Soil-Changing Farmers: Ronnie Nuckols

Ronnie Nuckols ranches in the rolling, forested hills of Goochland County, Virginia where he grazes cattle and produces hay. To many people, managing pasture means turning out cattle and pulling them off when the grass is gone and they need to go somewhere else. For Ronnie, it means management intensive grazing and overseeding with annuals and perennials to keep adding more grazing species and nitrogen fixing legumes. Mr. Nuckols has seen his pastures make great improvements since he took over the operation in 2009 and he is helping his local ranching community understand and implement his tactics on their operations as well.
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[@credenza1]

Great conversation. Thank you.

[@nikierohrer2001]

Hoped to learn about successful organic practices to address weeds. Maybe a future episode? Thx.

[@paulvandenberg5341]

Step one. Reevaluate your definition of weeds. “Weeds “ have created a biome in my vineyard that provides all the nitrogen and pest control needed.

[@keithberns910]

Can goats or sheep be grazed on the border areas to control weeds - and possible fence out the middle of the field to preserve it as your bluebird habitat?

[@nikierohrer2001]

Good point. But here’s my situation. Before I get to that, I’m guessing my problem is common. And I don’t think use of harsh chemicals should be happening but it is happening and these sharp, caring folks at Green Cover seem like the type of people that might have a solution(s). 😊 So here’s my situation. The “weeds”I’m concerned about are the ones a ranch owner is spraying. He asked me to help him plant and care for a large area on his ranch to develop mountain bluebird habitat. Owner sprays harsh chemicals that kill everything along the wide roadside bordering the development. Bluebirds are thrushes (ground feeders) so herbicide use is super counterproductive. Owner made it clear that he’s going to spray when I let him know of the problem. Note: Since he’s been spraying the bluebirds have all left! So sad. Especially because they we’re increasing in population prior to herbicide use. So I was hoping Green Cover folks might have wisdom to help with an organic solution to welcome the birds back! 🐦 💙