Integrated Ranch Management

Northern Rolling Plains



slide 1 The Ranch Program at the Vernon Center involves research and extension efforts on grazing lands or what we call "rangeland". The overall mission is to:
  • Develop Integrated Ranch Management (IRM) systems designed for multiple use.
  • Determine the effect of ranch management decision on profitability and the environment.
    Our clientele in the Rolling Plains believes there is a need to deliver technology which integrates cropland, improved forages, wildlife and native rangeland into livestock production systems. Our main goal is to relate to our clientele on their terms, speaking in their terminology.
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    slide 3 Our program is focused on Integrated Ranch Management (IRM) which involves developing technology and expertise for the total ranch from understanding basic biological and ecological processes to production-scale economics.

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    First and foremost is Client Participation. This includes frequent contacts with individuals, and more formalized meetings with rancher or other interest groups. We are engaged in a continual feedback loop with our clients in which we help each other formulate goals and evaluate progress toward each goal.



    Examples of programs which emphasize client participation are the Beef Cattle Standardized Performance Analysis (SPA) and the Ranch Manager's Information Exchange (RMIE), an annual meeting in which rancher's help define problems that merit research. The Master Marketer program is a series of workshops designed to help agricultural producers develop marketing skills. The Grazing Club facilitates healthier ranch ecosystems using successful ranchers as an educational resource and support group.
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    The second category in IRM includes Multiple Use Strategies. Our goal is to provide the technology and expertise so that multiple products can be produced at "optimum" levels from rangeland, including livestock, wildlife, water and recreation. While our focus is on rancher needs, we realize that we have other clientele that may depend on products from rangeland, such as urban citizens who depend on rangeland for water.
    The primary income on Rolling Plains rangeland is from beef production, but hunting and other recreation is increasing in economic importance.
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    slide 8 The primary wildlife species hunted are quail and white-tailed deer, but turkeys and other wildlife populations are increasing and will probably be more important in the future.

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    A primary goal of IRM is sustainable use and Conservation of Natural Resources. We believe a large part of our mission is to provide the knowledge which allows for products to be derived from rangeland while at the same time conserving natural resources. Such conservation activities include preserving desirable plant and animal species, conserving soil and water using planned grazing, and managing brush effectively.


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    Teague, W. R. & Foy, J. K. (2002). Integrated ranch management: northern rolling plains. Retrieved from http://juniper.tamu.edu/IRM/integrated.htm

    Last modified: August 28, 2002 5:00pm CDT
    Email: jofoy@bigfoot.com