"We are looking into the possibility of growing vines and
having a worm farm in the garage," says Nick. "Worms break
down the soil, and their poop – vermicast - is soil broken down
even further."
Vermicast is marketed as a soil conditioner and is valuable in
some industries.
"It just shows you there are a lot of ways to diversify,"
says Marti. "We plan to experiment first with our garden and
then eventually move the worms on to range improvement
projects."
Improved range condition improves cale health and beef
quality, sold to traditional and local markets. Gran Prairie
Ranch's grass-fed beef products are sold directly to consumers
and at the Roundup, Mont, farmers market.
"We sell burger, breakfast sausage, and products from our
Smoke House line that includes summer sausage, smoked
polish dogs, hot dogs, and snack sticks," says Marti.
In 2015, the Lewistown, Mont., school district incorporated
Gran Prairie Ranch ground beef into their school meals,
averaging 100 pounds of burger a week.
Rosie, the heifer with the green ear tag, looks for more treats in a herd of Red Angus heifers. Rosie was a 4-H heifer, which the Schultz
family purchased last year.
Marti Schulz promotes beef consumption by offering samples of
the Cowboy Steak and Roast Rub, distributed by the Montana
CattleWomen, at her Farmers Market booth.
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