Who wouldn’t want a deep massage? Turns out, your soil might be overdue for one. In this episode, host Haylie Shipp talks with Montana ranchers Todd Barkley (near Baker) and Casey Buffington (Chester) about bale grazing, a winter-feeding strategy that can build soil health, redistribute nutrients, reduce daily feeding chores, and add flexibility to ranch life. They also discuss how the “new sexy thing” in grazing, virtual fencing, is being used alongside bale grazing to control access, improve hay utilization, and keep cows where you want them, even during an oddball open winter. What We Cover What bale grazing is and why it is more than “feeding hay”Placement of your balesThe benefits of seven-day feedings, including labor, fuel, and equipment savingsHow cows often return later to clean up what they left behindManaging boss cows versus timid cows and thinking about access and spaceSetup strategies such as grid patterns, star or pie patterns, and bale spacingBale orientation, including on end versus on side and when rolling out makes senseCalving considerations and why rolling out hay can reduce risksWeed pressure, soil response, and reframing weeds as forageVirtual fencing possibilities, including timed breaks to control daily access without moving wirePractical Takeaways Try it once. Bale grazing is a technique that can be adjusted to fit your operation.Use it for flexibility when work or weather makes daily feeding difficult.Dial in the math by accounting for cow weight, bale weight, hay quality, and stockpiled forage.Links and Resources Todd Barkley contact: https://barkleyshomegrown.com/contact/Support the show The Ranchers Stewardship Alliance (RSA) is a rancher-led, grassroots organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life for rural communities throughout the Northern Great Plains. Through collaborative conservation projects, rancher education events, and local community outreach, RSA works to strengthen our rural community, economy, and culture for generations to come. For more on the Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, head to www.RanchStewards.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Your feedback is always welcome. Email info@ranchstewards.org. Want to support our mission? Visit www.ranchstewards.org/support.
