Most farms and ranches have some woodlands. For centuries, cattle have been turned out in the woods to forage or to access shelter from extreme weather. With proper management, the benefits of grazing woodlands can be maximized.

Greg and Lynn Gardner purchased the ranch in 1990. Today, along with their daughter Brittany and her husband, Wacey Cathey, they manage a cow-calf business on approximately 28,500 acres, which includes their deeded land along with neighboring private, state and tribal leases.

Rotational grazing is not exactly a new idea, but knowing the best way to implement it on your operation can lead to major long-term profits.

Shipwheel Cattle Feeders, under the stewardship of Andrea Stroeve-Sawa, exemplifies a modern approach to cattle farming that successfully integrates custom cattle feeding with flexible grazing strategies and continuously improves.

Livestock enterprises can use crop acres seeded to cover crops and crop residue to stretch the grazing season and save on feed costs. Crop operations benefit from the nutrient value added through livestock manure and to help with pest management.

Leaving sufficient residual plant material (leaves, lower stem bases and crowns) is essential to maximize next year’s production for perennial grasses.

Those in the cattle industry have come to understand the term “hybrid vigor” and how it benefits the health, growth and stamina of our livestock. Many of the same things can be said for our pastures.

At Carter Cattle Company LLC in Pintlala, Alabama, every decision is made with the future in mind. The Carter operation was named the National Environmental Stewardship Award Program (ESAP) winner in 2022.