Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1470865
Photo by Matt McCormick Photography e Wickens brothers are using their business to educate their customers about Montana agriculture and their ranching methods. "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. "We have to be able to control the finishing phase to be able to provide a consistent product," he explains. "We have determined that 100 days on peas and barley produces a consistent, good tasting product." e Wickens brothers explain these practices and their passion for Montana agriculture to their customers through social media, the Website, Bozemanbeef.com, and the Bozeman farmers market. "e farmers market is a great place to speak face-to-face with our customers," says Eric. "We get to answer questions, explain how we farm and raise beef, and the benefits of why we do it." Recently Wickens Ranch Beef was featured in a cross-marketing online promotion with OBoz Footwear. SIGNATURE MONTANA | 47