Ranchers are transforming their Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch in Ohio through sustainable practices.

Описание: Production Partner ‪@YanasaTV‬
Farm tour of Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch in Ohio.

Carrie and Jared Starr are transforming their Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch in Ohio through sustainable practices, innovative land management, and agritourism, while overcoming challenges related to funding and marketing.

00:00 Carrie and Jared Starr operate Cherokee Valley Bison Ranch in Ohio, focusing on grass-fed bison and agritourism while enhancing their ranch with durable fencing and improved water lines for better grazing.
05:41 Carrie and Jared Starr transformed their bison ranch by securing a USDA microloan to expand their herd, enhancing land management and pasture quality while overcoming funding and marketing challenges.
11:41 The Starrs are addressing drainage and water management challenges on their bison ranch by implementing cross fencing and pasture subdivision to improve grazing practices and land utilization.
18:10 Carrie and Jared Starr's bison ranch employs sustainable pasture management techniques, including solar-powered fencing, manual weed control, and strategic feeding to promote animal health and grass recovery.
25:25 Bison Ranch utilizes innovative hay unrolling techniques to enhance grazing efficiency, reduce waste, and improve soil health while ensuring all animals have access to food.
30:36 Bison Ranch manages 53 bison, produces 10-12 for meat yearly, and is expanding while adopting natural pasture management techniques.
34:44 The farm employs multi-species grazing and holistic management to enhance pasture health, control invasive plants, and improve animal welfare despite challenges with bison behavior.
40:26 Bison are herded between pastures using a gate system and a jingling chain to signal grazing time.

Pasture Management and Grazing Techniques
High tensile fencing is preferred for bison due to its stretching ability, making it easier to repair than woven wire if damaged by fallen trees.
Subdividing pastures with water lines enables more efficient grazing, increasing pasture rest time and breaking the parasite cycle within the crucial 14-28 day window.
Bail unrollers rejuvenate pastures by unrolling bales, massaging ground, and fertilizing with seeds, improving soil health and reducing waste while allowing all animals to eat together.
Bison Characteristics and Management
Bison have a long productive life of up to 20 years, making them a valuable long-term investment for breeding and production.
Bison naturally fertilize pastures by dropping urine and manure as they walk, improving grass quality and soil health.
Bison are "moored to the grass," eating desirable parts first, which requires careful management to prevent overgrazing.
Multi-Species Grazing and Pest Control
Multi-species grazing with chickens, pigs, and turkeys helps fertilize pastures, control pests, and utilize high-protein weeds like Ragweed.
Bison Behavior and Herd Management
Bison respond to a jingling chain and a call to the herd, a behavior they've learned since 2008, facilitating easier herd movement.
Feed and Nutrition Management
Fescue toxicity affects bison metabolism, but becomes more palatable after a freeze, allowing it to be stockpiled for winter feeding.
Bison require less mineral supplementation in winter due to firmer poop, but still need some during the breeding season.
Cost-Efficiency and Resource Management
The bail unroller saved 275 bales compared to 350 the previous year, paying double its $1,500 cost and significantly reducing hay waste.

#farmlife #farmtour #ranchlife #farming #ranching #homesteading