In this episode of the Go Ye International podcast, I take the listeners into a new realm, a new world of discovery pertaining to the methods and proven success of one of the rarest treasures the State of Texas has inside its borders. The following interview is with Gene Sollock of the Sollock Farm in Iola, Texas--east of College Station. This step by step instructional audio and video program will encourage and better equip those farmers and ranchers to better succeed in sustainable beef production.
Swapping the current practices for the grass-fed system by lowering over head increases profit margins while lowering risk related to beef production. This 2.5 hour interview contains detailed information for those interested in starting an intensive, rotational paddock, grass-fed'grass-finished cattle operation in a manner that can put the profit back into production while the rising cost of conventional feed lots, bales of hay, and wasted acreage that predominate the cattle industry today cause farmers and ranchers to go broke and risk losing their operation. The Gene Sollock Paddock System is the way to go for those starting up, those looking to improve or THOSE ABOUT TO GIVE UP. Intensified Management Grazing (IMG), or eco-farming, is the best way to accomplish a sustainable and profitable operation.
For those serious about starting or converting their operation, during May 2008- July 2009, the infrastructure will be finished, the forage will be established waiting for the installment of 20 head of cattle by August 2009 with a decent profit to follow 12-18 months latter ($10K-$16K). Within five years of continued forage development, the potential sales on the same 20 acres with just 20 head of cattle per year have a potential profit margin of *$20K-$30K per year depending on the marketing strategy. With natural variables considered and the forage going well, the amount of cattle in this 20 template can be increase to 40 head--even 50 head under optimal conditions--bringing in a potential *$40K- per 18 months. Having an initial $25K-$30K investment on leased land or within your existing acreage using these figures and direct sale marketing over the course of 10 years there will be a substantial stream of cash flow to retire on and/or expand the operation. THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX.
*These figures have been achieved on paddock pastures established over a few years of forage development and reliability by using direct marketing business plans. Gourmet restaurants and direct sale ‘foodies’ are increasing the demand for local, grass-fed beef. This is not a quick fix. This is not a get rich system. It takes time and initial inputs to establish the conditions for successful and sustainable year-round forage. This is an investment for near and far future returns.
Using this amazing answer for the natural, sustainable, and profitable way to feed more cattle with less overhead on less land than currently thought to be possible while making more profit than ever imagined from the same 20 acres, once the forage is flourishing year round (with all things considered). The potential of this 20/20 plan will start you thinking outside the box and launch you into a better way to preserve the family farm (or start one).
Sustainable agriculture is economically sound and environmentally sensible producing equity in a society where it is implemented. Sensible and secure food is superior.
Related Links: Gene Sollock's MIG Audio Files (approx. 2hrs:35mins)( http://cid-da54361c865e0258.office.live.com/browse.aspx/.Public ) Download:People can download the two part audio interview:Gene Sollock's MIG_Part 1 of 2(http://cid-da54361c865e0258.office.live.com/self.aspx/.Public/Gene%20Sollock%5E4s%20MIG%20Audio%20Files/Gene%20Sollock%5E4s%20MIG%5E_Part%201%20of%202.mp3)Gene Sollock's MIG_Part 2 of 2(http://cid-da54361c865e0258.office.live.com/self.aspx/.Public/Gene%20Sollock%5E4s%20MIG%20Audio%20Files/Gene%20Sollock%5E4s%20MIG%5E_Part%202%20of%202.mp3)
Video Playlist:Gene Sollock's Instructional Video Program Playlist (This plays all in order until finished: about 2 hrs.) (http://www.youtube.com/user/boscois?feature=mhum#g/c/0739EF221C3B5B6F )
Video Channel:*Gene Sollock YouTube Videos (Click here for all of them listed together)( http://www.youtube.com/user/boscois?feature=mhum#g/u )
Acres USA www.acresusa.comThe publication most often read by organic and eco-farming. Outstanding articles and reference books, including the Dung Beetles by Charles Walters. http://www.acresusa.com/books/closeup.asp?prodid=1639&catid=27&pcid=2
Allen Nation's www.stockmangrassfarmer.comA must-read to learn about IMG (intensified management grazing); schedule of their top-notch conferences.
Chandler's Texas Plant and Soil Lab www.txplant-soillab.comA great place to get help with fertility when transitioning from inorganic to organic fertilizer. Ask for Mr. Chandler's organic interpretation report. You will be amazed at how a good blend helps.
Dr. Elaine Ingham's Soil Food Web www.soilfoodweb.comThis is the place to learn about soil biology - what you have, what you need, how to get what you need! Fascinating work! This keeps the 'snake-oil' salesmen out of your life.
Jo Robinson's www.eatwild.com An on-going discussion of the health benefits and scientific research of grass-fed beef.
Ross Farm www.rossfarm.com/beef/graze.html
Star Haven Farms www.texasgrassfed.com/
THE WAR ON BUGS: The secret history of pesticides revealed, Will Allen"The secret history of pesticides revealed: how farmers and consumers have been conned by government, industry, and war-mongering jargon into choosing toxic food." www.thewaronbugsbook.com
Tommy Carroll Paddock System Consultant (713) 899-3606If you want a professional plan, call him.
Pharo Cattle Company www.pharocattle.com
USDA www.usda.govThese are the people who know more about types of soil, cultural practices, agriculture programs in your area.
