Native Grass Hay Production for Multiple Benefits at the Cobra Ranch

The Nature Conservancy led the restoration of abandoned agricultural fields on the Cobra Ranch property in Klondyke, Arizona. The initial goal was to establish native grass ground cover. The project has since expanded to include multiple ecosystem improvement objectives, such as increasing water infiltration and aquifer recharge, and promoting sustainable farming and grazing practices. Over the course of the project, 20 native grass species were planted, and native grass hay was sold to ranchers for feed. However, limited incentives for using less water and fewer harvests per year have reduced ranchers' interest in grass hay production. TNC is working to promote greater interest in these sustainable practices.