Healthy soil and smart water management are essential for building resilient agricultural systems, especially in regions facing drought and climate challenges. Markegard Family Grass-Fed, featured in the Ecological Farming Association’s Water Stewardship video series, demonstrates how keyline design strategies can improve soil health, increase forage production, conserve resources, and reduce runoff on working ranchland.
Keyline design is a regenerative land management approach that helps slow, spread, and sink water naturally across the landscape. Instead of allowing rainfall to rush downhill and cause erosion, carefully planned contour systems guide water into the soil where it can recharge the land more effectively. This improves soil moisture retention, supports plant growth, and strengthens drought resilience over time.
At Markegard Family Grass-Fed, these strategies help build healthier soils while increasing the productivity of forage used to support grass-fed livestock. Healthy, moisture-rich soils create stronger pasture systems and improve the long-term sustainability of grazing operations.
The ranch also reports reduced runoff and lower electricity use as part of its water stewardship efforts. Efficient water movement and healthier soil structure can reduce dependence on energy-intensive irrigation or pumping systems, helping lower operational costs while benefiting the environment.
Keyline systems often work hand in hand with rotational grazing and regenerative agriculture practices that improve biodiversity, increase carbon storage in the soil, and support healthier ecosystems overall. By working with natural water cycles rather than against them, ranchers can create landscapes that are more resilient to changing climate conditions.
The work being done at Markegard Family Grass-Fed highlights how innovative land stewardship practices can benefit both agriculture and the environment. Building healthy soil is not only good for forage production—it also supports cleaner water, stronger ecosystems, and more sustainable food systems for the future.