Why We Raise Multiple Species on the Land at 2 Coots Ranch

At 2 Coots Ranch, we embrace the idea that nature knows best. It’s one of the reasons we practice regenerative farming and focus on raising multiple species on our land. In nature, it’s never just one type of animal thriving in a single ecosystem. Instead, it’s a balance of different species that work together to maintain healthy soil, support biodiversity, and create an environment where the land and the animals can thrive together. And for us, it’s not just a farming philosophy—it’s a business model too.

Regenerative Farming: Learning from Nature

One of the key aspects of regenerative farming is modeling our practices after nature’s own systems. In the wild, you won't find a monoculture of just one animal or plant species. From the wild bison grazing on the plains to the birds, insects, and smaller animals interacting with the land, nature relies on diversity to keep everything in balance. At 2 Coots Ranch, we aim to replicate that balance by raising different species—cattle, pigs, and poultry—each playing their own important role in regenerating the land.

Why Multiple Species?

Nutrient cycling:Different animals have different grazing habits, which helps prevent overgrazing and promotes healthier pastures. For example, after the cows have grazed a pasture, the chickens are let in to scratch through the cow patties, eating bugs and parasites. This natural behavior lowers the parasite load on the cattle, improving their health. The chickens love foraging and scratching through the manure, which helps break up the large piles and spread them evenly across the pasture. Additionally, chicken manure has a different nutrient composition than cow manure, providing a unique benefit to the soil. This complementary system of grazing and foraging keeps the land healthy and creates a balanced ecosystem.

Diverse Grazing Patterns: Different animals have different grazing habits, which helps prevent overgrazing and promotes healthier pastures. For example, cows tend to graze grasses at a higher level, while sheep are more likely to eat the weeds and shrubs that cows leave behind. By rotating these species in a system of mob grazing, we can give each animal access to fresh, lush pastures while allowing the land time to recover. It’s a win-win for both the animals and the soil.

Breaking the Weeds: While cows are more selective with their grazing, typically preferring grasses and leaving weeds behind, pigs are excellent at rooting around and clearing an area. Pigs will dig up weeds, roots, and invasive plants, effectively clearing out areas that cows won't touch. After the pigs have done their work, chickens are let in to scratch through the manure, eating bugs, parasites, and smaller weeds. This system creates a natural and effective way to control weeds, reduce herbicide use, and promote healthier, more resilient pastures. It’s a sustainable approach that benefits the ecosystem and ensures diverse grazing opportunities for all species.

Mob grazing is a grazing management technique in which large groups (or "mobs") of livestock are rotated through pastures in a controlled manner. The animals are typically given access to small sections of pasture at a time, grazing intensively for short periods, and then moved to a new area. This allows the grazed areas time to rest and recover before the animals return. Mob grazing mimics the natural grazing patterns of wild herbivores, promoting healthier soil, improving plant diversity, and increasing the overall productivity of the land. The practice encourages better manure distribution, enhances nutrient cycling, and supports a more resilient ecosystem.

A Profitable Ranching Model

Raising multiple species also makes sense from a business perspective. As much as we love our beef, people don’t eat just beef—they enjoy a variety of meats. From pork and lamb to chicken and beef, each species we raise offers a different product that appeals to a wider customer base. This diversification helps create a more stable and resilient business, allowing us to spread out risk and meet the needs of a variety of markets.

In fact, regenerative farming often helps improve the bottom line. The ability to sell a variety of products increases profitability, while the land benefits from healthier soil, better water retention, and improved biodiversity. Plus, customers who are committed to sustainability and high-quality, locally raised meat are willing to pay a premium for products that align with their values.

Inspired by Joel Salatin’s Polyface Model

Our regenerative farming practices are deeply inspired by the work of Joel Salatin, a modern day pioneer in regenerative farming. Joel’s farm, Polyface Farm, has long been a model for us, showing how raising a variety of species together can create a more sustainable and profitable ranch. His holistic approach, which involves rotating cows, pigs, chickens, and other animals through pasture systems, helps maintain soil health, control pests, and produce high-quality meat.

At 2 Coots Ranch, we’ve taken inspiration from his practices and adapted them to fit our own land. By integrating livestock into our rotational grazing system, we create a diverse ecosystem where each species plays a role in improving the health of the soil and contributing to the overall success of the ranch.

Conclusion

Raising multiple species on the land is more than just a way to run a farm—it’s about creating a thriving ecosystem that benefits both the land and the animals. By taking a regenerative approach, inspired by nature and the wisdom of innovators like Joel Salatin, we can heal the soil, promote biodiversity, and build a profitable ranching model that supports a sustainable future for all. At 2 Coots Ranch, we believe that when we work with nature, not against it, we can grow healthier food, healthier soil, and a healthier business for generations to come.