On the Ground
Goal-driven ecologically based grazing management moved a ranching operation from negative economic returns to profit.
Management adaptively manipulated the duration, seasonality, and frequency of grazing with a goal to recruit cool-season midgrasses. A change to recovery periods based on plant physiology of goal species was a key adaptation.
Recruitment of both cool- and warm-season mid-grasses improved water cycling, extended the grazing season, and eventually increased sustainable stocking rates.
Flexible stocking rates were central to improved profit.
