*AACT Keystone Provider:
AACT- Actively Aerated Compost Tea. This is the missing link to the regenerative process that I believe is the lynchpin to a practical timeline of your regenerative plan. Why? Think of the accepted method of lunatic farming as a method of layering that takes moisture, photons, and seasons to blend into a cooperative substrate. With the application of mycorrhizal rich and microorganism abundant tea into the process, the blending timeline is broken down from months to weeks. Also, the cover crop production has visible health benefits due to the nutrient unlocking process that is occurring within the micro biome of the soil.
*Worm Casting Conditioner:
Let’s start off by breaking the misconception that worm castings is a abundant nitrogen rich source… it’s not. On the NPK scale the mean average of reputable source products is 1-0-0. Why then do people report such changes after application? Reason being is the high concentration of micro nutrients, microorganisms, and mycelium network enhancement. Another benefit of castings application is the 1:1 ratio between the castings mass and the potential storage of H2O in the mass. This benefit of castings is a game changer for regenerative projects starting off in depleted soils.
Biomass Compost Production:
In every situation of farming a plan for nutrient dense a high humic black gold reintroduction plan is of upmost importance. There are an amass of bulk suppliers throughout the country, but I recommend avoiding the transportation cost along with mark-ups if possible. This decision really comes down to whether you have an adequate supply of forestry in your area. Wood chips will make up 60% of your compost production. (Note: Mixing your worm castings and compost before application is recommended to get the highest microbiome production value.)
*Perennial Cover Crops :
Instead of following the industrial farm method of growing annual monocrops that feed a disease-infested stockyard, choose a perennial seed mix to feed your stock. The economic upsides are overwhelming when you factor in the health of your animals, which in turn passes on to those consuming your products. There are plenty of options of heirloom seed mixes that will thrive in your specific growth zone. The one thing I look for in my pasture seed is the presence of legumes. Legumes is a critical component to your soil growth plan for the reason of its nitrogen sequestration activity. This process restores ready to use nitrogen from the air into your soil web network for a storage of potential crop growth.
*Targeted Irrigation:
Investing in a targeted irrigation plan is one of the most overlooked aspects of a farmers pasture plan. Most farmers mimic the industrial model with large overhead crop circle irrigators, or irrigation wheels for rectangular pastures. The cost infrastructure alone for these systems is enough of a deterrence to me. Rather then paying out the nose for 3 phase pumps and 4”-6” water lines, we will be using holding ponds or cisterns to store 2 cycles of irrigation per paddock. From the holding ponds 2” irrigation lines will be laid underground with a tractor ripper, running to set points that connect to trifold sprinkler sprayers that cover 100’ diameter area. Instead of 3 phased pumps, gasoline trash pumps will deliver the water to the sprinkler heads. This system in turn of the industrial model will be more cost effective, redundant, and allow for easy application compost tea conditioner.
*Berm & Swale:
For Midwest and western states where forestry is limited and needs to be established apart of your regeneration plan; the wise thing to do is set berms and swales on contour lines to gain back control of the wind and water erosion plaguing the land. Trees & shrubs planted on the berms will provide adequate wind blockage for wind erosion prevention, while the swales will limit soil erosion and displacement during heavy rain falls. A third advantage of a berm & swales application is a natural shade cover for your animals during hot summer days.
*Permanent Fencing:
Based on the biblical 1:7 ratio of time on land to time of rest along with projected herd size will determine your paddock size to set your perimeter permanent fencing. A permanent fence area isn’t necessary for all areas, but in western states where there’s neighboring free range herds it’s a mandatory application. It also makes managing your inner electric fencing more manageable and precise as you work your herd through the paddock.
*Moveable Electric Fencing:
As far as pasture crop management and herd health the implementation of a moveable electric fence is crucial for the whole methodology of rotational grazing. This is how you keep your crop from stunting due to over grazing from the herd. Joel Salatins books of rotational grazing is where I point to understand the intricacies of this process.
*Water Troughs & Salt Supplementation:
When planning your underground irrigation layout be sure to add in stub outs to the perimeter fencing for trough water. Keep in mind that you will be moving the water trough along with your herd, so I recommend using a wheeled platform under your trough for ease of movement. If you set your stub out about 150’-175’ apart this provides adequate placement to set a 100’ hose on the sub outs connecting to a float valve on your stock tank. This layout will allow for minimum pasture disturbance and optimal hydration to your herd. Salt lick supplementation can be delivered simply on the ground with the herd.
