provident farms farming philosophy & design pasture management & the herd economics

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