Leaders in innovation
The agricultural industry is changing both in its challenges and the resources and technologies available to properly manage complex resources. Our consumers expect us to adapt and find forward-thinking solutions to anticipate and meet the challenges of a changing climate.
Managing for the future
Our ranch establishes and employs some of the most progressive grazing, carbon-monitoring, and conservation methods available. Our innovative programs aim to advance the agriculture industry for the health of the planet, consumers, and ranching communities.
Collaborative education
Matador Ranch and Cattle demonstrates that the vibrant tradition of cattle ranching can be profitable and support the needs of our western landscapes and wildlife. Our gates are open - the knowledge we gain and advancements we make are and will be shared openly with the public and the ranching community.
Feeding asparagopsis
Asparagopsis is a type of red seaweed that has been shown to have the potential to reduce methane emissions from cattle when included in their diet. Asparagopsis contains compounds called bromoform and bromomethane, which have been found to inhibit the production of methane in the rumen, the first chamber of the cow's stomach where digestion occurs. Adding small amounts of asparagopsis to a cow's diet has been shown to reduce methane emissions by up to 70% without altering the fermentation processes.
Carbon capture through intensive grazing
Intensive grazing, also known as managed grazing, is a practice that involves frequently moving livestock to different pasture in order to mimic the natural grazing patterns of large, wild herds of ruminant animals. This practice can lead to carbon sequestration in the soil, as the frequent disturbance of the pasture stimulates the growth of new plants and the decomposition of organic matter, which leads to an increase in the carbon content of the soil.
Regenerative Certification
Regenerative certification involves an assessment of a ranch's management practices. In addition to managed intensive grazing, we also integrate diverse perennial plant mixes, diverse crop rotations (including warm and cool-season cover crops), and reduced or no-till practices on cropland, which are all considered to determine whether we meet the standards for regenerative agriculture. In order to obtain certification, Matador Ranch and Cattle will be required to provide documentation of our practices and make any necessary changes to our operations in order to meet the certification standards.
5 Principles of