Grazing Grass Podcast sharing Regenerative Ag Stories

Austin Unruh returns for another deep, practical conversation on silvopasture — this time focusing on “the dip,” livestock pressure, pruning, shade strategy, pigs and poultry in tree systems, and what to do in Year Zero before you ever put a seedling in the ground. If you’ve ever stared at your pastures on a hot day wishing you had more shade… this one will light a fire under you.What we cover in this episode:The “dip” in silvopasture: why years 1–4 feel like a grindShade as the low-hanging fruit — and why it’s only the beginningLivestock pressure: how to protect trees when cattle, horses, and wildlife want to destroy themPruning young vs. established trees (and the dangers of over-pruning)Species selection for different goals: shade, fodder, privacy screens, and livestock feedWhy mulberries and persimmons shine for pigs and poultryRunning pigs IN establishment-phase silvopasture (pros, cons, protection methods)Tree spacing, patterns, and why grids usually beat random placementsManaging compaction, vole pressure, and bark hardeningYear Zero → Year Two: fall tasks, maintenance, ordering trees, and setting up for successWhy early wins matter psychologically (and how to get them)Continuous grazing vs rotational grazing when it comes to tree cropsIf you’re serious about silvopasture, this episode gives you a roadmap from the ground up — from species selection and timing to realistic maintenance and livestock integration. Austin breaks down the parts most graziers underestimate: the grind, the setbacks, and the discipline it takes before shade and feed finally show up. Whether you’re planting five trees or five hundred, you’ll walk away with clearer steps and fewer unknowns.Resources mentioned:Trees for Graziers — treesforgraziers.comCastor oil vole deterrent productsAcres U.S.A. (publisher of Austin’s upcoming second edition)Liberty apple, crabapple, and apple-crab varietiesHybrid willow, hybrid poplar, black locust, honey locustRusted Plowshare Farm (Josh Payne)Looking 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

Leslie returns to share what’s changed since her first appearance in Episode 28. She runs Cylon Rolling Acres in northwestern Wisconsin, where she grazes both goats and Texel sheep on pasture and markets meat directly to consumers through a thriving online business. This episode dives deep into her evolution from wholesale to a sustainable, subscription-based direct-to-consumer model — plus her approach to regenerative grazing with multi-species livestock.Topics CoveredManaging a mixed flock of goats and Texel sheep under rotational grazingWool utilization and creative uses for lower-grade fleeceTransitioning from wholesale markets to direct-to-consumer meat salesBuilding a loyal customer base through email marketing and educationDetails of her goat meat subscription model (quarterly boxes, whole-goat option)Processing and shipping logistics, including use of dry iceLessons from receiving USDA Value-Added Producer and Buy Local grantsEducational resources: Goat Meat Primer eBook, Grazing With Leslie blog, and online courses If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a small ruminant enterprise into a profitable, direct-to-consumer brand, Leslie’s model is a must-hear. She shares practical insight on managing inventory, shipping meat, marketing through education, and keeping customers subscribed.Resources MentionedCylonRollingAcres.com – Farm website for direct meat salesGrazingWithLeslie.com – Educational blog for producersGrassWorks Grazing Conference (Wisconsin)Looking 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 special in-person episode recorded at the South Poll Field Day, Cal sits down with some of the biggest names connected to the South Poll breed and regenerative grazing movement — Teddy Gentry, Greg Judy, Ralph & Jerry Voss, Steve Freeman, and Nathan Hahn.You’ll hear the story of how the South Poll breed was created, the philosophy behind it, and how it continues to thrive on real-world farms. From developing heat-tolerant genetics and maintaining fertility in tough environments to direct-to-consumer beef and breeding program strategies, this episode captures a living snapshot of regenerative cattle culture in action.Guests include:🧬 Teddy Gentry — Founder of the South Poll breed, sharing its origin, composite makeup, and the importance of fertility, longevity, and line breeding for efficiency.🌱 Greg Judy — Missouri grazier explaining how South Polls transformed his operation, reduced inputs, and made it possible to quit his off-farm job.👩‍🌾 Ralph & Jerry Voss — Longtime breeders whose herd and friendship with Greg Judy led to some of the most influential South Poll genetics today.🐄 Steve Freeman — Missouri cattleman with over 40 years of experience, describing how South Polls helped him achieve 95% conception rates and a truly profitable grass-only system.🥩 Nathan Hahn — Kentucky farmer finishing and selling beef direct-to-consumer, detailing how South Polls fit perfectly into a low-input, grass-finished operation.Why You Should ListenWhether you raise South Polls or not, this episode is packed with wisdom about:Selecting for fertility and longevity over size or EPDs.Building a profitable cow herd that thrives on grass alone.Breeding and marketing strategies for grass-fed genetics.The real-world economics and mindset shifts behind regenerative ranching.How smaller, calmer, efficient cattle can make you money — and peace of mind.It’s part history lesson, part grazing masterclass, and a celebration of the community driving the South Poll breed forward.Resources MentionedSouth Poll Grass Cattle AssociationGreg Judy – Green Pastures FarmVoss South PollsUnity FarmsLooking 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 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