Regenerative Agriculture in Cattle Operations
Regenerative agriculture is transforming cattle farming by prioritizing sustainability and soil health. Farmers are increasingly adopting grazing and diverse planting to enhance productivity.
Clay Nash, a sustainable cattle farmer in Monticello, Arkansas, owns Nash Cattle Ranch LLC. He said that basic sustainable practices like rotational grazing are easy to do and help the environment.
“Rotational grazing helps disrupt the soil and helps fertilize and keep the grass and forage eaten down just enough to regenerate soil and growth,” said Nash. Rotating cattle when grass and soil become bare allows land to recover and improves fertility and forage quality.
Preventing overgrazing is essential, and Nash said limiting livestock based on forage availability.
“It boils down to pounds per acre,” Nash said. “You can look at how much forage is available and move cows two or three times a day or once a day, depending on how much is there. The rest period is important too—once you let them graze, you should let the land sit for one or two weeks or even a month before bringing them back.”
Diversifying forage crops is another critical component. By planting a mix of ryegrass, wheat, turnips, and radishes in the winter and sorghum Sudan grass, millet, and Australian peas in the spring, Nash ensures both livestock and soil receive essential nutrients.
“Think about it like a town,” Nash said. “Every town has different restaurants because people want variety. Cows and people both like variety. Biodiversity is key when growing crops for cattle to graze.”
Manure management also plays a crucial role. Rather than using chemical fertilizers, Nash allows manure to naturally decompose, enriching the soil.
“Though it sits out there, it goes back into the soil, giving it nutrients that the animal digested. It’s all a big circle, and manure plays a big role in soil fertility,” Nash said.
For small-scale farmers, reducing unnecessary inputs can improve sustainability.
“Less inputs – the cattle work for you, you don’t work for the cattle,” Nash said. “You don’t have to drag out a feed bucket all the time. Let them move and eat as they’re supposed to.”
To maintain soil health, Nash follows six key principles:
1. Know your context – Understand the land and its needs.
2. Do not disturb – Avoid excessive tilling and let the land regenerate naturally.
3. Cover your armor – Keep soil covered to prevent erosion and retain moisture.
4. Diversity – Incorporate a variety of plants, wildlife, and insects for a balanced ecosystem.
5. Keep living roots in the soil – Feed microorganisms and support soil structure.
6. Animals – Use livestock hoof action to encourage seed germination and plant growth.
Nash advised new farmers to adopt sustainable practices gradually.
“Find your niche, don’t dive in all at once. Slowly incorporate sustainability into your operation and see what works for you,” Nash said.
He also encourages young farmers to take advantage of educational opportunities.
“There are tons of different internships across Arkansas that allow hands-on learning in cattle operations and sustainability,” Nash said.
By implementing regenerative agriculture, cattle farmers can create more sustainable operations that benefit both the land and livestock. Thoughtful pasture management, diverse planting, and a commitment to soil health make for a greener future in cattle farming.
To learn more about sustainable and regenerative agriculture, visit https://understandingag.com/.
