e12. Swales, Trees, and Livestock in the High Desert of Colorado

In this episode of The Grazing Grass podcast, Cal talks with Jake Takiff of Cedar Springs Farm about swales, trees, cattle, and hogs. Jake and his family operate the Farm in Hotchkiss, Colorado, utilizing rotational grazing and regenerative practices to promote healthy soils and ecosystems. 

Listen to this episode to learn more!

  • [01:10] – About Jake and his operation
  • [02:52] – The climate and rainfall in Hotchkiss
  • [03:40] – The kind of forages he has there
  • [04:34] – About the watering system he has
  • [05:58] – How he brings the cows to the pond
  • [07:02] – The species of trees he has on his farm
  • [07:50] – Why he plants trees on the farm
  • [08:56] – Planting trees in Swales
  • [11:07] – About the Swales, he has there
  • [13:57] – The kind of livestock he has
  • [15:20] – About the Belted Galloway breed he has
  • [16:02] – Breeding Belted Galloway with Devon bull
  • [16:32] – The breeds of pigs he has raised
  • [18:59] – How he deworm the pigs with the chickens, Guinea fowl, and turkeys
  • [19:56] – Making the poultry more valuable alive than dead
  • [21:48] – The mix he is using to feed the animals
  • [22:58] – Incorporating the seed into the soil
  • [24:04] – Why he is not vaccinating the animals
  • [25:18] – When does he have the cattle calve
  • [28:12] – Creating a mat of hay
  • [32:58] – Impact of the pandemic on farmers
  • [33:49] – His favorite grazing grass related book
  • [36:14] – Advice to new farmers

Watch

Read

transcript coming soon

Sponsors

Your information could be here. Email Cal at GrazingGrass.com for more information.

Products Mentioned in Podcast

  • Bobcat T250

Book(s)/Resource(s)

  • Restoration Agriculture by Mark Shepard (Amazon*)

Links

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