Last year, the Smiths used their grant to implement a process known as managed intensive grazing, or MIG, for their cattle. With MIG the cattle are confined in temporary, lush and forage-diversified paddocks that vary in size based on the number of cattle and available forage for that time frame.

This year, they are focusing again on being able to maintain their herd off little more than the land they graze from each day.

Smith said Sweet Grass Farm’s philosophy closely matches that of Kit Pharo of PCC. Smith said they believe as the cost of land, fuel and feed continue to increase cattle farmers will eventually be forced to produce cattle with lower maintenance costs.