Imperial Valley cattlemen are environmental stewards

The Imperial Valley is a region in southeastern California known for its fertile soil and agricultural production. One of the primary industries in the region is cattle farming, which has a rich history dating back to the mid-1800s.

Over the years, Imperial Valley ranchers have developed innovative practices to feed their cattle byproducts that are both healthy for the animals and the environment. For example, many ranchers in the region use almond hulls, which are a byproduct of the almond industry, as feed for their cattle. Almond hulls are high in fiber and protein, making them a nutritious addition to the cattle's diet. Additionally, using almond hulls as a feed source helps to reduce waste and supports the local agricultural economy.

Another popular feed source for Imperial Valley cattle is distiller's grains, a byproduct of the ethanol industry. Distiller's grains are high in protein and fiber and can be used as a supplement to traditional feed sources. By using distiller's grains as a feed source, ranchers can reduce their reliance on traditional feed sources like corn and soybeans, which can be expensive and have a larger environmental impact.

The Imperial Valley in California is home to many cattle farms, but one that stands out for its innovative and sustainable practices is Cameiro Heifer Ranch. Owned by Darren and Caitlin Ysselstein, this ranch is dedicated to raising replacement heifers for dairy farms while also being a steward of the environment.

Their philosophy is simple: take care of the next generation of milk cows by providing them with the best possible nutrition. To achieve this goal, they use a variety of byproducts from other industries to feed their animals in a healthy and sustainable way.

Cameiro Heifer Ranch feeds their cattle almond hulls, brewers’ grain, and rice bran. These byproducts are all great sources of energy for cattle and help prevent environmental waste by repurposing what would otherwise be discarded.

“The heifers really like watermelon and pumpkins, so we’ll feed that occasionally,” said Darren Ysselstein. 

Not only are they nutritious, but the cattle also enjoy the “fruits” of the byproducts. 

Overall, Cameiro Heifer Ranch is a great example of how innovative and sustainable practices can be implemented in the agriculture industry. By using byproducts to feed their cattle and implementing conservation practices to protect the environment, the Ysselsteins are proving that it's possible to feed animals nutritiously and in an environmentally responsible manner.