A study by USDA scientists finds that raising cows on grass, instead of in factory farms, produces fewer greenhouse-gas emissions and other pollutants.

This study supports the concepts of sustainable ranching as practiced at Maytag Mountain Ranch. To read more of this article go to:

http://www.rodale.com/grass-fed-cows-0

At Maytag Mountain Ranch we are proud of our Ranching heritage and our owners’ commitments to raising organic, grass-fed beef in a sustainable ranching environment.   The Denver Post recently published an article on the benefits of grass-fed beef in our diets.   Read the article at http://www.denverpost.com/food/ci_17186593

RING OUT THE OLD YEAR

RING IN THE NEW YEAR

At Maytag Mountain Ranch we have had a great “old year” and are looking forward to an even better “new year.”  We do hope everyone has enjoyed a very happy Holiday season.   We rang in the New Year at the HARanch with a New Year’s Eve party in the cookhouse.  Maybe next year you will be able to join us at the party! One of the guests created a fabulous vegetable bouquet pictured below.   It almost looked too good to eat.

As we start the 2011 New Year at the Ranch, we begin by reflecting on our accomplishments for 2010. For the first time this year, we ultrasounded our heifers.    Ultrasounding is the best high-technology technique available to determine how well the animal will finish as scores from the ultrasounding can be used to determine the intramuscular fat and potential tenderness of the meat.   As we work to improve the consistency and quality of our beef, we have had an increasing demand for the organic, grass-finished beef.  We had a waiting list last year and are already taking orders for this year’s deliveries.   A major project this year was the installation of more jumpers and switches on the fences.  This greatly improves the ability to maintain power along the fence line where it is needed and makes it easier and quicker to troubleshoot any problems with the electrical fencing.   In the garden we made significant improvements that should reduce the amount of labor required to maintain the garden.  We put in a new overhead sprinkler system that is more durable than the old system.  This sprinkler system also provides better coverage to get water to all the garden plants.   We began the process of putting down weed barrier, gravel and mulch that should greatly decrease the amount of time spent weeding the garden.   On the horseback riding front, we began exploring the mountain trails that are near the Ranch.   Many of you were able to enjoy these outings during your visits at the Ranch.   And in our efforts to keep the Ranch buildings in the best condition possible, we did complete the exterior staining of the barn and the office and shop building.   Additionally, we replaced the gravel around both Price and Mow cabins with weed barrier and rocks.   This has made the landscaping beds very attractive around both cabins and minimizes the costs as we no longer need to replace mulch annually.

As Santa takes his leave of us this year, we look forward to his coming again in December.  Continuing with significant highlights of our 2010 accomplishments, the Ranch joined with 6 other like-minded Ranches in southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico and formed a Cooperative to market the beef from all the Ranches.   This allows us to spend less time marketing our beef and more time on other Ranch activities.   The Co-op allows us to pool our beef resources with those of other Ranchers and get the best prices for our product. Look for us under the name Sweet Grass Cooperative.  The Co-op is incorporated in the State of Colorado.

USA Today recently did an artilce on Ranch Living.   Maytag Mountain Ranch was one of the Ranches showcased in their article Read about us at http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/secondhomes/2010-06-17-ranch-living_N.htm

A local reporter from the Pueblo Chieftain recently visited the Ranch. His news article on the Ranch captures the fun that families have a the Ranch and the desire to promote ecologically sound ranching that is a the heart of the Ranching efforts conducted by the Maytag Mountain Ranch Homeowner’s Association. Read about our Ranch at http://www.chieftain.com/business/local/article_5d130fe2-7b41-11df-87f2-001cc4c002e0.html

Almost the end of May and the grass on the Ranch has turned a deep green.   We are beginning our calving season and the new-born calves are fortunate to have the warm weather and green grass.   The fruit trees are in bloom and the spring flowers are all around.   The snow on the mountain peaks provides plenty of water for irrigating the fields.   The herds of deer and elk are plentiful on the Ranch and provide visitors with closeup views of these animals.   This is a great time of year to be living at the Ranch.

Spring has arrived at the Ranch.  With Eagle Peak in the background still covered with snow, the Ranch pastureland is free of snow.  The grasses are growing and the cattle are excited to taste the fress, green grass.  As the grasses grow, our Ranch Cattle Manager keeps a watchful eye.  He frequently moves the cattle between pastures to keep the cattle healthy and to keep the range land healthy.  The mountain bluebirds and the western bluebirds have returned to the Ranch and the crocuses and daffodils are blooming.  The Pasque flowers, one of the earliest blooming flowers in the Valley, have been visible for several weeks now.  We invite you to visit the Ranch and enjoy our beautiful spring weather.

The Permaculture Garden will be Blooming Soon!

From Ava our Gardener:

    We have entered a perfect time of year to begin the winter pruning of the various fruit trees. In addition to removing branches broken by snow or wandering herds of deer and elk, selective thinning should channel more of each tree’s resources into the fruit. This should allow the plums, peaches, apricots, apples, cherries, and pears to be larger and sweeter when the fruit ripens this summer and fall. Careful thinning also allows more sunlight to reach the leaves and air to circulate. This movement of air and warmth from the sunlight helps prevent mold and fungus on the leaves and branches.

Changes to the grape arbor are coming along nicely. The grapes should be well supported with the minor improvements we are making to the structure. Similar to the fruit trees, I hope to have larger and sweeter grapes than ever before. We are experimenting with companion planting among the grapes. Clover can be found near the grapes; this gives the grapes more nitrogen from clover. Chives are being planted to help with insect control; chives act as a deterrent to insects that are detrimental to grape vines.

Nature’s choice of first stage ground cover and soil builders have worked very well in our garde. Bindweed and wild grasses have been holding moisture and converting subsoil into richer top-soil. The garden is now ready for more broad-leafed plants, such as comfrey, squash, pumpkins, and even fields of strawberries. The tiny burrowing mammals have been diligently tilling the soil, bringing air and water to the microscopic life forms that turn lifeless rock into a feast for plants of all kinds.

The plants with very deep roots, such as hollyhocks, valerian, and dandelions are doing their work, as well. Everything works together to make the garden a place of beauty and harmony. This is the essence of a Permaculture garden. If you have been to the garden before, you will find it somewhat changed this spring. If you have never visited, you will find it to be a place most enjoyable to wander and relax. I in-vite you to visit and ask me questions about the plants and their uses. If I don’t know the answer, I will find out and let you know. Visitors in the garden, including children, are always welcome.

Have you ever thought about leaving the corporate world behind;  leaving the hustle and bustle of the office life and getting into the great outdoors?  Do you enjoy fly-fishing, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding or just sitting quietly on your deck and watching the wildlife including elk, deer, bobcats, and turkeys?  The constant stress of a high-powered day-to-day career takes its toll on your health and well-being.   I would invite you to take a break from that stress and whirlwind agenda of e-mails to respond to and meetings to attend.  Consider owning a part of a working cattle ranch where you can come to relax and unwind.   When you own a part of Maytag Mountain Ranch, you are part owner of the cattle herd, the horse herd, and the chickens.  You share the 3,000 acre ranch with a small group of other like-minded owners.   The Ranch environment is one of quiet solitude or friendly gatherings…your choice on your schedule.   The Ranch is managed by 3 very capable managers who keep the horses ready for riding, who welcome your help in moving cattle, or who will give you advice on the best restaurants in town.  This is a sustainable ranching community at its best.  Look at the pictures on our website and give it serious consideration.  And if you decide to come and visit and invest in the Ranch time as your time, I know you won’t be disappointed.