Case Study: Adaptive Grazing Management at Rancho Largo Cattle Company

Abstract

On the Ground • Goal-driven ecologically based grazing management moved a ranching operation from negative economic returns to profit. • Management adaptively manipulated the duration, seasonality, and frequency of grazing with a goal to recruit cool-season midgrasses. A change to recovery periods based on plant physiology of goal species was a key adaptation. • Recruitment of both cool- and warm-season midgrasses improved water cycling, extended the grazing season, and eventually increased sustainable stocking rates. • Flexible stocking rates were central to improved Profit.