Grazing Grass Podcast sharing Regenerative Ag Stories

In this episode, Cal visits with Shane Maddock, a fourth-generation rancher from north-central North Dakota, where cattle country meets farm country. Shane shares the story of building a regenerative operation through drought, grazing challenges, and generations of learning. He discusses taking over a neighbor’s ranch after returning from National Guard service, developing cross-fenced paddocks and a positive/negative electric system, managing water in the Prairie Pothole Region, and adjusting his grazing philosophy from “a third, a third, a third” to adaptive management guided by what the grass and cattle tell him.Topics coveredGrowing up on a holistic-management ranch and learning from his fatherLeasing cattle and structuring multi-year cow leasesDesigning high-tensile fencing and pos/neg wiring for sandy soilsTransitioning from mild rotation to intensive adaptive grazingManaging drought risk with insurance pastures and flexible enterprisesUsing Rio Max minerals and observing dramatic feed-efficiency gainsCalving-date adjustments and hybrid-vigor breeding decisionsFounding Maddock Ranch Supply and serving the communityHis father receiving North Dakota’s Leopold Conservation Award If you’ve ever wondered how to keep cows productive through seven drought years out of eleven—or how to balance generational wisdom with modern regenerative ideas—Shane’s story delivers practical lessons on adaptation, family teamwork, and faith in the land’s resilience.Resources mentionedMaddock Ranch maddockranch.comMaddock Ranch Supply  maddockranchsupply.comMan, Cattle and Veld – Johan ZietsmanGrass-Fed Cattle – Julius RuechelHolistic Management – Allan SavoryDirt to Soil – Gabe BrownNorth Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition Mentorship ProgramRio Max Minerals - riomax.netLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture.Grazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis Palfrey

Stan and his wife began farming in 2021 after adopting four children and realizing they wanted to raise them with meaningful work and stewardship. Starting with neglected, junk-filled land, they’ve built a regenerative, multi-species farm from scratch—learning through Greg Judy, Joel Salatin, and hands-on mistakes.Topics CoveredMoving from western Kansas to Arkansas and starting a farm from nothingAdopting four children and using the farm as a teaching toolRestoring neglected land and hauling off 340 tiresEarly livestock: 11 heifers → sheep → pigs → broilersGrant funding from Illinois River Watershed for water lines and fencingPivoting from South Poll beef to a sheep-focused enterpriseLeader-follower grazing with cattle and hair sheepUsing C-90 salt, garlic, and apple cider vinegar for mineral programsDirect-marketing lamb, pork, and chicken through GrazeCartAdding pigs to utilize 30 acres of woods and reduce ticksLaunching on-farm poultry processing (non-GMO, soy-free feed)Stewardship mindset and educational outreach via Harvest Hosts & farm visitsFuture plans: farrow-to-finish Hereford pigs, possible Dexter cows for raw milk, on-farm events, and intentional growthStan’s story is a realistic look at starting late, learning fast, and doing it intentionally. From adoption to regenerative restoration, he shows how faith, family, and stewardship intersect on a small Arkansas farm. Whether you’re reclaiming abused land or diversifying your livestock, his experience offers encouragement and practical takeaways.Resources MentionedIntentional FarmsGreg Judy Grazing SchoolJoel Salatin videosThe Stockman Grass FarmerGrazeCart e-commerce platformIllinois River Watershed Alliance grantsLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture.Grazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis Palfrey

In this episode, Cal talks with Adam Phomin from Hoof and Beak Farm in eastern Ontario, Canada. Adam shares his journey from fitness coach and gym owner to regenerative farmer, raising sheep, cattle, chickens, and llamas on his 100-acre farm. A first-generation farmer, Adam connects his passion for health and nutrition to raising his own protein and improving the land. He discusses starting from scratch, lessons learned fencing and grazing, using polywire for sheep, the role of llamas as guardians, and the importance of daily progress—both in farming and fitness. Adam also introduces his 5 AM Squat Club, a mindset and movement program he leads live each morning on YouTube.Topics CoveredTransitioning from fitness and nutrition to regenerative farmingBuilding a 100-acre farm from hayed and degraded landStarting with chickens and moving into Katahdin sheepBreeding strategies and learning from experienceGrazing management with polywire and limited timeLessons learned from predator pressure and livestock guardiansSourcing and raising cattle for seasonal grazingMarketing protein through his gym communityThe 5 AM Squat Club: combining mindset, movement, and purposeThe importance of identity, consistency, and small daily stepsIf you’re just getting started or balancing farming with another career, this episode is packed with relatable insights. Adam’s story proves you can build a regenerative operation from scratch—even without an ag background—by focusing on health, mindset, and progress over perfection. His fitness perspective offers a refreshing reminder that farmers are athletes too, and taking care of your body is key to taking care of your land.Resources MentionedHoof and Beak Farm: Instagram / Website – @hoofandbeak5 AM Squat Club: YouTube ChannelPodcasts: Working Cows, Ranching Returns, Beyond Labels (Joel Salatin & Sina McCullough), Ranching RebootLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture.Grazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis Palfrey

In this episode, Cal visits with Lauren Jorgensen and Frank “Toby” Tobias, owners of Starlight Farm in North Florida. Lauren and Toby share their inspiring transition from suburban professionals to regenerative graziers, managing cattle, horses, and chickens on 108 acres of sandy Florida soil. Their story begins with a daughter’s recommendation to watch Kiss the Ground, which set them on a journey into soil health and regenerative practices. From battling Florida’s unique soil challenges to founding the Florida Soil Health Coalition, they’ve become advocates for soil, community, and mindful stewardship.Topics CoveredLauren & Toby’s background and 20-year journey to Starlight FarmTransition from horses to cattle and discovering regenerative grazingInfluence of Kiss the Ground and attending the Soil Health AcademyManaging sandy Florida soils and the challenges of bahiagrassBale grazing, cover crops, and learning from failuresThe role of chicken and cow manure in improving fertilitySurviving hurricanes and adapting to climate extremesStarting the Florida Soil Health Coalition — connecting farmers, researchers, and consumersFinding balance between purity and practicality in regenerative systemsFavorite grazing books and tools (from tractors to hay string!)Building a life and home rooted in stewardship, love, and laughterWhy You Should ListenThis episode is full of relatable moments for anyone striving to make progress on imperfect land. Lauren and Toby’s enthusiasm and candor highlight how regenerative agriculture is as much about mindset as it is about management. Their story captures the patience, humor, and persistence required to restore soil in Florida’s challenging environment — and how connection, both human and ecological, fuels that process. You’ll also learn about a new grassroots movement growing in the Sunshine State through the Florida Soil Health Coalition.Resources MentionedFlorida Soil Health Coalition: floridasoilhealth.orgStarlight Farm Grass-Fed Beef: Facebook Page – “Starlight Farm Grass-Fed Beef”Tobias Saddlery: ultimatesaddle.comBooks:Dirt to Soil by Gabe BrownA Bold Return to Giving a Damn by Will HarrisBraiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall KimmererWhat Your Food Ate by David R. Montgomery & Anne BikléOrganizations & Mentions:Soil Health Academy (Gabe Brown, Allen Williams, Ray Archuleta)Will Harris – White Oak PasturesJonathan Lundgren – Ecdysis Foundation & 1000 Farms StudyLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture.Grazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis Palfrey

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 ranchRaising Highland and Dexter cattle, including selling direct-to-consumer beefThe role of goats for meat, fire prevention, and community grazing contractsManaging predator pressure and challenges with electric nettingShifts in grazing strategy, including irrigation and rest periodsBuilding big-picture goals for profitability, regeneration, and legacyConsidering adding pigs to meet market demandHow her daughter’s horse training business fits into the ranch visionA deep dive into infinite banking and how it can provide stability and intergenerational wealthThis 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 RanchHolistic Management by Allan SavoryNelson Nash’s book on Infinite BankingLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture.Grazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis Palfrey

In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal visits with Karl Palmberg of Sunlight and Rain in northwest Iowa. Karl shares his journey from growing up on a farm, serving in the Air Force, and eventually returning home to rebuild his family’s cattle operation. He dives into the lessons learned from shifting to no-till farming, integrating livestock for soil health, and experimenting with genetics for grass-fed beef. A major focus of this conversation is Karl’s experience adopting virtual fencing technology with Gallagher’s eShepherd collars—how it’s changed his management, saved time, and opened new possibilities for grazing.Topics covered include:Karl’s beginnings with cattle in junior high and how those early experiences shaped his pathTransitioning from conventional tillage to no-till and strip-till farmingThe role of livestock in building soil healthPractical fencing tools: reels, polywire, fiberglass posts, energizers, and water infrastructureBreeding strategy and focusing on functional, easy-fleshing cattle geneticsShifting toward grass finishing and direct-to-consumer beef salesThe challenges and opportunities of marketing grass-fed beefA deep dive into virtual fencing: training animals, collar fit, technology quirks, and labor savingsLessons learned about humility, innovation, and adapting systems on the farmKarl’s story is a reminder of how regenerative practices are often a process of trial, error, and persistence. His candid take on the benefits and limitations of virtual fencing offers practical insight for graziers considering this new technology.If you’ve wondered whether virtual collars could fit into your grazing system—or if you’re curious about one farmer’s path from conventional tillage to regenerative practices—this episode is packed with honest lessons and real-world advice. Karl’s mix of military discipline, family heritage, and innovative curiosity makes for a compelling story.Resources mentioned in this episode:Sunlight and Rain – Karl’s farmGallagher Animal Management – eShepherd virtual fencing systemJoel Salatin’s The Marvelous Pigness of PigsLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture.eShepherdGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis Palfrey

Bruce shares his journey from managing sheep and goats to building a South Poll seedstock operation, the pivotal experiences that shaped his philosophy, and how he balances practicality with profitability. He also reflects on the importance of family, community, and keeping options open in an unpredictable business.In this episode, we cover:Bruce’s background in agriculture and how he ended up in Bell, MissouriTransitioning from sheep and goats to a South Poll-centered cattle operationLessons learned from Burke Teichert and the Rex Ranch about low-input grazing systemsWhy docility and adaptability matter in South Poll cattleRunning sheep and cattle together, and the challenges of small ruminantsHow Bruce markets lambs and develops bulls with his customers in mindThe role of lease land in his operationAdvice for beginners: walk before you run and never say never in grazingWhether you’re a grazier looking to simplify your system, or just curious about the South Poll breed, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and real-world experience. Bruce doesn’t overcomplicate things—his success comes from sticking to the basics. His “simple recipe” offers a refreshing reminder that profitability often comes from focus, discipline, and letting cattle prove themselves in the environment they’re meant for. If you’re thinking about South Polls, sheep, or just streamlining your grazing operation, Bruce’s story will give you ideas and encouragement.Resources mentioned in this episode:Sassafras Valley RanchGreg Judy’s No Risk Ranching (first book)How to Think Like a Grazier by Greg JudySouth Poll Grass Cattle AssociationLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture.South Poll Field Day & SaleGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis Palfrey

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.comFacebook & Instagram: Harris Homeplace FarmSouth Poll Grass Cattle Association: southpoll.comThe End of Craving by Mark SchatzkerSteak by Mark SchatzkerLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture.South Poll Field Day & SaleGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis Palfrey

Ann and Bob share their journey from Nebraska crop and cattle farming to building a regenerative grazing operation in the Ozarks. They discuss the challenges of starting over, investing in infrastructure like tire tanks and fencing, and adapting their herd with South Poll genetics to fit their environment. Their story highlights resilience, stewardship, and the pursuit of nutrient-dense beef and healthier soils.Topics covered in this episode:Transition from conventional farming in Nebraska to management-intensive grazing in MissouriDaily moves, portable watering systems, and eventually installing 28 tire tanksExperiences with cattle breeds including Black Angus, Braford, Corriente, and South Poll crossesMarketing steers through private sales, meat business, and occasional sale barnsNutrient-density testing of their beef, showing omega ratios close to wild salmonSoil health improvements, bird diversity surveys, and ecosystem changes on their ranchLessons learned about rest periods, stewardship, and adapting grazing as a “recipe, not a prescription”Future plans as they balance ranch work, family, and personal goalsWhy listen to this episode: Ann and Bob bring decades of hands-on experience, showing how management, not just genetics or land, drives success. From portable waters to garlic salt minerals, they share practical insights any grazier can apply. Their emphasis on stewardship, learning, and resilience will inspire both beginners and seasoned graziers alike.Resources mentioned:Stockman Grass FarmerMan, Cattle and VeldTop of the Ozarks grazing groupRedmond Agriculture mineralsClear Spring Ranch – clearspringranch.comFive Five Coyote Meat Business – fivefivecoyote.comLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture.South Poll Field Day & SaleGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast

Todd Barkley of Barkley Ranch in Southeast Montana joins us to share his journey as a fourth-generation rancher balancing education, cattle, and regenerative practices. Todd talks about building his cow herd through AI, crossbreeding with Herefords, and now introducing Galloway genetics for winter hardiness and fly resistance. He also dives deep into cover crops, soil health, and the powerful role of epigenetics in shaping cattle for the environment. A major highlight is his firsthand experience with Gallagher’s eShepherd virtual fencing system and how it’s changing the way he manages pastures and labor on his ranch.We cover topics including:Todd’s return to ranching after pursuing a teaching degreeHow CRP programs shaped his family’s operationBuilding his cow herd with Angus, Hereford, and now Galloway geneticsChallenges of managing cattle in a 9–12 inch rainfall environmentThe role of cover crops and organic matter in regenerative systemsWhy epigenetics matters in cattle selectionUsing eShepherd virtual fencing for labor savings and improved grazing managementBalancing innovation with practical ranching realitiesThis episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about how virtual fencing works on a real ranch, or for producers considering breed selection to better match cattle to their environment. Todd’s perspective shows how combining tradition, experimentation, and technology can strengthen both the land and the herd.Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture. eShepherdGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast