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Merchandise

Wild Lands Ranching

Date: 07/18/2012
Time: 9 a.m.-noon

Beverages and breakfast rolls provided

 

Hosts:                                           

Mike, Dan, Mark and Kay DeCook and Lonnie Essick

DeCook Ranch

1145 540th Avenue

Lovilia, IA 50150

641.946.7226

 

Description:

Learn how DeCook Ranch uses low-input natural systems and incorporates native species for wildlife benefits and for soil and water quality. We will hear about how protecting prairies and incorporating them into agriculture can be profitable, and how custom grazing cattle improves cash flow.

 

Topics:

·         Patch-burn grazing

·         Grazing bison

·         Interseeding native prairie species into cool-season pastures

·         Custom grazing cattle

·         Protecting land with conservation easements

 

Speakers:

Joe McGovern, Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation and DeCook family members

 

Farm description:

DeCook Ranch is starting to raise 100% organic grass-fed bison, with 66 head and expanding. They also custom-graze 350 cow-calf pairs during the growing season. The DeCooks do not make a lot of hay, focusing instead on year-round grazing.

 

Directions:

From Hwy 5 in Lovilia: Go west on H16 (paved) about 3 miles; pavement ends at the 4-way intersection. Go right (north), and wind around about 2.5 miles. There will be a brown Morton building and a big lone walnut tree just past the drive on the right side of the road.