Grazing Grass Podcast sharing Regenerative Ag Stories

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 farmingManaging a multi-species farm with dairy cows, goats, pigs, and poultryTheir transition from military to farming and its mental/emotional impactRaw milk licensing in Georgia and working with the Raw Milk InstituteWhy they left Nigerian Dwarf goats behind for NubiansDeveloping resilient systems for a small family farmThe role of education, transparency, and community in their operationTheir work with veterans and the SkillBridge programWhether 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.Resources & Mentions:Perch & PastureReverence FarmsRaw Milk Institute (RAWMI)SkillBridge Program for VeteransJustin Rhodes & Joel Salatin (mentioned as learning influences)Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastChapters

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 CoveredTransitioning from horses and cattle to a sheep-focused operationMistakes and hard lessons from buying sale barn sheepLearning what true rotational grazing is (and what it isn’t)How a house fire catalyzed a new farming chapterThe importance of fencing and learning to love hotwireFinding and building a relationship with a sheep-savvy vetDaily grazing rotations and pasture managementBuilding supportive and judgment-free communities for graziersEducating oneself through podcasts, grazing schools, and mentorshipThe role of women and generational legacy in agricultureWhy 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.Resources MentionedPeace in the Valley FarmsGrazing Grass Community (Facebook)Grazing Sheep podcast (with Tom and Cam)Vet Caitlyn from Gainesville, MissouriLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastChapters

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 droughtGrazing-based dairy practices with multi-species pasturesImplementing high-density rotation with 2–4 shifts per dayAdoption and legality of virtual fencing in AustraliaUsing sexed semen and beef crosses for herd improvement and profitabilityWinter planting of cereal and forage blends; native summer grass systemsInfrastructure layout with laneways, river watering, and no indoor housingHonest insights on power costs, robotic milkers, and future techPersonal 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.Resources MentionedCall of the Reed Warbler by Charles MassyDirt to Soil by Gabe BrownTango Holsteins on FacebookTango Holsteins on InstagramLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastChapters

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 CoveredWhy and how Ernie and his family left metro life for farm lifeStarting with 10 backyard broilers and progressing to pasture poultryTransitioning from RV life to settling on a 225-acre propertyDeveloping a direct-to-consumer market with chiropractic clinicsRaising soy-free, corn-free fed chickens, pigs, and layersBuilding a portable milking setup for 8 Jersey cowsImplementing calf sharing with a custom calf shelterUsing belted Galloways and moving toward more heat-tolerant breedsPlans for integrating rabbits and sheepThoughts on A2 milk, sexed semen, and dual-purpose livestockManaging pastures and daily moves using simple infrastructureIf 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.Resources MentionedIron Root PasturesKentucky Organics (feed mill)Justin Rhodes YouTube ChannelWhite Oak Pastures (Rabbitat project)Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastChapters

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 grazingGrazing livestock near the Congo borderUsing electric fencing in remote areasManaging forage through fire and seasonal rainfallAdjusting calving and breeding seasonsAdapting cattle breed selection to local conditionsHigh-density grazing: when it works and when it hurtsForage management with bananas and corn stalksDifferences between Boran, Sussex, Angoni, and other African breedsUsing line breeding and natural selection in herd developmentDoug 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=elTGbGeGCylwOuSNhttps://www.facebook.com/share/192BW7WRNN/https://www.instagram.com/green_lid_enterprises?igsh=b2V5OHAwMmk0eG1oJohan Zietsman's book Man, Cattle and VeldCalvin Birioti's YouTube video featuring Doug’s farm Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondGBT AngusGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastChapters

In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, we're joined by Jeff Siewicki of Vital Mission Farm in South Carolina. Jeff shares his journey from raising 25 chickens for personal use to building a thriving regenerative poultry business focused on pasture-raised ducks and turkeys. With a background in science and no prior farming experience, Jeff candidly discusses how he learned everything from scratch—facing the steep learning curves of pasture poultry, selling wholesale to top chefs, and ultimately pivoting to a hyperlocal subscription-based model for direct-to-consumer sales.Topics Covered:Starting with chickens, transitioning to ducks and turkeysChallenges and benefits of pasture-raised poultryLessons from selling wholesale to restaurants pre-COVIDPivoting during the pandemic to direct-to-consumer salesCreating value-added products like duck prosciutto and pet treatsLaunching and refining a customized local subscription boxOnline marketing and building an effective digital storefrontAdvice for farmers on capturing leads and converting salesWhy You Should Listen: If you're a grass-based producer exploring poultry, value-added products, or direct-to-consumer models, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world experience. Jeff doesn’t sugarcoat the hard lessons learned, but he also shares the wins—from building customer relationships at farmers markets to crafting a high-margin subscription service. Whether you’re looking to improve your margins, expand product offerings, or shift from wholesale to DTC, Jeff’s story is full of inspiration and actionable insights.Resources Mentioned:Vital Mission FarmRegenerative SuccessPremier1 Supplies (chick-safe netting)Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondGBT AngusGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResources (Coming Soon)Community (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastChapters

Riki Kremers joins us from Kremers Ranch in Lance Creek, Wyoming, where she and her family manage 8,000 acres of rough, arid country with Angus-cross cattle, horses, and meat goats. Together with her husband and daughter, Riki has transitioned their operation from traditional set-stock grazing to a powerful combination of Instinctive Migratory Grazing (IMG) and Planned Migratory Grazing (PMG), doubling their stocking rate and reducing feed inputs. With over 20 miles of water pipeline and an impressive track record of adapting to extreme environments, Riki shares hard-earned lessons on stockmanship, infrastructure, and letting nature lead the way. Topics CoveredHistory and evolution of Kremers RanchTransition from February to June calvingBuilding water infrastructure and pasture layoutChallenges with temporary fencing in brittle environmentsTransitioning to IMG and how it rebooted herd behaviorRole of stockmanship and learning from Bob Kin and Ian Mitchell-InnesManaging yearlings separately for summer and winter forage balanceCreating and using "insurance pastures"Shifts in forage species and pasture recovery timesIntegrating horses and four-wheelers into cattle managementWhy You Should ListenIf you're grazing in a brittle or arid environment—or frustrated with conventional rotational systems—Riki’s experience will resonate. She candidly walks us through her family’s grazing journey, showing how thoughtful stockmanship and intentional planning can unlock natural herd behavior and healthier land. Whether you’re looking to reduce feed, improve forage diversity, or double your stocking rate without burning out your pastures, this episode offers actionable wisdom grounded in real-world success.Resources MentionedInstinctive Migratory Grazing SchoolRiki Kremers on FacebookBob Kinford on the Grazing Grass PodcastBob Kinford – Instinctive Migratory GrazingVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondGBT AngusGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResources (Coming Soon)Community (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastChapters(00:00) - Introduction and Fast Five with Riki Kramer (01:26) - History and Evolution of Kramer's Ranch (02:07) - Grazing Techniques and Challenges (04:57) - Record Keeping and Ranch Management (09:20) - Transition to Instinctive Migratory Grazing (IMG) (18:08) - Implementing and Refining IMG (33:07) - Stockmanship and Herd Behavior (40:26) - Understanding Animal Communication (40:38) - Four-Wheeler vs. Horseback Communication (42:00) - Benefits of IMG Grazing in Arid Environments (43:12) - Forage Quality and Species Changes (45:14) - Managing Cow Herds and Yearlings (50:50) - Insurance Pastures: A Safety Net for Grazing (56:10) - Upcoming Grazing School Details (01:03:42) - Famous Four Questions (01:14:56) - Conclusion and Takeaways

In this episode, we chat with Cherrie Nolden of Wonder Acres Farm, located in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. Cherrie shares her extensive experience with multi-species grazing, highlighting her innovative approaches to adaptive grazing management and pasture improvement. She discusses how she manages her Norwegian Fjord horses, sheep, goats, and livestock guardian dogs, emphasizing genetic selection for natural parasite resistance and efficient grazing practices. Cherrie also covers fencing strategies, transitioning horses from dry lots to rotational grazing, and maintaining healthy pastures through careful management.Topics discussed:Adaptive and rotational grazing strategiesGrazing management for horses, sheep, and goatsGenetic selection for parasite resistanceMulti-species grazing benefitsUsing electro-net fencing effectivelyDesigning and utilizing grazing lanesSustainable pasture improvement techniquesWhether you're managing horses, sheep, goats, or all of the above, Cherrie's insights will inspire you to optimize your grazing practices and improve your farm's overall productivity and sustainability.Resources mentioned:Wonder Acres Farm on FacebookWonder Acres Farm websiteWon Der Fjords on FacebookVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondGBT AngusGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResources (Coming Soon)Community (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastChapters

In this episode, we chat with Alex from Chucktown Acres, a regenerative farm based in Charleston, South Carolina. Alex shares his transformation from suburban musician and Bible college student to full-time regenerative farmer. His journey includes a pivotal internship at Polyface Farms and eventually taking over an existing farm operation in coastal South Carolina. Alex now manages a thriving multi-species livestock operation and also teaches marketing to other farmers.Topics CoveredAlex’s health awakening and discovery of real foodThe shift from Bible college to aspiring farmerSecuring a highly competitive internship at Polyface FarmsWhat life and work were like at PolyfaceStarting and rebranding Chucktown AcresRaising grass-fed beef, Berkshire hogs, broilers, laying hens, turkeys, and moreAdjusting practices for regional predator pressure in South CarolinaUsing and recommending Kiwi Tech posts and Gallagher reelsBuilding a direct-to-consumer business with Barn2Door and weekly email marketingOffering internships for local youth interested in sustainable agNavigating social media and customer communicationEquipment preferences and gear talk (O’Brien vs. Kiwi Tech)Whether you’re just starting your regenerative journey or looking to refine your marketing and multi-species operation, Alex’s story is a valuable one. He didn’t grow up farming and didn’t inherit land—but he found a way through passion, grit, and practical action. His take on internships, rebranding, and building customer relationships through authentic marketing is inspiring and actionable. Plus, there’s plenty of great gear talk for graziers who love comparing reels and posts.Resources MentionedPolyface FarmsBooks & Authors:Folks, This Ain’t Normal by Joel SalatinDirt to Soil by Gabe BrownWorks by Greg Judy, Alan Savory, Will HarrisBarn2Door – eCommerce for farmersRedmond AgricultureNoble Research Institute CoursesKiwi Tech Posts – Available at Ken CoveGallagher reels, O’Brien posts, and other fencing gearVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondGBT AngusGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResources (Coming Soon)Community (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastChapters(00:00) - Introduction and Quickfire Questions (01:58) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast (03:36) - Alex's Journey to Farming (05:15) - Discovering the World of Health Food (06:56) - From Bible College to Farming Aspirations (15:57) - Internship at Polyface Farms (42:06) - Starting Chucktown Acres (45:17) - Starting the Farming Journey (45:56) - A Fortunate Break (46:59) - Taking Over the Farm (48:33) - Rebranding and Relocating (49:50) - Challenges and Adaptations (53:30) - Marketing and Sales Strategies (57:29) - Social Media and Marketing Challenges (59:49) - Advice for New Farmers (01:12:05) - The Importance of Farmer's Markets (01:14:19) - Famous Four Questions (01:19:52) - Final Thoughts and Resources

Dusty Baker of Cross Timbers Bison joins us on the Grazing Grass Podcast to share his journey from city life to raising bison full time in Sulphur, Oklahoma. With a background in wildlife ecology and a deep appreciation for the nearby Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Dusty took the leap into bison ranching during the pandemic, starting out on an old dairy farm. Since then, he’s poured his passion into building a thriving herd and managing his land with regenerative practices that benefit both the soil and the animals.In this episode, we dig into:Dusty’s transition from city life to bison ranchingHow he adapted a former dairy into a working bison operationThe challenges of fencing and handling these powerful animalsHis approach to regenerative grazing and land stewardshipThoughts on bison genetics and today’s bison meat marketLessons learned from experimenting with multi-species grazingStraightforward advice for anyone looking to get into bison ranchingIf you’re curious about bison, regenerative grazing, or just love hearing a good ranching story, you won’t want to miss this one. Dusty’s experience offers practical tips and a real-world look at the ups and downs of raising these incredible animals.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeCross Timbers Bison Ranch Cross Timbers Bison on YouTubeThis is Oklahoma Podcast with Dusty BakerVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondGBT AngusGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResources (Coming Soon)Community (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis PalfreyChapters(00:00) - Introduction and FAST Five (00:23) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast (02:01) - Farm Updates and Teeter Farm Tech Gates (03:06) - Web Tinkering and Community Projects (05:24) - Interview with Dusty Baker Begins (05:47) - Dusty's Journey with Bison (16:57) - Challenges and Learnings in Bison Farming (21:59) - Transition to Full-Time Farming During COVID (29:29) - Starting a YouTube Channel (35:25) - Regenerative Practices on a Bison Ranch (45:05) - Transition to Overgrazing (45:59) - Redmond Agriculture Ad (46:56) - Getting Started with Bison (47:49) - Fencing and Keeping Bison Happy (50:25) - Bison Genetics and Breeding (57:32) - Bison Meat Market and Business (01:00:21) - Challenges with Multi-Species Grazing (01:11:34) - Cooking Bison Meat (01:14:00) - Famous Four Questions (01:25:48) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts