Explore every episode of the podcast Grazing Grass Podcast | Rotational Grazing, Soil Health & Profitable Livestock Farming
Dive into the complete episode list for Grazing Grass Podcast | Rotational Grazing, Soil Health & Profitable Livestock Farming. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
224 | From Flashlight Farmer to Profit Driven Grazing with Gabe Wight
20 mai 2026
01:13:57
In this episode, Cal visits with Gabe Wight from Northwest Arkansas about building a profitable grazing operation while simplifying life and focusing on long-term stewardship. Gabe shares how he reduced his herd size from several hundred cows to around forty cows and how that shift dramatically changed his grazing management, stress level, and profitability.
Gabe discusses lessons learned from overgrazing, why stock density matters, and how smaller herds allowed him to improve pasture recovery, calf performance, and equipment longevity. The conversation also covers rotational grazing design, water placement, erosion challenges, fertilizer decisions, chicken litter, stockpiling forage, and managing grazing through seasonal changes.
The discussion shifts into cattle genetics, breeding strategies, marketing calves through value-added programs, direct-to-consumer beef sales, and the importance of focusing on profitability instead of comparison with neighboring operations. Gabe also shares how his curiosity, podcasts, feed store conversations, and modern AI tools help him continue learning and improving his operation.
What happens when a cattle breed is designed specifically for grass-based farming instead of the feedlot?
In this special narrative-style episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal Hardage tells the story of the South Poll breed and the people behind it. Starting with Teddy Gentry’s journey in the late 1980s, this episode explores how one goal shaped an entirely new kind of cow: heat tolerant, fertile, efficient on forage, and built to thrive in regenerative grazing systems.
You’ll hear from Teddy Gentry, Greg Judy, Ralph and Jerry Voss, Steve Freeman, and Nathan Hahn as they share how South Poll cattle changed their operations and why they believe smaller, forage-efficient cattle are the future of profitable grass farming.
This episode covers:
Why Teddy Gentry created the South Poll breed
The four breeds that formed South Poll cattle
Heat tolerance, slick hair genetics, and grass efficiency
Why fertility and longevity matter more than size
Greg Judy’s transition away from conventional cattle
Leasing land to grow a grazing operation
Why South Poll breeders avoid the show ring
Building profitable cows instead of high-input cows
Grass finishing cattle on pasture
Selling direct-to-consumer grass-fed beef
The economics of regenerative cattle production
Longevity and maternal performance in grazing herds
Using smaller cows to improve profit per acre
If you’ve ever wondered whether modern cattle genetics truly fit regenerative grazing systems, this episode will give you a lot to think about.
222 | From Australia to Spain: Building a Profitable Farm on 15 Acres with Cian Francis Brazil
06 mai 2026
01:25:23
Cian didn’t grow up farming. He didn’t inherit land. And he didn’t follow a traditional path.
Instead, he moved from Australia to Spain during COVID, started from scratch, and built a profitable small-acreage farm in under a year.
In this episode, Cian shares how he and his wife took a leap of faith, navigated government grants, and built a direct-to-consumer farm business using chickens, pigs, and sheep. All on just 15 acres.
This conversation goes beyond the romantic vision of farming and dives into the real numbers, mistakes, and lessons learned along the way.
If you’ve ever wondered whether small acreage can truly support a full-time income, this episode gives you a clear, honest look at what it takes.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How Cian went from city life to farming in Spain
Why small acreage can be more profitable than large operations
The role of direct-to-consumer sales in farm success
How egg production created fast cash flow
What went wrong (and right) with pigs and sheep
How government grants helped launch the farm
The importance of knowing your numbers before starting
Why mindset matters more than tradition in agriculture
Key Takeaways
Cian’s farm became cash-flow positive in just three months, driven largely by egg sales.
By focusing on efficiency, direct marketing, and profitability, he’s proving that you don’t need hundreds of acres to build a sustainable farm business.
But it hasn’t been easy. From infrastructure challenges to livestock losses, Cian shares the hard realities behind the success.
221 | Grazing Cattle in Vermont: Can a Southern Breed Thrive Up North?
29 avr. 2026
01:10:41
What happens when a producer in the heart of dairy country decides to build a grass-based beef herd? In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal visits with John Smith from northern Vermont.
John shares how his family farm moved out of dairying decades ago, how his career in dairy co-ops shaped his perspective, and how a desire to raise his own food led him back to livestock ownership. After trying multiple breeds, John found the fit he was looking for in South Poll cattle.
They discuss restoring worn-out pastures through grazing management, adapting southern cattle genetics to Vermont winters, raising pigs in wooded systems, and building a future seedstock herd for the Northeast.
This episode is full of practical lessons on persistence, genetics, pasture recovery, and finding livestock that match your goals and environment.
Topics Covered:
Growing up connected to a former dairy farm
Working in the dairy industry and helping producers
Returning home to raise food for the family
Leasing family ground and restoring poor pasture
Why South Poll cattle stood out
Adapting cattle to harsh Vermont winters
Multi-move grazing and tighter paddock management
Using cattle to rebuild soil fertility
Raising feeder pigs in woodland systems
Building a seedstock future for New England producers
220 | Rebuilding Your Asset Base: Turning Sunshine Into Profit with Chris Henggeler
22 avr. 2026
01:17:04
What if your most valuable daily income isn’t cattle… but sunlight?
In this episode, we explore a powerful mindset shift around rebuilding your asset base and managing what your land can sustainably produce. Instead of chasing short-term outputs, the focus turns to strengthening the foundation—your soil, your grass, and your system.
We talk through what it really means to think like a grazier first, how to view your operation through the lens of regeneration, and why aligning production with what your land can handle long-term leads to better outcomes.
If you’re working to improve your grazing system—or just starting to think differently about your land—this episode will challenge and encourage you.
In this episode, we cover:
What “rebuilding the asset base” actually means
Why sunlight is your most important input
Shifting from production-first to resource-first thinking
How to determine what your land can sustainably yield
The connection between soil health and profitability
219 | Grazing the Sweet Spot: Numbers, Tipping Points, and Better Grass with Tom Krawiec
15 avr. 2026
01:12:42
In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal sits down with Tom Krawiec to explore a practical, numbers-driven approach to grazing management. Tom shares how focusing on the “sweet spot” in grazing can dramatically improve forage production, reduce labor, and increase profitability.
We dive into the importance of understanding your numbers, including stock days per acre, and how small management changes can lead to massive results. Tom explains the concept of the tipping point in forage production, where your system becomes self-sustaining, and why many operations fall short of reaching it.
The conversation also covers multi-species grazing, reducing workload through better systems, and the critical role of the grazing chart as a planning tool, not just a record. Along the way, Tom challenges common assumptions about rest periods, non-selective grazing, and the realities of modern homesteading.
If you're looking to improve your grazing system, simplify your operation, and get better results from your land, this episode is packed with actionable insights.
Topics Covered
What “grazing in the sweet spot” really means
How to calculate and use stock days per acre
The tipping point in forage production
Why rest periods can be too long, not just too short
Multi-species grazing and its impact on soil health
Using animals to determine graze periods
The power of grazing charts as a planning tool
Labor reduction through smarter systems
Challenges facing homesteaders and small producers
Training livestock to diversify their diet
Key Takeaways
Small management tweaks can unlock major gains
You must respect both graze and rest periods
Numbers remove guesswork, “show me the numbers”
Grazing charts are essential for consistent results
Diversity in livestock can improve soil and forage
Profitability starts with understanding your system
Resources Mentioned
Ranching Like a 12-Year-Old by Tom Krawiec
Holistic Management framework
Ranching for Profit principles
Dr. Kris Nichols (soil biology)
Fred Provenza (animal behavior & nutrition)
About the Guest
Tom Krawiec is a regenerative grazing practitioner and author known for his practical, systems-based approach to ranching. His work focuses on simplifying operations, reducing labor, and improving profitability through better grazing management.
218 | Custom Grazing, Katahdin Hair Sheep, and Building a Farm Legacy in West Virginia with Justin Frye
08 avr. 2026
01:09:04
Justin Frye of JMR Farm in Rio, West Virginia joins the show to talk about building a farm from scratch on a family property that's been in his family since 1847. He and his wife Maggie custom graze cow-calf pairs, run a Katahdin hair sheep flock, and buy and finish feeder lambs — all while working off-farm jobs and figuring out what enterprises fit their operation best.
Justin shares the story of how his grandfather's surprise offer to sell the family farm set everything in motion, how a connection through a mentor led to their first custom grazing arrangement, and what three consecutive years of drought have taught him about managing grass for someone else's cattle. He also walks through the sheep learning curve, going from 89 ewes down to 30 through hard culling, and explains their feeder lamb protocol from receiving through market.
Topics covered:
Growing up on a family farm in West Virginia and the influence of mentors at Potomac State College
Buying the family farm (in operation since 1847) and what made it financially possible
How a mentor connection led to their first custom grazing opportunity
What services JMR Farm provides under the custom grazing agreement, daily moves, pink eye treatment, weaning and vaccinating calves, getting them started on feed
Managing three consecutive drought years while grazing someone else's cattle
Moving toward 60-day rest periods and what they've learned about residual sward height
Building 13,000 feet of exterior and cross fence with just Justin and Maggie
Silvopasture plans: thinning wooded areas and controlling multiflora rose and autumn olive
Why they chose Katahdin hair sheep, the profitability case, and the steep learning curve
FAMACHA scoring, dewormer resistance, and culling hard for a parasite-resistant flock
Grazing sheep with cattle: their plan for this season
The feeder lamb operation: buying 40-60 lb lambs, feeding to 80-100 lbs, sell-buy marketing
Cattle handling with a Bud Box, the DS Livestock sheep system, and tips for low-stress flow-through
Freeze branding: liquid nitrogen vs. dry ice, container options, and offering it as a service
Cattle breed direction: Leachman Stabilizer genetics and why it fits their marketing channel
The sentimental story of buying back Maggie's heifer (M005) on Valentine's Day
Find Out More JMR Farm on Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550043373027
217 | Raw Milk, Fall Seasonal Dairying & the Gallagher eShepherd with Dakota Finch
01 avr. 2026
01:28:14
Dakota Finch didn't grow up planning to be an organic grass-fed dairy farmer. He grew up on his grandfather's conventional dairy in upstate New York, left for the Air Force, started researching nutrition for his family, and found himself reading about the organic dairy market on a computer in Korea during downtime. That curiosity eventually led him back to farming — on his own terms.
In this episode, Dakota shares how he went from a six-year Air Force career to launching Finch Family Farm in 2017, milking 40–50 grass-fed organic cows in central New York, and recently opening a farm retail store selling raw milk, beef, pork, chicken, and eggs.
He's honest about where things are working and where they're not — from the farrowing struggles with his son's pig operation, to the challenge of making quality hay on marginal ground nobody else wanted, to the marketing learning curve that comes with selling direct. This is a practitioner's episode: real questions, real tensions, no pretending it's all figured out.
What we cover:
• How Dakota got his start through an internship on a grass-fed organic dairy and the relationship that made his first herd purchase possible
• Fall seasonal vs. spring seasonal dairying — and why his milk market actually pays a premium for winter milk
• The 10-and-7 milking schedule he tried to protect time for coaching his kids' sports teams
• Balage, native grasses, and the ongoing question of whether to make his own hay or buy it
• Breeding decisions: Jersey AI, Ayrshire bulls, the Black Angus that timed out perfectly with the calf market, and why he's now using AAA mating
• Opening a farm retail store with Barn2Door and a small business grant — and why raw milk is the lead product that brings customers to the farm
• His son's pig operation (currently a train wreck, honestly) and the real math on whether farrowing-to-finish pencils out
• First year with 100 meat birds and 100 egg layers — lessons learned, losses included
• The Gallagher eShepherd virtual fence collars: what worked, what didn't, and why he's still excited about them heading into this season
Find Out More Dakota: Facebook (Dakota Finch) Finch Family Farm on Facebook finchfamilyfarmny.com
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Community question this week: What did the younger you dream of that you're doing today? Share in the Grazing Grass community.
216 | Brett Chedzoy, New York | How to Turn Existing Woodland into Productive Grazing
25 mars 2026
01:19:33
Brett Chedzoy is a Cornell Extension Forester and co-operator of Angus Glen Farms in upstate New York, where he and his wife Maria graze over 100 cow-calf pairs across 600 acres with much of it wooded. He's also been ranching in central Argentina since the mid-1990s, where he first discovered his love for cattle after heading there as a Peace Corps volunteer fresh out of graduate school.
In this episode, Brett breaks down silvopasture and how to evaluate existing woodland and open it up for productive grazing. He explains why thinning your woods isn't just about letting in light, it's about protecting the long-term value of your timber while growing more forage.
Topics covered:
Brett's background: Kansas wheat farming roots, a Welsh sheep-herding grandfather, Peace Corps in Argentina, and what the gauchos taught him about the difference between working hard and working smart
What silvopasture looks like in the forested Northeast vs. the savanna-style systems common in other regions
Why cool-season forages like orchardgrass can actually thrive in light shade and how silvopasture extends your grazing season on both ends
The 10-question site evaluation tool Brett developed to assess whether a piece of woodland is a good silvopasture candidate
How to find the right logging crew for silvopasture thinning (hint: it's a very different operation than high-value timber harvest)
The forester vs. farmer timescale problem and how to find the middle ground
Who to call first: land grant extension, state forestry agencies, and your local soil and water conservation district
Why Brett recommends starting small and getting your first experience before tackling a 50-acre project
Resources mentioned:
Cornell Silvopasture resources — search "Cornell silvopasture" or visit forestconnect.info
215 | How Carbon Credits Work for Ranchers | Molly Faught & Hunter Jones
18 mars 2026
01:02:39
What if your land could pay you… without selling livestock? Molly Faught and Hunter Jones from Grassroots Carbon joins today to explain what carbon credits are, how to qualify for them, and how to get started making extra money.
If you own your land and plan to be there awhile, this is a must-listen episode. If you know someone wanting to earn more money from their land, share this episode with them.
Question of the Week: If this is available to you, would you do it? Why or why not?
214 | Erich & Allison Henschel, Virginia | Small Acreage Grazing with Hogs, Goats and Cattle
11 mars 2026
01:18:12
How grazing works for very small acreage, all because of wanting more learning opportunities. Erich and Allison Henschel of Henschel Hof graze pigs, goats, and cattle in Virginia.
In this episode:
Why small livestock is better for small arceage
Why starting with smaller breeds lets you learn faster
Why everything doesn't have to be perfect
This week's question: What did you start with for your grazing journey? Why? Join the conversation in the Grazing Grass Community | https://www.facebook.com/groups/grazinggrass
213 | Huw Foulkes, North Wales | Swimming Against the Current: A Micro Dairy with Red Polls and a Case for Regenerative Farming
04 mars 2026
01:18:14
Huw Foulkes runs Pentrefelin Dairy in North Wales in the UK, where he has built a grass-based cow and calf micro dairy around native Red Poll cattle while also stacking direct-to-consumer beef and other enterprises to serve his local community.
In This Episode, We Explore:
Starting a cow and calf micro dairy with a low-input, grass-based mindset
Why Huw chose Red Polls for a dual-purpose dairy and beef system
Managing long rest periods and mob-style rotations to build soil and drought resilience
Farming on dry, light sandy soils and what that changes in grazing decisions
Outwintering strategies including bale grazing and standing hay
Building a direct local market through farm gate sales, coffee shops, and education
UK requirements for legally selling milk, inspections, and testing
Keeping infrastructure simple, including milking with a portable machine in an older parlor
How beef boxes help move the whole carcass and teach customers new cuts
Adding poultry, pigs, and trees to stack enterprises on the same acres
Using farm tours and courses to educate the public and support local food systems
Why This Episode Matters This conversation is a practical look at building a resilient, small-scale livestock business by matching the animal to the land, keeping inputs low, and connecting directly with local customers. If you are thinking about micro dairy, direct marketing, or stacking enterprises, Huw shares what worked, what he had to learn the hard way, and how education and transparency can turn customers into long-term supporters.
Resources Mentioned
Food Standards Agency (UK)
Denbighshire local council food business registration (mentioned as the local authority process)
212 | Mike Guebert, Oregon | How Two Former Vegetarians Built a Multi-Species Direct-to-Consumer Farm
25 févr. 2026
01:23:45
Mike Guebert of Terra Farma in northwest Oregon joins Cal to share how he and his wife built a multi-species, direct-to-consumer farm over more than 20 years, from early days as first-generation farmers to running meat CSA sales, improving grazing systems, and teaching others through the Oregon Pasture Network.
In This Episode, We Explore:
Starting a first-generation farm from a blank slate with invasives, no fencing, and rough infrastructure
Moving from vegetarian to raising and processing poultry on-farm
Building a multi-species operation including beef, pork, sheep, goats, poultry, and more
Managing grazing in a high rainfall, dry-summer region without irrigation
Chicken tractor evolution, daily moves, and using a winch system for efficiency and injury prevention
Marketing changes over time including launching a meat CSA in 2020 and the plan to transition away from it
Stopping raw milk sales after losing liability insurance and regaining time and flexibility
Moving toward a more seasonal, grass-only beef model to reduce winter feeding
Teaching and producer support through pasture walks, cohorts, mentorship, and events with Oregon Pasture Network
Conservation district work including farmland protection tools like conservation easements
Why This Episode Matters This conversation is a practical look at how farm enterprises, marketing, and even personal capacity change over time, and why building community learning opportunities like pasture walks and cohorts can help producers avoid common pitfalls while improving grazing, profitability, and quality of life.
Resources Mentioned
Acres USA annual conference
Ranching for Profit School
Executive Link (Ranching for Profit)
Oregon State University Small Farms Conference
Oregon Pasture Network pasture walks
Oregon FarmLink (Friends of Family Farmers)
Find Out More
Terra Farma website | terrafarmaers.net
Terra Farma Instagram | @terrafarmaers
Oregon Pasture Network | oregonpasturenetwork.org
Friends of Family Farmers | friendsoffamilyfarmers.org
East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District | emswcd.org
211 | Tyler Flynn, Northern California | Back to Grandfather's Land: Building a Beef Operation and a YouTube Channel From Scratch
18 févr. 2026
01:35:41
Tyler Flynn runs a small beef cow-calf operation in Northern California at Farmer Tyler Ranch, where he also grows hay and raises a few pigs and chickens for family use while documenting the work and lessons learned through his YouTube channel.
In This Episode, We Explore:
Coming back to a family ranch and building a cow-calf business on small acreage
Northern California conditions, including irrigated pasture, rice country, and seasonal rainfall patterns
How and why Tyler uses irrigated pasture rotation, including short rest periods in his context
The shift from small square bales to round bales and what changed his mind
Using hay equipment as a pasture improvement tool, including baling pastures after grazing
Tackling smut grass by cutting, baling, and managing where those bales are fed
Breed composition over time, including Hereford roots and adding SimAngus genetics for heterosis
How YouTube influenced management decisions and helped drive experimentation
Practical YouTube lessons for farmers, including audio, camera stability, and consistent posting
Why This Episode Matters This conversation is a good reminder that management has to fit the place and the people running it. Tyler shares what works on irrigated pasture in Northern California, how he thinks through rotation length, equipment decisions, and weed pressure, and why consistency and realism matter when you are balancing time, labor, and livestock.
210 | Kasie Harriet, Oklahoma | The Milk Cow That Changed Everything: Raw Milk, Direct Sales, and the Gateway Drug to Farming
11 févr. 2026
01:21:11
Kasie Harriet is the milkmaid at Shepherd Farms, where she and her husband Jacob are building a direct-to-consumer farm business that includes raw milk, sourdough, tallow skincare, and more, while managing cows in a rotational grazing setup and learning what it really takes to run a small dairy at the family scale.
In This Episode, We Explore:
Kasie’s path from FFA and wildlife work into farm life and dairy cows
Why they pursued raw milk and how that led to buying their first family milk cow
Lessons learned from a first cow that tested positive for bacteria and how they handled it
Setting up a movable, low-cost milking stanchion and why “you don’t need a lot to do a lot”
Hand milking vs machine milking and the real-world importance of equipment that is easy to clean
Calf sharing, grafting a calf, and how that can add flexibility to dairy cow ownership
Selling excess milk, managing weekly customers, and handling jars and deposits
What to look for when buying a milk cow: testing, temperament, training, feeding history, and more
Using Facebook to educate customers, build trust, and grow a local direct-to-consumer community
Why This Episode Matters If you are considering a family milk cow or selling raw milk direct-to-consumer, this episode walks through the practical realities that often get skipped, including cow selection, sanitation concerns, equipment choices, customer management, and the setbacks that can happen even when you do things carefully. Kasie’s story is a grounded reminder to learn, adjust, and keep moving forward.
Resources Mentioned
Keeping a Family Cow by Joann S. Grohman
Keeping a Family Milk Cow, holistic and organic (Facebook group)
209 | Jacob Harriet, Oklahoma | From Wildlife Warden to Grazier: Prescribed Burns, Leased Land, and Following the Animals
04 févr. 2026
01:23:49
Jacob Harriet of Shepherd Farms shares how his background in wildlife management in central Oklahoma shaped the way he uses livestock, prescribed fire, and land restoration to build better habitat and a workable farm business. From starting on a small homestead to managing over 1,240 acres through creative lease agreements, Jacob walks through what has worked, what he learned the hard way, and how grazing fits into a broader land stewardship plan.
In This Episode, We Explore:
Jacob’s path from wildlife law enforcement to using livestock as a habitat tool
Turning an over-timbered 80 acres into productive grazing and wildlife habitat
Using rotational grazing to improve land function, manure distribution, and plant recovery
Tree and timber management decisions focused on getting sunlight to the ground
Prescribed fire vs mechanical clearing for controlling woody encroachment, especially cedar
How burn associations, burn plans, and local support make prescribed fire safer and more practical
Managing land for wildlife needs alongside grazing goals, including turkey and quail habitat
Finding and using grants for infrastructure, water, timber work, and prescribed fire
Building a mixed-species orchard and using chickens to manage pests and understory
A lease model that trades professional habitat management for grazing access across multiple properties
Tracking grazing and land work with mapping tools and documentation
Why This Episode Matters
This conversation is a practical look at connecting grazing, habitat, and land access in a way that works in the real world. If you are trying to improve a neglected property, reduce cedar pressure, learn why prescribed fire matters, or find a creative path to more grazing acres without buying land, Jacob’s approach offers clear ideas you can adapt to your own place.
Resources Mentioned
Natural Resource University (podcast network)
OnX Hunt Maps (phone app)
NRCS (local office support for conservation programs and grants)
208 | Glenn McCaig, Ontario | Stop Trying to Fix Everything: Simplified Systems for Pigs, Cattle, Sheep, and Sanity
28 janv. 2026
01:34:31
Glenn McCaig of Perry's Corners Farm returns to the Grazing Grass Podcast to talk through livestock systems that stay practical when you stop trying to perfect everything. Farming with his wife Megan and their three young children just outside Kitchener, Ontario, Glenn shares what is working on their sandy, rocky ground with Lynch Lineback cattle, English Large Black pigs, Clun Forest type sheep, and pastured poultry.
In This Episode, We Explore:
What Lynch Lineback cattle are and why Glenn values a closed herd approach
Calf-sharing milk cows and feeding milk to pigs as part of a whole-farm system
A gilt-only farrowing system that simplifies pig management and tightens farrowing windows
Selecting boars early using practical traits like teat count and mothering ability
Farrowing in pens vs pasture, and what changed with labor, predator pressure, and piglet losses
Using simple ear notching to make culling decisions faster and more consistent in sheep
Closed-flock sheep management, prolific genetics, and handling triplets and quads
The realities of wool marketing and why some wool is not worth saving
Why Glenn went soy-free (and briefly corn-free) with pigs, and what he learned trying soy-free layers
What migratory grazing changed for Glenn, and the cattle behavior he notices now
A calendar-based way Glenn thinks about the summer slump, rest periods, and how hay decisions affect grazing
Why This Episode Matters If you have ever felt like your livestock enterprise got harder the more you tried to fine-tune it, this episode gives a grounded look at simplifying without backing away from good management. Glenn lays out practical systems for pigs, sheep, and cattle that reduce moving parts, tighten decision making, and keep the farm working in real conditions like predator pressure, winter feeding, and limited labor.
Resources Mentioned
Acres U.S.A. Podcast
Barefoot Biodynamics by Jeff Poppen
Steve Campbell (mentioned in context of clean minerals)
207 | Mason Lautenschlager, North Dakota | Losing the Family Farm at 12 and Building It Back From Nothing
21 janv. 2026
01:17:49
Mason Lautenschlager and his wife Hannah run Arrow L Ranch near Berthold in northwest North Dakota, where they focus on grass-based enterprises including a cow-calf herd, some direct grass-finished beef, and selling multi-bred composite coming 2-year-old bulls developed on forage.
In This Episode, We Explore:
Building a ranch back after his family sold out of farming and ranching
Buying cows at the top of the market and navigating the crash afterward
Shifting the whole operation toward lower labor and lower equipment intensity
Winter grazing decision-making around snow cover, forage quality, and flexibility
Bale grazing setup, timing, and what it changed on poorer soil areas
Water limitations, fencing lanes, and building a system for easier moves
Stockpiling forage and planning grazing around winter and spring needs
Increasing plant diversity through grazing management rather than seeding
Using forage clippings to estimate available dry matter per acre
Developing bulls on forage and selecting for longevity and fertility over max production
Why This Episode Matters If winter feed, labor, and equipment costs are squeezing your operation, Mason’s story is a practical look at how constraints can force better systems. This conversation gets into the real tradeoffs of stockpile grazing versus bale grazing, how water and fencing design affect what is possible, and why selection for fertility and longevity can matter more than pushing production.
Resources Mentioned
Agriculture Alberta video series: Managing Risk in Winter Grazing
Principled Land Managers grazing school (Bart Carmichael and Pat Guptill)
North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition
DV Auction
Movie: Moneyball
Book: Lasater Philosophy of Cattle Raising (Tom Lasater)
Find Out More
Arrow L Ranch Facebook page | https://www.facebook.com/arrowlranch
206 | Hayden & Taylor Sievers, Illinois | From Cut Flowers to Cattle on German Heritage Ground
14 janv. 2026
01:18:37
Hayden and Taylor Sievers of Sievers Blumen Farm in the Brussels, Illinois area share how their farm has evolved from a cut-flower business into a growing grazing-focused cattle operation, alongside grain and hogs, while keeping an eye on family, profitability, and building a system that works on limited acres.
In This Episode, We Explore:
How Sievers Blumen Farm got its name and the cut-flower beginnings behind the brand
Farming in Calhoun County between the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, and what that landscape means for grazing
Converting a heavily tilled, flood-prone 80 acres into pasture over time while still cash cropping part of it
Challenges of establishing pasture on heavy “black stick” clay and lessons learned with broadcast seeding and needing timely rain
Using wheat followed by cover crops and pasture as a transition plan away from cash cropping
Infrastructure choices including high-tensile perimeter fence, step-ins, reels, and thoughts on central alley layouts
Moving from Dexters to South Pole-influenced cattle and what they noticed with fly pressure, forage efficiency, and easy-keeping traits
Using cow-calf as a base herd while considering stockers and sell-buy marketing to capture excess forage
Takeaways from stockmanship training, including receiving calves and getting them grazing quickly by focusing on mental and emotional state
Raising meat chickens (including Red Rangers) and layers, plus building and using a chickshaw-style coop
Taylor’s path into indie publishing, what she writes, and the discipline of finishing books while raising a family
Why This Episode Matters If you are trying to make grazing work on limited acres or on land that is less-than-ideal, this conversation is a practical look at how a young family is building infrastructure, improving soil over time, selecting cattle that fit their system, and staying focused on profitability and quality of life instead of chasing too many enterprises at once.
Resources Mentioned
Joel Salatin (Joe Rogan Podcast)
Greg Judy (grazing and fencing approach)
Jim Elizondo and total grazing concepts
Hand ’n Hand sell-buy marketing class (Tina and Richard)
Here is a discount code for our farm shop (https://sieversblumenfarm.com/shop) that listeners can use for 10% off. The code expires in July. GRAZINGGRASS26
205 | Jonathan Kilpatrick, Minnesota | What Ranching for Profit School Led to a Cross-Country Move and Starting Over From Scratch
07 janv. 2026
01:07:34
Jonathan Kilpatrick of Red Lantern Ranch and Kilpatrick Land & Livestock joins Cal to share what changed since he first appeared back on episode 2, including moving from Oklahoma to west central Minnesota (Alexandria area) and rebuilding a grazing operation from the ground up with sheep, goats, and pastured poultry.
In This Episode, We Explore:
What prompted Jonathan and his family to move from Oklahoma to Minnesota and restart their operation
Lessons Jonathan took from the Ranching for Profit School and how they shaped his decision-making
Starting a grazing operation with a clean slate and building genetics that match the environment
Grazing sheep and goats together and using goats as part of a buckthorn control strategy
Outwintering sheep and goats with minimal infrastructure and what that requires
Using adaptive grazing decisions that fit real life, time constraints, and family priorities
Expanding from a 45-acre grazing lease by adding tillable acres and converting some to perennials
Partnering with a regenerative crop farmer for strip-till or no-till, cover crops, and added grazing opportunities
Mobile range coop pastured poultry production, daily moves, and labor efficiency
Processing options, state-inspected processing, and why time is often the limiting resource
Marketing channels including direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and opportunities in ethnic markets
Why This Episode Matters
If you are building or rebuilding a grazing business, Jonathan lays out a realistic path that balances production, business management, and family life. This conversation is a good reminder that experience matters, time is a real constraint, and matching livestock, grazing, and marketing to your context is what keeps the whole system working.
Resources Mentioned
Ranching for Profit School
Executive Link program (Ranching for Profit)
Google Sheets
Excel
ChatGPT
Gemini
P.L. 90-492 (Poultry Products Inspection Act exemption referenced in the discussion)
Find Out More
Red Lantern Ranch website | https://redlanternranch.com
Kilpatrick Land & Livestock website | https://www.kilpatricklandandlivestock.com
Sustainable Farming Association (SFA) | https://sfa-mn.org
204 | Zach & Casey Abney, Oklahoma | From Health Scare to Ranch Business: Virtual Fencing, Brick-and-Mortar Stores, and Leasing Land
31 déc. 2025
01:17:58
Zach (first-generation) and Kacie (fifth-generation) Scherler-Abney are ranchers operating Re:Farm and Re:Supply in Cotton and Tillman Counties in southwest Oklahoma, running a cow-calf herd with some stockers while also managing land for others and operating retail stores in Norman, Oklahoma and Wichita Falls, Texas.
In This Episode, We Explore:
- How a personal health scare led them back to the family place and into raising their own food
- Using an autoimmune protocol diet as a catalyst to question food labels and sourcing
- Learning regenerative grazing through books, YouTube, and early hands-on trial and error
- Grazing in a more brittle, variable rainfall environment in southwest Oklahoma and north Texas
- Ultra high-density, non-selective grazing and why recovery time is the key variable for them
- What polywire taught them, and why quality of life and labor forced a change
- Building water systems with HDPE poly pipe, quick couplers, and central lanes for flexibility
- Leasing strategies including Oklahoma state school land (CLO) and BIA tribal land leases
- Transitioning to Halter virtual fencing and what changed in daily management and stress
- How their cattle buying philosophy shifted to phenotype, productivity, and pounds per acre
- Marketing reality checks: balancing direct-to-consumer beef with current sale barn economics
- Why they built brick-and-mortar stores and how non-perishables help stabilize cash flow
- Community-building through retail and sourcing other local products beyond their own beef
Why This Episode Matters
This conversation is a practical look at matching grazing goals to real life, especially when labor, family time, leases, and cash flow are all limiting factors. Zach and Kacie share what worked, what wore them out, what they changed, and how they think about staying flexible without abandoning the core principles that keep land and livestock improving.
Resources Mentioned
- Halter virtual fencing system
- Passon quick couplers
- Oklahoma Commissioners of the Land Office (CLO) grazing leases
Matt Goble joins the Grazing Grass Podcast to share how he’s built a profitable, resilient wool sheep operation in a high-elevation mountain valley using entirely private and marginal land. While working a full-time W-2 job, Matt manages 450 ewes with a strong focus on grazing efficiency, soil health, and thoughtful breeding decisions. His system blends management-intensive grazing, cover crops, and perennial pastures, all adapted to a short growing season and limited irrigation.
In this episode, we cover:
Grazing irrigated pasture and marginal land in a mountain valley
Using cover crops to build soil before establishing perennial pasture
Managing sheep with daily and multi-day grazing moves
Lambing systems, jug management, and efficiency at scale
Breeding strategies for maternal traits and terminal lambs
Using ear notching and simple visual systems to reduce decision fatigue
Predator pressure and why net fencing matters for sheep
Balancing stocking rates during drought years
Adding chickens and turkeys to improve soil and diversify income
Matching enterprise scale to land capacity and lifestyle goals
Why This Episode Matters: This conversation is a clear example of how management, not acres, often determines success. Matt shows how intentional grazing, simple systems, and observation can double productivity without doubling land or inputs. His practical insights into lambing efficiency, breeding decisions, and drought planning offer valuable lessons for anyone managing livestock on limited or challenging ground.
Resources Mentioned:
The Soil Owner’s Manual by John Stika
The Art and Science of Shepherding (Premier 1 Supplies)
202. Soil Is the CRADLE of Life: A Better Way to Remember Soil Health Principles
19 déc. 2025
00:08:47
In this Field Notes episode, Cal slows things down to share a simple way to think about soil health principles that actually sticks when you’re in the pasture. Instead of another list to memorize, this episode introduces CRADLE, a practical framework that organizes well-known soil health principles into something easier to remember and apply in real-world conditions.
In this episode, we explore:
Why soil health principles are easy to understand but hard to recall in real-world decision moments
How context shapes the way soil health principles are applied on different operations
How the core soil health ideas fit together through the CRADLE framework
Where disturbance, soil cover, diversity, living roots, and livestock fit within that bigger picture
A simple way to step back and diagnose what might be missing when things aren’t working as expected
What CRADLE stands for:
C — Context
R — Reduce Disturbance
A — Armor on the Soil
D — Diversity
L — Living Roots
E — Embrace Livestock
Why listen to this episode?
If you understand soil health principles but struggle to recall or apply them under real-world pressure, this episode gives you a mental model you can actually use. CRADLE helps move soil health from theory into day-to-day decision-making — without adding complexity.
Looking ahead
Next week’s Field Notes tackles a listener question on low-cost corral options, focusing on what actually matters, what you can skip, and practical ways to work animals safely without overspending on infrastructure.
Thanks to our partners
Field Notes is made possible by the continued support of Noble Research Institute and Redmond Agriculture. Their commitment to soil health education and stewardship helps make these conversations possible.
More grass. Better soil. Happier livestock. Keep on grazing, and we’ll see you next week.
201. Intentional Grazing in a Cold Climate with Jacob Morin
17 déc. 2025
01:19:31
In Episode 201 of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal Hardage sits down with Jacob Morin of Target Angus and Le Paysan Gourmand in Quebec. Jacob shares how a college humanities class unexpectedly set him on a path toward regenerative agriculture and how he and his family transitioned a conventional cow-calf operation into a diversified, grass-based farm. Together, they discuss intentional grazing, winter management in cold climates, infrastructure decisions that make daily moves possible, and how direct-to-consumer beef, market gardening, and livestock diversification work together to support the next generation on the farm.
Topics covered in this episode include:
Intentional grazing and adaptive decision-making
Winter grazing and bale grazing in cold climates
Grazing infrastructure: fencing, water systems, and daily moves
Direct-to-consumer beef sales and pricing challenges
Diversification with vegetables, hogs, and value-added products
Transitioning family farms and planning for future generations
Lessons learned from trial, error, and staying flexible
Why you should listen: This episode is packed with real-world insight for producers navigating cooler climates, land constraints, and direct marketing. Jacob’s story highlights how thoughtful grazing, diversification, and intentional choices can build resilience—both in the soil and in the family running the operation. If you’re balancing tradition with change or looking for practical ideas to strengthen your grazing system, this conversation will resonate.
200. Starting a Grazing System with Limited Time and Budget with Adam Daugherty
10 déc. 2025
01:08:52
Adam Daugherty joins us from southern Indiana to share the story of how a few cows, some encouragement from family, and a willingness to try rotational grazing transformed his operation. Adam talks through the early days of partnering with his grandfather and great-aunt, the moment rotational grazing finally “clicked,” and how semi-permanent fencing, flexible water systems, and strategic winter feeding have reshaped his pastures. He also walks us through his approach to genetics, cow size, docility, and marketing calves directly to a feedlot rather than selling through a barn—plus what he wishes new graziers would know before they start.
Topics Covered
Getting started with cattle through family partnerships
How one brother-in-law pushed him toward rotational grazing
Using fiberglass posts and high-tensile wire as low-cost subdivision fencing
Building water hubs, temporary pipelines, and later upgrading to buried lines
Using a movable tank and quick-connect valves for efficient daily moves
How rotational grazing changed pasture health, weed pressure, and animal behavior
Managing winter feeding with concrete pads and strategic hay unrolling
Benefits of a sacrifice paddock—and why we shouldn’t be afraid to use one
Buying and developing genetics within the family herd
Managing docility and safety while working a W2 job
Their marketing system: preconditioning and selling directly to a local feedlot
Future plans: warm-season grasses, tire-tank siphon systems, and refining genetics
Why You Should Listen
Adam exemplifies the reality for many graziers: juggling off-farm jobs, limited time, and a desire to do better with what you already have. His story is packed with practical, low-cost ideas—from fencing to water to winter feeding—that can help new and seasoned graziers rethink their systems. If you’ve ever felt too busy to start rotational grazing or unsure where to begin, Adam’s journey will show you exactly how doable it can be.
Resources Mentioned
Local NRCS & Soil and Water offices (mapping, design, & technical support)
199. Soil-First Grazing and Earned Efficiency with Rachel Bouressa
03 déc. 2025
01:15:35
Rachel Bouressa of Bouressa Family Farm joins us from central Wisconsin, where she’s a fifth-generation farmer and second-generation grazier managing 120 acres with a soil-first mindset. After returning home following a barn fire, she rebuilt her operation using perennial forages, diverse annuals, and a willingness to experiment. Today she’s deeply involved with Grassworks, Wisconsin Farmers Union, NRCS conservation planning, women-in-conservation mentoring, and the Upper Fox Wolf Demonstration Farm Network—all while running a thriving direct-to-consumer beef business.
Topics Covered in This Episode
Rebuilding the family farm after a barn fire and starting with just 15 acres
Developing a soil-first grazing philosophy and “earned efficiency”
Working closely with NRCS and building strong planner–farmer relationships
Converting row-crop ground back to pasture using rye, diverse cool-season mixes, and sorghum-Sudan
Choosing cattle genetics: British White Parks, Devons, and Murray Greys
Direct-to-consumer beef sales and transitioning to Barn2Door
Extending the grazing season toward Christmas
Audubon Bird-Friendly certification and creating habitat value
Why You Should Listen
If you’re looking for a grounded, real-world example of what soil-first grazing looks like in practice, Rachel brings hard-earned wisdom, humility, and a spirit of experimentation. Her story is full of practical insights—from pasture renovation to breed selection to extending the grazing season—and she offers a refreshingly honest look at the challenges and rewards of growing a regenerative, community-connected grazing operation.
Resources Mentioned
Grassworks Conference
NRCS grazing resources
Audubon Conservation Ranching Program
Wendell Berry — Unsettling of America, The Gift of Good Land
198. Adding Wildlife Income Streams to Your Ranch with Doug Jobes
26 nov. 2025
01:15:10
Today’s episode features Doug Jobes, Regenerative Ranching Advisor at the Noble Research Institute, whose background spans rural Georgia agriculture, the 75th Ranger Regiment, wildlife science, and rangeland ecology. Doug brings a wildlife-first lens to grazing—not just how animals eat grass, but how grazing decisions ripple out into birds, deer, turkeys, insects, habitat structure, and even the income potential of your ranch.
We dig into how wildlife and grazing fit together, what habitat components matter most, how producers can inventory wildlife on their land, and how regenerative grazing opens doors to additional enterprises like hunting leases, ecotourism, and wildlife photography. Doug also explains nesting cover vs. roost sites for turkeys, how to adapt your grazing plan for wildlife without sacrificing profitability, and why “realistic expectations” matter more than anything when managing both grass and critters.
Topics Covered
Doug’s journey from Georgia farm life → military service → wildlife science → Noble Research Institute.
What “regenerative grazing + wildlife” really means.
Why realistic expectations are key when managing habitat.
How to inventory wildlife on your property.
Differences in wildlife presence between neighboring properties—and why.
Monetizing wildlife:
Hunting leases
Waterfowl access
Dove fields
Fishing
Ecotourism
Wildlife photography (and how competitive photographers are!)
Habitat needs for:
Bobwhite quail
Grassland songbirds
Wild turkeys—nesting cover + roost trees
How grazing decisions influence bird populations (Roots So Deep examples).
Using rest periods strategically for wildlife habitat.
The Rangeland Analysis Platform (RAP) as a tool for understanding forage history.
Doug’s favorite book → Beef, Brush, and Bobwhites
Why market forces matter in conservation decisions.
🎧 Why Listen?
If you’ve ever wondered how wildlife fits into regenerative ranching—or how your grazing decisions affect far more than cattle—this episode will open your eyes. Doug connects soil health, plant communities, wildlife needs, grazing pressure, and producer profitability in a way few people can. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of habitat, new options for income streams, and several practical management tweaks you can apply immediately.
This episode is especially valuable if you’ve been noticing wildlife differences between your property and the neighbors and wondering “why?”
197. Silvopasture in the Real World with Austin Unruh
19 nov. 2025
01:09:51
Austin Unruh returns for another deep, practical conversation on silvopasture — this time focusing on “the dip,” livestock pressure, pruning, shade strategy, pigs and poultry in tree systems, and what to do in Year Zero before you ever put a seedling in the ground. If you’ve ever stared at your pastures on a hot day wishing you had more shade… this one will light a fire under you.
What we cover in this episode:
The “dip” in silvopasture: why years 1–4 feel like a grind
Shade as the low-hanging fruit — and why it’s only the beginning
Livestock pressure: how to protect trees when cattle, horses, and wildlife want to destroy them
Pruning young vs. established trees (and the dangers of over-pruning)
Species selection for different goals: shade, fodder, privacy screens, and livestock feed
Why mulberries and persimmons shine for pigs and poultry
Running pigs IN establishment-phase silvopasture (pros, cons, protection methods)
Tree spacing, patterns, and why grids usually beat random placements
Managing compaction, vole pressure, and bark hardening
Year Zero → Year Two: fall tasks, maintenance, ordering trees, and setting up for success
Why early wins matter psychologically (and how to get them)
Continuous grazing vs rotational grazing when it comes to tree crops
If you’re serious about silvopasture, this episode gives you a roadmap from the ground up — from species selection and timing to realistic maintenance and livestock integration. Austin breaks down the parts most graziers underestimate: the grind, the setbacks, and the discipline it takes before shade and feed finally show up. Whether you’re planting five trees or five hundred, you’ll walk away with clearer steps and fewer unknowns.
Resources mentioned:
Trees for Graziers — treesforgraziers.com
Castor oil vole deterrent products
Acres U.S.A. (publisher of Austin’s upcoming second edition)
Liberty apple, crabapple, and apple-crab varieties
Hybrid willow, hybrid poplar, black locust, honey locust
196. Regenerative Grazing and Direct Marketing Success with Leslie Svacina
12 nov. 2025
01:24:29
Leslie returns to share what’s changed since her first appearance in Episode 28. She runs Cylon Rolling Acres in northwestern Wisconsin, where she grazes both goats and Texel sheep on pasture and markets meat directly to consumers through a thriving online business. This episode dives deep into her evolution from wholesale to a sustainable, subscription-based direct-to-consumer model — plus her approach to regenerative grazing with multi-species livestock.
Topics Covered
Managing a mixed flock of goats and Texel sheep under rotational grazing
Wool utilization and creative uses for lower-grade fleece
Transitioning from wholesale markets to direct-to-consumer meat sales
Building a loyal customer base through email marketing and education
Details of her goat meat subscription model (quarterly boxes, whole-goat option)
Processing and shipping logistics, including use of dry ice
Lessons from receiving USDA Value-Added Producer and Buy Local grants
Educational resources: Goat Meat Primer eBook, Grazing With Leslie blog, and online courses
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a small ruminant enterprise into a profitable, direct-to-consumer brand, Leslie’s model is a must-hear. She shares practical insight on managing inventory, shipping meat, marketing through education, and keeping customers subscribed.
195. South Poll Field Day Special: Real Ranchers, Real Results
05 nov. 2025
02:01:58
In this special in-person episode recorded at the South Poll Field Day, Cal sits down with some of the biggest names connected to the South Poll breed and regenerative grazing movement — Teddy Gentry, Greg Judy, Ralph & Jerry Voss, Steve Freeman, and Nathan Hahn.
You’ll hear the story of how the South Poll breed was created, the philosophy behind it, and how it continues to thrive on real-world farms. From developing heat-tolerant genetics and maintaining fertility in tough environments to direct-to-consumer beef and breeding program strategies, this episode captures a living snapshot of regenerative cattle culture in action.
Guests include:
🧬 Teddy Gentry — Founder of the South Poll breed, sharing its origin, composite makeup, and the importance of fertility, longevity, and line breeding for efficiency.
🌱 Greg Judy — Missouri grazier explaining how South Polls transformed his operation, reduced inputs, and made it possible to quit his off-farm job.
👩🌾 Ralph & Jerry Voss — Longtime breeders whose herd and friendship with Greg Judy led to some of the most influential South Poll genetics today.
🐄 Steve Freeman — Missouri cattleman with over 40 years of experience, describing how South Polls helped him achieve 95% conception rates and a truly profitable grass-only system.
🥩 Nathan Hahn — Kentucky farmer finishing and selling beef direct-to-consumer, detailing how South Polls fit perfectly into a low-input, grass-finished operation.
Why You Should Listen
Whether you raise South Polls or not, this episode is packed with wisdom about:
Selecting for fertility and longevity over size or EPDs.
Building a profitable cow herd that thrives on grass alone.
Breeding and marketing strategies for grass-fed genetics.
The real-world economics and mindset shifts behind regenerative ranching.
How smaller, calmer, efficient cattle can make you money — and peace of mind.
It’s part history lesson, part grazing masterclass, and a celebration of the community driving the South Poll breed forward.
194. Grazing Smarter in North Dakota with Fourth Generation Rancher Shane Maddock
29 oct. 2025
01:11:53
In this episode, Cal visits with Shane Maddock, a fourth-generation rancher from north-central North Dakota, where cattle country meets farm country. Shane shares the story of building a regenerative operation through drought, grazing challenges, and generations of learning. He discusses taking over a neighbor’s ranch after returning from National Guard service, developing cross-fenced paddocks and a positive/negative electric system, managing water in the Prairie Pothole Region, and adjusting his grazing philosophy from “a third, a third, a third” to adaptive management guided by what the grass and cattle tell him.
Topics covered
Growing up on a holistic-management ranch and learning from his father
Leasing cattle and structuring multi-year cow leases
Designing high-tensile fencing and pos/neg wiring for sandy soils
Transitioning from mild rotation to intensive adaptive grazing
Managing drought risk with insurance pastures and flexible enterprises
Using Rio Max minerals and observing dramatic feed-efficiency gains
Calving-date adjustments and hybrid-vigor breeding decisions
Founding Maddock Ranch Supply and serving the community
His father receiving North Dakota’s Leopold Conservation Award
If you’ve ever wondered how to keep cows productive through seven drought years out of eleven—or how to balance generational wisdom with modern regenerative ideas—Shane’s story delivers practical lessons on adaptation, family teamwork, and faith in the land’s resilience.
Resources mentioned
Maddock Ranch maddockranch.com
Maddock Ranch Supply maddockranchsupply.com
Man, Cattle and Veld – Johan Zietsman
Grass-Fed Cattle – Julius Ruechel
Holistic Management – Allan Savory
Dirt to Soil – Gabe Brown
North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition Mentorship Program
193. Building Intentional Farms from Neglected Land with Stan Oller
22 oct. 2025
01:12:03
Stan and his wife began farming in 2021 after adopting four children and realizing they wanted to raise them with meaningful work and stewardship. Starting with neglected, junk-filled land, they’ve built a regenerative, multi-species farm from scratch—learning through Greg Judy, Joel Salatin, and hands-on mistakes.
Topics Covered
Moving from western Kansas to Arkansas and starting a farm from nothing
Adopting four children and using the farm as a teaching tool
Restoring neglected land and hauling off 340 tires
Early livestock: 11 heifers → sheep → pigs → broilers
Grant funding from Illinois River Watershed for water lines and fencing
Pivoting from South Poll beef to a sheep-focused enterprise
Leader-follower grazing with cattle and hair sheep
Using C-90 salt, garlic, and apple cider vinegar for mineral programs
Direct-marketing lamb, pork, and chicken through GrazeCart
Adding pigs to utilize 30 acres of woods and reduce ticks
Stewardship mindset and educational outreach via Harvest Hosts & farm visits
Future plans: farrow-to-finish Hereford pigs, possible Dexter cows for raw milk, on-farm events, and intentional growth
Stan’s story is a realistic look at starting late, learning fast, and doing it intentionally. From adoption to regenerative restoration, he shows how faith, family, and stewardship intersect on a small Arkansas farm. Whether you’re reclaiming abused land or diversifying your livestock, his experience offers encouragement and practical takeaways.
192. Fitness Meets Farming in the Ottawa Valley with Adam Phomin
15 oct. 2025
01:19:16
In this episode, Cal talks with Adam Phomin from Hoof and Beak Farm in eastern Ontario, Canada. Adam shares his journey from fitness coach and gym owner to regenerative farmer, raising sheep, cattle, chickens, and llamas on his 100-acre farm. A first-generation farmer, Adam connects his passion for health and nutrition to raising his own protein and improving the land. He discusses starting from scratch, lessons learned fencing and grazing, using polywire for sheep, the role of llamas as guardians, and the importance of daily progress—both in farming and fitness. Adam also introduces his 5 AM Squat Club, a mindset and movement program he leads live each morning on YouTube.
Topics Covered
Transitioning from fitness and nutrition to regenerative farming
Building a 100-acre farm from hayed and degraded land
Starting with chickens and moving into Katahdin sheep
Breeding strategies and learning from experience
Grazing management with polywire and limited time
Lessons learned from predator pressure and livestock guardians
Sourcing and raising cattle for seasonal grazing
Marketing protein through his gym community
The 5 AM Squat Club: combining mindset, movement, and purpose
The importance of identity, consistency, and small daily steps
If you’re just getting started or balancing farming with another career, this episode is packed with relatable insights. Adam’s story proves you can build a regenerative operation from scratch—even without an ag background—by focusing on health, mindset, and progress over perfection. His fitness perspective offers a refreshing reminder that farmers are athletes too, and taking care of your body is key to taking care of your land.
191. From Sand to Soil Health in the Sunshine State with Lauren Jorgensen and Frank Tobias
08 oct. 2025
01:39:42
In this episode, Cal visits with Lauren Jorgensen and Frank “Toby” Tobias, owners of Starlight Farm in North Florida. Lauren and Toby share their inspiring transition from suburban professionals to regenerative graziers, managing cattle, horses, and chickens on 108 acres of sandy Florida soil. Their story begins with a daughter’s recommendation to watch Kiss the Ground, which set them on a journey into soil health and regenerative practices. From battling Florida’s unique soil challenges to founding the Florida Soil Health Coalition, they’ve become advocates for soil, community, and mindful stewardship.
Topics Covered
Lauren & Toby’s background and 20-year journey to Starlight Farm
Transition from horses to cattle and discovering regenerative grazing
Influence of Kiss the Ground and attending the Soil Health Academy
Managing sandy Florida soils and the challenges of bahiagrass
Bale grazing, cover crops, and learning from failures
The role of chicken and cow manure in improving fertility
Surviving hurricanes and adapting to climate extremes
Starting the Florida Soil Health Coalition — connecting farmers, researchers, and consumers
Finding balance between purity and practicality in regenerative systems
Favorite grazing books and tools (from tractors to hay string!)
Building a life and home rooted in stewardship, love, and laughter
Why You Should Listen
This episode is full of relatable moments for anyone striving to make progress on imperfect land. Lauren and Toby’s enthusiasm and candor highlight how regenerative agriculture is as much about mindset as it is about management. Their story captures the patience, humor, and persistence required to restore soil in Florida’s challenging environment — and how connection, both human and ecological, fuels that process. You’ll also learn about a new grassroots movement growing in the Sunshine State through the Florida Soil Health Coalition.
Resources Mentioned
Florida Soil Health Coalition: floridasoilhealth.org
190. Balancing Grazing, Goats, and Generational Wealth with Dana Tinney Wilson
01 oct. 2025
01:26:50
Dana Tinney Wilson of Chantilly Ranch in Northern California returns to the Grazing Grass Podcast to share what’s new since her first appearance in episode 50. Dana and her husband Gary raise Boer goats, Highland cattle, and Dexter cattle, direct-marketing beef to their community while also using goats for fire abatement and neighborhood grazing services. She talks about adapting her grazing management, expanding into irrigation, and the role her children now play in the family operation. Dana also introduces the infinite banking concept, a financial strategy she has adopted for building resilience and long-term security for her family and ranch.
Topics covered in this episode:
Dana’s recent marriage and family involvement on the ranch
Raising Highland and Dexter cattle, including selling direct-to-consumer beef
The role of goats for meat, fire prevention, and community grazing contracts
Managing predator pressure and challenges with electric netting
Shifts in grazing strategy, including irrigation and rest periods
Building big-picture goals for profitability, regeneration, and legacy
Considering adding pigs to meet market demand
How her daughter’s horse training business fits into the ranch vision
A deep dive into infinite banking and how it can provide stability and intergenerational wealth
This episode is for graziers who want inspiration on building a profitable, regenerative, family-centered ranch while exploring creative ways to finance growth. Dana’s story blends practical grazing insights with long-term financial thinking that may spark new ideas for your own operation.
189. Building Soil and Beef Quality with Virtual Fencing with Karl Palmberg
24 sept. 2025
01:21:12
In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal visits with Karl Palmberg of Sunlight and Rain in northwest Iowa. Karl shares his journey from growing up on a farm, serving in the Air Force, and eventually returning home to rebuild his family’s cattle operation. He dives into the lessons learned from shifting to no-till farming, integrating livestock for soil health, and experimenting with genetics for grass-fed beef. A major focus of this conversation is Karl’s experience adopting virtual fencing technology with Gallagher’s eShepherd collars—how it’s changed his management, saved time, and opened new possibilities for grazing.
Topics covered include:
Karl’s beginnings with cattle in junior high and how those early experiences shaped his path
Transitioning from conventional tillage to no-till and strip-till farming
The role of livestock in building soil health
Practical fencing tools: reels, polywire, fiberglass posts, energizers, and water infrastructure
Breeding strategy and focusing on functional, easy-fleshing cattle genetics
Shifting toward grass finishing and direct-to-consumer beef sales
The challenges and opportunities of marketing grass-fed beef
A deep dive into virtual fencing: training animals, collar fit, technology quirks, and labor savings
Lessons learned about humility, innovation, and adapting systems on the farm
Karl’s story is a reminder of how regenerative practices are often a process of trial, error, and persistence. His candid take on the benefits and limitations of virtual fencing offers practical insight for graziers considering this new technology.
If you’ve wondered whether virtual collars could fit into your grazing system—or if you’re curious about one farmer’s path from conventional tillage to regenerative practices—this episode is packed with honest lessons and real-world advice. Karl’s mix of military discipline, family heritage, and innovative curiosity makes for a compelling story.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Sunlight and Rain – Karl’s farm
Gallagher Animal Management – eShepherd virtual fencing system
188. Simple Recipe for Cattle Production with Bruce Shanks
17 sept. 2025
01:16:59
Bruce shares his journey from managing sheep and goats to building a South Poll seedstock operation, the pivotal experiences that shaped his philosophy, and how he balances practicality with profitability. He also reflects on the importance of family, community, and keeping options open in an unpredictable business.
In this episode, we cover:
Bruce’s background in agriculture and how he ended up in Bell, Missouri
Transitioning from sheep and goats to a South Poll-centered cattle operation
Lessons learned from Burke Teichert and the Rex Ranch about low-input grazing systems
Why docility and adaptability matter in South Poll cattle
Running sheep and cattle together, and the challenges of small ruminants
How Bruce markets lambs and develops bulls with his customers in mind
The role of lease land in his operation
Advice for beginners: walk before you run and never say never in grazing
Whether you’re a grazier looking to simplify your system, or just curious about the South Poll breed, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and real-world experience.
Bruce doesn’t overcomplicate things—his success comes from sticking to the basics. His “simple recipe” offers a refreshing reminder that profitability often comes from focus, discipline, and letting cattle prove themselves in the environment they’re meant for. If you’re thinking about South Polls, sheep, or just streamlining your grazing operation, Bruce’s story will give you ideas and encouragement.
187. Raising South Poll Cattle & Direct-to-Consumer Beef with Josh Harris
10 sept. 2025
01:13:11
Josh shares his journey as a sixth-generation grazier managing South Poll cattle, woodland-raised pork, and pasture poultry with his father. He grew up immersed in rotational grazing from the late 1990s, giving him a unique second-generation perspective on regenerative practices. Josh explains how their family transitioned from commercial breeds to South Polls in 2006, seeing immediate differences in heat tolerance, fly resistance, and docility. Today, they run a registered South Poll herd and market animals both as seed stock and direct-to-consumer beef.
Key topics covered:
Growing up in a regenerative grazing family and partnering with his dad on the farm.
Transition to South Poll cattle and why they thrive in North Carolina’s hot, humid fescue environment.
Breeding philosophy with split spring and fall calving seasons.
Benefits of docility, adaptability, and calving ease in their herd.
Seed stock marketing and demand for South Poll cattle.
Building a direct-to-consumer beef business with online sales, pickup locations, and limited home delivery.
Diversifying with woodland-raised pork and pasture poultry for both soil and business benefits.
Balancing scaling the farm with off-farm work, including lessons from his Chamber of Commerce role.
Advice for beginners: focus, clarity, and starting with quality animals or strong customer relationships.
This episode highlights the long-term benefits of sticking with regenerative grazing across generations and offers a candid look at building both seed stock and direct-to-consumer businesses. Josh’s experience with South Poll cattle provides valuable insights for anyone considering heat-tolerant, grass-efficient breeds.
186. A Recipe, Not a Prescription: Grazing Insights from the Ozarks with Bob and Ann Demerath
03 sept. 2025
01:26:28
Ann and Bob share their journey from Nebraska crop and cattle farming to building a regenerative grazing operation in the Ozarks. They discuss the challenges of starting over, investing in infrastructure like tire tanks and fencing, and adapting their herd with South Poll genetics to fit their environment. Their story highlights resilience, stewardship, and the pursuit of nutrient-dense beef and healthier soils.
Topics covered in this episode:
Transition from conventional farming in Nebraska to management-intensive grazing in Missouri
Daily moves, portable watering systems, and eventually installing 28 tire tanks
Experiences with cattle breeds including Black Angus, Braford, Corriente, and South Poll crosses
Marketing steers through private sales, meat business, and occasional sale barns
Nutrient-density testing of their beef, showing omega ratios close to wild salmon
Soil health improvements, bird diversity surveys, and ecosystem changes on their ranch
Lessons learned about rest periods, stewardship, and adapting grazing as a “recipe, not a prescription”
Future plans as they balance ranch work, family, and personal goals
Why listen to this episode: Ann and Bob bring decades of hands-on experience, showing how management, not just genetics or land, drives success. From portable waters to garlic salt minerals, they share practical insights any grazier can apply. Their emphasis on stewardship, learning, and resilience will inspire both beginners and seasoned graziers alike.
185. Hair, Grass, and Virtual Fences with Todd Barkley
27 août 2025
01:33:07
Todd Barkley of Barkley Ranch in Southeast Montana joins us to share his journey as a fourth-generation rancher balancing education, cattle, and regenerative practices. Todd talks about building his cow herd through AI, crossbreeding with Herefords, and now introducing Galloway genetics for winter hardiness and fly resistance. He also dives deep into cover crops, soil health, and the powerful role of epigenetics in shaping cattle for the environment. A major highlight is his firsthand experience with Gallagher’s eShepherd virtual fencing system and how it’s changing the way he manages pastures and labor on his ranch.
We cover topics including:
Todd’s return to ranching after pursuing a teaching degree
How CRP programs shaped his family’s operation
Building his cow herd with Angus, Hereford, and now Galloway genetics
Challenges of managing cattle in a 9–12 inch rainfall environment
The role of cover crops and organic matter in regenerative systems
Why epigenetics matters in cattle selection
Using eShepherd virtual fencing for labor savings and improved grazing management
Balancing innovation with practical ranching realities
This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about how virtual fencing works on a real ranch, or for producers considering breed selection to better match cattle to their environment. Todd’s perspective shows how combining tradition, experimentation, and technology can strengthen both the land and the herd.
Resources & Mentions:
Johan Zietsman’s Man, Cattle and Veld
Montana Grazing Lands Coalition
Gallagher eShepherd Virtual Fencing
NRCS and regenerative ag leaders: Gabe Brown, Neil Dennis, Jerry Doan, Allen Williams
184. Grit, Grazing, and Grass-Fed Dairy with Wyatt Jones
20 août 2025
01:26:49
In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal visits with Wyatt Jones of Happy Meadow Farm in Pisgah, Alabama. Wyatt shares his family’s journey from military life to building a thriving grass-based farm, raising beef and dairy cattle, Katahdin sheep, and poultry. Starting in 2021, Wyatt and his wife dove headfirst into regenerative agriculture, learning through mentors, books, and hands-on trial and error. Their story is full of determination, grit, and a willingness to embrace challenges in pursuit of a farming life.
Topics covered include:
Starting Happy Meadow Farm with limited experience but big vision
Buying land at auction and the unexpected blessings that came with it
Early challenges with fencing, livestock health, and learning to rotate animals
Using blueberries and eggs as initial cash crops to build community connections
Transitioning from Longhorns and Corriente cattle into South Polls and eventually Fleckvieh
Experiences with sheep, including parasite management and copper issues
Expanding into raw milk sales through herd shares and building a loyal customer base
Wyatt’s shift from the fire department to full-time farming
The potential of Fleckvieh dairy cattle for grass-based systems
Planting diverse forages and cover crops to support livestock health and productivity
This episode is perfect for anyone starting their regenerative journey, especially those considering multi-species grazing or exploring dairy opportunities beyond Jerseys. Wyatt’s story highlights the power of persistence, community support, and the courage to “just start.”
In this episode, Hobbs Magaret, author of Herd: Animals That Gave Rise to Humanity and Why We Need Them More Than Ever, joins Cal for a deep, thought-provoking conversation about grazing, ecology, and shifting our perspectives on livestock production. Hobbs shares his journey from ranching in Oregon to working on massive cattle stations in Australia, blending personal experience with philosophical insights. The discussion explores high density grazing, the role of herd animals in human history, how to market regenerative beef, and the radical idea of viewing beef as a waste product rather than the main goal. Along the way, Hobbs touches on corporate politics, ecological ideals, genetic selection for fertility, and the lessons learned from managing vastly different environments.
Topics Covered
Hobbs Magaret’s background and ranching journey in the U.S. and Australia
The origins of his interest in high density grazing (influences from Allan Savory and Johann Zietsman)
Moving from a protein-production mindset to an ecological-function mindset
The concept of beef as a waste product instead of a byproduct
Lessons learned from grazing in Oregon vs. Texas vs. Northern Australia
Managing corporate politics while implementing ecological changes
Performance art and visibility in agriculture marketing
Using social media (TikTok & Instagram) to grow influence and sell beef
The role of hindgut fermenters in ecosystems and simulating their function with ruminants
Genetic adaptation and breed considerations for different environments
The importance of fertility as the key livestock selection criterion
Marketing strategies and the value of storytelling in agriculture
If you’re interested in the future of regenerative ranching, this episode will challenge your assumptions and spark new ideas. Hobbs brings a rare combination of large-scale experience, ecological philosophy, and practical know-how. Whether you’re grazing a few acres or managing thousands, his insights into livestock genetics, grazing strategy, and the deeper purpose of ruminants will help you think differently about your land, your herd, and your role as a steward.
182. Fat Cows, Happy Plants: The Power of Total Grazing with Jaime Elizondo
06 août 2025
01:08:10
In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal visits with Jaime Elizondo, known as Jim in the United States, to explore his Total Grazing Program. This is a comprehensive approach to regenerative ranching focused on lowering costs, improving soil, and increasing livestock performance. With decades of experience managing cattle in Mexico and the U.S., Jim shares his path from red cattle in the tropics to creating a composite breed suited for harsh environments. He breaks down the importance of African Bos taurus genetics, how to build soil carbon, and the strategies behind stockpiling and grazing timing. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how to manage grazing with nature, not against it.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
Jim’s story from Mexico to Texas and the foundation of his farm, Las Coloradas
His evolution from red cattle to developing an adapted composite breed
The significance of African Bos taurus genetics in hot, humid, and disease-prone environments
What the Total Grazing Program is and how it differs from ultra high-density grazing
How to build long-lived soil carbon and why it matters
Stockpiling strategies for winter and how to boost soil and forage health
Monitoring livestock performance with gut fill and body condition
The role of coaching and mentorship in successful grazing operations
Applying these grazing principles to cattle, sheep, and goats
If you're interested in cutting input costs, improving soil, and raising animals that thrive in your environment, this episode delivers a practical and proven system. Jim offers clear guidance based on firsthand experience. Whether you're on a small farm or a large ranch, his insights can help you improve your land and your bottom line.
Resources Mentioned:
Grass Productivity by André Voisin
Man Must Measure by Jan Bonsma
A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold
The Forage Book by Hutchinson and Metcalf
Jim’s paper “Soil Carbon” (available on his website)
181. Scaling Regenerative Ranching with Ultra High Density Grazing with Joel Hollingsworth
30 juil. 2025
01:37:19
Joel shares his inspiring journey from business economics and tech startups to building a fast-growing regenerative ranch. He explains how he used herd shares and ultra high density grazing to expand from a small herd to nearly 500 cows in just a few years. Along the way, he discusses developing hardy genetics, navigating serious labor shortages, and creating a supportive network of investors and mentors. Joel blends economics, history, faith, and land stewardship into a powerful vision for the future of ranching.
Topics Covered:
Launching a ranch with zero capital through herd share partnerships
Choosing Oklahoma for its climate challenges and opportunities
Lessons from tech and startup life that apply to ranching
Ultra high density grazing and how it multiplies carrying capacity
Genetic selection for cattle that thrive without inputs
Using community and social capital to scale
The hidden economics behind modern ranch failure
Advice for young or aspiring regenerative ranchers
Why You Should Listen:
This episode offers a rare look into what it takes to build a large-scale regenerative operation from the ground up. Joel is not only focused on grazing methods but also on solving the deeper economic, cultural, and logistical problems facing ranchers today. His practical strategies and vision for the future will resonate with anyone serious about making a living on the land.
180. Slow-Grown, Flavor-First: The Mangalitsa Difference with Natalie Hancock
23 juil. 2025
00:53:26
In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal visits with Natalie Hancock of Olde Oak Glen, located near Perkins–Tryon, Oklahoma. Natalie shares her unique journey from the mountains of Greece to raising one of the rarest and most flavorful heritage pigs—Mangalitsa—on 60 forested acres. What began as a love for animals, particularly horses, turned into a passion for pigs after rescuing a potbelly. Now, Natalie is one of the largest Mangalitsa breeders in Oklahoma, producing high-quality pork and skin care products while embracing regenerative and ethical farming practices.
In this episode, you'll hear about:
How Natalie got started with pigs and why she chose Mangalitsa
Characteristics and history of the Mangalitsa breed
The challenges and rewards of raising slow-growing, heritage pigs
Pasture-based management and natural farrowing practices
What makes Mangalitsa pork (and its fat!) so different and nutritious
How Natalie markets her pork through farmers markets and snack sticks
Creative uses of lard for skincare and baking
Feeding practices, mineral use, and maintaining herd health
The importance of educating consumers and building a direct market
If you’ve ever been curious about heritage pigs or want to learn from someone doing things a bit differently—and deliciously—this is a can’t-miss conversation. Natalie’s commitment to flavor, animal welfare, and sustainable practices shines through every part of her story.
179. Commercial Homesteading with Heart with Daniel and Mandie Stallings
16 juil. 2025
01:40:12
In this episode, Cal sits down with Daniel and Mandie Stallings of Perch & Pasture in Waverly Hall, Georgia. This husband-and-wife team share their powerful story of transitioning from military life to full-time regenerative farming. Sparked by personal health challenges and a passion for nutrient-dense food, they’ve built a diversified farm enterprise that includes raw dairy, beef, pork, poultry, and small ruminants. The Stallings discuss their commercial homestead model, raw milk production, rotational grazing systems, and how they've made their farm accessible and resilient—even during medical setbacks.
In this episode, you'll hear about:
The Stallings’ health-driven journey into farming
Managing a multi-species farm with dairy cows, goats, pigs, and poultry
Their transition from military to farming and its mental/emotional impact
Raw milk licensing in Georgia and working with the Raw Milk Institute
Why they left Nigerian Dwarf goats behind for Nubians
Developing resilient systems for a small family farm
The role of education, transparency, and community in their operation
Their work with veterans and the SkillBridge program
Whether you're a beginning farmer, a homesteader, or a veteran looking for your next chapter, this episode is full of practical insight and inspiration. Daniel and Mandie show how purpose, adaptability, and thoughtful planning can turn land into a lifeline—and a legacy.
178. Grazing Lessons from the Ground Up with Marque Renshaw
09 juil. 2025
01:32:13
In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, we hear from Marque Renshaw of Peace in the Valley Farms in West Plains, Missouri. Marque shares her journey into rotational grazing and the lessons she and her husband Ryan have learned transitioning their operation to focus on sheep. From challenging beginnings—managing animals post-house fire and learning by doing with sale barn ewes—to building a resilient and thoughtful grazing system, Marque's story is both raw and inspiring. Her passion for helping others shines through, especially in her efforts to foster a positive online community and mentor other graziers.
Topics Covered
Transitioning from horses and cattle to a sheep-focused operation
Mistakes and hard lessons from buying sale barn sheep
Learning what true rotational grazing is (and what it isn’t)
How a house fire catalyzed a new farming chapter
The importance of fencing and learning to love hotwire
Finding and building a relationship with a sheep-savvy vet
Daily grazing rotations and pasture management
Building supportive and judgment-free communities for graziers
Educating oneself through podcasts, grazing schools, and mentorship
The role of women and generational legacy in agriculture
Why You Should Listen If you're managing sheep or considering them for your operation, Marque's journey is full of relatable struggles, practical insights, and hard-earned wisdom. Her transparency about missteps and breakthroughs offers a refreshing and motivating perspective—especially if you're navigating your first years in regenerative grazing.
177. How Tango Holsteins Embraces Regenerative Dairy Without the Buzzwords with Tom Otton
02 juil. 2025
01:03:34
Tom Otton joins us from the far south coast of Australia to share his journey from growing up on a beef farm to operating a grazing-based dairy with his family. Tom discusses the evolution of his practices, including a heavy focus on multi-species pastures, no-till methods, and regenerative grazing—long before he even knew the word “regenerative.” He shares thoughtful insights on cow genetics, virtual fencing, and the challenges of balancing tradition with innovation, especially in the context of Australia’s extreme weather and regulatory environment.
Transition from beef farming to dairy during Australia’s millennium drought
Grazing-based dairy practices with multi-species pastures
Implementing high-density rotation with 2–4 shifts per day
Adoption and legality of virtual fencing in Australia
Using sexed semen and beef crosses for herd improvement and profitability
Winter planting of cereal and forage blends; native summer grass systems
Infrastructure layout with laneways, river watering, and no indoor housing
Honest insights on power costs, robotic milkers, and future tech
Personal reflections on footwear, decision-making, and doing what works for you
Tom’s down-to-earth approach to grazing-based dairying in a region with both drought and flood extremes offers valuable perspective for anyone in livestock. Whether you're intrigued by virtual fencing, cow genetics, or just love hearing how others adapt regenerative principles across the globe, Tom delivers a mix of practical know-how and big-picture thinking.
176. Building Iron Root Pastures from Backyard Chickens to Raw Milk Dairy with Ernie Mathes
25 juin 2025
01:35:03
In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal talks with Ernie Mathis of Iron Root Pastures in Rising Fawn, Georgia. Ernie shares how he went from suburban New Jersey roots and metro Atlanta life to traveling the U.S. in an RV and finally settling on a dilapidated cow-calf farm to pursue a regenerative, multi-species livestock operation. He discusses starting with backyard broilers, managing raw milk production from his herd of Jerseys, raising pigs and poultry on organic, soy-free and corn-free feed, and why he’s adding rabbits next. Ernie also walks through his portable milking parlor setup, calf-sharing system, and lessons learned in farm infrastructure, grazing systems, and marketing directly to health-focused consumers.
Topics Covered
Why and how Ernie and his family left metro life for farm life
Starting with 10 backyard broilers and progressing to pasture poultry
Transitioning from RV life to settling on a 225-acre property
Developing a direct-to-consumer market with chiropractic clinics
Raising soy-free, corn-free fed chickens, pigs, and layers
Building a portable milking setup for 8 Jersey cows
Implementing calf sharing with a custom calf shelter
Using belted Galloways and moving toward more heat-tolerant breeds
Plans for integrating rabbits and sheep
Thoughts on A2 milk, sexed semen, and dual-purpose livestock
Managing pastures and daily moves using simple infrastructure
If you’ve ever wondered how to go from urban homesteader to full-time grazier, Ernie’s story will inspire and inform you. His creative infrastructure, practical solutions for milking in the pasture, and strong values around health and transparency in food production make this a great episode for new farmers, aspiring dairy graziers, or anyone looking to build a regenerative, direct-to-consumer business. Whether it’s a discussion on milking schedules or raw milk laws, there’s something here for everyone walking a similar path.
175. Adapting Grazing and Breeding to Harsh Environments with Doug Badcock
18 juin 2025
00:54:16
In this episode, we head to Zambia to talk with Doug Badcock of Green Lid Enterprises. Doug shares his journey from managing a diverse crop and livestock farm to developing a passion for grazing and livestock management. Situated just miles from the Congo border, Doug discusses the realities of ranching in Zambia’s unique environment—from tropical grasses and fires to high-density grazing and breeding Boran and Angoni cattle. His openness about trial, error, and continual improvement makes this a valuable conversation for graziers everywhere.
Topics Covered:
Transitioning from conventional to regenerative grazing
Grazing livestock near the Congo border
Using electric fencing in remote areas
Managing forage through fire and seasonal rainfall
Adjusting calving and breeding seasons
Adapting cattle breed selection to local conditions
High-density grazing: when it works and when it hurts
Forage management with bananas and corn stalks
Differences between Boran, Sussex, Angoni, and other African breeds
Using line breeding and natural selection in herd development
Doug Badcock brings a unique perspective to the Grazing Grass Podcast from his farm in Zambia. His willingness to share both successes and challenges—from learning to manage tropical forage to selecting the right breeds for his environment—makes this episode a global look at regenerative grazing principles. Whether you farm in Oklahoma or Africa, you’ll find inspiration and insight in Doug’s honest storytelling and deep curiosity for continual improvement.
Resources Mentioned: Green Lid Enterprises Facebook & YouTube: https://youtube.com/@green_lid_enterprises?si=elTGbGeGCylwOuSN https://www.facebook.com/share/192BW7WRNN/ https://www.instagram.com/green_lid_enterprises?igsh=b2V5OHAwMmk0eG1o Johan Zietsman's book Man, Cattle and Veld Calvin Birioti's YouTube video featuring Doug’s farm