By Jesse Bussard

To run a successful and profitable ranching enterprise one must be able to observe, plan, monitor, evaluate, and adapt the resources under their management in an ever-changing world.

By far, ranching’s largest managed resource is land. While the end goal may be to produce a calf or a pound of beef, it is important to remember that it all starts on the land. Ranch mapping plays a vital role in allowing ranch managers to manage this resource effectively.

In our modern era, technologies such as geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning systems (GPS) are available to land managers to assist in mapping. However, the expense and necessary expertise to apply them poses a challenge for many.

A rather simple, user-friendly computer application, Google Earth (GE), offers an alternative to this. GE’s affordability — free — and relative ease of use truly makes it a management game-changer for ranchers. In less than a few hours of training, anyone can learn to map.

To help ranchers learn to use this game changing technology, Land EKG is offering a 3-part webinar series titled “Intro to Google Earth Ranch Mapping – 2013” that will leave users confident and excited about the possibilities and benefits Google Earth makes available to land managers. A similar course was offered in January. Due to the overwhelming response from participants, Land EKG has decided to offer the course a second time around.

Through these webinar series participants can expect to learn effective use of GE to:

• Map basic ranch borders, pasture fence, trails, ponds, and water points,
• Develop and archive annual grazing plans,
• Map weeds and management strategies – verify the most effective practices,
• Track and develop your land monitoring program,
• Plan future land and pasture improvements (i.e. water lines, fencing, vegetation control, and habitat improvement practices),
• Print maps and specific management plans for employees, agencies, etc.,
• Easily share map files back and forth.

The 3-part series will be held over a course of three weeks on February 28^th, March 7^th and 14^th. Each will consist of an hour in length. In addition, for those ranchers that are interested but may not be able to attend the live webinars, sessions will be recorded and access given to participants. Land EKG will be available for technical support and follow up questions after the event.

To register for this event click here à https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/445410662