The core of Ranchlands’ ranching operations is rotational grazing. The majority of our time is spent preparing for, executing, and checking on the rotation of cattle through pastures in a migratory fashion. From stimulating new plant growth through grazing and returning nutrients to the soil through fecal matter, urine and carcasses, to laying down plants over bare ground to protect it from the sun, retain moisture and protect seedlings, grazing ungulates play a central role in fostering a healthy prairie ecosystem. We plan the movement of cattle to mimic the historic grazing patterns of bison, who would graze an area then move on, not coming back to a plant until it had time to rest and recuperate. This practice is in ranchers’ direct interests, as the health of the land is directly linked to the health of the cattle and therefore the health of our business. But it also stems from ranchers’ emotional connection to the land they call home and their desire to protect and foster it’s vitality.