Join us for an engaging episode where we explore the transformative journey of Mike, a third-generation cattle and crop farmer from central Iowa, as he transitions from conventional farming to regenerative grazing practices. Mike candidly shares his frustrations with overgrazing and the inspiration he drew from his grandfather to adopt management-intensive rotational grazing. He takes us through the learning curve of measuring forage, setting up a daily move system, and developing a forage measu...
Jun 19, 2024•1 hr 13 min
Join us as we explore the fascinating journey of Kody, a ninth-generation agrarian from northeast Missouri, who returned to his family's farm. Kody opens up about the evolution of their farming practices, transitioning from traditional row cropping to pasture-based operations. Hear about Kody's childhood experiences on the farm, his initial reluctance towards farming due to a dislike for machinery, and how he found his way back to the agricultural lifestyle he once tried to escape. Kody's prefer...
Jun 12, 2024•57 min
Join us on this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast as we welcome William Vogl from Vogl Homestead. Listen in as William shares his incredible journey in regenerative grazing, discussing his experiences in grass-based livestock production and the unique challenges of farming at high elevation with variable weather conditions. From raising sheep to managing forest understories, William provides insights into his diverse operations and how he maximizes the use of small acreages. He also reflects ...
Jun 05, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Join us as we catch up with August Horstmann of Horstmann Cattle Company, who shares his journey in regenerative agriculture since his last appearance on the podcast. August talks about his transition from Angus and Angus cross cattle to South Poll cattle, providing insights into calving, culling, and coping with drought conditions. We also explore the benefits and challenges of maintaining a diversified farm with cattle, pork, and poultry, and how current cattle prices influence his strategic d...
May 29, 2024•57 min
In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, we delve into the rich tapestry of livestock coat color genetics. From the sleek black of Angus cattle to the lush red of Red Polls, we uncover the chromosomal dance that dictates the stunning variety of hues in our farm animals. Whether you're a livestock enthusiast or a seasoned breeder, this episode promises to deepen your appreciation for the science behind animal pigmentation. We discuss the genetic interplay of pigments, the extension and agout...
May 24, 2024•36 min
Join us as we welcome the dynamic duo, Brooks and Abby Bowser of Bowser Family Farms, who take us through their farming evolution from conventional practices to the world of regenerative grazing. Our guests reveal their inspiring journey, learning from pioneers like Gabe Brown, and how they have implemented diverse cover crops and pasture management techniques to nurture their soil and livestock. As Abby transitioned from traditional to regenerative methods, the Bowsers saw firsthand the ecologi...
May 22, 2024•55 min
Join us on the Grazing Grass Podcast as we explore the ins and outs of grass-based livestock production with Steve Kenyon from Greener Pastures Ranching. Listen in as Steve shares his innovative approach to profitable farming through custom grazing on leased land, revealing how this unique business model revolutionized his financial situation. We also get personal, discussing the everyday challenges and triumphs of managing a farm, including the seasonal anticipation of haying and the lively con...
May 15, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Listen in as we welcome back Eli Mack to the Grazing Grass Podcast for a discussion on the intricacies of fencing equipment and Kiwitech's innovative offerings. Eli, with his dual expertise from Mack Farms and Kencove Farm Fence, unravels the complexities of high tensile perimeters and temporary interior fencing. He shares his hands-on experiences and preferences, such as the robustness of Ken Cove's braided twine and the convenience of Zammr handles. His insights illuminate the tangible benefit...
May 10, 2024•31 min
Join us as we reconnect with Eli Mack of Mack Farms, who returns to share the evolution of his regenerative livestock operation since his initial visit on the podcast. Eli gives us an enlightening update on his holistic management training and how it's shaping the expansion of his farm. Focusing on cattle and sheep, and occasionally poultry, Eli offers valuable insights into the art of regenerative grazing. As we chat, we also discuss the broader impacts of these practices on the ecosystem and c...
May 08, 2024•1 hr 8 min
Join us as we welcome Charles "Chuck" Rolla from the Noble Research Institute for a rich conversation about the dynamic world of agriculture, regenerative practices, and the intricacies of pecan production. Chuck shares his journey from beginnings on a family ranch to his academic pursuits in animal and crop sciences, and his ultimate role as a pecan specialist and regenerative grazing educator. Throughout the discussion, Chuck illuminates the transformative power of regenerative grazing courses...
May 01, 2024•58 min
Join me, Cal Hardage, on the Grazing Grass Podcast for an enlightening discussion on the intricacies of cattle raising, where we examine the second part of the Lasater Philosophy, focusing on the significance of reproductive efficiency in beef production. Discover Tom Lasater's unconventional approach to heifer retention, advocating for breeding at a young age and the merits of a condensed, 65-day breeding period. Listen in as I reflect on the initial hesitation surrounding these methods, the ad...
Apr 26, 2024•28 min
Join us as Elizabeth Stuart from Crossing Creeks Farm shares her enlightening transition to grass-based livestock production and how her family's pursuit of health through better quality meat led them to start their own farming venture. Elizabeth's candid recount of their journey from vegetarianism to grass-fed beef enthusiasts, alongside their commitment to regenerative grazing practices, provides a compelling narrative that resonates with anyone interested in sustainable agriculture and person...
Apr 24, 2024•1 hr 2 min
From the rolling hills of southeast Nebraska, Doug Ferguson, also known as Mr. Cattlemaster, joins us to discuss the transformative strategies that turned his cattle passion into a seven-figure stocker operation. Doug's narrative isn't just a tale of success; it's a playbook for resilience and innovation in the face of societal pressure and market unpredictability. As we walk through his life's work, you'll find that the key to thriving in agriculture may just lie in a combination of marketing s...
Apr 17, 2024•53 min
Today, Rachelle Meyer of The Mindful Farmers and Wholesome Family Farms joins me to take a look at the interweaving of regenerative farming practices, family life, and personal growth. Rachelle shares her journey from nursing to the hands-on world of farming, illuminating the significant role that community engagement and savvy marketing play in the agricultural sphere. Listen in as we uncover the nuts and bolts of managing a thriving, grass-based livestock operation while nurturing a growing fa...
Apr 10, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Listen in as I share the inspiration behind my latest discussion on the Lasater Philosophy of Cattle Raising , a methodology deeply rooted in my livestock upbringing and influenced by Allen Williams' insights from the Herd Quitter podcast. We walk through the foundational principles of cattle breeding, emphasizing the crucial role of disposition and the benefits of cultivating calmer, more manageable herds. Personal anecdotes shed light on the significance of these practices, and I explore how l...
Apr 05, 2024•20 min
Join us as we welcome Clay Conry from the Working Cows podcast to share his unexpected journey from having a tepid interest in ranching to managing a thriving agricultural enterprise. Clay opens up about the evolution of his perspective, detailing the transition to embracing the industry and the steps he's taken to optimize forage on his quarter-section of land. His insights into the family-operated ranch's dynamics, the importance of economic analysis in treating ranching as a business, and the...
Apr 03, 2024•1 hr 4 min
On today's episode, I dive into the equipment I use for fencing on my farm. Follow us on social media! Website: https://grazinggrass.com/ Facebook: Grazing Grass Podcast Instagram: @grazinggrass Twitter: @grazing_grass Affiliate links: Riverside - Create professional-quality podcast episodes with ease using Riverside's seamless recording and editing tools. Podium - Unlock your podcast's potential with Podium, the AI copywriter for show notes, articles, social posts, and more!...
Mar 29, 2024•26 min
Join me as I sit down with Evan Gunthorp of Gunthorpe Farms to peel back the layers of regenerative livestock production and processing. Our engaging dialogue journeys through the intricacies of managing a multi-species grazing system sans cattle, touching on the delicate dance of pigs, turkeys, sheep, and ducks, all choreographed under the regenerative agriculture umbrella. Evan imparts wisdom on the unique challenges and rewards of running a USDA-inspected processing plant and how it intertwin...
Mar 27, 2024•1 hr 12 min
Join me as I discuss five things learned from the first one hundred episodes of the Grazing Grass Podcast. Follow us on social media! Website: https://grazinggrass.com/ Facebook: Grazing Grass Podcast Instagram: @grazinggrass Twitter: @grazing_grass Affiliate links: Riverside - Create professional-quality podcast episodes with ease using Riverside's seamless recording and editing tools. Podium - Unlock your podcast's potential with Podium, the AI copywriter for show notes, articles, social posts...
Mar 22, 2024•22 min
Join us as we celebrate a milestone with the 100th episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, where we extend a warm thank you to our loyal listeners and embrace the future with a new episode format. Listen in as we unpack the critical role of observation in successful grazing management with none other than the renowned Jim Gerrish. From his early days with electric netting for sheep to his invaluable contributions as a consultant, Jim's journey through regenerative grazing practices is a treasure t...
Mar 20, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Join us as we welcome the passionate Bodie Willmot, a Queensland farmer who's turning his dream into reality through regenerative farming. Listen in as Bode shares his journey to innovative regenerative practices, inspired by the likes of Gabe Brown and Allan Savory. Bodie's story isn't just about farming; it's a tale of resilience and adaptability, dealing with the noxious weed Lantana, and focusing on livestock that thrive with minimal intervention. This is a narrative of one man's commitment ...
Mar 13, 2024•1 hr 14 min
Join us on a journey with Russ as he narrates his inspiring transition from conventional dairy farming to the rich pastures of regenerative agriculture. Listen in as he shares the pivotal moments that sparked his move towards rotational grazing, reducing inputs, and ultimately transforming his Northwestern Pennsylvania farm into a beacon of sustainability and profitability. Russ's candid account of the challenges he faced, and the guidance he received from agricultural specialists, paints a vivi...
Mar 06, 2024•59 min
Join us as we welcome Connor from LauKant Farms and Serrated Shade to the Grazing Grass Podcast, where he shares his insightful transition from a college student to a successful grass farmer managing a substantial grazing operation. Listen in as Connor details the strategic moves that propelled his farm forward, including rotational grazing inspired by his neighbor and the utilization of government programs to transform traditional cropland into lush grazing pastures. His story is not just about...
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Join me as I sit down with Jared Luhmen, esteemed host of the Herd Quitter podcast and an innovative grass farmer, for a riveting exploration of sustainable farming practices and the evolution of livestock breeding. Listen in as Jared shares his personal journey from a disinterest in cattle to cultivating a passion for grazing management. Discover how he skillfully navigates the complexities of operating a registered red Angus seedstock across non-contiguous plots, while also embracing the art o...
Feb 21, 2024•1 hr 10 min
Join us on the Grazing Grass podcast as we welcome Rob Dowdle, a seventh-generation farmer with a rich heritage in agriculture. Rob shares his transformation from a full-time pastor to a passionate steward of the land, managing a diverse range of livestock. Tune in as Rob recounts the evolution of his farming practices, from childhood experiences on a beef feeder operation to embracing the challenges and joys of animal husbandry, including raising pasture pigs and cattle. His dedication to regen...
Feb 14, 2024•1 hr 13 min
Join me as welecome Lee Sexton from Sexton Grazing and Consulting, who brings a wealth of knowledge on targeted grazing. In our enlightening chat, Lee shares his personal grazing journey, focusing on the nuances of managing yearling cattle. He also discusses his side business that leverages targeted grazing as a tool for soil enhancement and vegetation management. It's fascinating to hear how his grandchildren have become integral to the operation, cultivating their own grazier's eye under Lee's...
Feb 07, 2024•59 min
Join me as I sit down with Nathan Stucky from Stucky Family Ranch for a fascinating look into the world of grass-fed beef farming. Nathan shares his journey from economics student to cattle rancher, detailing the establishment of his family-operated ranch and the humorous trials of treating a cow for pink eye. Listen in as we discuss the strategic decisions behind choosing the right cattle breeds for grass-fed Wagyu production and how the right genetic cocktail can yield both premium pricing and...
Jan 31, 2024•59 min
Join me as I sit down with the multi-talented Angela Boenisch of Highview Pastures, and we explore her fascinating transition from urban life to the heart of agriculture. Listen in as Angela shares her rich farming narrative, from her roots in dairy and hog farming to her current diverse homestead bustling with meat goats, cattle, rabbits, and layers. We cover everything from the joys and challenges of scaling up her farming operations to the integration of livestock with vegetable CSA, and even...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 14 min
Join me as I welcome Jordan Meyer to the Grazing Grass Podcast for a fascinating exploration of his farming evolution from conventional dairy to a holistic, grass-fed approach. Listen in as Jordan shares his journey, starting on his family's dairy farm and leading to the establishment of Wholesome Family Farms, where he and his wife now manage a diverse array of pasture-based livestock. You'll hear how an organic no-till project and the natural resurgence of perennial grasses sparked a transform...
Jan 18, 2024•58 min
Join me as we explore the pastoral symphony of grass-based dairy farming with Suzanne Karreman from Reverence Farms. Our conversation unfolds the harmonious blend of compassion and innovation on Suzanne's family-run operation, nestled in the Piedmont of North Carolina. We unravel the tapestry of their unique dairy practices, where 80 Jersey cows thrive on 100% grass-fed diets and calves stay with their mothers, challenging conventional dairy norms. The intricate dance of grazing management, anim...
Jan 10, 2024•1 hr 13 min
