October 2022 Hereford World
The voice of the American Hereford Association | October 2022
Science and Strategy A Missouri cattleman focuses on making his cow herd efficient and sustainable. by Macey Mueller
M
ainstream conversations about beef industry sustainability are frequently focused on environmental or animal welfare issues — which are certainly valid — but any rancher will tell you that managing a sustainable operation also includes making it economically viable. Financial security is often a result of implementing strategies promoting efficiency, identifying conservation practices that maximize resources and leveraging data to make selection and management decisions — all actions that can simultaneously impact environmental and livestock stewardship efforts. “Whether it’s grazing cover crops that also benefit their farming operations or using high-level data to make sound management decisions, most producers are implementing valuable sustainability tools that can positively impact the environment and our bottom lines,” said Mike John, partner and general manager at John Ranch Inc.
Forage first
In addition to soybeans, wheat and alfalfa, John’s family-owned, diversified farming and ranching operation near Huntsville, Mo., utilizes the region’s suitable environmental conditions to run a forage-based cow herd on tall fescue.
“To me, Missouri wouldn’t be the number two or three cow state if it weren’t for fescue,” he said. “It does have to be managed properly to avoid some of the toxicity issues, but if you’re fortunate to have enough acres and enough rainfall to stockpile it in the fall, it’s a very valuable feedstuff and saves an awful lot of hay feeding.” Not only is fescue ideal for cow-calf production, but research has also shown the large amount of biomass it produces as a perennial grass makes it an ideal crop for capturing and holding carbon dioxide. “Carbon sequestration is an important aspect of reducing the beef industry’s overall environmental impact,” John said. “One of our biggest responsibilities is managing our grass to not only ensure a continued healthy source of nutrients for our cattle but also to allow the plant to effectively use photosynthesis to secure carbon.” For the past several years, the Johns have also started planting cover crops to improve soil compatibility and water retention for their farming operation and utilize the resulting forage for their cattle. “The cover crop component of our farm has changed a lot of things and made cattle operations in fescue country, in my opinion, continued on page 20...
Photo by Makayla Reynolds