190. Balancing Grazing, Goats, and Generational Wealth with Dana Tinney Wilson

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.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Chantilly Ranch
• Holistic Management by Allan Savory
• Nelson Nash’s book on Infinite Banking

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

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Original Music by Louis Palfrey