Get reliable rangeland science

I am a rancher in Gila County Arizona and have been monitoring vegetation on our ranch for 8 years. For the past 4 years we have utilized the VGS data system and have come to realize the great value in the system. Prior to using VGS we were forced to use paper and pencil to document collected data. This was a tedious and time consuming process and did not afford us the opportunity to quickly analyze and compare the data we were collecting. Often, while we are on the Key Area we are monitoring we take note of previous and present rainfall data, and we now have the ability to correlate past production, species composition, frequency, and ground cover to the timing and amount of rainfall. VGS gives us the ability to examine 8 years of data from varied perspectives. We can now track trends and changes in our vegetation. We can compare pastures regarding the variety of species, production, and ground cover. We can now merge past utilization data with the management of our cow herd rotational grazing schedule and quickly determine the carrying capacity for each pasture based on past data. Our ranch is on National Forest land and we monitor frequently with US Forest Service staff. VGS provides us with the capability to discuss grazing strategies and schedules while on the range with those land managers. Recent additions to VGS have upgraded an already excellent software program. One problem all ranchers have while monitoring is plant identification. We now have the capability to access an extensive plant data base with full color photographs of each species. In summary my profession as a rancher has been changed dramatically for the better because I can now make better plans and better monitor my ranch management.