Healthy Soil: There's More Than Meets the Eye

Insights and Innovations from the Ruby Valley Soil Health Tour

On July 9th, the Ruby Valley Strategic Alliance (RVSA) hosted its annual summer field tour, drawing 25 enthusiastic participants, including conservation group members, ranchers, farmers, and local agency representatives. The focus of this year's tour was soil health, a critical and timely topic. Healthy soils can boost crop production, enhance wildlife habitat, and provide a buffer against the increasing challenges posed by changing weather patterns. Producers in the Ruby Valley have been implementing land management practices to improve soil function and their financial bottom-line.

A Day of Discovery and Learning

The day began at the Madison County Fairgrounds with an overview of the itinerary and introductions. From there, the group embarked on a journey through the Ruby Valley, visiting various sites and learning from local experts about the integral role of soil health in maintaining a thriving and resilient landscape.

5 L Red Angus with Larry Mehlhoff

Our first stop was at Larry Mehlhoff's operation, where his enthusiasm for soil health was truly inspiring. Larry shared his innovative practices, including diverse crop rotation, maintaining topsoil, and fostering a rich microbial ecosystem through the use of alfalfa pellets instead of conventional fertilizers. His approach not only boosts yields and forage quality but also reduces pests and ensures that his fields retain moisture and stay resilient during heavy rain or drought. Larry's mantra, "The more I learn, the more I don't know," perfectly encapsulates the spirit of continual learning and experimentation that drives his success.

I.H. Cattle Company with Charlie Gilman 

Next, we visited Charlie Gilman at the Gilman I.H. Cattle Company. Charlie discussed the benefits of intensive grazing management on irrigated pasture and shared his unique approach to calving. Unlike many in the area, Charlie calves in the late spring rather than winter, aligning his herd's peak nutritional demands with the peak nutritional value of forage during the longest days of the year. This method eliminates the need for summer haying, with animals subsisting on stockpiled pasture and native rangeland forage during the winter. By intensively managing his forage resources, he is able to improve soil health, maintain high quality pastures for his cattle, and run an economically viable business.

Ruby Habitat Foundation with Dan Durham

The tour then moved to the Ruby Habitat Foundation, where Dan Durham connected the dots between soil health and water management. Over lunch, Dan elaborated on the foundation's history of experimenting with alternative grazing practices, no-till seeding, cover crops, fish-based fertilizer and now biochar in an effort to demonstrate soil management practices that may be viable for the local ranching community.  The ranch has also completed several large wetland and riparian restoration projects and believes there is a direct connection between agricultural soils and the condition of adjacent water resources.

Holbrook Seed Potatoes Inc. with Laci Holbrook

Our final stop was Broksle Ranch, where fourth generation farmer Laci Holbrook and her family continue to run a diversified farming and ranching operation. Laci, along with her husband Scott and brother Colt, cultivates specialty seed potatoes using innovative methods that prioritize soil health. They also raise cattle, employing intensive grazing management principles and incorporating diverse cover crops into their pasture rotation. The manure from their cattle feedlot is composted and used to enrich their fields, reducing the need for conventional fertilizers and improving soil condition, showcasing a sustainable cycle that benefits both their crops and the environment. Laci's commitment to reducing chemical use and her innovative approach to farming captivated the group.

Embracing Challenges and Celebrating Community

One of the key takeaways from the tour was the understanding that maintaining soil health is both a challenge and an opportunity. Experimentation comes with risks, and producers must navigate the uncertainties of new methods and technologies. As Larry pointed out, "You don't know if you don't try. And if you get it wrong, then you know another way not to do it." This spirit of resilience and willingness to learn is what drives the agricultural community in the Ruby Valley.

The impact of these efforts extends beyond the fields. Healthy soils contribute to maintaining open spaces, providing habitats for wildlife, and supporting the local economy. Moreover, functional soils are critical for storing and filtering precious water resources.  The Ruby Valley's beauty and viability are intrinsically linked to the health of its lands, ensuring that these landscapes remain free from urban development and continue to thrive as working ranches, farms, and wildlife habitat.

Looking Ahead

As we wrapped up the day back at the fairgrounds, it was clear that the participants had gained a deeper appreciation for the complexity and importance of soil health. The insights and practices shared during the tour will undoubtedly inspire continued efforts to cultivate resilient and sustainable agricultural systems in the Ruby Valley.

We are excited to announce that Laurie Hedges, our talented videographer, captured the essence of the tour. Stay tuned for the upcoming RVSA Soil Health video, which will showcase the landscapes, the dedicated work of our local producers, and the critical importance of maintaining healthy soils.

For those interested in joining future events, the RVSA hosts a summer field tour every year. To stay updated on upcoming events and learn more about our initiatives, visit our website at: http://www.rubyvalley.org.

Together, we can continue to support the health of our soils, the resilience of our landscapes, and the prosperity of our community.