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)
Field Area Measure (mobile app)

Find Out More:

Facebook: Dry Bottom Farms
Snow College Agriculture Department (Utah)

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Original Music by Louis Palfrey

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