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"We had a positive reception of the business and are seeing a growing interest in locally produced foods and a more secure food system," says Eric. e Wickens brothers are using their business to educate their customers about Montana agriculture and their ranching methods. "We ranch using regenerative agriculture practices that are designed to strengthen the whole ecosystem, from the plant, soil, and water, to build up soils and take a holistic approach to raising our animals," says Eric. Specifically, the Wickens use annual cover crops to improve soil health and feed the cale. ey purchase customized mixes to achieve their management goals. "We are at the mercy of Mother Nature out here," explains Ma. "We seed cover crops, like warm season mixes of sorghum, sunflower, peas, flax, and millet, to graze during the winter months and reduce the amount of hay we have to feed. It produces enough that we don't have to feed a lot of $300 hay." e Wickens' cale are grazed as much as possible and finished on locally sourced peas and barley. Finishing on peas and barley, as opposed to corn, is a slower process but beer for the animal, explains Ma. And, while it is a popular trend, Ma says grass-finished beef can produce an inconsistent product. Eric's daughter, Maryn, and her horse, Red Dog. Photo by Green Door Photography Jason Wickens, his wife, Jackie, and children, Nash and Nellie, manage Wickens Ranch Beef headquarters in Bozeman, Mont. Eric Wickens and his wife, Emma, and their children, Claire, Lindi, Maryn, Wade and Walker, work the family ranch south of Winifred. Matt Wickens and his wife, Jamie, and children, Wrett, Wyatt, and Kinzlee, manage their ranch north of Winifred, Mont. Photo by Green Door Photography Photo by Green Door Photography Photo by Green Door Photography farm406 30

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