SMALL In-Person Meetings Kick-off!
Circle Meeting– Report
EMRA hosted a gathering in Circle on the evening of February 12th with a good mix of seasoned members and new faces. The meeting kicked off with introductions and the following challenge question. ‘What traditional values do you carry over from prior generations? This question helped us get to know each other and honor our forefathers.
The main topic of conversation was seeding cropland back to grass. Cameron Meissner started the discussion with his experience planting all of his cropland back to grass. He described different methods of contending with weeds after the grass came up. Colin Manuel spoke on seed treatment and placement for better germination. Casey Coulter joined up via Zoom to touch on grass/forb mixes and the importance of diversity.
We enjoyed a potluck with more discussion. The general consensus was that having a local meeting was valuable.
Baker Meeting– Report
EMRA hosted a pot-luck gathering in Baker on the evening of February 20th. Although the group was small the conversation was large. We jump started conversation with a light hearted question and an update from the local NRCS.
The meat of the meeting was an in-depth presentation from Brandon Arpan from The Box X ranch located in Alzada, MT. He gave a presentation on the eShepherd virtual fencing and how their ranch uses it and the impacts they have observed. There was great discussion had by all and many of us left having a new view on virtual fencing.
The conversation lingered far after the presentation. If anyone is interested in virtual fencing, Brandon is incredibly knowledgeable on the subject.
March 4th Podcast Discussion on ZOOM
What a great discussion! Thank you to all who attended. It was great to have so many new attendees. For those who missed it, we discussed the Podcast discussion between John Kempf and Rick Clark regarding their take-aways from an exclusive type tour on Rick Clark’s farm. Some of the topics were new ideas and overall just a great level up type of discussion that reaches beyond the basics of soil health. This is the original podcast; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=69YGiXSVyj8&t=868s If you are interested in listening to the EMRA podcast discussion, it was recorded so reach out.
For those who attended–> This is a great follow-up video regarding some of the content. Let’s keep this discussion/share of information going! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtd2vrXadJ4&t=1s
Farming: The Frontline of Global Health & Nutrition
A great turn-out on March 13th at Fort Keogh
By: Haylee Kratzke
I had the pleasure of joining EMRA (a group of regenerative farmers and ranches in Eastern MT) for a meeting with Dr. Anneline Padayachee a Nutritional Food Scientist from Australia. She spoke on the challenges and context of food globally, nutrition basics, protein digestion and quality, and benefits of red meat to our nutrition.
Key take aways:
Nutrition is the youngest science (~220 years and major discoveries in the last 15 years).
Current nutrition research is being done in mechanism of action, personalized nutrition, and food system frameworks.
Higher protein diets without fiber can cause an environment in the colon that favors carcinogens leading to colon cancer. The colon likes to be a pH of 5, but nitrogens can build up and it can become more basic. Fiber helps remove that material from the body.
Our food system has switch from a consistent food supply to a convenient food supply. Resulting in high fat and sugary carb intake.
DIAAS rating of above 100 is considered a high quality protein. None of the plant source proteins are that high, but some are better than others. Meat includes all essential (humans can’t make) amino acids.
The only collagen that is readily absorbed by the body is made by Gelita (Verisol) and has been tested for 15 years.
Just Meat Co released the first meat protein powder in 2024.
Before taking supplements get at least blood test to see what you need. You can also have a nutritionist look at your diet to see if your blood tests are reflecting your food. Your body can pull minerals (ex: zinc and magnesium) from your bones when difficient and make blood test look normal. If you take supplements for something you don’t need you just peeing them out.
America has a huge influence on the global food consumption, especially with our unhealthy highly processed foods.
Also, Holly with the Western Sustainability Exchange (WSE) talked about some exciting marketing endeavors. Things that are already in action are Montana sourced dog treats at West Paw and the Ranch to Table. Ranch to Table is where a ranch teams up with a restaurant and for one month they have a featured special using the ranchers product and the waitor/waitress will tell the ranches story. The customers will also get information on how to purchase from or contact the ranch. This program is so neat and allows regenerative ranchers to tell their story to so many people and inform more of the general public! Future marketing ideas were a Montana based Meat is Medicine program, tallow and bone broth market, collagen/gelatin/hide market, and testing the nutrient density in meat.
Learn best practices for improving fungi populations on ranchlands. Video recording from WWF.
Photo credit: rootrescue.com
| RSA’s Rural Resilience Webinar Series – April 24 Montana Range Tour – Hilger, MT – June 18 KLR Marketing Workshop – Helena, MT – June 24-26 EMRA Goal Based Grazing School- Brusett, MT- July 8-10th 406 Grazing Academy: The Next Bite – Lewistown, MT – August 29-21 Grazing Expo – Billings, MT – September 4-7, 2025 Expanding Markets Conference – Helena, MT – September 22-24 |
 The third session of our 2025 Rural Resilience Webinar Series is Thursday evening. Details Topic: Cashing In On Your Calf Crop Presenters: Dr. Jessica Sperber, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Date: Thursday, March 27, 2025 Time: 7:00 PM Mountain Time Duration: Approximately 90 Minutes. Join us for an insightful presentation by Dr. Jessica Sperber, Assistant Professor and Feedlot Extension Specialist at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Jessica will be diving into newly released data (not yet available publicly) to explore which value-added programs truly deliver value, using the latest figures from Superior Livestock’s calf sales. This session will provide a deep dive into the financial dynamics of value-added programs and how they impact your bottom line. You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of what adds real value to your calf crop in today’s market. There will be plenty of time for Q&A, so be sure to bring your questions. You can tune in from the comfort of your home—grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and join the conversation. We look forward to seeing you there! How to Join: Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84679826971Zoom Meeting ID: 846 7982 6971 About the Presenters: Dr. Jessica Sperber was raised on her family’s 4th generation cow-calf and grain operation located in Alberta, Can. Jessica attained her master’s degree from West Texas A&M University specialized in meat science, and Ph.D. in feedlot nutrition from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Jessica joined the Department of Animal Science at UNL in November of 2022 as an Assistant Professor and Feedlot Extension Specialist. |
EMRA wants to highlight our members/enthusiasts during soil health week! Are you interested in sharing a quick video or pictures of your ranch/farm/ag business and soil health practices? Contact Sue or Sarafina for details. Keep a lookout on FB for opportunities to share your ranch/farm pics etc. Lets get the word out regarding soil health!
Reach out to Sue or Sarafina regarding Scholarships for this event! Funds are available for full scholarships.
