This Month From The Ranch: March 2026 - Pasture Prep
March on the ranch is a month of preparation. Winter hasn’t fully let go yet, but our focus has already shifted forward to what’s ahead and what needs to be ready before cattle ever step back out onto pasture.
This winter has been drier than average, especially compared to the last couple of years. We rely almost entirely on natural moisture. No irrigation, no retention ponds, just rain and snowfall when we’re fortunate enough to receive it. Because of that, the lack of precipitation isn’t something we dwell on, but it’s always in the back of our minds. Strong spring moisture helps grasses establish, supports healthy pastures, and reduces fire risk across the landscape. Everything we do this time of year is shaped, in some way, by how much water the land has received and how much we hope it still will.
Much of March is spent on the kind of work most people never see. Fence lines are walked, posts are checked, and wire is tightened where cattle have leaned, rubbed, or stretched it out over time. A sagging fence can quickly turn into a problem once cattle are turned out, especially in wide open country where multiple outfits operate side by side. Keeping cattle where they belong protects pasture plans, prevents unnecessary sorting later, and keeps the work focused on what actually matters. It’s slow, methodical work, but it’s foundational.
Water is another non-negotiable. Before cattle ever return to pasture, every water source has to be ready. Most of our pastures rely on wells that feed tanks powered by solar pumps. Those systems are shut down during the winter and brought back online in the spring. Panels are reconnected, pumps tested, tanks checked, and any issues are addressed early. Some pastures still rely on windmills, which also need to be inspected and serviced. Water dictates where cattle can go and how long they can stay, so we make sure those systems are solid well before turnout.
At the same time, we’re working through grazing plans for the season ahead. How many head each pasture can sustain depends on grass growth, which depends on moisture. We factor in cattle type, timing, and contingency plans if conditions change. Our land is sand-bottom ground. It’s well suited for grazing cattle, but it’s also more delicate than heavier soils. History has taught this region some hard lessons. The Dust Bowl is never far from mind when you think about what happens when land is pushed beyond its limits.
We don’t spray our pastures or intervene beyond managing cattle movement. The grasses grow from sunlight and rain. The cattle graze, and in return they leave behind nutrient-rich manure that feeds the soil and supports the next cycle of growth. It’s a balanced system when managed correctly. Our job is to keep it that way. Overgrazing, staying too long in one pasture, or running too many cattle in a dry year throws that balance off. Stewardship, for us, isn’t about fixing damaged land. It’s about never putting it in a position where it needs to be fixed.
March also brings cattle back through the chute for a closer look before heading to pasture. Health checks are done, ear tags are updated based on where cattle will be grazing, and everything is set up for easier management once they’re spread out across the ranch. It’s hands-on work done by the family and our crew, and it marks a clear seasonal shift. Winter work gives way to spring responsibilities.
As we move toward another grazing season, we’re grateful for the opportunity to do this work and to help feed families across the country. Food production runs deep in our shared history, even if many of us are now generations removed from it. This land, these cattle, and the decisions made here are part of that lineage. Bringing people closer to where their food begins and the care behind it is something we don’t take lightly.
This is March from the ranch.
-The Colorado Craft Beef Team