During its initial launch, a few area producers have implemented WSE’s Regen Ranch Guide. According to Alex Blake, WSE’s Regenerative Program Manager, they have met individually with four different ranches as a follow-up to completing the Regen Ranch Guide. These meetings have identified specific topics that these ranches want to focus on in their regenerative management journey. Several of these visits have included other “mentor” ranchers that have been willing to share their own experiences and insights. “It is amazing to see the willingness of other producers who are eager to help others,” Alex states.
Some of the topics covered in these meetings include:
- Transitioning from a cow/calf operation to custom grazing yearlings
- Getting signed up with the Montana Carbon Grassland Carbon Initiative
- Assisting a well-established regeneratively managed ranch with its list of most important priorities and thinking about different ways to track its progress towards improved ecological health
- Helping to take the next steps in regenerative ranch management, including grazing and infrastructure planning
The Regen Ranch Guide is a digital assessment tool that establishes the baseline condition of a ranching operation in eight key regenerative management areas. The tool helps shift your paradigm from “prescribe and treat” to a more involved, “observe and adapt” way of thinking. For more information or to take the Regen Ranch Guide, contact Alex Blake at ablake@wsestaff.org.