When the herd eventually returns to a rested pasture, the cattle's hoof impact disturbs the soil, loosens up compacted soil surface, while aerating and mixing organic matter into the soil, and thus allowing for rain to soak in instead of running off or creating eroded areas. This process provides a healthy plant vigor, which, of course, benefits the wildlife as well as the cattle. These are scattered around the ranch, in proximity to water, and fenced in from the cattle. These are seeded in small grains and clover. In addition, within these food plots, we provide salt and mineral supplement for the wildlife, and hay in the winter.
Winters here can be harsh, and the snow cover can be deep.
In order to increase the water level and health of our creeks and ponds, we are erecting electric fences around these areas. This allows for the vegetation to grow up around the water, and provide shade which in turn results in less evaporation in the summer, and deeper, cooler water. The wildlife have unlimited access to the water, while the cattle use specific water points along the fence. The cattle may be turned inside these fenced areas for brief periods in order to knock down old grass and disturb the soil, thus improving the riparian areas.