would like to see this increase over the course of the project. We are currently hand broadcasting grass seed and drilling with hoof action in several paddocks to establish additional species and increase individual plant densities. As short duration, high intensity grazing practices continue to be implemented increases in vegetative production should be seen across all paddocks. This should also help recruitment of new plant individuals increasing plant basal cover. The wooded or "rough" areas of ground throughout the project area could be considered more "fragile" by nature and contain the major populations of native plant species throughout the property. Ocular observations of these areas showed more bare ground and undesirable plant species such as cheat grass (Bromus tectorum ) and annual forbs compared to non-grazed areas of similar soil types and vegetative communities. Moving forward it will be imperative that these areas are managed correctly to enhance native plant communities with special attention paid to soil surface cover and disturbance.
The addition of a goat herd to McAfee Farms shows promise in helping achieve several goals. By adding another species that is able to utilize other forage types that the cattle do not prefer we will increase pounds of animal produced/acre. It is expected that the goats' difference in forage preference from the cattle will create a more even utilization of available forage and in theory push the plant species community into a more evenly diverse state over time. It has also been shown that highly concentrated animal impact for short durations of time can improve soil health through the addition of organic matter, nutrients from urine and feces, and hoof impact. Finally the goats show more of a preference for undesirable species such as cheatgrass, thistle, bulbos bluegrass, etc. than cattle, and if managed properly have the ability to target these species reducing their overall abundance on the property. There has been no concrete data collected yet on the effects of the goats towards these outcomes as they are a new addition to the plan. However anecdotal observation does support these theories. During the early spring of 2020 the herder did observe a preference for the reproductive parts of the annual grasses and through grazing can help reduce seed production and the associated seed bank. Lessons learned; cow condition is the best indicator of when cattle need moved, early protein supplementation is more effective than trying to play catch up, cattle consume much more old dry low quality forage when protein requirements are being met, cattle need to be moved to greener pastures elsewhere when the grass dries out in order for nursing calves to continue gaining. I think that would improve had I not tried to keep cattle on dryland as long in the hot dry part of summer, and moved cattle more often.
Plans Moving Forward:
Monitoring will continue as described in the material and methods sections. Basal gap intercept and GRI methods were not completed but will be performed where appropriate in the future. Additional soil physical characteristics will be measured as monitoring continues. High intensity, short duration grazing methods will continue to be refined and recorded through live herding techniques and the addition of temporary electric fence. Strategic placement of supplements will also be a tool used to help with distribution of livestock and associated herd impacts in places that require it. Impacts specific to the goats will be monitored such as amount of browse and reduction of invasive species. Additional infrastructure with an emphasis on water development and goat fencing will be implemented to help increase even utilization of paddocks. Soil chemistry and bulk density will be monitored post-grazing to begin to track any measurable changes that occur. Additionally, we will test for water infiltration rates and for soil stability.
Statistically significant results from the project and management techniques have yet to be achieved. However, anecdotal observation, and accumulated data indicate that we are trending in the correct direction with increased ground cover, the resiliency of the land during the drought of 2020, and an abundance of perennial grasses and forbs establishing in many places. In a dryland ecosystem, three years, the equivalent length of this project, is not long enough to measure long-term impacts to the land through improved management techniques. We did achieve higher production of protein per acre through the addition of another livestock species (goats) to McAfee Farms. The difference in preferred graze between species has allowed us to maximize protein produced on the land while improving grazing utilizations as well as other land enhancement experienced by multispecies grazing. We will continue to operate as described for this project.
One of the major lessons learned is that we need to remain adaptable in the face of changing living systems that are reliant on factors out of our control, such as weather. We also learned that in some instances we may need to not only manage grazing in a regenerative fashion, but some inputs to the system to restore degraded dryland farm ground may be necessary, such as bale grazing to increase ground cover and soil organic matter more quickly. We will continue to experiment with low cost efficient inputs to the system in the future. Water development is also crucial as more and more paddocks are developed in order to be able to operate the livestock enterprises cost effectively. Much work remains to restore the land to it's capabilities, but in the short amount of time of this project much has been learned and encouraging changes in the land have been observed.
Research Outcomes
Education and Outreach
During the summer of 2021 we brought back our earlier intern, Leila Watkins, and added another, Kyle Carroll. Leila's experience with our project inspired her to enroll in Fort Lewis College to pursue an agriculture education. Kyle came to us from Southwest Open school (SWOS) where he is a student. We plan to bring Leila back in 2022 and expect to bring on another student as well.
We maintain working contact with Fozzie's Farm, an 80-acre farm that is operated by Montezuma Land Conservancy (MLC) as a community education center and is a productive farm/livestock operation. A majority of Fozzie's Farm's programs are designed for youth participation. In 2018 they partnered with SWOS to create their Ag Immersion Program for SWOS students. The students engage in a 4-week hands-on learning experience at Fozzie’s Farm and around the region. In June 2021 the students in that program spent a day on the McAfee Ranch. First they were informed about milkweed and it's danger for livestock. They they pulled milkweed that was emerging in one of the paddocks. Then they visited the McAfee residence where they were treated to grass-fed beef burgers and visited with Ranchers Zwicker and Bangert, and the McAfees, to learn about workings of livestock ranching on dryland pastures and about our efforts to improve soil health and biomass production. More than half of the students who participate in that MLC program are from the Ute Mountain Ute and Navajo communities in our area. We expect to do this again in 2022.
Participation Summary:
Producer Outreach:
The on-site educational experiences for the student interns consisted of gathering soil samples using the tools and established methods and processes, marking them for later identification, and mapping the collection sites using Avenza Maps. The interns also helped with the physical task of re-locating exclosure cages and repairing permanent fences. This will happen again in 2022.
We will expand the relationship with SWCRC to become a component of their reports to their advisory committee and the general public. The SWCRC advisory committee is a group of local community members involved in various aspects of agriculture and community engagement. The advisory committee meets semi-annually to discuss the research direction of SWCRC. Projects under the direction of SWCRC staff take place at the research center and on local farms through collaborations with local producers, NRCS, Extension, campus faculty and other research entities.
In addition to the advisory committee meetings, SWCRC holds annual field day tours and workshops that attract attendees from the Four Corners region. This project will be reported at field day tours and demonstrations, advisory committee meetings and other workshops as appropriate. Results will be in the annual SWCRC research report. Attendees at SWCRC outreach activities will be asked to respond to the WSARE survey tool. Additionally, the results of this research will be compiled to produce a technical handout (factsheet) for regional producers to reference for their land management plans.
The local CSU Extension researchers will also use data collected on the McAfee project to further technical knowledge, in conjunction with studies being performed at the extension property, pertaining to a multitude of environmental factors present in the unique ecosystem of southwestern Colorado. Photos, videos, and results will be shared on SWCRC and Extension social media outlets including Facebook and Instagram.
Field Day Tours: Summer 2019, 2020, 2021 Location: SWCRC, On-Farm Tours.
Advisory Committee Meetings: Winter 2019, 2020, 2021 Location: SWCRC.
Due to COVID restrictions the SWCRC has not conducted in-person field days so we have not achieved that part of our plan.
Colorado State University/SWCRC has embarked on a project to restore degraded rangelands, and they brought a group of college students to visit our operation in summer 2021 to learn how we are using regenerative grazing to improve soil health and biomass production, and how we are monitoring to assess progress.
Outreach within the producer community also happened in a passive fashion through word of mouth and networking. In a producer community these avenues of education are priceless. Many producers are unable due to time and management constraints to seek education and assistance from organizations. Talk amongst producers (networking) can be extremely effective in the adoption of new processes. Having the engagement of producers that are well known and revered within the local community, such as Zwicker and Zwicker-Ives, is very important.
Early in the summer of 2021 a neighbor farmer dropped by to inquire about our work. He was interested in the seed mix that we used several years ago to establish our forage grasses, learning about our rotational grazing plan, and how we are providing water for livestock. Subsequently he fenced his property, installed a livestock watering system, and is now grazing his property.
Other Local Outreach and Education:
This project also provided an educational setting for K-12 students, members of the community, and continuing education students. Local schools and organizations (i.e. Montezuma Land Conservancy, regional AmeriCorps Members, Fort Lewis College, and Southwest Open School) are working with students to provide experiential learning opportunities. This research has been included in field trips and provides a setting to learn about grazing and range management, and offers a platform to perform undergraduate thesis projects. Students have been engaged in data collection and assessment activities. Additional invaluable education and networking has been available to the students by simply interacting with producers and scientists to gain knowledge of career opportunities, experience of what it is like to be an agricultural worker or producer, and their importance to environmental, economic, and social success. They were invited and encouraged to make presentations of their work and learning.
Lastly, we coordinate with regenerative management groups such as Holistic Management International (HMI), Southwest Grasslands Alliance (SWGLA), and the Quivira Coalition to host workshops and link information about the success of regenerative grazing techniques in the four corners region.
Educational Outreach 2020 report
The pandemic caused a hold on all field days and other gatherings in which we expected to participate. This did not up in 2021.
This past year has been very different from what we planned in our proposal at the outset. Our emphasis became, and will continue to be, on word of mouth and networking, youth and education, and working with Colorado State University Southwest Colorado Research Center (SWCRC).
Word of mouth and networking
Our livestock operations, infrastructure development, and data gathering are all easily visible from miles of roads that are adjacent to the property. Projects included the introduction of goats to the livestock mix for diversity, and construction of livestock watering facilities. People drive by, note the activity, and often stop to learn about our projects. Some of the people have land that is coming out of CRP and they are interested in finding alternatives to row-cropping, and they inquire about our work.
Youth and education
We brought on a full-time high school intern, Leila Watkins, in the summer of 2020. She worked directly with Cattle-Rancher Zwicker and Technical Advisor/Goat-Rancher Bangert. She learned about livestock management, horsemanship, livestock watering, branding, hot-wire and four-strand fence construction and maintenance, and soil monitoring. She became more and more independent throughout the summer. She returned the summer of 2021. We brought on a second intern in 2021 and Leila toook on a lead role with that person.
We coordinate with Montezuma Land Conservancy (MLC) for youth programming. MLC owns a farm near us where they bring youth for summer internships and we coordinate efforts where appropriate. This included visits by their youth programs that is comprised of local, Telluride, and Ute Mountain Ute youth. Our interns visited the MLC farm to learn about smaller operations and irrigation systems.
CSU SWCRC
We are in regular contact with Dr. Russell at SWCRC regarding methodology for gathering and interpreting data. She provided and discussed with us information and frameworks relating to drought planning. As noted earlier, we were not able to be involved with them for field day tours and advisory committee meetings in 2021. SWCRC maintains social media accounts on Instagram and Facebook. We coordinate with SWCRC to post photographs and stories on those accounts when appropriate. We have informed them that our land can be available to SWCRC to be a component of their studies where appropriate.
The Mancos campus of Pueblo community College has implemented a class relating to agriculture and land-owner McAfee has been invited to participate in the advisory committee for that class because of our regenerative grazing project.
Education and Outreach Outcomes
Education was primarily presented to other professionals and groups that are either not actually producers in production agriculture or are small scale hobby type producers. It is believed that if outreach within the traditional producer circles could be achieved there will be more positive changes experienced within the community. It is very easy for people not working at a large scale of production to believe in these methods and theories but real influential change will not be achieved until these practices are accepted and implemented at large scale operations. Sheldonna and Sarah will bring this to the production community through word of mouth, coffee shop talk, and also the creation of a local production scale producer group that will discuss business planning and regenerative trials and errors.
To have a more complete set of ecological baseline data as well as a more comprehensive annual monitoring plan the Grazing Response Index and Gap Intercept methods should be implemented in the future. This is an ongoing effort.
The addition of herding of livestock practiced in 2019 with cattle and the implementation of goats should prove to greatly improve land health. These techniques have the potential to increase the positive outcomes of high intensity, short duration grazing such as even utilization, increases in animal performance, soil health increase, etc. This along with continued intensive management techniques utilizing electric fence paddocks, additional water developments, and strategic supplement placement are working well to help achieve the stated objectives of the project.
We were aware at the outset that changes in soil quality and biomass production that we are seeking come slowly, especially in non-irrigated land. This is exacerbated by the extreme drought that persists in our location. We will continue the work that we are doing to learn. Our processes and tools are in place. We continue to build on what we learn and we will adapt our practices. This project will in fact be a longitudinal study.
Knowledge was gained around the current ecological health of the project area through biologic monitoring.
Herding techniques were practiced and implemented to evenly utilize paddocks and increase herd health.
Knowledge was gained pertaining to supplementation type for peak animal performance in dryland conditions as well as using supplements to improve even paddock utilization.