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Douglas
Lake Ranch
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LAND Douglas Lake Ranch has the single largest unit of open grassland in the Region. Douglas Lake Ranch’s ability to sustain such an impressive herd of cattle is derived from the careful management of the natural grasses including the indigenous Bluebunch Wheatgrass. Native to the Pacific Northwest of North America, these hardy grasses are found in abundance on the Douglas Lake Ranch and is thought to possibly be one of the single largest remaining habitats for these plants. This indigenous grass is extremely resilient to the cold winters and dry summers, however it can be susceptible to damage by overgrazing and contact, particularly that of man. Consistent overgrazing destroys the plant, leaving the area prone to infestation of other less desirable species of flora. Sound grazing programs can actually enhance and refine range conditions. Bluebunch Wheatgrass is a valuable commodity in the context of the Ranch operations. It is one of the primary features of the Douglas Lake Ranch and contributes greatly towards the ability of the Ranch to sustain its superior cattle herd. Douglas Lake Ranch produces enough forage crops to maintain its entire cattle herd and purchases only supplements and grain for fattening cattle. In general, the 5,700 acres of crop land produce as much as 6,000 tons of baled hay and 21,000 tons of silage. The farm components of the Ranch consists of about 1,750 acres of mechanically irrigated land, 3,000 acres of flood irrigated land, and 950 acres of dry farming land. Depending on the location and elevation of the farm land and the specifics of the crop itself, one to two crops are harvested in a single growing season. |
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