provident farms farming philosophy & design pasture management & the herd economics
TRANSCRIPT
Provident Farms
• Farming Philosophy & Design
• Pasture Management & the Herd
• Economics
Farm Philosophy
• Rewarding• Physical labor• Producing food for others• A family legacy & equity
Farm Philosophy
• Social values– Connection to food– Stimulating lifestyle– Always learning
– Provides variety of activities
Environmental, Animal, & Human Health
Grass Based
• Grass Region• Cow’s Nature• Seasonality of Life• Restore animal-land & connection
• Farming Philosophy & Design
• Pasture Management & the Herd
• Economics
Provident Farms
Rotational Grazing
• 120 Acres grass
• 40 Paddocks: 2-5 Ac
• Feed ¼ to 1 Ac / 12 hours
Crossbred Herd & Keeper
• Goal is not high production• Fit for climate• Breed back• Healthy
Nutrient Amendments
Soils were nutrient limited
Organic amendments: Liming : pH 5.4 Low 6’s
• Composted barn bedding• Poultry litter• Liquid fish emulsion / yr
Current challenge: barnyard
Provident Farms
• Farm Philosophy & Design
• Pasture Management & Herd
• Economics
Farm Start-up
Wanted Land to Add Value
Started with little infrastructure– run-down land, barn, farmhouse, no equipmentBiggest costs:
• Equipment• Organic feed
Supplements & Grain
Cow Feed
• 8 – 10 lbs/day
• Energy: Corn or barley
• Fiber: Oats or spelt
“The only sustainable way, is to produce all the feed, on the farm,through solar energy conversion.”
-Dave Johnson
Dairy Income
• Milk Premium: • Conventional: $17/cwt • Organic: $20/cwt • Est. cost of production: $10/cwt
• Organic Valley Co-op• Provides steady income & pickup
Farm Assets
Debt: Asset Ratio = 1:5
Labor
• No hired Labor
Additional Production
• Pastured Poultry (Broilers & Layers)• Hogs• Beef
Provident Farms
• Farm Philosophy & Design
• Pasture Management & Herd
• Economics