What Is Regenerative Grazing? (and Why It Matters for Colorado Ranches)

At Longroots Ranch, we believe raising animals should do more than feed people — it should heal the land. That’s why we practice regenerative grazing, a soil-first approach to ranching that restores ecosystems, nourishes communities, and aligns our livelihood with the rhythms of nature.

But regenerative grazing isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a daily practice — one we’re continually learning and refining with the support of Andrea Malmberg and Caity Roberts at UVE, a Savory Institute Hub here in the West.

So what exactly is regenerative grazing, and why does it matter so much for ranches in Colorado and beyond?

Regenerative grazing that gives back

At its core, regenerative grazing is a way of raising livestock that improves — rather than depletes — the land. It’s inspired by how wild, bison herds once moved across grasslands: tightly bunched for protection, on the move frequently, and always giving the land time to rest and recover.

This cycle of graze, impact, rest, and regrowth supports healthier soil, thicker forage, better water retention, and greater biodiversity — all of which matter deeply in our semi-arid Colorado climate.

When done right, regenerative grazing can:

• Rebuild soil structure and organic matter

• Increase water-holding capacity and drought resilience

• Avoid reliance on inputs, chemical or otherwise

• Sequester carbon in the soil

• Improve animal health and meat quality

• Support local food systems and economies

It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress.

Regenerative grazing isn’t a checklist — and it’s not a marketing gimmick. It’s an adaptive process, guided by observation, data, and our on-the-ground realities.

There are plenty of areas on our ranch we’re still improving. We don’t claim to have it all figured out. But what we do have is a clear purpose:

To rebuild soil health and improve ecosystem function while providing nutritious food for ourselves and our community.

We apply regenerative grazing principles to how we rotate animals, let pastures rest, monitor plant health, and align our work with the ecological and human capacities available to us. We strive to be transparent, accountable, and deeply rooted in both science and care.

What regenerative grazing looks like on our ranch

Here’s what regenerative grazing looks like in real life — not in theory:

• Planned grazing rotations that allow pastures to recover fully between animal impact

• Intentional trampling that mimics nature and helps break down plant matter into rich compost

• A flexible mindset, knowing that weather, animal needs, and ecosystem responses can shift our plans

• Increased biodiversity, with more pollinators, native grasses, and soil organisms returning each season

• A commitment to learning, with support from regenerative experts like Andrea and Caity

We also focus on quality of life — not just for our animals, but for ourselves. Regenerative means sustainable in every sense: emotionally, ecologically, and economically.

Why regenerative grazing matters in Colorado

In a state prone to drought, erosion, and development pressure, Colorado’s ranchlands need regeneration — not extraction. Regenerative grazing offers a path forward that values the long game: healthy soil, resilient communities, and a deeper connection to place.

It’s a way to ensure that rural livelihoods, clean food, and natural ecosystems aren’t at odds. They’re part of the same solution.

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