We’re content to introduce you to Leslie Svacina, a rotational grazing goat farmer in Deer Park, Wisconsin. Pasture farming, holistic farming practices and her employ of technology are why Leslie was selected for this month’s Leaders of the Land™ award.
Introduce yourself and tell us about your farm.
I’m Leslie Svacina. I farm in western Wisconsin, near Deer Park. My farm is there Cylon rolling acres and I raise goats and sheep on the pasture. We market and sell nutritious meat products to families across the country.
What does sustainability mean to you?
Sustainable development means using and caring for natural resources. We are constantly looking for ways to improve and improve the farm. We want to not only improve their natural resources, but also improve their practices so that we can continue to learn and grow. Resources begin with the soil beneath our feet. The soil supports the entire ecosystem surrounding our farm. It’s all integrated into our air and water.
Much of Cylon Rolling Acres is rotational grazing. Grazing practices they form the basis of our agriculture and determine how we care for the land and resources we have.
How to keep water immaculate?
We think of our farm and resources as a whole system. When using rotational grazing, we really think about where and when we move our animals. We keep our animals away from sensitive areas to minimize the risk of erosion and runoff.
We also try to keep the input low. As we employ tools and resources on our farm, we remember that these tools can have a greater impact on our land and water.
How do you protect your resources?
When we employ and protect our natural resources, I look at it holistically. We follow the seasonal cycles of our land and the ecosystems around us. We follow nature’s curves in managing our land and resources. When we make management decisions and move the herd, I always think about the long-term impact and the overall health of our environment.
How does technology facilitate make the farm more sustainable?
One example of the employ of technology on our farm is the rotational grazing system. We have a portable electric fence system powered by battery or solar energy. Portable paddocks facilitate us segment areas of our pastures to evenly distribute grazing and manure. Goats and sheep are notorious for escaping from fences, so using these tools helps keep the animals secure.
Why is sustainability critical on your farm?
Conservation and sustainability are at the heart of our business, especially our rotational grazing practices. We are always looking to try novel things and improve our practices. We want to produce a high-quality, sustainable product for consumers across the country.
Leslie sells and sells nutritious, pasture-raised meat to families across the country. Her products can be found on her website – Cylon rolling acres. It also offers consulting services for beginner breeders He’s grazing with Leslie.
