1. The 21st Century Solution for Agriculture and the Environment
Managed Grazing
The 21st Century Solution for Agriculture and the Environment
Warren King Manager, The Pasture Project
Grassfed Exchange Annual Meeting
August 22, 2013
Warren King
Project Manager
The Pasture Project

2. Overview About the Pasture Project
Beyond the farm benefits of sustainable and grass-based agriculture
Current and potential applications
Conclusions
Discussion & questions

3. The Pasture Project Our Goal Approaches:
Increase acreage in the Upper Mississippi River Basin that is sustainably managed by expanding the region’s production of grass-fed livestock.
Approaches:
Broadly share with farmers the economic and environmental benefits associated with grass-fed beef production
Help trusted individuals/institutions provide technical assistance to farmers related to land management and accessing the grass-fed beef market
Support shifts in political, financial, land access and other systems that limit entry into grass-fed markets
Regional Partner Organizations:
Notes on approaches:
We’re focused on outreach to producers of all types and in various stages of transition – including some under-targeted groups like non-operating landowners and land trusts.
There are many groups focused on supporting farmers or increasing their use of sustainable practices. Our focus is on identifying, testing and then scaling up both products and strategies that work, getting them into the hands of people and groups that are trusted, including a focus on farmer to farmer education.
The project began and has continued to be framed by an analysis of the sector and the challenges involved in transition. Even as we work to encourage farmers to adopt more sustainable practices, we’re engaged in tackling the barrier they face head on. This includes making sure they have access to cost-shares for fencing and other initial expenses, ensuring that lenders understand the sector and the needs of farmers in it, and reaching out to non-operating landowners to find the land producers need.
Kickapoo Grazing Initiative
Land Stewardship Project
Southwest Badger RC&D
Sustainable Farming Association
Land Stewardship Project

4. Approaches We’ve Tested
Transition conventional cattle producers through existing grass-fed farmers and ranchers as “experts” to deliver education, training, and connection to resources
Use a “Train the Trainer” approach to target local NRCS agents or Grazing Specialists for advanced education - to create events and tools that will promote conservation and conversion
Notes on approaches:
We’re focused on outreach to producers of all types and in various stages of transition – including some under-targeted groups like non-operating landowners and land trusts.
There are many groups focused on supporting farmers or increasing their use of sustainable practices. Our focus is on identifying, testing and then scaling up both products and strategies that work, getting them into the hands of people and groups that are trusted, including a focus on farmer to farmer education.
The project began and has continued to be framed by an analysis of the sector and the challenges involved in transition. Even as we work to encourage farmers to adopt more sustainable practices, we’re engaged in tackling the barrier they face head on. This includes making sure they have access to cost-shares for fencing and other initial expenses, ensuring that lenders understand the sector and the needs of farmers in it, and reaching out to non-operating landowners to find the land producers need.
Create a new position/career called a “Grazing Broker” to
educate landowners, assess financial potential, and implement plans to transition existing acres to pasture-based agriculture

5. Approaches We’ve Tested
Expand “bird-friendly” grass-fed beef production. Explore development of an Audubon through business planning and marketing to connect producers and consumers Initially focused in western Missouri and eastern Kansas
Use a “kitchen table” counseling approach to engage producers and landowners in conversation about what they want from their land and the opportunities for stewardship and profit with grass-fed beef
Notes on approaches:
We’re focused on outreach to producers of all types and in various stages of transition – including some under-targeted groups like non-operating landowners and land trusts.
There are many groups focused on supporting farmers or increasing their use of sustainable practices. Our focus is on identifying, testing and then scaling up both products and strategies that work, getting them into the hands of people and groups that are trusted, including a focus on farmer to farmer education.
The project began and has continued to be framed by an analysis of the sector and the challenges involved in transition. Even as we work to encourage farmers to adopt more sustainable practices, we’re engaged in tackling the barrier they face head on. This includes making sure they have access to cost-shares for fencing and other initial expenses, ensuring that lenders understand the sector and the needs of farmers in it, and reaching out to non-operating landowners to find the land producers need.
Close gaps in the supply chain by developing a role for
“professional finishers” and encouraging other producers to transition

6. Leadership Core Team Advisory Committee: Warren King, Wellspring Ltd.
Allen Williams, Ph.D., LMC, LLC
John Fisk, Ph.D., Wallace Center at Winrock International
Advisory Committee:
Todd Churchill, Thousand Hills Cattle Co.
Andrew Gunther, Animal Welfare Approved
Lauren Gwin, Oregon State University
Will Harris, White Oak Pastures
Mike Lorentz, Lorentz Meats
Lauren Paine, WI Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection
Kerry Smith, USDA AMS
Patricia Whisnant, Rain Crow Ranch
Dan Rosenthal, Chicago Green Restaurant Co-op
Denis Jennisch, US Foods
George Boody and Terry VanDerPol, Land Stewardship Project
Rod Ofte, Norse Group
Allison Van, Wallace Center at Winrock International
Greg Nowicki, Wisconsin Grass-fed Beef Cooperative
Cara Carper, SW WI Grassland and Stream Conservation Association
Jeff Hastings, Trout Unlimited
Cynthia Olmstead, Kickapoo Grazing Initiative
John Mesko, Sustainable Farming Association
Kristine Jepsen, Grass Run Farms
Moira McDonald, Walton Family Foundation
Sarah Bell and Michael Roberts, Schmidt Family Foundation

7. Supply Chain Research
The market for grass-finished beef is growing at 15-20% annually, with potential to reach 22% of households
Relative to conventional cattle production, producers can lower costs, increase prices, and participate higher up the value chain
Supply of grass-finished animals is the key limiting factor, however, the region has the animal numbers, acres and processing capacity to support transition
Working with existing branded programs is likely the quickest way to expand sales; there are multiple choices of branded programs to sell to in the region
Notes on approaches:
We’re focused on outreach to producers of all types and in various stages of transition – including some under-targeted groups like non-operating landowners and land trusts.
There are many groups focused on supporting farmers or increasing their use of sustainable practices. Our focus is on identifying, testing and then scaling up both products and strategies that work, getting them into the hands of people and groups that are trusted, including a focus on farmer to farmer education.
The project began and has continued to be framed by an analysis of the sector and the challenges involved in transition. Even as we work to encourage farmers to adopt more sustainable practices, we’re engaged in tackling the barrier they face head on. This includes making sure they have access to cost-shares for fencing and other initial expenses, ensuring that lenders understand the sector and the needs of farmers in it, and reaching out to non-operating landowners to find the land producers need.

8. Overview
About the Pasture Project
Beyond the farm benefits of sustainable and grass-based agriculture
Current and potential applications
Conclusions
Discussion & questions

9. Beyond the Farm Benefits
What can well- managed grazing do?
Improve Water Quality
Increase Wildlife Habitat
Reduce Flooding & Increase Water Recharge
Capture & Hold Carbon
HOW?
It all starts with the soil!!!

10. Clean Air and Water Start with Soil Organic Matter

11. Water Holding Capacity
Organic Carbon (%)
Water Per Acre (Gallons) 1%
14,400 2%
28,800 3%
43,200 4%
57,600 5%
80,000 8%
128,000

12. Benefits of Cover Crops and Managed Grazing
soil erosion
nutrient run-off
herbicide/pesticide use
operational costs
soil health
soil moisture retention
net farm returns
Reduce/Eliminate:
Improve:

13. Improving Water Quality
Lower Fox River Watershed: Phosphorous Reduction Project
Multi-year pilot project of NRCS through GLRI
Targeted reduction of sediment and phosphorous
Agriculture contributes 66% of Total Suspended Solids(TSS)
Grazing as alternative for dairy farmers is a key element of the pilot. Local RC&D is contracted for outreach and technical assistance on managed grazing
Eventually lead to development of a phosphorous trading scheme for the watershed

14. Lower Fox River Watershed
Source: Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources

15. Improving Water Quality
Yahara CLEAN: Phosphorous Reduction Project
Multi-year pilot project by Clean Lakes Alliance of Dane County, WI (Madison Area)
Targeted reduction of P by 50% annually in Yahara River chain of lakes
Agriculture contributes ~ 71% of total phosphorous load
20 year project costing $50 million to meet reduction goals
Strategies include increasing cover crops, no-till, production of biomass, erosion control and purchase of manure digesters. Grazing as an alternative practice is NOT in the strategic plan

16. Yahara Clean

17. Improving Wildlife Habitat
National Audubon Society:
Bird-Friendly Grazing
Use of adaptive grazing to improve the habitat of grassland birds
Pilot project in Flint Hills Area of Missouri to determine which grazing practices are of highest benefit
MDC and consultants providing technical assistance to ranchers
May lead to protocol, certification and brand of bird- friendly beef

18. Bird-Friendly Grazing
New paddock with over 20 documented species
Pasture after hard grazing with cover remaining for birds
Images courtesy of Dr. Allen Williams

19. Bird-Friendly Grazing
Moving from grazed to ungrazed pasture – note the difference in forage height
Pasture allowed to mature prior to next grazing provides cover for birds
Images courtesy of Dr. Allen Williams

20. Improving Wildlife Habitat
Trout Unlimited: Driftless Area Initiatives
Trout Unlimited (TU) is partnering with state & federal agencies, conservation groups and farmers to promote managed grazing
Recreational fishing in the Driftless generates over $1.0 billion annually
TU is a leader in The Kickapoo Grazing Initiative, promoting grazing to increase SOI and reduce nutrient runoff in streams and rivers
Improvements in fish populations are so dramatic that WDFW is removing brown trout from some streams

21. Driftless Area
Source: Driftless Area Partners

22. Impacts of Improper Grazing
Images Courtesy of: Trout Unlimited

23. WDNR Stream Restoration
Restoration in Progress
Trout Run, Eyota MN
Images Courtesy: Trout Unlimited

24. WDNR Stream Restoration
Images Courtesy: Trout Unlimited

25. Grazing on Spring Coulee
Ungrazed, unrestored stretch
Images Courtesy: Willow Creek Ranch

26. Economic Impact of Restorative Grazing
No commentary or data?
Images Courtesy: Trout Unlimited

27. Overview Current and potential applications About the Pasture Project
Beyond the farm benefits of sustainable and grass-based agriculture
Current and potential applications
Conclusions
Discussion & questions

28. Controlling Flooding and Increasing Water Recharge
City of Milwaukee GreenSeams® Project
Infrastructure and land acquisition project by the Milwaukee Metro Sewer District (MMSD) to control flooding and improve water quality
The project has acquired over 2,000 acres at a cost of nearly $15 million to re-establish natural flood plains
Since flooding in the late 90’s that caused an estimated $90 million in damage, MMSD has spent over $250 million on infrastructure to control flooding

29. Controlling Flooding and Increasing Water Recharge
Paw Paw River Watershed (MI): FieldPrint™ Calculator
Collaboration between Van Buren Conservation District, Coca-Cola, World Wildlife Federation and the Nature Conservancy
The calculator allows farms and landowners to determine the environmental impact of ag operations, including soil erosion, water usage and SOI
No-till and cover crops are being promoted as management tools to improve sustainability
Coca-Cola is particularly interested in recharging the aquifer since they have a bottling operation in Van Buren County

30. Coca-Cola’s Interest
Source: The Coca-Cola Company

31. Capturing & Holding Carbon
California Cap and Trade Program Allows Polluting Industries to Purchase Offsets to Carbon Emissions
Recent Auction Permits Sold from $10-$15 per ton of CO2
Grazing is not yet approved as an offset activity, however the protocol is being developed
Using conservative estimates for CO2 captured from grazing, the offset credit could be worth $40-$60 per acre
There are other GHG, fertilizer, and fuel reductions from grazing that could also be included in the credit

32. Overview Conclusions Discussion & questions About the Pasture Project
Beyond the farm benefits of sustainable and grass-based agriculture
Current and potential applications
Conclusions
Discussion & questions

33. Conclusions
The environmental issues are on a landscape and watershed scale
They are expensive to address using the present technology and a “mitigation mentality”
Changes to agricultural are seen as part of the solution, however grazers are not part of the conversation
The ability of managed grazing to address these issues is a proven solution
Grazing planned and executed on a watershed scale will take a high level of coordination and teamwork

34. Conclusions
Grass-based livestock operations are the opportunity to use an agronomic solution that reduces the cost of production, leverages a real & growing market demand, and potentially saves taxpayers hundreds of billions of dollars in infrastructure spending
Strategic and coordinated communications targeted at municipalities, conservationists and businesses that promotes the benefits of grazing related to clean water, flood control, “harvesting water” and wildlife habitat should be a high priority for the grass-fed beef industry

35. Questions and Comments?
Warren King
The Pasture Project
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