Grazing Grass Podcast sharing Regenerative Ag Stories

e124. From Tyson Foods to Regenerative Farming with Andy Youngblood

Jul 10, 2024

Andy Youngblood, a transformative force in farming and owner of Youngblood Farm, shares his journey from conventional methods to regenerative grazing. He discusses his pivotal shift in 2006, inspired by authors like Joel Salatin, embracing diverse livestock and grass-fed practices. Youngblood highlights the importance of temperament in cattle breeds, particularly Red Devons and South Polls. He also delves into the challenges of multi-species farming and the innovative integration of silvopasture techniques in his sustainable agricultural practices.

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Episode notes

Intro

00:00 • 4min

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Transforming Through Regenerative Farming

04:19 • 15min

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Cattle Breeds and Farming Insights

19:10 • 14min

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Farming Meets Hospitality

33:34 • 4min

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Integrating Trees and Livestock: The Journey of Silvopasture

37:50 • 13min

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Exploring Influential Resources in Regenerative Grazing

50:35 • 4min

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Cultivating Knowledge and Tools for Regenerative Farming

54:20 • 10min

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The unsettling of America

culture & agriculture

Wendell Berry

In this book, Wendell Berry argues that good farming is not just an economic activity but a cultural and spiritual discipline. He critiques the modern agribusiness model for taking farming out of its cultural context and away from families, leading to a nation more estranged from the land. Berry emphasizes the destructive effects of mechanized farming on the environment and society, advocating for a return to more traditional and sustainable farming practices. He also discusses the broader implications of this disconnection, including the fragmentation of modern society and the loss of communal integrity.

Restoration Agriculture

Real-world Permaculture for Farmers

Mark Shepard

In 'Restoration Agriculture,' Mark Shepard presents an alternative to conventional annual crop agriculture by advocating for the use of perennial polycultures, water management, and ecological restoration. The book draws on real-world practices and Shepard's personal experience in transforming a barren landscape into a productive farm. It emphasizes the integration of agricultural production with ecological restoration, highlighting the benefits of perennial ecosystems, rotational livestock management, beekeeping, and soil and water management. The approach aims to create systems that are both ecologically sustainable and economically profitable, offering hope for a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future.

Soil, Grass and Cancer

Health of Animals and Men is Linked to the Mineral Balance of the Soil

Andrė Voisin

In 'Soil, Grass and Cancer,' André Voisin presents meticulously researched information on how soil fertility directly affects human and animal health. The book emphasizes the critical role of organic matter and the balance of trace minerals and nutrients in the soil. Voisin argues that poor soil management and the use of toxic chemicals can lead to various health issues, including cancer. The book is essential reading for agricultural scientists, veterinarians, dietitians, and farmers, as well as consumers concerned about the health implications of agricultural practices.

Joel Salatin's "Salad Bar Beef" champions a holistic approach to farming, emphasizing the integration of various livestock and the creation of a thriving ecosystem. The book details Salatin's methods at Polyface Farm, showcasing his innovative techniques for pasture management, animal husbandry, and direct-to-consumer marketing. Salatin advocates for a return to traditional farming practices that prioritize soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare. His work challenges conventional industrial agriculture and inspires readers to consider alternative, more sustainable farming models. The book's impact extends beyond practical farming advice, promoting a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of food systems and the environment.

Grass productivity

Andrė Voisin

Man, Cattle, and Veld

Management-Intensive Grazing

Allan Savory's "Holistic Management" presents a comprehensive approach to land management that integrates livestock grazing with ecological principles. The book emphasizes the importance of mimicking natural grazing patterns to improve soil health, biodiversity, and overall ecosystem function. Savory's methods focus on carefully planned grazing rotations and the use of livestock as a tool for land restoration. His work has gained international recognition for its potential to combat desertification and improve the productivity of degraded lands. The book challenges conventional agricultural practices and offers a holistic perspective on land stewardship, emphasizing the interconnectedness of various ecological factors.

Reproduction and Animal Health

Join us for an engaging conversation with Andy Youngblood of Youngblood Farm in Southwest Arkansas as he shares his transformative journey in farming. From growing up in a small town focused on beef cattle and poultry operations to earning an ag business degree and working at Tyson Foods, Andy's experiences with various livestock and his shift to regenerative grazing practices offer invaluable insights. Discover how his and Cal's paths crossed 25 years ago, adding a rich backdrop to their discussion about silvopasture management and the evolution of his farm.

Explore the transition from conventional farming to regenerative agriculture as Andy recounts a pivotal moment in 2006 that prompted a reevaluation of their farming practices. Influenced by Joel Salatin's "Salad Bar Beef" and a friend's rotational grazing techniques, Andy and his family embraced grass farming and diversified their livestock operations. Despite initial challenges, including managing broiler houses they no longer believed in, they fully committed to sustainable agriculture, ultimately selling their conventional farming assets by 2022.

Listen in as Andy discusses his fascination with different cattle breeds, particularly the Red Devon and South Poll breeds, and the importance of temperament and docility in cattle management. Learn about the diverse experiences of running a multi-species farm, including raising hogs, goats, and sheep, and the challenges of fencing and maintaining these animals. The episode also covers the benefits of silvopasture and agroforestry practices, and Andy shares essential tips for new farmers and grazers, emphasizing valuable resources and practical tools for successful land stewardship.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Youngblood Farm

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