VIDEO: 'You've got to be a grass farmer first' - Buffalo rancher Theda Pogue
Tanka Fund rancher partner Theda Pogue of GP ranch in Sulphur Springs, TX, discusses the importance of being a grass farmer in caretaking Buffalo:
Summary
To become a successful Buffalo rancher, it's essential to first focus on being a grass farmer. Healthy animals thrive on sustainable land, requiring minimal external inputs like hay or grains. Planting and managing native grasses such as rye, wheat, oats, and legumes is crucial for this. It's important to allow these grasses to establish deep, strong roots before grazing. Additionally, pollinators are vital for increasing the forage production. The key is to work with the land, using native grasses suited to the region, as these vary based on geographic location, even within the same state.
Key points
1. Being a successful Buffalo rancher starts with being a grass farmer.
2. Healthy animals thrive on sustainable grasslands without the need for excessive hay or grain inputs.
3. Native grasses like rye, wheat, oats, legumes, Johnson grass, and blue stem are essential for healthy grazing.
4. Pollinators play a crucial role in boosting the forage capacity of grasslands.
5. It’s important to allow grass roots to establish before grazing animals.
6. Grazing should be done carefully, leaving grasses at 6-8 inches before pulling animals off to allow regrowth.
7. Native grasses, suited to the specific region, should be prioritized for planting.
8. Different regions require different native grasses, even within the same state.
9. Sustainable grazing practices involve rotating animals to allow grasses to recover.
10. The goal is to work with the land's natural ecosystem, improving and enhancing what was originally there.
Theda and Chris Pogue, owners of GP Ranch, participate in Tanka Fund's Climate Smart program for ranchers. For more information: TankaFund.org/climate-smart
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