Cattle Cooperative Five Year Plan

The Cattle Cooperative’s 5 year plan calls for an increase in the number of cow/calves on the Ranch, which would result in a decrease in the number of stockers. The advantage of this would be a more predictable and reliable income not to be effected by a marginal rain year. Cows would be here on a year-round basis, where the stockers are usually on the Ranch 6-9 months out of the year. The cow pastures would need year-round water whereas stocker pastures do not. Either way, in order to achieve a balanced grazing program and minimize negative grazing impacts, distribution of developed water sources is a must.

As the Ranch continues to be developed so are the private water sources. Many cooperative and supportive owners are helping to enhance and protect our best suited ag-choice "cattle ranching" by allowing cattle water sites to be placed on their parcels using their water. This water enhancement program helps all cattle, (stockers or cows) and certainly benefits the rangeland. Target areas are hill tops, ridges and dry areas. Some of the improvements will simply enhance an existing source.

This summer and fall we have a number of projects in the works initiated by willing owners. Our budget only allows for so much each season. As the number of water sites increases so does the maintenance of such sites. This duty falls primarily on the Co-op foreman Jim Goebel. Each system is different and Jim works diligently to keep the water flowing. One of our biggest concerns is to not cause a major water loss due to a broken line. Therefore much of the pumping and valve opening is done by hand several times a week. As we learn more we are able to make changes which make the process more user-friendly and safe. We will soon be installing a new "proto type" valve which will sense when too much water has been used and will automatically shut down.

Many of the water trough sites on the Ranch were existing when the Co-op first took over. However, over the years quite a number of sites have been added as will many in the years to come.

The following parcels have developed cattle watering sites located on their parcels: 19, 26, 27, 29, 32, 33, 36, 41, 46, 48, 49, 55, 56, 57, 66, 70, 71, 74, 76, 78, 81, 85, 88, 89, 90, 95, 98, 101, 103, 104, 106, 109, 123.

The following parcels have shown interest in placing a trough on their parcel and will hopefully have one installed in the near future: 10, 24, 35, 40, 62, 64, 65, 68 72, 83, 105, 110, 117, 118, 119, 125, 127.

If you look at the un-grazed and especially un-mowed areas that have been subject to the same weather conditions, you will see that the quality of feed is reduced to "junk" grasses and noxious weeds (rip gut, fox tail, mustard etc.). Proper grazing can significantly enhance the quality of feed and plant growth.

Proper grazing doesn’t mean less cows; the number of cows is not nearly as crucial as proper "rest". Not each pasture is on the same program, but we work hard at rotating cattle so that all pastures do get rest, (during both the growing season and the non-growing season).

As most of you know, the Hollister Ranch Co-op depends a great deal on rainfall, to produce grass. The cattle Co-op actually is a "grass" Co-op. GRASS not cattle is what we produce and harvest. However, CATTLE are the means by which we harvest our product and market it.

All the Co-op Boards have had the unanimous opinions of the members present at Co-op meetings is to continue operating with owner / operator practices including the added costs and labor needed to preserve: environmental diversity; enhancement of the rangeland; encouragement of native plant species; achieve optimum caring capacity; development of stock water; invasive weed control (yellowstar & wild artichoke); maintenance of interior fencing to better accomplish modern grazing practices.

Yesterday is History
Tomorrow is a Mystery
Today is a Gift,
That's why they call it the Present...