About Waves

My name is Graydon Garner, founder of Waves Ranch Planning. Raised in the ranching country of southwest Alberta, I developed an early appreciation for grasslands, livestock, and the people who manage them. After completing a degree in environmental science, I continued ranching with my wife and her family near Strathmore, grounding my work in real‑world experience.

With almost 10 years in the conservation sector — collaborating with multiple not‑for‑profit organizations and supporting producers across the province — I launched Waves to provide practical, trusted guidance. I work alongside ranchers and organizations who value stewardship and want clear, actionable support for grazing plans, drought strategies, infrastructure decisions, and conservation funding.

My Values

• The land is the foundation. Healthy soils, functioning plant communities, and reliable water cycles are the base of every successful ranch.

• Livestock are tools, not stressors. When grazing is intentional, animals improve the land rather than degrade it.

• Families matter. Resilient ranches are built by people who have clarity, margins, and the ability to plan for tough years without burning out.

• Simple beats complex. The best plans are practical, flexible, and fit the realities of your labour, infrastructure, and risk tolerance.

• Principles over programs. Management decisions should stand on their own merits, regardless of incentives or trends.

I work with producers who share these values—or who want to move their operation in that direction.

My Services

Grazing plans

Customized grazing plans for cow‑calf, yearling, and mixed operations
Stocking rate calculations and forage supply assessments
Paddock design, grazing rotations, and rest‑recovery strategies
Integration of adaptive grazing principles that fit your management style

Drought Plans

Scenario‑based drought strategies tailored to your forage base
Trigger points, decision timelines, and risk‑reduction tools
Feed budgeting and contingency planning
Support for provincial and federal drought‑related programs

Infrastructure plans

Water system design (pipeline, troughs, wells, solar, dugouts)
Fencing layout and cost‑effective paddock development
Access, handling systems, and pasture‑use optimization
Budgeting and phased implementation plans

Conservation Program and Funding Support

Guidance on NGO conservation programs
Support applying for environmental or stewardship funding
Project design for riparian work, grassland enhancement, and habitat projects
Reporting, monitoring, and documentation support

Areas of Experience

Water

Animals

Vegetation

Design water systems and management strategies that support livestock and long-term resilience

Align grazing management and herd movement with forage availability and animal performance goals

Assess and plan for healthy plant communities that sustain productivity, biodiversity and soil protection across grazing systems

Ecology

Integrate ecological principles into ranch planning to balance production with habitat function and landscape stewardship

Soils

Support soil health through grazing strategies and infrastructure decisions that enhance water infiltration and nutrient cycling

Socioeconomics

Help producers navigate funding programs, partnerships, and conservation planning to strengthen profitability and resilience

Let's Get Started

What working together looks like

Every operation is different so my services are flexible and tailored to your needs. Support can include:

On-farm assessments and recommendations
Grazing and land management planning (in-person or virtual)
Goal setting and improvement strategies
Ongoing advisory support

Whether you need a one-time consultation or longer-term guidance, we'll build a plan that works for you.

The first one is on me

Working together starts with a simple conversation. I offer a free initial phone consultation - no pressure, no obligation - just a chance for us to connect and talk through your operation and your goals.

During this call, we'll: