10/01/2026
As you’ve probably discovered, questioning conventional practices is a frequent occurrence at the Gratny’s.
And given that a lot of hay is purchased to feed the variety of animals that call this place home, we considered raising our own hay—only for a split second. The thought of purchasing haying equipment (tractor, mower, rake, and baler) was replaced by the decision to experiment with a more effective pasture management approach: native grasses.
We’re grateful to Rich and Annette Gratny of Paris, TX, for renting us the land (that’s typically in a corn and soybean rotation); Eocene Environmental Group of West Des Moines, IA, for guiding us; and Hoksey Native Seeds of Lynnville, IA, that provided the native prairie mix.
It’s safe to say that the experiment’s first year yielded plenty of furrowed foreheads and raised eyebrows as passers-by gawked through their windows.
That’s okay!
Last winter, our broodmares (a female horse used for breeding), had food and protection. After burning the pasture in the spring, the native grasses went to work building soil aggregates. Aggregates play a crucial role in soil structure, porosity, water retention, and nutrient availability, influencing soil health and productivity.
Our most astounding discovery we hope encourages others: Nothing happens overnight. What’s been plowed over in a matter of hours with generations of conventional farming takes years to re-build. There’s very little feed value the first few years. Yet, we believe that someone has to take the time to try it. Why not us?
The mares will be turned out again this winter, and the pasture burned this spring. By summer, we’re optimistic there will be healthier soil and forage—even if it means chopping a few thistles!
