Location: TBD
If you want your ground to stay productive when the rain doesn’t come, this workshop is for you.
Join Ray Archuleta and Alejandro Carrillo for a hands on, two-day deep dive into regenerative ranching from a real world, producer perspective. You will learn how to build soil that captures and holds moisture, grows more grass, and supports higher stocking rates without increasing inputs. We will cover practical ways to improve nutrient cycling, reduce salinity, and manage disease and pest pressure while improving animal health. This is about producing more with what you already have, lowering feed costs, and building a more resilient and profitable operation.
Ray Archuleta
Ray Archuleta is a Professional Soil Scientist, speaker, mentor, and consultant. He works to educate farmers, agronomists, and the broader public about the importance of soil health and regenerative agriculture from a unique, holistic, and integrated perspective.
Alejandro Carrillo is a fourth-generation rancher in the Chihuahuan desert. After years travelling and learning from regenerative ranchers around the world, Carrillo has lowered his inputs substantially and can carry 3 times more cattle than his neighboring ranches on a per-acre basis.
More detailed times and agenda to follow.
Soil Health Field Days Agenda
Day 1
8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Registration & Welcome
Speakers: Workshop Team
- Meet fellow participants and receive workshop materials.
- Prepare for two days of hands-on learning in the field.
Let the Soil Speak: Live Soil Health Demonstration
Speaker: Ray Archuleta
- Experience the rainfall simulator and soil health demonstrations.
- Compare how different management practices affect water infiltration, erosion, soil structure, and nutrient retention.
- See firsthand how healthy soil functions under real-world conditions.
Principles & Patterns of Nature
Speaker: Ray Archuleta
- Discover the principles that drive healthy, resilient ecosystems.
- Learn how nature’s design can be applied to working lands and ranch management.
Grazing in Sync with Nature
Speaker: Alejandro Carrillo
- Explore the art and science of adaptive grazing.
- Learn how livestock can improve ecosystem function while supporting profitable operations.
Lunch
Going Beyond Grasslands
Speaker: Alejandro Carrillo
- Discover advanced grazing management strategies.
- Learn practical approaches to improving ecological health and ranch profitability.
Hands-On Field Exercises
Speaker: Ray Archuleta
- Practice using soil health assessment tools in the field.
- Learn how to evaluate soil function and ecosystem health on your own operation.
Open Discussion & Q&A
Speakers: Ray Archuleta & Alejandro Carrillo
- Ask questions and engage with the instructors.
- Discuss practical ways to apply the day’s concepts to your own ranch or farm.
Day 2
8:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Day 1 Questions & Review
Speakers: Workshop Instructors
- Review key concepts from Day 1.
- Questions
Animal Genetics & Epigenetics
Speaker: Alejandro Carrillo
- Learn how genetics and epigenetics influence animal performance and resilience.
- Explore how selecting the right animals can improve long-term ranch success.
Water & Fencing Infrastructure
Speaker: Alejandro Carrillo
- Understand how infrastructure supports adaptive grazing.
- Learn practical strategies for designing efficient watering systems and fencing.
The Four Processes Driven by Biology: Sunlight, Water, Nutrient & Diversity
Speaker: Ray Archuleta
- Explore the four ecosystem processes that drive healthy landscapes.
- Learn how these biological processes improve soil function and productivity.
Soil Assessment Tools
Speaker: Ray Archuleta
- Learn about soil health testing methods, including the Haney Test, PLFA, and genetic soil testing.
- Discover how these tools can guide better management decisions.
Lunch
Drought Management
Speaker: Alejandro Carrillo
- Develop practical strategies for managing grasslands during drought.
- Learn how to build resilience while protecting long-term productivity.
Monitoring for Long-Term Success
Speaker: Ray Archuleta
- Learn why monitoring is critical to regenerative management.
- Discover practical ways to measure progress and adapt your management over time.
Case Study & Group Discussion
Speakers: Ray Archuleta & Alejandro Carrillo
- Work through real-world examples from working ranches.
- Discuss practical applications and management strategies.
Closing Questions & Wrap-Up
Speakers: All Instructors
- Review key takeaways from the workshop.
- Leave with practical ideas and next steps you can implement on your own operation.
Can’t Make It to Malta?
Ray Archuleta and Alejandro Carrillo will also be speaking at several other events across the region this fall. If you’re unable to attend the Malta workshop, consider joining them at one of these upcoming programs:
- September 22 – Montana Department of Agriculture, Helena, Montana (mid-day program, approximately 2–3 hours)
- September 24–25 – Sheridan Working Lands, Sheridan, Wyoming
- September 28–29 – Ranchers Stewardship Alliance, Malta, Montana
- October 1–2 – Blackfoot Challenge, Helmville, Montana
For event details, registration information, and schedule updates, please visit the host organization’s website:
Event details are subject to change. Please check with the host organization for the most current information.