Episodes
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...
Published 05/10/24
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...
Published 05/08/24
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...
Published 05/01/24
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...
Published 04/26/24
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...
Published 04/24/24
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...
Published 04/17/24
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...
Published 04/10/24
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...
Published 04/05/24
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...
Published 04/03/24
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!
Published 03/29/24
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...
Published 03/27/24
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...
Published 03/22/24
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...
Published 03/20/24
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...
Published 03/13/24
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...
Published 03/06/24
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...
Published 02/28/24
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...
Published 02/21/24
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...
Published 02/14/24
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...
Published 02/07/24
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...
Published 01/31/24
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...
Published 01/24/24
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...
Published 01/18/24
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,...
Published 01/10/24
Join us as we welcome Jenn Colby of Howling Wolf Farm to the Grazing Grass Podcast for a rich conversation on the art of grass-based sheep farming and land regeneration. Listen in as Jen shares her personal journey to farming, the wisdom she's accumulated through her podcast "Choosing to Farm," and her dedication to improving her Vermont land. Whether you're an aspiring sheep farmer or a seasoned hand, Jenn's insights into the importance of community learning and seeking mentorship are...
Published 01/04/24