SUSTAINABLE GRAZING
Little Creek Farm HEALTHY LAND, HEALTHY COWS
other producers the benefits of making similar changes to their farms. “In the end, farmers are just trying to run a business. If we can prove that simple practices will allow them to run more cattle per acre, while increasing the condition of their cattle and benefiting their land, I think that will get people interested,” said Ryan. “We are excited to have Ryan on board with us at Little Creek Farm,” said Kent Wamsley, TNC’s grasslands and sustainable grazing strategy manager. “We have the ability to test strategies that will not only benefit the producers’ bottom line, but will increase the health of the land and wildlife habitat. For us, this is a win for nature and for sustainable grazing.”
Ryan Cox was 13 years old when he began farming. Now 27, with a full-time job, a family with young children, and active in the military, he continues to cultivate the land. Ryan has partnered with The Nature Conservancy by leasing land at Little Creek Farm, TNC’s first sustainable grazing demonstration farm in Missouri. Located in Hatfield, in the Grand River Grasslands, Ryan and TNC will collaborate with additional partners to put sustainable grazing practices into action and test strategies. “It makes sense to want grazing systems in place that will extend my grazing period, make my operation more profitable, and increase the health of the land,” said Ryan. After purchasing Little Creek Farm, TNC installed fencing to restrict the
cattle from the creek. This helps to reduce streambank erosion, restores habitat, and improves the overall health of the creek, which is home to the federally endangered Topeka shiner. Alternative watering systems were added for the cattle, and soon, much of the land will be converted to native warm season grasses. “By incorporating warm season grasses, you extend your grazing period,” said Ryan. “So, when it’s hot outside and your cool season grasses slow down, you can put your cattle on your warm season grasses. That grass is going to have more nutrients in it and your cattle are going to do better, while allowing your cool season grasses to recover.” Ryan hopes that by working with TNC his operation will be more profitable, and together, they will be able to show
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THIS PAGE Ryan Cox and his cattle on Little Creek Farm. © Kristy Stoyer/TNC
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