Recent content by John Steitz

I believe that any connection we can make between farm and local schools is a great thing.

Great idea and without beavers that would do alot but why not a beaver introduction? .... Let the beavers do the work

Every Morning is a new opportunity to make an improvement on our sheep operation. Whether we are in grazing season or hooves on 2 ft of snowpack we are constantly managing our pastures or lots to improve them as we can. Any idea that we have implemented can always be improved. Experience, read...

Very interesting! I hadn't paid much attention to biochar until very recently. Expensive gimmick ?or worthwhile tool? is my question. Being located where we are NW Montana, after reading this article, pushes my interest further.

Sheep too! These are very valuable pastures to us this time of year. The sheep often eat more leaves than grasses. In 2 years we have already seen more grass coverage, significant improvement. We know its a process not a light switch, a little at a time. Note: They are coated to keep their wool...

We are using PastureMap thank you Soil for Water.

We raise colored merino sheep specifically for the fiber artist. Our flock is very small, maximizing at 25 breeding adults. This combination of specialty and small has really worked out for us. Yes, small operations can succeed but you need to manage like a small flock, not a large flock. I have...

Temporary electric would possibly be easiest and least disruptive. You may want to use cattle panels at access if narrow but kind of a touch/ feel kind of thing. You are basically building a boat ramp to give you a better picture.

I can picture the pond problem. My first thought is creating a crushed stone( or recycled concrete cheaper sometimes ) to create an access to the pond and restrict the rest. Size accordingly to pond, herd and budget. You may want to throw some fabric down first to support the stone, otherwise...

I can only say positive things about the direction I have seen in meats in general but beef in particular. Rather than explain my observations, let me show you an example. I certainly look up to these guys for doing it right in every direction. www.mannixbeef.com. Please check out their...

Thank you. I have used those and prefer the fiberglass for semi permanent dividers , although I have not had that bad experience yet. I think I may be glad I didn't trust the 3/8 " though hearing that. I do have a fair number of the step ins. Good point though as these are non winter use and...

As I plan to move to some off property grazing next year I need to invest in some fencing. I use 1/2" fiberglass posts and poly wire. What I need to add are wind up reals as I move fence from location to location. What is working? What is not working? Can you use multiple spools for one reel?

I have not tried that although I would bet there is a very good chance that would be fine. I have done 2 strand successfully w top at knee bottom. The sheep are easy its lambs low and my LGD that I add strands for.

Carol and I really enjoyed this short film. Both of us have done riparian restoration and now we are pushing those things learned much farther up the watershed on our new place. Working with natural resources available was a part of that thinking. This film strengthened emboldened those thoughts.