SEASONS

Off To College

From Pasture to Professor: Our Grateful Graze Girls Go to College At Grateful Graze, we’re committed to regenerative agriculture, but we’re also committed to education. That’s why we’re sending our "Grateful Graze Girls"—our herd of heifers—back to school. The Assignment: Livestock Integration at WIU We raise pasture-raised proteins you can trust, but we are equally passionate about teaching other farmers how to transition to regenerative agriculture. One of the best ways we do this is by collaborating with institutions teaching future generations. Dr. Joel Gruver is a nationally recognized professor and researcher at Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL. His students have an extraordinary opportunity to learn about organic farming, diverse crops, and cover cropping at the Allison Farm. Each year, Dr. Gruver and his team host local farmers and researchers from around the world to showcase cutting-edge, collaborative agricultural practices. Several years ago, Monte, our founding farmer, challenged Dr. Gruver to integrate livestock into his research. Everything is ready, and the WIU Allison Farm is about to embark on the 5th principle of Soil Health: Livestock Integration. The rich soils of this farm, located just west of Roseville, IL, were formed from the interactions of diverse prairie plants and ruminants like bison. Now, we are mimicking that ancient synergy with multi-species cover crops and cattle to restore the land. College Prep: Training the Herd We have selected 15 heifers for “College Prep.” They are being trained on NoFence virtual collars, which allow us to contain them in small, focused grazing areas—mimicking the density of a bison herd. We give them an acre of space but virtually restrict 25% of it so they become accustomed to the collar signals. They are progressing well and moved on to their second "course" (training area) today. Move-In Day and Beyond On Tuesday, our team will head to the Allison Farm to get the "dorm room" ready by setting up perimeter and interior fencing. We’ve designed a flexible perimeter system that keeps the herd safe while allowing researchers to work, ensuring our "students" stay focused on their grazing curriculum. Just in case the technology hits a snag or one of the girls flunked a prep course, our physical fencing ensures they remain secure. We’ll be able to monitor the girls remotely with their collars—think "Find My Cows" instead of "Find My Friends"—to ensure they are studying hard and not wandering off at night. Thursday is move-in day. The girls will relocate to the WIU Allison Farm, and it’s straight to work: their first test is Friday, when farmers and researchers arrive to observe them doing what cows do best—turning salad into steak. Looking Ahead Dr. Gruver and Monte are developing several research observations, including tracking weight gain, cover crop preferences, and changes to the soil biome and carbon levels. We hope this project provides a clear roadmap for how corn and bean farmers can diversify their operations and bring livestock back to the land. And if they decide to pull a classic college prank in the field? We’ll be prepared. Stay tuned for letters and calls home from college. Follow our social media channels for live updates from the WIU Allison Farm. Do you have questions about regenerative grazing? Drop them in the comments below!

Celebrating Regenerative Agriculture

At Grateful Graze, we’re always thinking about how the way we farm today shapes the future of our land, our livestock, our food, and our communities. That’s why February 14 holds a special place in our hearts — it’s National Regenerative Agriculture Day, a day dedicated to shining a spotlight on farming practices that restore soil health, increase biodiversity, and help heal the ecosystems we all depend on. While many people associate February 14 with hearts and flowers, regenerative agriculture reminds us to love where our food comes from in a deeper, more lasting way — by nurturing the soil that feeds us and the farms that sustain our families. Regenerative agriculture isn’t a single technique but a philosophy rooted in practices like no-till, cover cropping, diverse rotations, livestock integration, and soil biology enhancement — all designed to build healthier soil and more resilient farms for generations to come. This week Monte is attending the 2026 World Ag Expo in Tulare, California. The World Ag Expo is one of the largest agricultural trade shows in the world, bringing together innovators, educators, and producers to share ideas, tools, and advancements that shape the future of agriculture. Monte has long been an advocate for soil health and regenerative systems both on the ground and in the broader agricultural conversation — hosting the AgEmerge podcast, speaking at national events, and working directly with growers on practical, scalable approaches to regeneration. Whether through no-till systems, cover crop strategies, or thoughtful livestock integration, he’s constantly pushing for practices that support healthier soils, more resilient farms, and stronger rural communities. At the World Ag Expo, Monte is helping educate farmers and attendees about how regenerative methods can be part of profitable, sustainable operations — connecting real-world experience with the latest research and innovation. On this National Regenerative Agriculture Day, we encourage everyone to pause and appreciate the soil beneath our feet, the farmers working hard to steward it, and the growing movement toward more regenerative, sustainable agriculture. Whether you’re a consumer, farmer, rancher, or advocate, there are meaningful ways to be part of the solution. Thank you for supporting farms that care for the land and for celebrating regenerative agriculture with us.

How Our Cattle and Goats Thrive Through Illinois Winters

Winter in Illinois is no joke. Subzero temperatures, biting winds, snow, and ice are all part of life on the prairie. One of the questions we’re often asked at Grateful Graze is how our animals handle the cold—especially our cattle and goats that remain on the farm throughout the winter months. The short answer? Healthy animals, raised the way nature intended, are remarkably well-equipped to thrive in cold weather. Built for the Cold: Healthy Bodies Matter Our cattle and goats go into winter in excellent condition. Because they are raised on healthy pasture, diverse forage, and nutrient-dense hay grown from living soils, they carry natural insulation in the form of healthy body fat and thick winter coats. As temperatures drop, their bodies respond by: Growing dense winter hair coats that trap heat Increasing metabolism slightly to generate warmth Conserving energy by resting and ruminating Cold weather itself is not stressful for livestock—poor nutrition, wind exposure, and damp conditions are. That’s where thoughtful management comes in. Shelter From the Wind (Not the Cold) At Grateful Graze, our cattle and goats live on land that includes timber, natural windbreaks, and strategically placed shelters. Animals don’t need heated barns; they need: Protection from wind Dry ground to lie down on The ability to move freely Our goats especially appreciate access to dry shelters, while our cattle often choose to bed down in sheltered areas of timber even during snowfall. Allowing animals to choose where they’re most comfortable is a key part of low-stress animal care. The Power of Hay and Healthy Soils Winter is when forage management truly shines. Our animals are fed high-quality hay grown on the same regenerative land they graze during the growing season. This hay: Provides steady energy for warmth Keeps rumens active (rumination generates heat) Reflects the mineral balance of healthy soils You’ll often see cattle eating more hay during cold snaps—that digestion process is nature’s furnace. Water Is Just as Important as Feed Hydration matters year-round. Even in freezing temperatures, our cattle and goats have access to fresh, unfrozen water. Adequate water intake ensures proper digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health—especially when animals are consuming dry forage. Why You Don’t See Pigs or Chickens in Winter You may notice that our pigs and chickens are not on the farm during the winter months. That’s intentional. At Grateful Graze: All pigs and chickens are processed in the fall We do not overwinter animals that are not naturally cold-hardy This allows us to prioritize animal comfort and humane care Seasonal production is part of respecting the rhythms of nature and maintaining the highest welfare standards. Calm Animals, Clean Food Healthy animals that are calm, well-fed, and protected from stress produce better food—plain and simple. Winter is not something our cattle and goats “survive”; it’s something they are well adapted for when given proper care. When you choose Grateful Graze beef or goat, you’re choosing: Animals raised outdoors year-round Management that respects natural behaviors Food that reflects health from soil to animal to family table Illinois winters are tough—but with healthy land, thoughtful stewardship, and resilient animals, they’re just another season on the farm.

SEASONS

More from the blog

Off To College

Celebrating Regenerative Agriculture

How Our Cattle and Goats Thrive Through Illinois Winters

Grateful Graze