Fall: A Look Back from Your Rancher's Perspective

CAUTION: GEEKY GRASS AND SOIL TALK AHEAD

The fall season in Michigan offers much to enjoy: crisp weather, brilliant colors, festive gatherings and hearty seasonal foods.

Well, it’s over. Welcome winter. Merry Christmas!

If geeky, soil and grass talk is not your thing, that's cool. Instead, put a 100% grass fed beef roast in the crock-pot, head to your sofa, read a good book or look out your window, count your blessings and enjoy a super holiday season with friends and family.

Back to my geek-talk.

​Fall is an important time on the ranch. When the grazing season draws to a close, we make careful decisions to prepare the land and livestock for winter.

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After a season of lush, growing grass, it's tempting to let livestock graze down to the roots. But overgrazing at this stage can be harmful to both the soil and next year’s spring growth. Here are two key reasons why ranchers avoid overgrazing before winter.

Taller Grasses Support Soil Health

• As temperatures drop, grasses begin to store more energy, which is packed with sugars and other nutrients.

• Nutrients flow into the soil through the roots, feeding beneficial organisms that help sustain soil health through winter.

• The taller the grass, the more sunlight it captures, which boosts the delivery of nutrients into the soil.

In short, there’s a direct link between grass height and the amount of “food” that’s sent down into the soil. By maintaining taller grass, we achieve better soil nourishment during the cold months.

Insulation for Soil Biology

• Taller grasses serve as a protective layer, helping to keep soil temperatures warmer throughout the winter.

• This “blanket” effect keeps essential soil organisms active, even in the face of harsh Michigan winters.

• Active soil biology results in earlier green-up in spring, meaning cattle can graze on fresh grass sooner. Yum.

​Healthy soil biology is a cycle that begins with how we manage grass height at the end of the season. This early spring growth is invaluable.

Embracing a Grass-First Approach

This approach to pasture management reflects our commitment to sustainable farming practices.

Though we serve dozens of families with our pasture-raised, 100% grass-fed, grass-finished beef, we often think of ourselves as grass farmers first.

Our priority is to cultivate rich, lively soil that supports healthy grass which nourishes our cattle ending up as nutritious food for you.

Key Takeaways

• Taller grasses deliver more nutrients to the soil.

• Grass coverage helps insulate soil, maintaining soil life through winter.

• Healthy soil biology leads to quicker growth in spring, benefiting the livestock.

We are passionate about enhancing our soil’s vitality, so our animals eat well and you enjoy nutritious, pasture-raised beef.

Here’s to the end of a great fall season; a time of transition and preparation.

Cheers!