Getting tire tanks down into steep wooded draws is tricky, so we got creative and used a big culvert to save on space and could do it with hand tools! The pressure will keep up with animals because only a few cows can drink at a time and will improve our grazes by allowing animals to stay down in the draw and not travel as far for water!

Most would look at this giant patch of thistle and head right for the round up but these thistle are hard at work! 1. Their deep tap roots (3-6ft) break through compacted soil layers 2. They pull nutrients from deep in the soil (especially phosphorus) 3. Support mycorrhizal fungi (very important soil life) 4. A high protein forage early on 5. Huge biomass that will cycle carbon back into the soil when trampled 6. Cover bare soil Weeds are natures way of putting bandaids on the soil. Don't be so quick to get rid of them, instead ask why they might be there in the first place?

Rule of Thirds for grazing is that you should be grazing 1/3 trampling 1/3 and leaving 1/3. In this case, animals are eating the best 1/3, putting a lot of carbon back into the soil, and leaving behind enough to ensure quick recovery and keep that solar panel up.

The exact same field 1 month after being grazed a little too hard and you almost can even tell the difference on either side of the fence!

Question for the community, when do we anticipate the courses to begin?