All Natural Cattle Farm Benefits from NRCS and EQIP

Nora Goodman owns and operates a 200-acre farm in Temple. She breeds and raises “all natural” beef cattle. The cattle receive no hormones or antibiotics. There are currently approximately 100 head of cattle and 50 stocker calves on the farm.

Goodman, along with one full-time employee, handles the day-to-day operations of cattle and haying quite efficiently. Any extra hay that is produced is baled to be sold. There are four natural springs on her property. One of the springs feeds a 10-acre lake that is situated behind her home.

The areas of the property that don’t have easy access to spring water, have drilled wells for the cattle’s watering needs. Thanks to the Natural Resources Conservation Services (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), she has received technical and financial assistance to help improve her land and her farming techniques.

Goodman has received help for cross fencing, wells, watering systems and streambank exclusions. These Best Management Practices (BMP’s) have enabled her to more efficiently rotate the cattle’s grazing.

She has also been approved for the Grasslands Reserve Program (GRP). Nora is currently experimenting with a natural fertilizer and plans to purchase a square baler for the hay that is to be sold. She also selects the best time of year for breeding to insure that the cattle have the best grass.

Nora has stated, “NRCS’ Valerie Pickard (District Conservationist) has been very interested in my farm and is very knowledgeable and helpful.”

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