Ridgeview Land and Cattle

About Ridgeview Land and Cattle

Ridgeview Land and Cattle, founded in 2018, is a working farm located 40 miles east of Charlotte. It is committed to regenerative agriculture production and creating healthy habitats for livestock, wildlife, and people. The farm aims to be stewards of the land, producers of quality livestock, and enhancers of the rural community. Their methods combine land, ruminants, generational agriculture knowledge, and modern business principles.

Land

The land of Ridgeview had been farmed for 100 years before being abandoned for 30 years until the current owners purchased it in 2018. Situated between rolling hills of Badin silt loam soils, the land features two creeks that coalesce to form the main artery of Ridgeview.

Conservation

Conservation and soil regeneration are given equal importance alongside the cattle enterprise. Ridgeview believes that a natural ecosystem function requires a diverse mix of flora and fauna. To achieve this, they have invested in infrastructure such as riparian buffer zones, high tensile fences, and buried water points. These tools enable better management of the cattle, mimicking the behavior of pre-existing ruminant herds. Additionally, their conservation efforts have created more opportunities for outdoor recreation, fostering fellowship and education.

Pasture

Ridgeview's pastures are in a constant state of evolution, with the goal of being able to responsibly graze year-round. They maintain a living root in the soil throughout the year by utilizing a combination of perennial grasses and seasonal annuals. By varying the stocking rates, they adjust grazing pressure on perennial stands, aiming to leave the pastures in a perpetual vegetative state. This approach maximizes available forage for the cattle while promoting carbon and sunlight sequestration. The seasonal annual pastures help them navigate the Southeastern "summer slump," utilize new hybrid forages, and protect the soil from severe heat.

Cattle

Ridgeview's cattle herd is low-input, maternally-focused, and heat-adapted, with an Angus-based foundation. The initial herd progeny came from cattle that were already present on the land, allowing for the selection of epigenetics suited for the farm's context. The focus is on traits that lead to profitability, as without profitability, sustainability is not possible. Key traits include fertility, with a cow expected to raise a calf to weaning within the program every year and breed back on time. Longevity is also crucial, with cows needing to have sound legs, udder, and structure to forage within the system for years. Adaptability is another important trait, as both the cattle and the farmers must adjust to changing land bases, forage types, and schedules. Ridgeview avoids unnecessary inputs that don't make financial sense, relying on the cow's natural ability to convert forage to protein through rumination. They provide quality forage, clean water, and minerals to supplement what the land may lack, allowing the cow to thrive.

Agriculture and Community

Ridgeview firmly believes that agriculture and community should always be part of the same conversation, as everyone relies on agriculture for food. While efficiency-driven agrarian models have their merits, they fail to capture the deeper understanding that comes with knowing your farmer. Ridgeview encourages a connection between farmers and consumers, fostering transparency and trust.

About the Ranchers

Taylor, the fourth generation in his family to farm, grew up on a beef cattle farm and apple orchard in Vermont. He has a background in 4-H and has worked on a ranch in Colorado. After exploring a career outside of agriculture, Taylor realized his calling and purchased Ridgeview Land and Cattle in 2018. Leah, the third generation in her family to farm, was raised in Southern Illinois where her grandfather started a row cropping operation. Her parents continue the row cropping tradition. Leah grew up around tractors and also participated in 4-H, showing hogs. Taylor and Leah met in 2019, got married in 2022, and together they represent the first generation of Ridgeview.

Continuing Education

Ridgeview is dedicated to continuous learning and experimentation. They have a library filled with information and experiences from others, and they actively seek opportunities to participate in farm studies. Sharing their knowledge with others is also important to them. As early adopters and innovators, they strive to stay at the forefront of agricultural practices.