Their land management practices:
Jasmin and Felix Schellenberg manage the land and animals entirely chemical free following the biodynamic system; which looks at the farm/ranch as an organism that is self-sustaining. They do not feed grains to any of their ruminant animals.
The Rafter 25 is fully certified organic as are all the products coming from the ranch including beef, lamb, pork and honey.
(scan copy of certification certificate)
The Rafter 25 is a TLC (the land conservancy) conservation partner, a lot of attention and care goes to the welfare and protection of traditional lands currently part of the ranch.
Some of the Conservation projects which are a part of land management on the ranch, include:
Fencing out of riparian areas: to encourage and protect waterfowl habitat and nesting. The protection of such havens of water benefits the surrounding land in many ways. Keeping moisture in the ground as much as possible is key in drought prevention. In return for a place to safely nest in the reeds, the birds work wonders in the area of insect control and fill the valley with their beautiful songs, enhancing the lives of all.
Pond projects: over the past four years Jasmin and Felix have begun to create new water reserves on the land. The first of these is surrounded by much greenery and young trees, many of which are flowering and fruit producing, offering seasonal sustenance to pollinators and birds. At this location very close to their house, we encounter everything from wild ducks, prospecting pelicans to king fishers and hawks.
Being 15 feet deep this body has the potential to significantly influence the surroundings during hot, dry summer days.
They also have a second pond project underway which is situated on a hilltop where the irrigation system will function as an already existing water supply. This project will do a lot to enhance the diversity between their two large fields and offer a space for nesting, trees for shade and fruit producing shrubs.
Forest health: removing dead-fall and beetle kill trees from the forests helps protect the trees and lessen the danger of forest fire. While making spaces for new growth to happen, offering more foraging opportunities for wildlife and cattle. Also fallen trees are strategically placed to protect the roots of young and growing trees from high hoof impact and allow them to grow naturally, this also creates a haven for small wildlife such as rabbits and grouse.
Mulching: mulching is used to build up topsoil on the hillsides and native flats, protecting plants from extreme cold as well as helping to retain moisture from often sparse rainfall in the hot summers. This results in greater feed availability for wildlife and the diversity of ranch animals alike, who in turn deposit their nutritious manure back onto the land, encouraging a rebirth of the ancient cycle of giving back to where you have taken from.
The livestock are free to enjoy the land, infusing themselves with a diversity of native and cultivated herbs and grasses.
All the beef is grassfed entirely allowing for absolute health benefits.