187. Raising South Poll Cattle & Direct-to-Consumer Beef with Josh Harris

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.

Resources mentioned:

• Harris Home Place Farm: harrishomeplacefarm.com

• Facebook & Instagram: Harris Homeplace Farm
• South Poll Grass Cattle Association: southpoll.com
• The End of Craving by Mark Schatzker
• Steak by Mark Schatzker

Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based Genetics

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Original Music by Louis Palfrey