Rotational Grazing
Throughout the spring, summer, and fall, we use portable electric fencing and an electric weed whip to set up a fresh paddock every 24 hours for our flocks. This increases the diversity of the forage the animals are likely to consume while maximizing flock health. Our land and soil receive nutrients and a boost from the quick disturbance the sheep provide. In this system, we are optimizing our carbon sequestration and the soil’s water retention capabilities.
Good for land, good for animal.
How it started…
Pastura Farm started as a passion project for Lexi Kuznar. In the beginning of 2021, Lexi worked as a Lambing Apprentice in Corinth, VT, where she suddenly fell in love. She experienced for the first time, the miracle of life and death, the responsibility of a shepherd, and the art of grazing animals.
Upon returning to her home state of Michigan where she worked on a vegetable farm, the pull to steward her own flock was strong. With the encouragement from her partner (in life and farming) Garryn Johnson, Lexi purchased her first five Finn ewes and one Finn ram in August of 2022.
Not owning any land, they grazed their flock between the margins on the vegetable farm they worked on, and built a small shed for the flock to winter and lamb.
Where are we now?
We are currently living and farming in Benzonia, MI. We rotationally graze around our entire property, and are working on leasing land to graze around our community. We believe in the gifts that controlled sheep grazing can offer to the land. We are constantly focusing on the importance of silvopasture within our system. This is the act of grazing animals within trees. We are also steadfast in the removal of invasive autumn olive and honeysuckle without herbicides. The sheep help keep new shoots from growing up, while also fertilizing the soil as they move, improving soil health.
Click this Link to check out one of my favorite farms doing amazing silvopasture work.
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