The Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association awarded Chris and Jenny Reichert of Reichert Land and Cattle in Sheboygan Falls, the Environmental Stewardship Award. Together with their three children, the Reicherts manage their cattle using an intensive rotational grazing system. They also implement cover crops and no-till practices to reduce erosion on their crop ground.
Jenny Reichert reflects on her agricultural roots, “The history of us getting started within agriculture goes back to both of our families’ involvement in agriculture. My grandparents were on a farm, my dad was an agronomist, and growing up, I helped him scout fields and also milk cattle. Cows have forever been my favorite animal.”
Chris Reichert also shares his background, “My farm was a multi-generation farm. I grew up in the Plymouth area and showed beef cattle and hogs. After attending college for agricultural business, I met Jenny at the fair back in 2013.”
Their journey led them to purchase a homestead near Johnsonville by the Sheboygan River, where they now run 35 cow-calf pairs and engage in direct-to-consumer beef sales. They focus on breeds like Shorthorn and Angus, with a diversified crop rotation that includes corn, soybeans, wheat, alfalfa, and sweet corn.
Their sustainable practices have shown remarkable benefits, particularly during heavy rainfall. Chris notes, “The minimal water runoff we saw coming off the pasture was pretty impressive. The water was very clean, and our grazing rotation helped us manage the wet conditions.”
The Reicherts are members of the Sheboygan River Progressive Farmers, working to protect the Sheboygan River Basin. Jenny emphasizes their commitment, “We want to be responsible for the land we care for. Even though we’re on a micro-scale, we aim to have a large impact on our local community.”
Their dedication to no-till planting and cover cropping has transformed their farm operations. Chris shares, “We started no-tilling in 2018 and have pretty much tried to be 100% no-till since then. Our goal is to maximize every acre, and our rotational grazing has improved soil health and wildlife habitat.”
Winning the Environmental Stewardship Award is a testament to their hard work and dedication. Jenny expresses their gratitude, “Winning this award was like a cherry on top for us. It continues to fuel our fire to do more and make a bigger difference. We are honored to be a part of this community and grateful to the Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Association for recognizing our efforts.”