Grazing Grass Podcast sharing Regenerative Ag Stories

Join me as I explore the engaging book "Ranching Like a 12-Year-Old" by Tom Kravitz, which offers a refreshing approach to ranching that's simple, easy, and fun. I share my thoughts on its concise 183 pages packed with valuable insights and practical advice, perfect for both novice and experienced ranchers. Plus, hear about an exciting giveaway—Tom has generously provided two copies of his book for our top contributors in the Grazing Grass community. I also encourage you to support Tom by purchasing the book directly from his website. Also, I highlight the upcoming Regenerative Legacy Summit, featuring renowned speakers and invaluable learning opportunities.In another segment, I delve into improving grazing management practices with a focus on adaptive multi-paddock grazing, particularly beneficial for those balancing off-farm work. We discuss the importance of frequent animal movement in ultra-high-density grazing systems and how to adjust schedules to prevent overgrazing and promote pasture health. Learn about the critical balance of graze and rest periods, optimal graze times, and the benefits of using a grazing chart.Links Mentioned in the Episode:Regenerative Legacy Summit Simply RanchingVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteKencove Farm Fence

Is it possible to revolutionize your ranching practices with minimal labor and maximum efficiency? Join us as we explore the journey of a dedicated grass management enthusiast who expanded a custom grazing operation to 3,000 head with processes so simple, even a 12-year-old could manage them. We'll share stories of overcoming water shortages, the importance of community support within the Grazing Grass Facebook group, and how a newly developed grazing chart in Google Sheets can be a game-changer for managing graze and rest periods effectively.In this episode, we dive into the holistic approach to grazing management that brings together various livestock species into one harmonious mob. By combining cattle, ewes, lambs, hogs, and horses, labor is significantly reduced, and soil health is enhanced. We'll discuss strategies like installing pipelines to eliminate water hauling and creating permanent paddocks for easier livestock movement. Discover the critical concept of grazing in the "sweet spot" and why overly long rest periods can be detrimental to grass productivity.We also explore specific grazing techniques, adjusting for environmental conditions, and the role of educational resources in enhancing grazing practices. Tom Krawiec shares his insights on effective strip grazing, winter grazing, and stockpile management in harsh climates. Learn how to balance forage quality and volume, the benefits of bale grazing, and practical adjustments for extreme weather. Tune in for an episode filled with valuable insights and practical advice that can transform your grazing management practices, reduce labor, and improve soil health.Links Mentioned in the Episode:Simply RanchingVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteKencove Farm Fence

Join us as we welcome Jessica Newman, a first-generation farmer from Northeast Pennsylvania, who shares her inspiring journey of establishing a successful sheep farming operation while balancing a full-time nursing career. From purchasing her farm in 2014 to building her agricultural enterprise from scratch, Jessica provides valuable insights into the unique challenges and innovative approaches she employs in managing her Texel sheep flock. We also explore her experiences with Dexter cattle and the delicate balance of managing off-farm jobs with farm responsibilities.Listen in as Jessica recounts journey to raising sheep on her newly acquired land. We discuss the initial hurdles of setting up infrastructure, the gradual development of her farm, and the implementation of rotational grazing practices inspired by Joel Saladin. Learn about the complexities of managing pastures overrun with goldenrod and milkweed, heavy clay soil, and steep grades, and discover the successes and lessons learned in creating a sustainable grazing system.This episode also covers essential advice for beginners in farming, emphasizing the importance of understanding land capacity and avoiding overgrazing. We touch on various business models, such as custom grazing and leased land, and highlight the influence of business strategies from authors like Mike Michalowicz and Greg Judy. Additionally, Jessica shares her experiences with sheep artificial insemination, breeding strategies for optimal production, and the importance of balancing personal life and farm responsibilities. Tune in for a wealth of practical advice and inspiring stories from Jessica’s farming journey.Links Mentioned in the Episode:SouthView StationVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteKencove Farm Fence

Join us on an enriching journey with Ben Glasson of Glasson Farms and Good Place Abattoir as we explore the multifaceted world of regenerative livestock production and grazing on Vancouver Island. Ben shares his unique experiences and insights, from the logistical challenges of farming on an island to his innovative grazing practices. Listen in as we discuss the significance of scale and infrastructure, particularly for those working on leased properties, and uncover the interconnectedness of grazing management, ecological health, and community sustainability.We also delve into the role of educational resources in the regenerative agriculture journey. Ben discusses the profound influence of Wendell Berry's "The Unsettling of America" and the convenience of learning through audiobooks while managing farm tasks. Our conversation covers practical aspects such as starting small with backyard quail tractors, expanding to larger livestock, and using spreadsheets to ensure viability. Additionally, we explore the intense daily life of a farmer deeply passionate about regenerative agriculture, from managing multiple livestock to participating in farmers markets and even hosting a local radio show.Further, we uncover innovative techniques for managing chicken and turkey tractors on a suburban farm, the concept of forest pork, and the benefits of raising pigs in forested areas. Ben shares his approach to small-scale vertical integration and processing, including a herd share program and building a poultry processing facility. We conclude with valuable advice for aspiring farmers, emphasizing the importance of scalable approaches and community relationships. This episode is packed with insights and practical tips for anyone interested in sustainable farming and livestock management.Links Mentioned in the Episode:Glassen FarmsThe Good Place AbattoirVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteKencove Farm Fence

Join us for an engaging conversation with Jeremiah Markway of Markway Ranch as he shares his journey in regenerative agriculture and grazing management. We explore his experiences with various livestock, including Corriente cows and hair sheep, and his transition from conventional farming to sustainable, low-input practices. Jeremiah discusses the importance of simplicity and profitability in operations, the challenges of integrating different animal species, and the value of rotational grazing, a practice introduced to him by his father. His background in agronomy and passion for forage production are also highlighted, showcasing how a diversified approach contributes to a resilient and productive ranching operation.In another segment, we explore the implementation of electric fences on cattle farms, including the initial challenges and how trial and error, along with expert guidance, led to success. Jeremiah shares his experience of balancing outside jobs while continuously improving grazing and ranching methods, emphasizing adaptability and lifelong learning. We also delve into the selection and management of Corriente cows, their suitability for team roping, and their exceptional fertility and longevity, providing valuable insights into incorporating Corriente genetics into a cattle operation.Further, we discuss strategic timing of calving for Corriente heifers, the challenges of wintering cattle, and the benefits of incorporating sheep into the grazing system. Jeremiah explains the advantages of using a leader-follower grazing system, maximizing pasture utilization and meeting the nutritional needs of both species. We also cover the flexibility of custom grazing operations, the use of poly braid fencing, and the integration of different livestock to manage pasture quality. Jeremiah offers valuable advice for newcomers to farming, emphasizing simplicity, observance, and continuous learning, all while sharing personal anecdotes and favorite resources.Links Mentioned in the Episode:Markway RanchVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteKencove Farm Fence

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.

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Matthew, a sixth-generation farmer and rancher from Waller County, Texas, who shares his family's agricultural journey that began in 1847. We discuss Matthew's diverse operations, including horse-quality square bale production and cattle grazing, and the invaluable support of his family, particularly his sisters. Matthew's educational background in animal science from Texas A&M initially led him to a career in preconditioning and input sales, but a transformative encounter with horse trainer Martin Black inspired him to adopt regenerative grazing practices.Listen in as we explore the challenges and successes Matthew experienced while transitioning his family ranch to regenerative agriculture. From the initial complexities and costs of traditional fencing to the revolutionary use of electric fencing, Matthew's journey highlights the influence of industry experts and the importance of adaptive management strategies. Key changes, such as shifting the calving season and embracing principles of stockmanship, have significantly enhanced cattle management and ranch productivity.Discover the benefits of low-input system livestock management, including the integration of heat-tolerant breeds and the strategic use of apple cider vinegar to improve digestion during winter grazing. Matthew shares his insights on custom grazing, weed utilization, and the importance of consistent grazing plans. Wrapping up, we discuss practical tools and resources that have supported Matthew's journey, offering valuable takeaways for anyone interested in regenerative grazing practices.Links Mentioned in the Episode:Menke Farm and Ranch IncVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteKencove Farm Fence

Join us on this enlightening episode as we welcome Dennis Stout, a wind energy expert with over 18 years of experience, to explore the world of renewable energy, focusing on wind energy projects. Dennis provides an extensive overview of renewable energy, discussing its definition, benefits, and real-world impacts on rural America. Listen in as we tackle the advantages and controversies surrounding wind energy, particularly in contentious areas like northeast Oklahoma. Dennis also answers questions from our Grazing Grass community, offering insights to help listeners make informed decisions about renewable energy.Throughout our conversation, we cover various aspects of wind energy, from the substantial size of modern turbines to the intricate process of integrating their power into the grid. Dennis explains the factors critical to establishing a wind farm, such as favorable wind conditions and supportive local regulations. We also discuss the financial benefits for landowners and the minimal land footprint of wind turbines, emphasizing the positive impact on farmers and ranchers.Additionally, Dennis addresses several important concerns, including the evolution of turbine designs to reduce bird strikes and the minimal impact of wind farms on weather patterns and groundwater. We also explore the logistics of wind turbines, such as ice buildup precautions and the importance of long-term lease agreements. Dennis shares valuable advice for farmers negotiating with energy companies and highlights federal energy policy incentives that support renewable energy projects. Finally, we direct listeners to Dennis's educational platforms, including CropAmerica.com and WindFarmGuy.com, for further information on renewable energy.Links Mentioned in the Episode:CROP AmericaWindFarmGuyWindFarmGuy on YouTubeVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteKencove Farm Fence

Join us for an insightful conversation with Hunter Lehman of Grazing Lands as we explore his transformative journey from managing a hunting property to embracing regenerative grazing near Stockdale, Texas. Hunter shares how he stays connected with his former ranch through innovative tools like virtual fencing, and discusses the transition from stocker cows to a static cow-calf herd. We touch on the benefits of having a well-trained herd, especially during hunting season, and Hunter's strategies for dealing with invasive plants like sericea lespedeza.In this episode, we also discuss Hunter's new role at Grazing Lands, a subsidiary of Soilworks Natural Capital dedicated to regenerative agriculture. Hunter provides insights into the use of technology such as virtual fencing and heat maps to optimize cattle management and animal welfare. We talk about the challenges of integrating cool-season grasses with recreational land use, and the mission of Grazing Lands to set a standard for regenerative agriculture in America through profitable, large-scale operations.Additionally, we explore various cattle management strategies, from the use of polywire fencing to managing stocking rates and transitioning herds to different environments. Hunter emphasizes the importance of selecting the right genetics for resilience and productivity, sharing his experience with breeds like Beefmaster and Red Angus. We also touch on the innovative breeding strategies of Steven Lukefahr and the potential of African cattle genetics for regenerative farming. Listen in as we wrap up with practical advice for newcomers to agriculture and the influential work of grazing expert Dick Richardson.Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteKencove Farm Fence

Join us on the Grazing Grass Podcast as we continue our journey into the fascinating world of livestock color genetics. In this episode, we explore the practical aspects and implications for breeders, focusing on the two primary pigments—eumelanin (black) and pheomelanin (tan)—that determine livestock coat color. We simplify the terminology for ease of understanding and revisit key genetic loci, such as the extension and agouti loci, which play significant roles in coat color variations in cattle. Additionally, we discuss unique alleles like black-red, where calves change color as they age, and dominant red, which overrides the extension locus. Drawing insights from Dr. Sponenberg's "Practical Color Genetics for Livestock Breeders," we offer a comprehensive guide for beef and dairy cattle breeding.In our discussion on cattle color dilution genetics, we shed light on the Simmental and Charolais dilution alleles, which impact coat colors, resulting in lighter shades like orange, yellow, and various grays. We also touch on other breeds such as Galloway and Dexter, which have their unique dilution genes that can sometimes lead to unexpected coat colors. Furthermore, we explore the genetic complexity in breeds like Brown Swiss and Murray Greys, and mention the recently identified Larson Blue dilution gene, enriching our understanding of the intricate genetics behind cattle coat colors.Our exploration doesn't stop there; we also delve into the intriguing patterns of white spotting genetics in cattle. From the "wading" allele, which creates white patterns on the lower legs and belly, to the "white sides" allele characterized by animals with white sides and pigmented legs, we cover a wide range of patterns. We discuss speckled patterns such as "colorsided," "fisheagle," and "spitting cobra," along with the roan category and its variations like "marocha" and "salineiro." Finally, we examine modifiers like "brockle," "ticking," and "smudge," which add complexity to these patterns. This episode promises a rich and informative discussion on the genetic factors shaping the diverse and beautiful coat colors of livestock.Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteKencove Farm Fence