Leslie Svacina farms in Western Wisconsin near Deer Park. At her farm, Cylon Rolling Acres, Leslie implements rotational grazing to raise meat goats and sheep on pasture, selling nutritious, pasture-raised meat directly to families across the country.
For Leslie, farming isn’t just about raising animals—it’s about stewardship. “Sustainability means utilizing and caring for natural resources,” she explains. “We not only want to enhance our natural resources, but we also want to improve our practices to continue to learn and grow.”
What is rotational grazing?
That mindset begins with the soil beneath her boots. “The soil supports the entire ecosystem surrounding our farm,” she says. “It is all integrated with our air and water.” It’s why rotational grazing—the practice of moving livestock frequently between pastures—is the cornerstone of how Cylon Rolling Acres operates. “Grazing practices are the basis of how we farm and dictate how we care for the land and the resources that we have.”
Every decision on her farm takes a holistic approach. “We think of our farm and resources as a whole system,” Leslie notes. “We keep our animals away from vulnerable areas to minimize erosion and runoff risk.”
Fencing systems for sheep and goats
Even her fencing reflects her commitment to sustainability. With a battery- and solar-powered portable electric fencing system, Leslie is able to divide pastures into paddocks to ensure even grazing and fertilization. “Goats and sheep can be notorious for getting out of fences, so using these tools keeps the animals safe,” she adds.
Technology helps, but it’s nature that leads. “We follow the seasonal cycles of our land and the ecosystems around us,” Leslie says. “I am always thinking of the long-term impact and the overall health of our environment when we make management decisions and herd moves.”
Conservation and sustainability are at the core of everything they do at Cylon Rolling Acres, especially with their rotational grazing practices. Leslie is always looking to try new things and improve practices. “We want to produce a high quality, sustainable product for consumers across the country,” shared Leslie.
Leslie sells and markets nutritious pasture-raised meats to families across the country. You can find her products on her website – Cylon Rolling Acres. She also offers consulting services to beginning grazers through Grazing with Leslie.
Leslie Svacina is featured as a part of Gather Wisconsin’s Leaders of the Land® segment. Leaders of the Land features Wisconsin farmers moving agriculture forward through their commitment to sustainability.