Our range management techniques are grounded in the Ranch's overlying goal to reduce dependence on outside resources. Along with our belief in maintaining a 4 to 1 ratio of warm and cool season grasses, we also attempt to maintain a 6 to 4 ratio of upper grassland and lower cropland. We've found that this setup enables us to feed our cattle and horses in the most efficient manner.

We do not mob graze our grass. It's divided up into smaller acreages, and we continually move our cattle around the different pastures to allow the grass to regenerate and remain as productive a possible. Typically, we fertilize our grass once a year, but we try to get most of our fertilizer through natural means. We use clover, alfalfa, and lespedeza to increase the nitrate levels in our grass. We also use manure from the ranch's feedlot-once again using the ranch's own products to reduce our dependence on outside resources.

We hay as much of our grass as the terrain will allow. You will find us in the hay fields early in the season in order to get the hay when it is at its peak in protein and nutrients and when it is the most palatable to the cattle and horses. Haying early also allows the grass to get enough regrowth to give us ample fall and winter pasture.

Our cropland is in continual production for the cattle. We plant and harvest or graze whatever seed is most economical to purchase and will provide the nutrients and protein necessary for that time of year. You will find anything from hay grazer and milo to turnips and peas in our fields.

Contact | Broken Bar M Ranch | 1668 Road 11, Howard , Kansas 67349 | 620-374-2078