s03e03 – Sally Witkowski – Food as Medicine
Food as Medicine
Episode 3:
Sally Witkowski:
Cross W Ranch
A Ranch on a Mission
Rancher Sally Witkowski describes how she and her husband Jim Witkowski got their entire family into grass-fed, grass-finished organic cattle ranching. Includes a look at regenerative practices, humane animal care, revenue streams, market trends, and the importance of a mission-driven mindset.
Part 1 Listen
Powerful Motivations | Length: 7:42
What’s it take to go from 0-60 in cattle ranching, coming from a non-farming background?
Part 2 Listen
Clean Food: Meeting the Market | Length: 7:11
Yes, people will go out of their way for better food.
Part 3 Listen
Multiple Revenue Streams | Length: 7:16
With a main emphasis on cattle ranching, Cross W continues to build out other revenue streams to secure their operation and meet community needs.
Part 4 Listen
Ag Tourism as a Revenue Stream | Length: 4:00
How barn weddings became an important additional revenue stream for Cross W Ranch.
Part 5 Listen
A Regenerative Approach to Food Quality | Length: 6:29
Animal and human health start with soil and plant health. Two practices can help jumpstart this process: building diverse plant communities in the pasture, and using foliar feeding when needed to strengthen pasture and hay productivity.
Part 6 Listen
Animal Care and Management | Length: 2:13
How does nature do it? A quick snapshot of animal handling practice and philosophy at Cross W Ranch.
Part 7 Listen
Family, Succession, and Land Conservation | Length: 3:18
How the family component works in the management of Cross W Ranch, and how land preservation fits into the long-term picture.
Part 8 Listen
Ranch Evolution and Plans | Length: 10:29
Business growth at Cross W Ranch: a step-by-step process of getting the needed equipment, adapting farm practice, and planning with a long-term vision in mind.
About Sally Witkowski
Sally Witkowski is a rancher and co-founder, together with husband Jim Witkowski, of Cross W Ranch in Howell, Michigan. A Michigan native, Sally completed a dual degree program in Fine Arts / Industrial Design from The University of Michigan before meeting Jim and starting a family together.