Holly from Credit Valley Conservation visited Murphy Meadow Farms in Mono to learn about their intensive rotational grazing system. The Murphy family, who have farmed in the area since 1884, use this system to improve the health and productivity of their pastures and livestock while also benefiting the environment. By rotating their cows and poultry to fresh pasture daily, they are able to manage grazing pressure, improve soil health, and reduce their reliance on chemical fertilizers. The family is committed to sustainable farming practices that prioritize soil health and environmental stewardship.
Intensive Rotational Grazing: A Sustainable Farming Practice at Murphy Meadow Farms
Meet the Murphy family, fifth-generation farmers at Murphy Meadow Farms in Mono. The Murphys have been farming in the area since the early 1880s, carrying on a tradition that values sustainability and environmental stewardship.
At Murphy Meadow Farms, they practice intensive rotational grazing, a best management practice that involves moving livestock between paddocks. These paddocks are areas of pasture divided by fencing, allowing for more control over grazing pressure, rest periods for the pasture, and evenly distributed manure.
Benefits of Intensive Rotational Grazing
Intensive rotational grazing has proven to improve the health and productivity of pastures and livestock while also providing significant environmental benefits. By implementing this system, the Murphy family has seen a positive impact on their farm’s soil quality, carbon sequestration, and overall sustainability.
Grass-Fed Beef and Pasture-Raised Poultry
On their farm, the Murphys produce grass-fed beef and pasture-raised poultry. They raise around 30 cow-calf pairs and approximately 200 chickens each year, selling directly to local consumers. The sandy loam soil in Mono, while great for drainage, is prone to wind erosion and not ideal for crop production. However, it’s perfect for growing nutrient-rich grass for their livestock.
Challenges and Solutions
One of the challenges the Murphys faced with rotational grazing was providing water to their livestock in different paddocks. By installing a system of pipes with quick-connect valves, they can easily move water troughs to where they need them, ensuring their animals have access to fresh water throughout the grazing cycle.
Environmental Impact and Sustainability
In just two years of practicing intensive rotational grazing, the Murphys have already seen positive results. By allowing pastures long periods of rest, they can extend their grazing season, improve soil health, and cycle nutrients more efficiently. By focusing on building healthy soil year after year, they prioritize sustainability and long-term success on their farm.
Looking Towards the Future
The Murphys understand the importance of sustainable farming practices and how they impact not only their livelihood but also the environment. They believe that by caring for the land, the land will, in turn, care for them. They emphasize the value of looking after the property and realizing that cheap food comes with a cost, often to the environment.
Farming as a Lifestyle
Farming is a challenging yet rewarding lifestyle for the Murphy family. It’s more than just a job; it’s a passion deeply ingrained in their heritage. They find joy in waking up surrounded by nature, tending to their livestock, and working the land day in and day out.
In conclusion, the Murphys at Murphy Meadow Farms showcase how sustainable farming practices like intensive rotational grazing can have a positive impact on the environment, soil health, and overall productivity of a farm. By prioritizing sustainability and conservation, they are setting an example for future generations of farmers to come.
