Toston Rancher Awarded Regenerative Farming Grant
Author: mt43news staff reporter
Toston Rancher Awarded Regenerative Farming Grant
MT43 News Staff Reporter
Toston Rancher John Ferrat has been awarded a grant to do interseeding in an existing pasture grass field. The grant, awarded through Montana Farmers Union and General Mills Corporation, is part of building a regenerative farming cohort. He was one of several farmers and ranchers across the state to win the grant award.
This cohort, in its first year, includes 40 individuals who learn about regenerative farming practices and how to implement them. The course included farm tours, interactive webinars and access to professionals and resources such as this grant.
Ferrat said in an interview, he learned about different seedings that will co-exist to diversify root types and increase soil composition. He did some test plots that produced positive results. He decided to apply for the $1,000 grant. “I interseeded alfalfa and clover with a no-till drill into a 60-acre field of meadow grass hay. That equipment does the seeding with little soil disturbance,” he explained.
Ferrat has been farming and ranching on the family ranch since 2000, where he and his wife, Samantha, raise Limousin cattle and hay in the Crow Creek Valley.
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Image 1 Caption: Crow Creek Valley Rancher John Ferrat
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