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Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
🎙️ Episode Title: Goals & Objectives with Jim Gerrish 📝 Featured Speaker: Jim Gerrish
In this episode of the Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast, we explore the vital importance of setting clear, actionable goals for your farming or ranching operation with expert insights from Jim Gerrish. Whether you’re focused on business growth or lifestyle improvements, Jim emphasizes the need for SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound—and shares his personal journey of balancing lifestyle ambitions with a successful consulting business.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
The power of setting well-defined goals and how to apply the SMART framework.
Aligning goals within multi-generational or family-run operations.
The importance of balancing lifestyle objectives with financial planning and ranch improvement.
Clear communication between management and labor to ensure seamless operation.
How to differentiate between strategic goals and tactical objectives, and why both are critical for long-term success.
Whether you're fine-tuning your current plans or starting from scratch, this episode will inspire you to take actionable steps toward achieving both your personal and business goals.
🌱 Tune in now and start shaping the future of your farming operation today!
Be sure to explore the links for our monthly magazine, upcoming live events, and latest specials.
Grassfarming is a 24-7 job and you can’t always get away.
So we’ve put together this podcast, so that you can listen while you work (or whatever you’re doing) but always on your schedule. Whenever and where ever you want.
26 Nov 2021
The Basis of Sound Genetics with Dr. Allen Williams Part 1 of 3
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
🎙️ Episode Title: The Basis of Sound Genetics with Dr. Allen Williams (Part 1 of 3) 📝 Featured Speaker: Dr. Allen Williams
In this episode of the Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast, Dr. Allen Williams dives into the intricate relationship between historical ecology, genetics, and epigenetics in agriculture. Drawing from his personal journey from academia to regenerative agriculture consulting, Dr. Williams highlights the importance of looking at agricultural systems holistically, stressing how centuries of environmental changes have profoundly influenced the genetics of livestock, crops, and microorganisms. This is the first of a three-part series aimed at helping farmers and ranchers approach genetics with an adaptive and comprehensive mindset.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
The speaker’s transition from academia to regenerative agriculture, and how his experience with conventional approaches led him to embrace more holistic methods.
The significance of historical ecological perspectives and how centuries of ecosystem changes have affected livestock genetics.
Introduction of “adaptive stewardship,” a principle that encourages considering both ecological and economic health in genetic decisions.
The interaction between environment, soil health, and living organisms, and their influence on genotype and phenotype expression.
Whether you're exploring the roots of regenerative agriculture or seeking to improve your farm’s genetic base, this episode offers deep insights into how history and environment shape the future of agriculture.
🌱 Tune in now and discover how understanding historical ecology can improve your farm’s genetic potential!
Ready to take your regenerative ranching to new heights?Learn more here. Be sure to explore the links for our monthly magazine, upcoming live events, and latest specials.
Grassfarming is a 24-7 job, and you can’t always get away. That’s why we’ve put together this podcast—so you can listen while you work (or whatever you’re doing), always on your schedule, whenever and wherever you want.
26 Nov 2021
The Cornerstones of Direct Marketing with Joel Salatin Part 1 of 3
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
🎙️ Episode Title: Direct Marketing Strategies for Farmers 📝 Featured Speaker: Joel Salatin
In this episode, Joel delves into the critical role of direct marketing for farmers and highlights how it contributes to business stability and growth. Direct marketing not only helps stabilize income but also attracts talent, provides flexibility, and creates a built-in support network. He discusses common challenges, such as fear of rejection and self-promotion, and offers practical strategies to overcome them. Farmers are encouraged to diversify products, collaborate with partners, and embrace commission-based models to create sustainable and successful farming businesses.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Business Stability: Direct marketing strengthens the farm’s financial stability by broadening income streams beyond production.
Attracting Talent: Direct marketing draws in skilled and intelligent individuals who can contribute to the farm’s success.
Customer Portability: A strong customer base provides flexibility in leasing or collaborating on farms, ensuring customers can follow regardless of location.
Collaboration: Farmers are encouraged to partner with complementary businesses to enhance product offerings and market reach.
Overcoming Rejection: Farmers often fear rejection, but the speaker stresses the importance of building confidence in promoting products and overcoming peer dependency.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Diversify Products: Create a 'one-stop shop' experience for customers by offering a range of complementary products.
Collaborate with Partners: Work with complementary partners to balance different strengths and weaknesses, expanding reach.
Utilize Commission Models: Use commission-based compensation to incentivize collaboration without financial risk.
Avoid Perfectionism: Avoid the need to please every customer, pursue the highest price, or franchise your business, focusing instead on sustainable goals.
🔖 Chapters:
00:00:53 Reasons for Direct Marketing The speaker highlights key reasons why farmers should adopt direct marketing:
It ensures business stability through diversified income.
Historically, direct marketing supported secure food systems.
It attracts talented, intelligent individuals.
A portable customer base provides flexibility in leasing or collaborating.
Direct marketing forms a built-in support group from loyal customers.
00:12:12 Challenges in Direct Marketing Direct marketing involves hard work and creativity, which may deter some farmers. The speaker discusses the following challenges:
Farmers often dislike interacting with customers.
Fear of rejection stems from emotional investment in products.
Dependency on peer validation can hinder direct marketing efforts.
Self-promotion feels uncomfortable, but it is essential.
00:24:13 Strategies for Successful Direct Marketing The speaker shares practical strategies for success:
Diversifying product offerings can attract more customers.
Collaboration with complementary partners balances strengths and weaknesses.
Using commission-based models reduces financial risk while tapping into others' talents.
Avoid setting goals like franchising, pricing highest, or trying to please every customer.
🌱 Action Items:
00:24:45 Consider diversifying product offerings to provide a 'one-stop shop' experience for your customers. 00:27:14 Explore partnerships with complementary businesses to enhance product offerings. 00:30:47 Investigate commission-based compensation models to reduce financial risk while expanding your reach. 00:20:56 Avoid unrealistic goals like franchising or having the highest-priced product; focus on customer value.
Want to try the first lesson from SGF's GMS by Joel for FREE? Joel, Sheri, and Carolyn are full of wise words... Click here.
Grassfarming is a 24-7 job, and you can’t always get away. That’s why we’ve put together this podcast—so you can listen while you work (or whatever you’re doing), always on your schedule, whenever and wherever you want.
29 Nov 2021
What Really Determines Profitability in Grass Farming 1 of 3 with Jim Gerrish
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
🎙️ Episode Title: What Really Determines Profitability in Grass Farming (Part 1 of 3)
📝 Featured Speaker: Jim Gerrish
In this episode, Jim Gerrish delves into key principles of profitability in grass farming and ranching operations. He emphasizes the critical role of understanding and managing costs, overheads, and gross margins in ensuring financial success. Gerrish explains how profitability is simply income minus production costs and provides practical strategies to both increase income and reduce expenses. Key metrics such as gross margin, overhead ratio, and return on investment are discussed, with examples drawn from top-performing ranchers. Gerrish encourages planning for profitability, even at the low points of the cattle cycle.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Profitability in Grass Farming and Ranching: Gerrish emphasizes the importance of shifting focus from traditional livestock production to managing ecosystems for sustainable profit, using natural resources like sunlight, water, and soil minerals.
Factors Affecting Profitability: He highlights key factors that influence profitability, including weaning weights, labor costs, investment, and cow size. Farmers should evaluate these to enhance their bottom line.
Strategies for Increasing Profit: Three main strategies include increasing production units, receiving higher prices per unit, and diversifying enterprises by adding livestock or value-added products.
Gross Margin and Overhead Analysis: Gerrish introduces the concept of gross margin as the difference between product value and operating costs, advising a target of 50% gross margin. He also discusses overhead ratio, recommending it stay under 50% of gross income.
Planning for the Cattle Cycle: He advises that ranchers should plan to be profitable even at the bottom of the cattle cycle, noting that the current cycle presents opportunities for new entrants into the cow business.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Attend a ranching for profit school to learn about business strategies for success in grass farming.
Implement accurate cost tracking systems to better allocate costs to various enterprises.
Analyze gross margins and overhead ratios to identify opportunities for cost reductions and profitability improvements.
Plan for profitability at the bottom of the cattle cycle to maintain business sustainability.
Diversify enterprises or add value-added products to increase revenue streams.
Explore global market opportunities, particularly in the Pacific Rim countries, given the potential impact of events like the Australian bushfires on beef supply.
Be sure to check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here.
08 Dec 2021
The Cornerstones of Direct Marketing with Joel Salatin Part 2 of 3
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
🎙️ Episode Title: The Cornerstones of Direct Marketing with Joel Salatin (Part 2 of 3) 📝 Featured Speaker: Joel Salatin
In this insightful episode, Joel Salatin shares his wealth of knowledge on how farmers can enhance their direct marketing efforts through collaboration, value-adding, and offering unique customer experiences. By expanding product portfolios, embracing e-commerce, and creating special farm events, farmers can build a stronger connection with their customers and remain relevant in the ever-evolving market. Joel provides practical examples from his farm, Polyface, to illustrate the potential of thinking outside the box and innovating within the farming industry.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Collaboration and Expanding Product Portfolios: Joel emphasizes working with other producers to offer a diverse range of products and create a 'one-stop shop' for customers, increasing sales and customer satisfaction.
Value-Adding and Integrity Convenience: Farmers should explore processing byproducts and salvage items into convenient, ready-to-eat products like snack sticks and frozen meals, which appeal to the modern consumer’s need for convenience.
Adapting to Changing Consumer Preferences: Joel talks about the importance of embracing new marketing platforms like Amazon and understanding generational shifts in consumer behavior, particularly the growing influence of millennials.
Farm Tours, Events, and Experiences: Offering on-farm experiences like tours and dinners helps create lasting emotional connections with customers while generating additional revenue and publicity.
Collaboration in Event Planning: Collaborating with local partners and community organizations is key to organizing successful farm events and leveraging external expertise.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Expand Product Offerings: Collaborate with nearby producers and food artisans to offer a wider range of products, whether through consignment or wholesale partnerships.
Value-Add to Byproducts: Process and sell byproducts or salvage items (e.g., chicken feet or broth) to capture additional revenue and appeal to health-conscious consumers.
Embrace E-Commerce: Adapt marketing strategies to align with evolving consumer preferences, particularly by leveraging e-commerce platforms and catering to millennials' demand for convenience.
Create Unique Farm Experiences: Host farm tours, dinners, and events with guest speakers to attract new customers and provide memorable experiences.
Collaborate for Events: Work with partners, local talent, and community organizations to plan and execute successful farm events.
🔖 Chapters:
00:01:17 Collaboration and Expanding Product Portfolios Joel discusses collaborating with other producers to expand your farm’s product offerings, creating a 'one-stop shop' for customers. He suggests using consignment or wholesale models with varying markup percentages depending on the product type and risk involved.
00:09:55 Value-Adding and Integrity Convenience With a growing demand for convenience foods, Joel encourages farmers to value-add by turning byproducts into ready-to-eat products like snack sticks and broth, making the most of every part of the animal or crop.
00:04:12 Adapting to Changing Consumer Preferences Joel addresses the challenges of adapting to consumer trends, including the rise of e-commerce and changing generational behaviors. He emphasizes the importance of aligning your marketing efforts with these shifts.
00:20:38 Farm Tours, Events, and Experiences Farm tours, on-farm dinners, and special events not only generate additional revenue but also foster deeper connections with customers. Joel shares examples of how Polyface has successfully integrated these experiences.
🌱 Action Items:
00:08:30 Work with local producers and food artisans to diversify your product offerings and appeal to a broader customer base. 00:14:16 Consider processing byproducts into value-added products like broth or snack sticks to increase your farm’s profitability. 00:06:12 Align your marketing strategy with changing consumer preferences by embracing e-commerce and catering to the demand for convenience. 00:25:20 Create memorable farm experiences such as tours and dinners to engage customers emotionally and build stronger connections. 00:30:33 Partner with local talent and organizations to plan successful farm events and enhance your reach.
Want to try the first lesson from SGF's GMS by Joel for FREE? Joel, Sheri, and Carolyn are full of wise words... Click here.
Grassfarming is a 24-7 job, and you can’t always get away. That’s why we’ve put together this podcast—so you can listen while you work (or whatever you’re doing), always on your schedule, whenever and wherever you want.
22 Dec 2021
The Pros and Cons of Multi-Species Grazing with Greg Judy Part 1 of 3
00:33:17
🎙️ Episode Title: The Pros and Cons of Multi-Species Grazing with Greg Judy (Part 1 of 3) 📝 Featured Speaker: Greg Judy
In this episode, Greg Judy, a rancher from central Missouri, explores the benefits and challenges of multi-species grazing. Greg shares how running diverse livestock, from cattle and sheep to pigs and chickens, can improve soil health, control pests and weeds, and promote profitable and sustainable farming practices. He also discusses leasing land, managing invasive species, and the importance of passing on knowledge to younger generations.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Introduction and Background: Greg Judy introduces his ranching background, emphasizing the need for creative and unconventional methods to succeed, particularly in leasing land and sustainable practices.
Pros of Multi-Species Grazing: Greg explains how using various animal species increases diversity, soil health, and pest control, making farms more resilient and productive.
Managing Problem Plants and Invasive Species: He discusses strategies for controlling plants like sericea lespedeza and invasive species like autumn olive using grazing animals, mowing, and selective herbicide.
Grazing Behavior and Compatibility: Greg talks about the grazing habits of different livestock species and how they interact, addressing issues like parasite transfer and maintaining balance in the ecosystem.
Profitability and Goal Setting: He stresses the importance of setting clear profitability goals, remaining optimistic, and involving the next generation in farming for long-term success.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Introduce multi-species grazing to manage weeds, brush, and pests naturally with diverse livestock.
Combine grazing, mowing, and herbicide to effectively manage problem plants and invasive species.
Maintain a balance by retaining some trees for wildlife and shade while clearing others.
Monitor livestock compatibility to avoid parasite transfer and ensure herd health.
Set profitability goals and engage young people in agriculture to foster continuity and innovation.
Be sure to check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here.
05 Jan 2022
The Pros and Cons of Multi-Species Grazing with Greg Judy Part 2 of 3
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
🎙️ Episode Title: The Pros and Cons of Multi-Species Grazing with Greg Judy (Part 2 of 3) 📝 Featured Speaker: Greg Judy
In this episode, Greg Judy continues his discussion on the benefits and challenges of multi-species grazing, with insights from his experience and those of other farmers. He explores how integrating diverse species like pigs, chickens, and even wild game can create additional revenue streams and improve farm sustainability. Key topics include fencing, water management, drought resilience, and strategic grazing practices.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Multi-Species Grazing: Pros and Cons: Greg shares a conversation with Ian, a farmer from Africa, about the potential benefits of multi-species grazing. Ian discusses selling wild game for hunting leases, showing how activities beyond cattle can generate revenue.
Additional Species and Marketing Opportunities: The episode highlights the advantages of incorporating various animals, such as pigs, chickens, and even fish, to create diverse products like eggs, pork, and raw milk, providing multiple revenue sources.
Managing Drought Conditions: Greg emphasizes strategies to manage droughts, including reducing herd sizes to prevent overgrazing and maintaining ground cover for better moisture retention and grass regrowth.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Install proper fencing, such as high-tensile electrified wire, to control animal movement and facilitate rotational grazing.
Introduce additional species like pigs, chickens, and fish to diversify your product offerings and create new revenue streams.
Explore ways to charge for farm access, such as offering hunting leases or fishing days, to capitalize on your land's resources.
Monitor forage growth carefully during droughts and be prepared to sell off parts of the herd to avoid overgrazing.
Prioritize maintaining ground cover and soil carbon to enhance moisture retention and support grass regrowth during dry periods.
Be sure to check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here.
29 Dec 2021
The Basis of Sound Genetics with Dr. Allen Williams Part 2 of 3
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
🎙️ Episode Title: The Basis of Sound Genetics with Dr. Allen Williams (Part 2 of 3) 📝 Featured Speaker: Dr. Allen Williams
In this second installment from The Grass & Genetics School, Dr. Allen Williams continues to explore “The Basis of Sound Genetics,” focusing on the foundation of healthy soil and its role in supporting solid genetics in livestock production. Dr. Williams emphasizes regenerative agriculture practices and the key ecosystem processes that drive nutrient cycling, epigenetics, and overall livestock performance.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Healthy Soil as the Foundation: Dr. Williams underscores that the true basis of sound genetics starts with maintaining healthy soil, not just genetic factors or breeding strategies.
Soil Microbes & Microbial Ratios: The speaker highlights the importance of balanced soil microbiomes, including fungi-to-bacteria and predator-prey ratios, to support epigenetics.
Mycorrhizal Fungi & Soil Aggregates: Learn about the crucial role of mycorrhizal fungi in improving soil structure, increasing water-holding capacity, and boosting nutrient exchange.
Impact of Modern Farming Practices: Dr. Williams discusses the negative impact of chemical dewormers and neonicotinoid treatments on soil health and beneficial species like dung beetles and pollinators.
Brix & Nutrient Density: Explore how higher brix levels in forages enhance livestock performance and the importance of soil health in achieving nutrient-rich pastures.
This episode offers practical insights into how healthy soils drive robust genetics through regenerative practices, with clear examples of how modern practices can be both harmful and avoidable.
🌱 Tune in now to build the foundation for stronger genetics through regenerative soil health!
Want to try the first lesson from SGF's Grass & Genetics with Allen Williams for FREE?Learn more here.
Or read his writings? Dr. Williams asks, “Are You An Accomplished Grazer?” in one of our featured articles. Read it here.
Ready to take your regenerative ranching to new heights?Learn more here. Be sure to explore the links for our monthly magazine, upcoming live events, and latest specials.
Grassfarming is a 24-7 job, and you can’t always get away. That’s why we’ve put together this podcast—so you can listen while you work (or whatever you’re doing), always on your schedule, whenever and wherever you want.
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
🎙️ Episode Title: Land & Livestock by Allan Nation 📝 Featured Author: Allan Nation
In this episode, Allan Nation explores the multifaceted nature of ranching, focusing on the interconnected roles of forage production, genetics, real estate, and livestock marketing. He discusses the impact of urban land values on agricultural real estate and emphasizes the importance of separating land and livestock roles for profitability in today's ranching landscape. The episode covers essential strategies for managing ranching enterprises, tax implications, and understanding real estate cycles.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Land and Livestock: Ranching involves multiple interconnected businesses, such as forage production, genetics, and real estate. Success often comes from focusing on one aspect at a time, with ranchers excelling in certain areas while struggling in others.
Real Estate Business: The disconnect between land prices and agricultural productivity is explored, with urban values and recreational potential driving up land costs. Nation highlights that land ownership can be a good investment but a poor decision for generating income from farming.
Tax Implications and Financing Strategies: Nation delves into the tax benefits of renting and leasing land, suggesting that lease payments are tax-deductible, making them more favorable than owning land outright. He also discusses borrowing against real estate investments for greater efficiency.
Cyclical Nature of Real Estate Values: The episode examines the cyclical nature of land values, cautioning against assumptions that rural land prices will continue to rise indefinitely. Nation stresses the importance of understanding where one is within the real estate cycle to make sound investments.
Shift Towards Recreational Land Use: The growing trend of valuing land for recreational purposes, such as hunting and fishing, rather than for agriculture, is explored. This shift has implications for traditional farming and ranching practices.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Rent or lease land rather than owning outright to maximize profitability in ranching.
Follow the cash flow: Investments that generate cash for you are assets, while those that drain cash are liabilities.
From a tax perspective, it's more advantageous to be a landlord renting land than to own land within your ranching enterprise.
Borrow against capital gains from real estate investments rather than selling them to manage taxes efficiently.
Separate the roles of land and livestock for profitable ranch management, particularly in an urban-influenced real estate economy.
Be sure to check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here.
02 Feb 2022
What Really Determines Profitability in Grass Farming 2 of 3 with Jim Gerrish
00:31:18
Feature of the Month
learn from the author of Management Intensive Grazing, Kick the Hay Habit, and Keeping It Green
Welcome to the SGF podcast! Our mission is to help create a healthy planet and people through profitable grass-based livestock production.
This episode comes from MiG School.
Jim Gerrish discusses “What Really Determines Profitability in Grass Farming.”
Jim Gerrish is an independent grazing lands consultant providing service to farmers and ranchers on both private and public lands across the USA and internationally.
Grassfarming is a 24-7 job and you can’t always get away.
So we’ve put together this podcast, so that you can listen while you work (or whatever you’re doing) but always on your schedule. Whenever and where ever you want.
09 Feb 2022
Qualities & Attributes of Forage Fed Beef with Anibal Pordomingo Part 1 of 4
00:33:19
🎙️ Episode Title: Qualities & Attributes of Forage Fed Beef with Anibal Pordomingo (Part 1 of 4) 📝 Featured Speaker: Anibal Pordomingo
In this episode, Anibal Pordomingo discusses the essential qualities and attributes of forage-fed beef, with a focus on achieving optimal outcomes through sustainable grazing practices. Drawing from his extensive experience, Anibal explores how specific grazing strategies and forage types influence the flavor, texture, and nutritional profile of the beef. This is the first part of a four-part series diving deep into the forage-fed beef production system.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Understanding Forage Impact: Anibal explains how forage type and quality significantly affect the beef's taste, marbling, and texture.
Grazing Practices: Strategic rotational grazing helps ensure cattle graze on nutrient-rich forage, leading to better animal health and beef quality.
Seasonal Forage Availability: Different seasons impact the availability and nutritional profile of forage, which in turn affects beef characteristics.
Beef Nutritional Profile: Forage-fed beef tends to have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and a better overall fat profile compared to grain-fed beef.
Sustainability and Economic Viability: Sustainable grazing practices not only improve beef quality but also ensure long-term economic sustainability for producers.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Focus on forage variety and quality to enhance the overall flavor and texture of your beef.
Implement rotational grazing systems to optimize forage utilization and animal health.
Pay attention to seasonal forage changes to maintain consistent beef quality year-round.
Monitor the nutritional profile of forage to ensure a higher omega-3 content in the beef.
Align grazing practices with sustainability goals to ensure the long-term viability of your production system.
Want to dive deeper?
Read Anibal Pordomingo’s related writings in our featured article. Ready to enhance your forage-fed beef system? Learn more here.
Grassfarming is a 24-7 job, but you can listen to this podcast anytime—whether you're in the field, on the road, or simply taking a break. Always on your schedule!
16 Feb 2022
Qualities & Attributes of Forage Fed Beef with Anibal Pordomingo Part 2 of 4
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
🎙️ Episode Title: Qualities & Attributes of Forage Feb Beef (Part 2 of 4) 📝 Featured Speaker: Anibal Pordomingo
In this second part, Anibal Pordomingo delves deeper into the critical role of forage quality in grass-fed beef production. He explores the impact of forage dry matter, protein balance, and fiber digestibility on animal performance, weight gain, and meat quality. Additionally, Pordomingo examines the influence of backgrounding strategies on beef tenderness, fat composition, and the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in finished beef.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Forage Quality & Animal Performance: Pordomingo explains the importance of managing dry matter, protein, and fiber digestibility to optimize cattle weight gain, meat tenderness, and fat composition. Forages that are too lush can cause reduced intake, while excessive protein levels can lead to low weight gains due to nitrogen excretion.
Balancing Nutrients for Growth: Achieving the right balance between protein and fiber in forage is essential. Pordomingo warns that high levels of soluble nitrogen from forage can stress cattle and hinder performance if not managed properly.
Backgrounding Strategies: Pordomingo compares different backgrounding diets, highlighting that high-concentrate diets can negatively impact the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in the finished beef. Hay-based diets, however, maintain carcass quality if cattle are properly finished on pasture.
Rumen pH & Fatty Acids: Maintaining an optimal rumen pH during the pasture-finishing phase is crucial for the production of beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Rumen pH levels below 6.5 can inhibit bacterial activity necessary for a healthy fatty acid profile.
Impact of Diet on Meat Quality: Pordomingo emphasizes that starch-based concentrates during backgrounding should be avoided due to their negative impact on fatty acid profiles, even if cattle are finished on pasture later.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Monitor forage dry matter levels, targeting around 20-22% to avoid lush forages that reduce intake and cause mineral imbalances.
Balance protein levels in forage to prevent excess nitrogen, which reduces weight gain and requires costly excretion by the animal.
Ensure forage fiber digestibility is managed to support adequate intake and optimal animal performance.
Avoid starch-based concentrates during backgrounding to protect the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio in finished beef.
Maintain a high-fiber diet during backgrounding and ensure adequate pasture-finishing for compensatory gain and proper fat deposition.
Monitor rumen pH levels during pasture supplementation, aiming for levels above 6.5 to support beneficial omega-3 production.
Be sure to explore the links for our monthly magazine, upcoming live events, and latest specials.
Grassfarming is a 24-7 job, and you can’t always get away. That’s why we’ve put together this podcast—so you can listen while you work (or whatever you’re doing), always on your schedule, whenever and wherever you want.
23 Feb 2022
Qualities & Attributes of Forage Fed Beef with Anibal Pordomingo Part 3 of 4
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
🎙️ Episode Title: Qualities & Attributes of Forage Feb Beef with Anibal Pordomingo (Part 3 of 4) 📝 Featured Speaker: Anibal Pordomingo
In this third part of the series, Anibal Pordomingo continues his exploration of forage-fed beef production, focusing on key factors that influence meat quality. He covers topics such as the role of silage feeding, optimizing fatty acid profiles, managing tenderness through connective tissue control, aging for flavor development, and calf management for future meat quality.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Silage Feeding and Nitrogen Content: Feeding silage can add extra nitrogen to an already nitrogen-rich diet, potentially causing issues. Silage should be paired with low-nitrogen content feeds to balance the diet and avoid off-flavors in the fat.
Fatty Acid Profiles in Grass-Fed Beef: Grass-fed beef consistently maintains a favorable omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acid ratio below 2:1, highlighting its nutritional benefits regardless of forage type.
Tenderness and Connective Tissue: Tenderness is heavily influenced by connective tissue, which is managed through genetics, animal handling, and slaughter age (targeting under 2.5 years). Low-stress environments are key to minimizing connective tissue development.
Aging and Flavor Development: Aging carcasses for 7-14 days helps tenderize meat and develop flavor, but excessive aging can introduce off-flavors, especially in lean cuts with little fat cover.
Calf Management and Future Meat Quality: Early calf nutrition and management are crucial for future fattening ability and meat quality. Proper nutrition from birth to weaning supports the development of fat cells needed for marbling later in life.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Pair silage with low-nitrogen content feeds to maintain a balanced diet and prevent off-flavors in the fat.
Aim for a backfat thickness of at least 0.3 inches to protect against flavor degradation during aging.
Focus on genetics, low-stress animal handling, and an age of slaughter under 2.5 years to enhance tenderness by controlling connective tissue development.
Age carcasses for 7-14 days, depending on the fat cover, to optimize tenderness and flavor without risking off-flavors.
Ensure proper nutrition and management during the calf’s early stages to promote fat cell development and improve future meat quality.
Grassfarming is a 24-7 job, and you can’t always get away. That’s why we’ve put together this podcast—so you can listen while you work (or whatever you’re doing), always on your schedule, whenever and wherever you want.
03 Mar 2022
Qualities & Attributes of Forage Fed Beef with Anibal Pordomingo Part 4 of 4
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
🎙️ Episode Title: Qualities & Attributes of Forage Feb Beef with Anibal Pordomingo (Part 4 of 4) 📝 Featured Speaker: Anibal Pordomingo
In this final installment of the series, Anibal Pordomingo wraps up his discussion on forage-fed beef production, covering critical aspects such as shear force values for tenderness, aging effects, the role of leafy pastures, managing bloat risk with legumes, targeting ideal body condition and finishing weights, and addressing year-round forage production challenges.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Shear Force and Aging Effects on Tenderness: Optimal tenderness is achieved with shear force values around 29-30 Newtons, with higher values indicating tougher meat. Aging beef up to 28 days enhances tenderness, although improvements beyond this period are minimal. Providing high-quality forages contributes to achieving ideal tenderness.
Importance of Leafy Pastures and Forage Quality: Grazing and harvesting leafy forages, such as green leaves, is crucial for high forage quality due to their superior digestibility compared to stems. Although unrestricted intake year-round is rare, effective pasture management and forage selection are essential for consistent finishing.
Managing Bloat Risk with Legumes like Alfalfa: Grazing alfalfa, a common legume, poses a risk of bloat. Strategies include grazing the legume directly rather than mixing it with grasses. In drought conditions, pure alfalfa stands may be necessary if grasses are lost, despite the risk of bloat.
Targeting Ideal Body Condition and Finishing Weights: Aim for a body condition score of around 8 (on a 1-9 scale) and finishing weights of 1,100-1,400 lbs with 3-4% intramuscular fat. Steers should be finished between 18-24 months, with heifers potentially finishing earlier. Continuous fat deposition throughout growing and finishing is crucial.
Challenges of Year-Round Forage Production: Providing high-quality forages year-round can be challenging. In some regions, longer finishing periods during favorable seasons like winter may be necessary, supplemented by summer annuals for larger animals. Effective planning and integration of growing and finishing phases are key.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Target a shear force value of around 30 Newtons for optimal tenderness in forage-fed beef.
Age beef up to 28 days to enhance tenderness, but anticipate diminishing returns beyond this period.
Prioritize grazing and harvesting leafy forages for better quality, avoiding overly stemmy material.
Manage bloat risk when grazing legumes like alfalfa by grazing it directly rather than avoiding it.
Aim for a body condition score around 8 and finishing weights of 1,100-1,400 lbs with 3-4% intramuscular fat.
Finish steers between 18-24 months, adjusting for genetics and frame size.
Integrate growing and finishing phases to ensure continuous fat deposition.
Plan forage production and supplementation strategies to maintain high-quality forages year-round for consistent finishing.
Grassfarming is a 24-7 job, and you can’t always get away. That’s why we’ve put together this podcast—so you can listen while you work (or whatever you’re doing), always on your schedule, whenever and wherever you want.
16 Mar 2022
What Really Determines Profitability in Grass Farming 3 of 3 with Jim Gerrish
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🎙️ Episode Title: What Really Determines Profitability in Grass Farming (Part 3 of 3) with Jim Gerrish 📝 Featured Speaker: Jim Gerrish
In this final episode of the three-part series, Jim Gerrish focuses on the factors that truly drive profitability in grass-based livestock farming, particularly in cow-calf operations. He emphasizes that the greatest profit lies in the first 400 pounds of calf weight gain, while additional weight becomes increasingly costly. Gerrish explores rising production costs, cow depreciation, regional differences in cattle performance, and effective cost-control strategies. He stresses the importance of managing costs and avoiding reliance on higher commodity prices for profitability.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Diminishing Returns on Additional Calf Weight: Gerrish explains that cow-calf profitability is highest in the first 400 pounds of calf weight. Beyond that, costs increase, and the price per pound decreases, making it harder to profit from heavier calves.
Kansas State Farm Management Data: Gerrish highlights data showing rising production costs over time, especially due to events like the Texas drought and the ethanol mandate. Even during record cattle prices in 2013, Kansas farmers faced significant losses per cow.
Cost of Production Analysis: Neville Speer’s analysis shows the steady increase in production costs, now nearing $900 per cow for larger herds. Gerrish emphasizes the challenge of profitability given the current revenue levels in the industry.
Factors Driving Cost Increases: Rising input costs such as fuel, labor, and pasture lease rates, as well as cow depreciation, have driven up production costs. However, top-performing operations have found ways to manage these costs effectively.
Managing Cow Depreciation: Cow depreciation is a major expense, and Gerrish introduces the 'five and out' program as a strategy to sell cows at five years of age when their value is still high, thereby managing inventory value and mitigating losses.
Regional Differences in Cattle Performance: Gerrish discusses the regional variances in cattle performance, noting that Northern Plains cattle perform better due to cool-season forages and favorable climates, while Southeastern states face challenges with warm-season grasses and heat stress.
Cost-Effective Management Practices: Gerrish stresses that focusing on reducing input costs, such as eliminating winter hay feeding, and implementing efficient management practices is key to achieving profitability in grass farming.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Focus on the first 400 pounds of calf weight for optimal profitability, as costs increase significantly beyond that.
Monitor production costs for feed, land, labor, and cow depreciation, and look for ways to reduce these expenses.
Adopt the 'five and out' program to manage inventory value and reduce the impact of cow depreciation on profitability.
Assess cattle breeds and forage types based on regional climate to optimize performance and profitability.
Implement cost-control measures like reducing or eliminating winter hay feeding to lower overall production costs.
Stay informed about market trends and cost analysis from reputable sources like Neville Speer to make data-driven decisions.
Be sure to check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here.
13 Apr 2022
The Basis of Sound Genetics by Allen Williams Part 3 of 3
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🎙️ Episode Title: The Basis of Sound Genetics with Dr. Allen Williams (Part 3 of 3) 📝 Featured Speaker: Dr. Allen Williams
In the final part from the Grass & Genetics School, Dr. Allen Williams wraps up his deep dive into “The Basis of Sound Genetics,” focusing on the crucial link between genetics, grazing management, and soil health in profitable grass-based livestock production. This episode emphasizes the significance of managing forage maturity, selecting breeding stock based on longevity and adaptability, and the limitations of traditional selection tools like EPDs and DNA markers.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
The Optimal Time for Grazing: Grazing forages at mid-stage maturity provides the best epigenetic impact on livestock, plants, and soil microbes. Dr. Williams explains that grazing at this stage maximizes genetic expression and forage quality.
Improving Animal Performance through Timing: Moving livestock to fresh paddocks in the afternoon can increase average daily gains by 0.25 to 0.5 pounds per head per day—without extra costs.
Breeding Stock Selection: Prioritize traits like longevity, fertility, soundness, and adaptability over weaning weight or milk production. Dr. Williams stresses the importance of a holistic approach to breeding in regenerative systems.
Limitations of Traditional Genetic Tools: Tools like EPDs and DNA markers can be easily manipulated and misused if not evaluated within the overall production environment. Dr. Williams calls for caution when relying on these traditional methods.
The Role of Soil Health in Genetics: Regenerative practices that improve soil health and the microbiome can have a profound impact on genetic expression, potentially rendering conventional selection methods obsolete.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Graze forages at mid-stage maturity to maximize the epigenetic benefits on your livestock, plants, and soil.
Shift livestock to new paddocks in the afternoon for enhanced daily gains.
Select breeding stock based on long-term traits like fertility and adaptability, rather than focusing solely on production traits.
Use traditional genetic tools, like EPDs, cautiously and always in the context of your farm’s specific conditions.
Focus on improving soil health to positively influence genetic expression.
Want to try the first lesson from SGF's Grass & Genetics with Allen Williams for FREE?Learn more here.
Or read his writings? Dr. Williams asks, “Are You An Accomplished Grazer?” in one of our featured articles. Read it here.
Ready to take your regenerative ranching to new heights?Learn more here.
Be sure to explore the links for our monthly magazine, upcoming live events, and latest specials.
Grassfarming is a 24-7 job, and you can’t always get away. That’s why we’ve put together this podcast—so you can listen while you work (or whatever you’re doing), always on your schedule, whenever and wherever you want.
27 Apr 2022
The Pros and Cons of Multi-Species Grazing with Greg Judy Part 3 of 3
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🎙️ Episode Title: The Pros and Cons of Multi-Species Grazing (Part 3 of 3) with Greg Judy 📝 Featured Speaker: Greg Judy
In this final part of the multi-species grazing series, Greg Judy discusses the benefits and challenges of incorporating multiple livestock species into a rotational grazing system. He shares his firsthand experiences raising cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and horses in a regenerative system, highlighting how multi-species grazing mimics natural ecosystems and boosts overall farm health. Judy also delves into the practical aspects of managing different species, from fencing and water systems to marketing strategies, and emphasizes the importance of culling unproductive animals to maintain profitability.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Pigs in a Multi-Species System: Greg details how feeder pigs are trained with electric fences and rotated through paddocks, highlighting their integration into the multi-species system. He recounts an anecdote about introducing horses and the initial tension between species.
Preventing Pigs from Rooting: He shares techniques to prevent pigs from damaging pastures by rooting, such as rotating them frequently and providing access to clover in the summer. He also mentions nose rings as a method used by some farmers.
Farrowing Sows and Predator Protection: Greg discusses farrowing sows and their protective instincts toward piglets, and notes that his farm has not lost any feeder pigs to coyotes, likely due to electric fencing and the aggressive nature of certain breeds.
Challenges of Multi-Species Grazing: He outlines the cons of managing multiple species, including the need for extra infrastructure (fencing, water sources, and handling facilities) and the risks of shared parasites between species like sheep and goats.
Marketing and Culling Strategies: Greg stresses the importance of having a solid marketing plan before adding multiple species and the necessity of culling unproductive animals to maintain a profitable operation.
Grass-Fed Genetics and Seed Stock: He advocates for focusing on high-quality, grass-fed genetics, as there is growing demand for premium seed stock. He emphasizes that this can be a key profit center for grass-based farms.
Regenerative Grazing and Industry Shifts: Greg talks about the positive shift in attitudes within the livestock industry toward regenerative grazing, sharing how even the Missouri Cattlemen's Association has embraced these practices by inviting him to speak on the topic.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Implement a multi-species grazing system to improve land utilization and enhance ecosystem health by incorporating cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and horses into rotational grazing.
Train feeder pigs with electric fences and rotate them frequently to avoid overgrazing and tree damage.
Set up appropriate water systems for different species, ensuring accessibility and protection for all.
Cull unproductive animals quickly and focus on raising high-quality, grass-fed genetics that can fetch premium prices.
Develop a comprehensive marketing strategy, using direct sales and storytelling to market different livestock products.
Adopt regenerative grazing practices that mimic natural ecosystems, reducing input costs and improving land health.
Engage with the livestock industry to promote the benefits of multi-species grazing and regenerative farming.
Be sure to check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here.
18 May 2022
The Cornerstones of Direct Marketing with Joel Salatin Part 3 of 3
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🎙️ Episode Title: The Cornerstones of Direct Marketing with Joel Salatin (Part 3 of 3) 📝 Featured Speaker: Joel Salatin
In the final installment of this three-part series, Joel Salatin delves deeper into effective strategies for attracting and engaging customers through immersive farm experiences and strategic marketing. From creating interactive environments for families to pricing events for profitability, Joel shares actionable insights that farmers can use to turn their farms into destination experiences. He stresses the importance of offering authentic, educational experiences rather than artificial or fantasy attractions. The episode also touches on practical marketing tips, such as reducing customer barriers, collaborating with ecotourism outfits, and ensuring seamless transactions.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Attracting Rural Customers: Joel discusses how to draw visitors from rural areas by creating compelling farm events. Collaborating with ecotourism organizations can bring in guests who are interested in nature and wildlife.
Creating an Immersive Farm Experience: Farms should focus on providing authentic "infotainment" through activities like corn boxes, pedal tractors, and animal encounters. This type of immersive experience can entertain while educating visitors.
Pricing and Marketing Strategies: Joel explores pricing strategies, suggesting around $50 per person for farm tours that include a meal. He emphasizes marketing beyond just the product by selling an experience or mystique.
Reducing Hurdles for Customers: It’s crucial to simplify the buying process for customers—clear signage, credit card acceptance, consistent product availability, and welcoming interactions are key to retaining visitors.
Avoiding Exotic Breeds Pitfalls: The episode concludes with a discussion about how moving towards exotic or heritage breeds may raise prices and shrink the customer base.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Collaborate with Ecotourism: Partner with ecotourism organizations to attract nature and wildlife enthusiasts to your farm.
Create Engaging Experiences: Develop interactive attractions like corn boxes, pedal tractors, and animal encounters that provide both fun and educational value for visitors.
Set Pricing Strategically: Price farm tours around $50 per person, and explore additional revenue opportunities from bus tours or day trips.
Sell the Experience, Not Just the Product: Focus on marketing the story, aura, or mystique behind your product to create a deeper connection with customers.
Make Buying Easy: Reduce hurdles for customers by implementing clear pricing, accepting credit cards, ensuring consistent product availability, and being transparent in communication.
🔖 Chapters:
00:00:16 Attracting Rural Customers Joel discusses how to attract guests from rural areas, emphasizing that the power of your event can draw attendees from far and wide. He also suggests collaborating with ecotourism outfits to appeal to nature lovers.
00:17:33 Creating an Immersive Farm Experience Creating real, hands-on farm experiences is crucial for customer engagement. Joel encourages farmers to offer activities like corn boxes for kids, pedal tractors, and train rides made from repurposed barrels, all while ensuring the environment is welcoming with picnic tables and playgrounds.
00:08:20 Pricing and Marketing Strategies Joel shares practical advice on pricing farm tours and events at around $50 per person, which includes a meal. He stresses that successful marketing involves selling an "aura" rather than just a product, and highlights the potential of bus tours and day trips as additional revenue streams.
00:28:21 Reducing Hurdles for Customers Ensuring a smooth customer experience is key to long-term success. Joel recommends simplifying the buying process with clear pricing, credit card acceptance, and consistent product availability year-round.
🌱 Action Items:
00:01:23 Work with ecotourism organizations to draw visitors interested in nature and wildlife to your farm. 00:20:30 Develop immersive experiences for visitors, such as corn boxes, pedal tractors, and animal encounters that combine education with entertainment. 00:15:13 Create a welcoming farm environment with clear signage, parking, picnic tables, and playgrounds to enhance the visitor experience. 00:09:19 Price your farm tours and events at around $50 per person, which could include a meal or other amenities. 00:03:21 Explore potential revenue from bus tours and day trips, catering to larger groups. 00:05:52 Market your farm as an experience, building an emotional connection with customers through storytelling and mystique. 00:27:42 Remove purchasing barriers by having clear pricing, accepting credit cards, and ensuring consistent product availability. 00:34:10 Be cautious when considering exotic or heritage breeds that may increase costs and limit your customer base.
Want to try the first lesson from SGF's GMS by Joel for FREE? Joel, Sheri, and Carolyn are full of wise words... Click here.
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
🎙️ Episode Title: Joel Salatin Interviews Temple Grandin (Part 1 of 2) 📝 Featured Speaker: Temple Grandin
In this special episode recorded at the Homestead Festival on Rory Feek's historic farm in Tennessee, Joel Salatin interviews the legendary animal scientist Temple Grandin. This insightful conversation covers topics ranging from livestock handling and meat quality to genetics and animal welfare. Grandin shares her decades of expertise in humane animal management, focusing on stress reduction and optimal animal performance in grass-based farming systems.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Low-Stress Handling Techniques: Grandin emphasizes the importance of low-stress livestock handling, explaining how stress can negatively impact meat quality. She advises farmers to prioritize gentle handling to keep animals calm throughout their lives.
Impact of Stress on Meat Quality: Stress during handling, transportation, or slaughter can cause meat defects such as toughness and reduced shelf life. Grandin highlights the need for farmers to minimize stress, ensuring that livestock have positive, routine experiences.
Acclimation and Routine for Livestock: Grandin suggests acclimating animals to human presence and handling early in their lives to prevent fear responses. Routine, predictable activities help animals feel secure and reduce the likelihood of stress-induced behavior.
Optimal Livestock Genetics: The conversation explores the role of genetics in livestock performance. Grandin warns against selecting animals based solely on extreme traits and encourages breeding for moderate, well-adapted genetics suited to the specific environmental conditions of the farm.
Humane Handling During Transportation and Slaughter: Grandin offers practical advice on handling livestock during transportation and slaughter. She shares strategies for creating a calm environment, avoiding sudden movements, and using proper equipment to ensure humane treatment and high-quality meat production.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Incorporate low-stress handling techniques into your farm practices to enhance animal welfare and improve meat quality.
Acclimate animals to human interaction and routine activities from an early age to minimize stress-related issues.
Pay attention to genetics, selecting breeds that are well-suited to your farm's environment and avoiding extremes that may reduce long-term productivity.
Ensure humane treatment during transportation and slaughter by using appropriate equipment and handling methods that reduce fear and anxiety in livestock.
Focus on creating positive first experiences for animals to build trust and prevent stress-induced behavior.
Be sure to check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here. If you don’t receive The Stockman Grass Farmer Magazine, visit stockmangrassfarmer.com or call 800-748-9808 to get a copy of the August issue and read Joel’s column "Thoughts from Temple Grandin."
24 Aug 2022
Joel Salatin Interviews Temple Grandin (Part 2 of 2)
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🎙️ Episode Title: Joel Salatin Interviews Temple Grandin (Part 2 of 2) 📝 Featured Speaker: Temple Grandin
In the second part of this insightful interview, Joel Salatin continues his conversation with Temple Grandin, diving deeper into her extensive knowledge of livestock management, animal behavior, and sustainable farming practices. The discussion extends to advanced handling techniques, the importance of sensory perception in animals, and the future of humane livestock farming. Grandin offers practical advice on building systems that work harmoniously with animal behavior, ensuring the well-being of livestock, and improving farm productivity.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Animal Sensory Perception: Grandin emphasizes the importance of understanding how animals perceive their environment. Cattle, pigs, and other livestock rely heavily on their senses, especially sight and sound, and farmers should consider these sensory inputs when designing handling systems.
Designing Animal-Friendly Handling Systems: Grandin discusses how to create handling facilities that reduce fear and stress in animals. Curved chutes, proper lighting, and eliminating distractions help animals move calmly through the system, making the process smoother for both animals and farmers.
Avoiding Sudden Changes and Surprises: Sudden changes in routine, loud noises, or unexpected movements can startle animals and increase stress levels. Grandin suggests maintaining consistency and avoiding sudden surprises, especially during transportation and handling.
The Importance of Stockmanship: Good stockmanship, Grandin explains, is a key factor in animal welfare and farm profitability. Farmers must be attentive to the animals' needs and behaviors, practicing patience and respect when working with livestock.
The Future of Humane Livestock Farming: The conversation turns to the future of farming, with Grandin expressing optimism about the growing movement towards humane, regenerative livestock systems. She stresses that consumers are increasingly interested in the ethical treatment of animals, and farmers who prioritize welfare will thrive in the evolving marketplace.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Consider animal sensory perception when designing your farm’s handling systems. Ensure the layout is calming, with minimal distractions or loud noises.
Use curved chutes and proper lighting to guide livestock smoothly through handling facilities, reducing fear and stress.
Maintain consistent routines for your animals to prevent anxiety caused by sudden changes or unfamiliar experiences.
Practice good stockmanship by being patient and mindful of animal behavior, which improves welfare and enhances farm productivity.
Embrace the future of humane farming, focusing on regenerative, welfare-oriented practices that align with consumer expectations for ethically raised livestock.
For more insights, check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here. Don’t forget, if you missed Joel’s thoughts in The Stockman Grass Farmer Magazine, visit stockmangrassfarmer.com or call 800-748-9808 to obtain a copy of the August issue.
23 Mar 2023
rebroadcast from The Profitable Mindset podcast with Charlotte Smith...Meet Joel Salatin
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
our mission is to help create a healthy planet and people through profitable grass-based livestock production
Grassfarming is a 24-7 job and you can’t always get away. So we’ve put together this podcast, so that you can listen while you work (or whatever you’re doing) but always on your schedule. Whenever and where ever you want.
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
Our mission is to help create a healthy planet and people through profitable grass-based livestock production.
This is part 1 from Abram Bowerman’s talk – Sheep: Corner the Profit at SGF’s 2022 Gathering at Polyface
Forge availability and labor are the biggest challenges limiting full-time shepherds. Abram shares how he overcame these obstacles to become a self-financed grazier by the age of 25.
He grazes multi-species with sheep as the centerpiece.
Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn from multiple respected leaders of the grassfed movement all in one place
■ Abram Bowerman - Sheep: Corner the Profit.
■ Steve Kenyon - Starting from Scratch.
■ Daniel Salatin - Ways to Move Livestock without Losing Your Marriage.
■ Joel Salatin - Designing Your Landscape.
■ Urban Customers: Christine Lewis, Cheryl Hilton, Patti Cheatham - Waking in Your Customer's Shoes.
■ Allen Williams - Growing Your Genetics from the Ground Up.
■ Will Winter - Ears Up for Herd Health.
Grassfarming is a 24-7 job and you can’t always get away.
So we’ve put together this podcast, so that you can listen while you work (or whatever you’re doing) but always on your schedule. Whenever and where ever you want.
Thank you for being here and Happy Grazing!
For more information, check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here.
13 Sep 2023
The Big Picture by Joel Salatin from The Grazier's School of Marketing and Social Media
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Welcome to "The Stockman GrassFarmer Podcast," where our mission is to help create a healthy planet and people through profitable grass-based livestock production.
🎙️ Episode Highlights:
In this episode, we have the honor of hosting the legendary Joel Salatin, an icon in the world of sustainable farming and a staunch advocate for regenerative agriculture.
Joel takes us on a deep dive into "The Big Picture" from his recent talk at the Grazier's School of Marketing and Social Media.
Throughout the episode, Joel shares invaluable insights that promise to inspire and empower those passionate about sustainable farming and land stewardship.
🌾 Key Takeaways:
Joel emphasizes the holistic approach to sustainable farming, where everything is interconnected, from farming practices to marketing and social media.
Marketing with purpose and authenticity is essential in attracting conscious consumers who value sustainable practices.
Leveraging social media can be a powerful tool for farmers to amplify their message and connect with a broader audience.
🔗 Additional Resources:
For more information about all the talks at the Grazier's School of Marketing and Social Media, visit this link.
🌟 Closing Thoughts:
Grass farming is a 24/7 job, and farmers can't always get away. That's why "The Stockman GrassFarmer Podcast" exists, so you can listen while you work or go about your day, all on your schedule, whenever and wherever you want.
Stay tuned for more insightful episodes as we continue to explore the world of sustainable grass farming, sharing knowledge and inspiration to help you succeed in your journey toward a healthier planet and people.
Join us in making a positive impact in the world of grass-based livestock production! 🚜🌍
20 Sep 2023
Take This Farm and Love It (Part 1) From The Grazier's Business School With Joel Salatin and Steve Kenyon
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This is part 1 from the beginning session Take This Farm and Love It From The Grazier's Business School With Joel Salatin and Steve Kenyon.
Prepare to embark on an educational journey with Steven Kenyon that will transform your approach to farm management, business, and success. The Grazier's Business School is dedicated to equipping you with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the world of sustainable agriculture.
It's time to level up your farm business and create a brighter future for your agricultural endeavors. You became a grassfarmer because: *It allows you to be a steward for the land… *You wanted to be part of a system that supports health.. *it’s just common sense… Regardless of your reason, you know: YOU NEED PROFIT TO PERPETUATE YOUR MISSION.
For more information, check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here.
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
This is part 2 from the beginning session Take This Farm and Love It From The Grazier's Business School With Joel Salatin and Steve Kenyon.
Prepare to embark on an educational journey with Steven Kenyon that will transform your approach to farm management, business, and success. The Grazier's Business School is dedicated to equipping you with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the world of sustainable agriculture.
It's time to level up your farm business and create a brighter future for your agricultural endeavors. You became a grassfarmer because: *It allows you to be a steward for the land… *You wanted to be part of a system that supports health.. *it’s just common sense… Regardless of your reason, you know: YOU NEED PROFIT TO PERPETUATE YOUR MISSION.
13 Dec 2023
Sheep: Corner the Profit with Abram Bowerman Part 2 of 3
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
This is part 2 from Abram Bowerman’s talk – Sheep: Corner the Profit at SGF’s 2022 Gathering at Polyface.
In this episode, Abram delves into the challenges faced by full-time shepherds, especially in terms of forage availability and labor. Discover how he conquered these hurdles and achieved self-financed grazier status by the impressive age of 25.
Key Highlights:
Insights on overcoming challenges as a full-time shepherd
The journey to becoming a self-financed grazier
The central role of sheep in his multi-species grazing approach
For more detailed information, check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here.
24 Jan 2024
Sheep: Corner the Profit with Abram Bowerman Part 3 of 3
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
This is part 3 from Abram Bowerman’s talk – Sheep: Corner the Profit at SGF’s 2022 Gathering at Polyface.
Forge availability and labor are the biggest challenges limiting full-time shepherds. Abram shares how he overcame these obstacles to become a self-financed grazier by the age of 25. He grazes multi-species with sheep as the centerpiece.
For more detailed information, check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here.
27 Mar 2024
Smart & Special: The Big Picture with Joel Salatin (Part 1)
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🎙️ Episode Title: Smart & Special: The Big Picture with Joel Salatin (Part 1) 📝 Featured Speaker: Joel Salatin
In this first part of Joel Salatin's Smart & Special series, he dives into critical aspects of small-scale farming, including time management, ecological timelines, and weed management. Joel offers practical advice on optimizing farm operations, managing repetitive tasks, and understanding the broader ecological and economic implications of farm management. This episode provides valuable insights for farmers looking to enhance efficiency and sustainability in their operations.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Time Management and Self-Auditing: Joel emphasizes the need for farmers to conduct a self-audit to understand how their time is spent. He uses his father’s practice of logging time in five-minute increments as an example and discusses the concept of opportunity costs, encouraging farmers to evaluate the profitability of activities such as farmer's markets.
Ecological Timelines and Weed Management: Joel highlights the importance of recognizing ecological timelines, such as the gradual healing of eroded land and the development of balanced ecosystems in new ponds. He advocates for a holistic approach to weed management, viewing weeds as indicators of past practices and potential sources of carbon and biodiversity, and encourages recognizing their nutritional and medicinal value for livestock.
Chores and Routine for Livestock: The episode discusses the concept of 'chores'—repetitive daily tasks—and recommends limiting them to four hours per day to prevent burnout. Joel stresses the importance of maintaining consistent routines for livestock, such as regular moving of egg mobiles and paddock shifts. He also suggests using technology, like automatic chicken doors and fence grazers, to streamline chores.
Succession Planning and Generational Farming: Joel touches on the importance of succession planning, emphasizing the need for involving multiple generations in the farm to ensure long-term sustainability. He acknowledges the complexities of transferring wealth and ownership and highlights the importance of managing relationships throughout the process.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Conduct a self-audit to identify time-consuming tasks and areas for optimization or delegation to improve efficiency.
Implement technologies such as automatic chicken doors and fence grazers to reduce chore time and streamline operations.
Evaluate the profitability and opportunity costs of activities like attending farmer's markets to ensure they contribute positively to your farm’s bottom line.
Adopt a holistic approach to weed management, recognizing the potential value of weeds for carbon, biodiversity, and livestock nutrition.
Establish consistent routines for livestock management tasks to enhance animal well-being and operational efficiency.
Explore succession planning strategies to involve multiple generations in farm operations, ensuring long-term sustainability and effective transfer of ownership.
For more insights and to stay updated, check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here.
03 Apr 2024
Smart & Special: The Big Picture with Joel Salatin (Part 2)
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🎙️ Episode Title: Smart & Special: The Big Picture with Joel Salatin (Part 2) 📝 Featured Speaker: Joel Salatin
In Part 2 of Joel Salatin's Smart & Special series, Joel dives into advanced strategies for sustainable farming, focusing on financial management, diversifying income streams, and maximizing farm profitability. He emphasizes capital preservation, creative revenue generation through agritourism, and the benefits of stacking multiple enterprises on a single property. Joel provides actionable advice on niche markets and strategic planning to help farmers thrive in a competitive landscape.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Financial Management and Capital Preservation: Joel stresses the importance of preserving capital and managing cash flow. He advises against depleting resources and suggests renting or sharing equipment to maintain financial flexibility. He also introduces a payback period framework for investments: green light for three years, yellow light for three to seven years, and red light for over seven years.
Diversifying Income Streams and Agritourism: Joel highlights the potential for additional revenue through agritourism. He provides examples such as farm tours, events, classes, and workshops, including creative ideas like farm Olympics and pizza nights. He encourages farmers to leverage their unique assets to attract visitors and create differentiated experiences.
Stacking Enterprises on a 10-Acre Farm: Joel illustrates how to maximize profitability by stacking multiple agricultural enterprises on a 10-acre farm. He covers raising various livestock, growing crops, beekeeping, and offering value-added products. The idea is to create a complementary mix of activities that can generate substantial revenue and support multiple full-time workers.
Niche Markets and Differentiation: Joel advocates for exploring niche markets and differentiating farm offerings. He provides examples like customized rose cultivation and artisanal food production. He emphasizes the importance of branding, storytelling, and offering unique products to attract customers and command premium prices.
Mission Statement and Strategic Planning: Joel underscores the value of a clear mission statement for guiding business decisions and attracting collaborators. He also stresses the need for measurable objectives, a written roadmap, and strategic planning to effectively allocate resources and avoid costly mistakes.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Preserve capital and maintain financial flexibility by renting or sharing equipment instead of making outright purchases.
Explore agritourism opportunities, such as farm tours and events, to create additional revenue streams and attract visitors.
Consider stacking multiple complementary enterprises on your property to maximize profitability and operational efficiency.
Differentiate your offerings by exploring niche markets, branding, and storytelling to create unique experiences and command premium prices.
Develop a clear mission statement to guide your business decisions and attract collaborators.
Create measurable, timed, and precise objectives, along with a written strategic plan, to effectively prioritize tasks and allocate resources.
For more insights and updates, check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here.
19 Feb 2025
Smart & Special: The Big Picture with Joel Salatin (Part 3)
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🎙️ Episode Title: Smart & Special: The Big Picture with Joel Salatin (Part 3)
In this episode of The Stockman Grass Farmer Podcast, Joel Salatin wraps up this three-part series on profitable grass-based livestock production and innovative farming practices. He explores the power of clear mission statements, the financial structures of successful agricultural businesses, and the importance of differentiation in today’s market.
Salatin shares real-world examples, such as a Rhode Island farm generating three full-time salaries from less than one acre of cloned roses. He also stresses the need for an abundance mindset, measurable objectives, and well-structured roadmaps to ensure long-term success.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Grass-Based Livestock Production & Mission Statements – The significance of defining a clear mission for farm success.
Financial Breakdown – How 20% of revenue can cover two full-time salaries, with detailed allocation of farm finances.
Innovative Farming Success Stories – The potential of niche markets, such as cloned roses, to create sustainable farm income.
Mindset & Market Opportunities – Moving away from a scarcity mindset and embracing differentiation in agriculture.
Planning & Roadmap Development – The importance of setting measurable, timed objectives to avoid missteps.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Define a one-sentence mission statement for your farm or agricultural business.
Develop a clear financial plan that allocates revenue effectively for salaries, overhead, and owner compensation.
Identify unique market opportunities that allow for differentiation beyond commodity farming.
Write down measurable, time-bound objectives to create a strategic roadmap.
Foster an abundance mindset and continuously look for ways to stand out in the field.
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🎙️ Episode Title: Permanent Fencing Options 📝 Featured Article: Permanent Fencing Options by Brandon Mitchell
In this episode of the Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast, we explore essential choices for permanent fencing, a cornerstone of effective farm management. Whether managing cattle, goats, or hogs, selecting the appropriate fencing can significantly impact your livestock's well-being and land management. We cover the three primary types of fencing—barbed wire, high-tensile electric, and field fence—each with its unique benefits and challenges tailored to different livestock, property sizes, and terrains.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Types of Fencing: A comprehensive overview of barbed wire, high-tensile electric, and field fence. Each type is examined for its suitability depending on the specific needs of your livestock and property.
Cost and Maintenance: A comparison of costs and maintenance requirements for each fencing type. This includes initial investment, long-term upkeep, and durability.
Best Fencing Options by Species: Recommendations on the most effective fencing choices for different types of livestock, such as cattle, goats, and hogs.
Pros and Cons: Analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of each fence type in relation to property size, local weather conditions, and potential wildlife interactions.
Decision-Making Tips: Guidance on upgrading existing fencing or installing new systems, offering valuable insights for making informed decisions to enhance farm success.
🌱 Tune in now to make the best fencing choice for your livestock and land management needs! For more detailed information, check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here.
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🎙️ Episode Title: Keys to Success 📝 Featured Article: Keys to Success by Joel Salatin (from Meadow Talk)
In this episode of the Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast, we highlight Joel Salatin's insights on what separates thriving farmers from those who struggle, drawn from his reflections in the "Meadow Talk" column. Inspired by a conversation with a $2 billion New Zealand agriculture cooperative, Salatin dives into four key principles for achieving long-term success in farming. Drawing on the wisdom of Allan Nation, founder of Stockman Grass Farmer, Salatin offers invaluable guidance on mindset, peer influence, patience, and financial management.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Pretties vs. Practicality: Salatin shares Allan Nation’s belief that profitable farms often have a "threadbare" appearance. Instead of focusing on aesthetics like white fences, the key to success is putting time and resources into what truly matters: forage, animals, and operational efficiency.
Peers and Unorthodox Thinking: Successful farmers often go against the grain, adopting unconventional methods that neighbors might consider crazy. Salatin emphasizes the importance of learning from the top 10% rather than following what the average farmer does. From installing water lines to managing without vet bills, it’s about doing what works, not what’s typical.
Patience in Biological Systems: Salatin reminds listeners that farming operates on nature’s timetable, not ours. From regenerating overgrazed land to managing weeds, real transformation can take years. Success comes with patient management, strategic grazing, and thoughtful interventions like pastured poultry.
Penny-Watching: Borrowing from Allan Nation’s wisdom, Salatin underscores the importance of watching every penny. Whether it’s eliminating unnecessary costs or considering value-adding opportunities, successful farmers know their numbers. They don’t just compete—they innovate and differentiate, wearing the "middleman hat" to capture retail dollars.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Focus on Practical Investments: Don’t get caught up in making your farm look perfect. Invest in things that directly improve your bottom line, like healthy forage and efficient animal management.
Seek Out Unorthodox Solutions: Don’t follow the crowd. If your methods seem odd to your neighbors, you’re probably on the right track. Be willing to try new ideas and learn from the most successful in the field.
Give Nature Time: Farming success takes patience. Don’t expect overnight changes, but trust that careful management will yield long-term results.
Be Meticulous with Your Finances: Watch every penny and look for opportunities to increase income, whether through diversification, custom grazing, or direct marketing.
For more insights and resources, be sure to check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here.
02 Oct 2024
Why “Take Half, Leave Half” Is Not a Universal Rule By Jim Gerrish
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🎙️ Episode Title: Why “Take Half, Leave Half” Is Not a Universal Rule 📝 Featured Speaker: Jim Gerrish
In this episode, Jim Gerrish, a renowned grazing management expert, challenges the traditional “take half, leave half” rule and explores why it may not be the best approach for every grazing situation. Drawing from his vast experience as both a researcher and practitioner, Jim explains how this guideline can vary greatly depending on environmental factors and management goals.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Understanding Utilization Rates: Jim clarifies the difference between seasonal utilization rate and temporal utilization rate, explaining how they impact grazing management in different contexts.
Missouri Research Insights: He shares findings from his time at the University of Missouri, where initial studies on pasture mixtures showed that achieving exactly 50% utilization was challenging and not always optimal.
Lessons from Idaho: Moving to Idaho, Jim observed that irrigated pastures allowed for higher utilization rates, sometimes up to 70%, without detrimental effects—contrary to what he experienced in Missouri.
Rangeland Realities: In arid environments of the West, Jim found that the “take half, leave half” rule was too aggressive and recommended a more conservative approach, with utilization targets as low as 20% in low-biomass production areas.
Impact on Animal Performance: Jim discusses how different utilization levels can affect individual animal performance, emphasizing the need to balance plant health with livestock productivity.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Adapt Strategies to Environment: Adjust your grazing management approach based on local precipitation and forage production, rather than following a single rule.
Monitor and Measure: Use tools like clipping and weighing residual forage to accurately measure utilization rates and refine your grazing plan.
Prioritize Plant Recovery: In low-biomass environments, focus more on what you leave behind rather than what you take, to support plant community resilience.
Consider Animal Needs: Balance grazing intensity with the nutritional needs and performance goals of your livestock.
Use a Sliding Scale: Develop a sliding scale of utilization targets based on your specific environmental conditions and forage productivity levels.
To learn more about Jim Gerrish’s work and his approach to adaptive grazing management, check out the show notes for links to his books and resources on Management-intensive Grazing. Be sure to explore our monthly magazine, live events, and latest specials.
For more insights and resources, be sure to check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here.
09 Oct 2024
Darren Doherty: Designing Your Landscape (Part 1 of 4)
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🎙️ Episode Title: Designing Your Landscape (Part 1 of 4) 📝 Featured Speaker: Darren Doherty
In this episode of the Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast, Darren Doherty, a renowned farm planner, takes us through the fundamentals of designing landscapes with a regenerative agriculture focus. This episode is the first of a four-part series where Doherty shares his extensive knowledge on farm planning and landscape management.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Understanding Purpose & Context: Doherty emphasizes the importance of defining a clear purpose and thoroughly understanding your farm’s unique context before transitioning to regenerative agriculture.
Holistic Approach to Farm Design: He outlines the importance of considering various factors such as climate, geography, water, access, ecosystems, buildings, fencing, soils, economy, and energy in farm planning.
Learning from Aboriginal Australians: Doherty reflects on the profound influence of Aboriginal Australians in nurturing and managing the landscape, drawing lessons for modern regenerative practices.
Challenges of Adoption: The speaker acknowledges the difficulties farmers face in adopting new systems and breaking away from conventional models.
Introduction to the Regrarians Platform: He introduces listeners to the Regrarians platform, a planning framework built upon P.A. Yeomans' Keyline Scale of Permanence, designed to support farmers in creating a sustainable and resilient landscape.
Tailored Strategies Over Replication: Doherty advises against simply copying successful models like Polyface Farm, encouraging a more strategic, pragmatic, and incremental approach, tailored to each farm’s specific needs and circumstances.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Before making any major changes to your farm, define your goals and align them with the broader context of your land and resources.
Adopt a holistic approach in farm planning that integrates natural systems with your farm’s infrastructure and management practices.
Consider taking inspiration from indigenous land management practices, which have sustained ecosystems for millennia.
Start small and be strategic—incremental changes lead to lasting success.
Use the Regrarians platform as a comprehensive tool for planning and implementing regenerative agriculture practices.
For more insights on regenerative agriculture and to dive deeper into designing a farm landscape that works in harmony with nature, tune in to the next episode in this series.
Be sure to check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here.
16 Oct 2024
Darren Doherty: Designing Your Landscape (Part 2 of 4)
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🎙️ Episode Notes: Darren Doherty: Designing Your Landscape (Part 2 of 4)
📝 Featured Speaker: Darren Doherty, an expert in regenerative agriculture and farm planning.
In this episode, Darren Doherty dives deep into the tools and techniques for effective farm planning and management. The discussion highlights a range of topics, from mapping resources in the US to the history of Keyline design, developed by P.A. Yeomans, and its role in managing water and soil.
Darren explores the Regrarians platform, the use of Google Earth Pro for farm design, and the importance of maintaining 100% ground cover to increase soil organic carbon and water retention. This episode also touches on advanced techniques such as landscape function analysis, agroforestry software, and the design of roads for water catchment.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
1. Mapping Resources in the US:
Darren discusses the 3DEP LiDAR Explorer and USGS TopoView, both valuable tools for generating detailed farm maps. Historical topographic maps dating back to the 1880s are also available for reference.
2. Regrarians Platform & Google Earth Pro:
The Regrarians platform includes a template for farm planning, using layers to capture details like boundaries, fencing, land types, and water resources through Google Earth Pro.
3. History of Keyline Design:
Darren explores the pioneering work of P.A. Yeomans, a mining engineer who developed Keyline design in Australia to improve water management and soil conservation, focusing on dams, irrigation, and landscape function.
4. Landscape Function Analysis:
Developed by David Tongway, this tool evaluates the stability, infiltration, and nutrient cycling of the soil surface. Darren shares its value in assessing the health and sustainability of your land.
5. Water Management & Infrastructure:
The importance of maintaining 100% ground cover is emphasized for boosting soil organic carbon and improving water retention. Darren discusses gravity-fed systems, portable infrastructure, and how road design can aid in water catchment.
6. Agroforestry & Farm Planning Software:
Overyield, a farm planning tool by Propagate Ventures, helps integrate trees into landscapes and analyze the costs and income potential of agroforestry projects.
7. Road Design for Water Catchment:
Darren introduces gradient catchment roads to capture and direct runoff water into storage systems, which helps maintain water levels even with reduced runoff.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
1. Generate a farm map using resources like LiDAR data and historical topographic maps from the USGS TopoView. 2. Utilize the Regrarians platform template in Google Earth Pro to organize and design your farm, capturing key details about your farm's objectives and infrastructure. 3. Implement landscape function analysis to evaluate the soil surface’s stability, water infiltration, and nutrient cycling on your farm. 4. Focus onmaintaining 100% ground cover to promote soil health and improve water retention across your landscape. 5. Explore the use of gravity-fed water systems and portable infrastructure, such as electric fencing and water troughs, to enhance your farm's efficiency. 6. Look into using Overyield software for agroforestry projects to integrate trees and assess their economic and environmental impacts. 7. Consider the benefits ofgradient catchment roads to effectively capture runoff water and replenish water sources for your farm.
For more insights and resources, be sure to check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here.
23 Oct 2024
Darren Doherty: Designing Your Landscape (Part 3 of 4)
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🎙️ Episode Notes: Darren Doherty: Designing Your Landscape (Part 3 of 4)
📝 Featured Speaker: Darren Doherty, an expert in farm planning, regenerative agriculture, and agroforestry.
In this episode, Darren Doherty delves into the intricacies of integrating trees, livestock, and infrastructure into agricultural landscapes for improved sustainability and efficiency. He discusses the benefits of agroforestry practices, such as alley farming and savannah-style tree layouts, and explores the use of portable farming systems, including mobile chicken coops and dairies. Darren also touches on innovative fencing strategies and stress-free stockmanship techniques to improve farm management and environmental outcomes.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
1. Tree Integration and Agroforestry: Darren highlights the benefits of integrating trees into agricultural systems, such as providing shade, shelter, and biodiversity. He shares a case study from Geelong Grammar School, where 38,000 trees were planted in an alley farming system. He emphasizes the importance of considering vehicle access, species selection, and pattern placementbased on desired outcomes like lumber production or bee forage.
2. Portable and Modular Farming Systems: The episode explores the use of portable farming systems to increase efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Darren discusses examples like movable chicken coops, portable dairies, and slaughterhouses, which provide flexibility and streamline farm operations. A client’s experience with a portable slaughterhouse is shared, highlighting its positive impact on farm life without increasing costs.
3. Fencing Strategies and Stress-Free Stockmanship: Darren covers different fencing strategies, including riparian fencing and self-herding techniques. Drawing from Bruce Maynard's stress-free stockmanship, Darren emphasizes how training livestock to move without physical fences can reduce stress and enhance animal welfare. He also suggests strategically planning fence placement by considering natural land features like creeks, valleys, and ridges.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
1. Integrate trees into agricultural landscapes using techniques like alley farming or savannah-style layouts for benefits such as shade, shelter, and enhanced biodiversity. 2. Use a tree index algorithm to select species based on key criteria, such as lumber production or bee forage. 3. Explore portable and modular farming systems, like movable chicken coops, dairies, and slaughterhouses, to increase farm efficiency while reducing environmental impact. 4. Implement stress-free stockmanship techniques, like self-herding, to train livestock to move without the need for physical fences. 5. Strategically plan fence placement, considering land elements like creeks, valleys, and ridges for more efficient grazing and farm management.
📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here.
06 Nov 2024
Managing for Animal, Pasture, and Soil Health by Greg Brann
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🎙️ Episode Title: Managing for Animal, Pasture, and Soil Health 📝 Featured Speaker: Greg Brann
In this episode, Greg Brann emphasizes the importance of regenerative grazing practices for maintaining healthy animals, pastures, and soil. Ruminants, like cattle, play a crucial role in this process, cycling nutrients back into the soil through manure and urine, and helping speed up the improvement of soil health.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Ruminant Animals and Soil Health: Ruminants help improve soil fertility by cycling nutrients through manure and urine, speeding up soil health improvements by three times.
Grazing Management and Soil Health: Grazing cool-season forages at 8-10 inches promotes root growth, moisture retention, and a healthy environment for soil life.
Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management: Maintaining a balanced soil pH (6.8 is optimal) is essential for soil life. Regular soil tests are recommended to manage macronutrients and secondary nutrients.
Strategies for Improving Degraded Land: Techniques such as unrolling hay and using cattle to pug wet soils can increase carbon levels and restore productivity in degraded areas.
Herd Management and Soil Health: Proper herd management, including natural fly control and selective culling, helps maintain a healthy pasture ecosystem.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Graze at the correct height to support root growth and moisture conservation.
Maintain balanced soil pH to promote grass production and soil life.
Use hay strategically on degraded land to restore fertility.
Evaluate soil and grass health through visual cues and soil texture.
Implement natural herd management practices for better pasture health.
📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here.
13 Nov 2024
Pasture Management: Best Practices by Abram Bowerman
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🎙️ Episode Title: Pasture Management: Best Practices 📝 Featured Speaker: Abram Bowerman
This episode explores the fundamentals of pasture management, focusing on rotational grazing and optimizing forage growth. Abram Bowerman shares practical tips on observing pasture conditions, managing legume and forb growth, and using weeds as a resource. The episode emphasizes the importance of adaptive grazing practices and minimizing the use of fertilizers for healthier pastures and livestock.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Pasture Observation and Grazing Readiness: Observing plant species, soil cover, and manure quality helps determine when to move livestock. Grazing is recommended when grass stems have developed more than two leaves, with two left intact for regrowth.
Legume and Forb Management: Proper grazing of legumes like alfalfa and red clover helps promote reseeding. Timing is key—alfalfa should be grazed when 10% is blooming, while red clover should be grazed after full bloom with some brown blooms.
Grazing Management and Species Composition: Non-selective grazing promotes diversity by weakening dominant grass species, allowing forbs and legumes to thrive. Weeds should be viewed as a food source for livestock, rather than eradicated.
Forage Inventory and Rationing: Techniques for measuring forage inventory and rationing stockpiled forage during dormant seasons are discussed. Managing these resources is critical to ensuring livestock have enough forage while preventing starvation.
Fertilizer Use and Potential Drawbacks: Overreliance on fertilizers can cause issues like magnesium deficiency, fescue toxicity, and financial loss. The episode recommends focusing on animal impact and legume reestablishment to naturally improve pasture fertility.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Regularly observe pasture conditions, including plant species and soil cover, to gauge grazing readiness.
Assess grass maturity by leaf counts, grazing when stems have more than two leaves while leaving two behind for regrowth.
Graze alfalfa and red clover at the right bloom stages to encourage healthy pasture growth.
Practice non-selective grazing to promote species diversity and balance in the pasture.
Measure forage inventory carefully and ration resources during dormant seasons to avoid shortages.
Minimize fertilizer use, relying instead on natural legume reestablishment and animal impact to support soil health.
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🎙️ Episode Title: Understanding Landscape Function and Holistic Management 📝 Featured Speaker: Darren Doherty
In this episode, Darren Doherty, a seasoned project manager, delves into the critical elements of landscape function and holistic management. He shares practical insights on observing landscape health, managing grazing practices, and fostering a deeper connection between land and food culture. With his hands-on experience, Doherty provides valuable advice for beginners in land management and highlights the continuous journey of learning and observation.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Understanding Landscape Function: Doherty introduces the concept of landscape function, focusing on the indicators found at the soil surface—like plant pedestalling, manure incorporation, litter decomposition, and soil armor. These signs help in gauging factors such as rainfall infiltration, soil stability, and nutrient cycling, allowing for more informed land management decisions.
The Importance of Observation and Curiosity: Curiosity and intent are key components of effective landscape management. Doherty discusses how frequent observation transforms understanding and notes that peer feedback and grazing groups play a crucial role in overcoming isolation and refining techniques.
Food Culture and Personal Health: Highlighting the link between diet, food culture, and land health, Doherty reflects on how many Western cultures have lost their strong food traditions. He underscores the need to restore both land and personal well-being, suggesting that healthy landscapes can foster healthier diets and communities.
Tips for Beginners in Landscape Observation: For newcomers, Doherty recommends starting with simple indicators of landscape function. He emphasizes using livestock as a feedback tool and learning from everyday interactions with animals, advocating for de-stressing animals to encourage greater curiosity and diet diversity.
Holistic Management and Continuous Learning: Discussing the holistic management framework, Doherty advises making decisions with the assumption that they might be wrong. This approach promotes humility, adaptability, and ongoing improvement, encouraging land managers to constantly observe, monitor, and refine their methods.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Begin by observing soil surface indicators such as plant pedestalling and litter decomposition to gauge landscape health.
Consider forming or joining grazing groups to reduce isolation and benefit from peer feedback on grazing practices.
Use livestock behavior as a feedback tool to gain insights into pasture conditions and overall landscape function.
Focus on de-stressing livestock to boost their curiosity and encourage diverse grazing habits, benefiting the ecosystem.
Apply the holistic management principle of “assuming you're wrong” to stay open to learning and adaptation in land management.
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🎙️ Episode Title: Top 10 Myths (& Lies) About Livestock Mineral Supplements by Will Winter 📝 by Will Winter
In this enlightening episode of Regenerative Wisdom, sourced from the Stockman Grass Farmer magazine, Will Winter, a renowned formulator and retired veterinarian, uncovers the top 10 myths surrounding livestock mineral supplements. Drawing from decades of experience in animal nutrition, Winter shares actionable insights to help farmers and ranchers optimize livestock health and profitability through proper mineral supplementation.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Myth: Local mineral mixes are best.
Local sources often have quality issues and inflated costs. Winter explains how to spot red flags on labels.
Myth: Homemade mineral mixes are effective.
DIY mixes can be more harmful than helpful. Winter discusses the complexities of the 'mineral wheel' and warns against contaminants in ingredients like Chinese imports.
Myth: Always mix salt with minerals.
Salt can corrode minerals and destroy vitamins. Winter recommends providing salt and minerals separately for better livestock health.
Myth: Soil becomes mineral-rich over time.
Soil rarely contains all essential minerals, even with prolonged supplementation.
Myth: Dry cows don’t need minerals.
Dry cows, especially pregnant ones, require robust mineral supplementation for herd health.
Myth: Animals not eating minerals don’t need them.
Winter suggests using enticers to encourage proper intake and dispels the notion that refusal means sufficiency.
Myth: High mineral consumption indicates a good product.
Excessive intake may signal imbalances or cheap additives.
Myth: Good minerals are too expensive.
Winter argues that quality mineral supplementation is an investment in long-term profitability.
Myth: Germs are the primary cause of disease.
Winter emphasizes the importance of maintaining overall animal health, focusing on the 'terrain' rather than external pathogens.
Myth: Comprehensive nutrition is unnecessary.
Proper nutrition eliminates the need for antibiotics, wormers, and vaccines, boosting herd productivity and profitability.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Avoid relying solely on local mineral mixes—review labels carefully.
Steer clear of DIY mineral blends due to their complexity and potential risks.
Provide salt and minerals separately to allow livestock to self-regulate.
Continue supplementing minerals, even after years of use, to address soil deficiencies.
Focus on dry cow nutrition, ensuring their health during pregnancy.
Prioritize comprehensive nutrition to prevent common herd health issues.
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🎙️ Episode Title: Own No Land, No Cattle, No Risk: Why Custom Grazing Works by Steve Kenyon
In this episode, Steve Kenyon from Busby, Alberta, shares the innovative business model behind Greener Pastures Ranching Limited, where he manages 750-1400 head of cattle annually without owning land, livestock, or even a tractor. Kenyon’s approach to ranching focuses on custom grazing, supported by Canada's Animal Keepers Act, and a philosophy of holistic ecosystem management.
Steve details how he’s built a profitable operation by leasing land, analyzing gross margins, and avoiding the risks of cattle ownership. His insights challenge conventional ranching methods, emphasizing financial efficiency, reduced risk, and a focus on managing the land and animals in harmony.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Introduction to Custom Grazing Business Model Steve outlines his unique ranching approach, operating entirely through custom grazing and managing resources rather than owning assets.
Operational Scale and Structure Managing 750-1400 cattle, Greener Pastures employs diverse grazing methods like swath grazing, crop residue grazing, and bale grazing.
Economic Decision-Making and Risk Management Kenyon explains how gross margin analysis led him to sell his herd and embrace custom grazing, reducing risks like market fluctuations, death loss, and disease.
Traditional Ranching and Wealth Creation A critique of traditional ranching subsidies, including government support and land appreciation, and their impact on financial sustainability.
Legal Protection and Land Strategy How Canada’s Animal Keepers Act ensures secure payments and why leasing land near urban centers is a strategic advantage.
Philosophical Approach to Ranch Management Kenyon’s view of himself as a shepherd managing an ecosystem, emphasizing holistic management of land and organisms.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Use gross margin analysis to guide business decisions and identify the most profitable opportunities.
Incorporate diverse grazing strategies like swath grazing and bale grazing to maximize land use.
Leverage legal protections like the Animal Keepers Act to ensure payment security in custom grazing agreements.
Develop annual drought planning strategies to maintain operations during challenging conditions.
Adopt a holistic management philosophy to improve ecosystem health and profitability.
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
🎙️ Episode Title: Building a Sustainable Grass-Based Ranch with Pharo Cattle Company
In this episode, our guest—an expert in cattle genetics and sustainable ranch management—shares their journey from founding Pharo Cattle Company to creating a thriving grass-based cattle operation. With a focus on developing low-maintenance cattle and effective grazing strategies, the discussion covers key aspects of sustainable ranching.
The episode highlights essential practices like selecting 3-4 frame cattle that thrive on pasture year-round, avoiding hay dependency, and implementing grazing techniques to improve soil health and forage production. The guest also evaluates the South Pole breed and offers valuable advice for aspiring farmers on leasing land and building profitable systems before purchasing property.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Founding Pharo Cattle Company and Initial Philosophy
From a small farm to a sustainable grass-based operation, the guest shares their vision of raising cattle that thrive on grass alone.
Cattle Genetics and Frame Size Development
Transitioning from 5-frame cattle to 3-4 frame animals, emphasizing low-maintenance traits and a 15-year journey to a resilient herd.
Key Traits for Profitable Cattle
Selecting for hair coat quality, udder development, wedge shape, and the ability to shed hair quickly in spring.
Grazing Management Practices
Year-round grazing without hay dependency, high-density grazing methods, and adapting to grass growth rates.
South Pole Breed Evaluation
Benefits of the breed's composite nature and heterosis, along with considerations for its use in ranching systems.
Advice for Young Farmers
Starting with leased land, developing profitable systems, and navigating challenges in family farming.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Develop low-maintenance cattle with 3-4 frame sizes to thrive without supplemental feed.
Implement high-density grazing practices to enhance soil health and forage production.
Start with leased land, and focus on building profitable systems before purchasing property.
Select cattle with traits like good hair coat quality and proper pelvic slope for calving ease.
Avoid hay dependency by developing cattle that can graze year-round.
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
🎙️ Episode Title: Darren Doherty: Designing Your Landscape (Part 4 of 4)
In this episode, Darren Doherty wraps up his insightful series on designing landscapes for agricultural success, diving deep into advanced grazing management techniques, soil health, and innovative land management strategies.
The discussion highlights:
Laneway Design: Learn how effective laneway systems can revolutionize livestock management, as seen in a North Queensland operation managing 1,000 cattle with just two people.
Fencing Techniques: Explore innovative solutions like recycled materials, hyper-extendable springs, and techno grazing methods to enhance fencing efficiency.
Soil Formation & Health: Discover Dr. Christine Jones's five key ingredients for soil formation and actionable methods to improve soil health and carbon sequestration.
Cropping Innovations: Uncover successful case studies like Colin Sice’s pasture cropping and Bruce Maynard’s no-kill cropping, which showcase non-invasive, sustainable approaches to agriculture.
🔑 Key Chapters:
Laneway Design and Management: Why wider laneways improve livestock movement and water control.
Fencing Innovations: Tips for building efficient fences with recycled materials and advanced methods.
Soil Health: Detailed breakdown of Dr. Christine Jones’s soil formation principles.
Cropping Techniques: How pasture and no-kill cropping can revitalize previously retired land.
🌱 Action Items:
Implement wider laneways for improved livestock efficiency.
Adopt fencing innovations like recycled materials and techno grazing.
Focus on managed grazing to enhance soil health.
Experiment with pasture or no-kill cropping techniques for sustainable land use.
📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to check out our monthly magazine, live events, and the latest specials here.
22 Jan 2025
Epigenetics and Regenerative grazing: The End Result by Allen Williams, Ph.D.
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🎙️ Episode Title: Epigenetics and Regenerative Grazing: The End Result by Allen Williams, Ph.D.
In this episode of Regenerative Wisdom, Dr. Alan R. Williams presents a groundbreaking study on the intersection of epigenetics and regenerative grazing. He delves into how environmental factors influence genetic expression across multiple generations, impacting livestock, plants, and soil microbes.
Dr. Williams shares eye-opening research from his farm’s participation in phytonutrient analysis, comparing grass-fed beef to feedlot beef. The study, conducted in collaboration with Dr. Stephan Van Vliet's team, revealed that regenerative grazing practices not only enhance the nutritional value of livestock products but also lead to better health outcomes for animals and humans alike.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Transgenerational Epigenetics: Environmental influences on genetic expression that can persist for up to 16 generations.
Phytonutrient Research Insights: Grass-fed beef contains significantly higher levels of antioxidants, vitamins, and healthy fatty acids compared to feedlot beef.
Innovative Methodologies: An in-depth look at the collaboration with Dr. Van Vliet’s team, focusing on soil health, forage quality, and human clinical trials.
Actionable Strategies: Recommendations for implementing regenerative grazing and monitoring omega-6 to omega-3 ratios.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Adopt regenerative grazing practices to amplify positive epigenetic effects.
Focus on soil health to enhance forage quality and phytonutrient content.
Implement adaptive stewardship principles to create long-term benefits for livestock and ecosystems.
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
🎙️ Episode Title: From the Sea to Your Soil: The Power of Fish Fertilizer
In this episode of Insights from the Pasture, Becky Szarzynski of Ember Cattle Company sits down with Ann from Neptune’s Harvest to uncover the science, sustainability, and practical applications of hydrolyzed fish fertilizer.
Ann explains how Neptune’s Harvest turns seafood byproducts into a regenerative agriculture powerhouse through their cold-process method that preserves essential nutrients like macronutrients, micronutrients, and enzymes. Becky, a Virginian native with over 15 years of experience in managed intensive grazing, brings her expertise to the discussion, exploring how this innovative solution benefits soil health, increases pasture productivity, and supports sustainable farming practices.
Ann also shares the remarkable story behind Neptune’s Harvest, from her grandfather’s fishing business in Gloucester to becoming a nationwide leader in organic fertilizers.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
The Science Behind Hydrolyzed Fish Fertilizer: Learn how it differs from traditional emulsions and why it’s more beneficial for soil health.
Benefits for Soil Health: Discover how fish fertilizer boosts nutrient density, improves water retention, and supports long-term soil vitality.
A Family Legacy of Sustainability: Dive into the inspiring story of how a family fishing business evolved into an innovative agricultural solution.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Mix fish fertilizer with at least 10 gallons of water per gallon for proper application.
Flush sprayers with clear water immediately after use to prevent clogging.
Apply fish fertilizer monthly for best results, increasing frequency for poor soil.
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
🎙️ Show Notes: From Farm to Freedom – Legal Support for Small Producers
In this episode of Insights from the Pasture, Becky sits down with Alexia from the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund to discuss the critical role this nonprofit plays in protecting independent farmers, ranchers, and food producers. Alexia breaks down the challenges small farmers face under regulations designed for large-scale industrial food systems and shares how the organization provides legal support, advocacy, and educational resources to those working to build a more localized and resilient food system.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
The Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund’s Mission – A membership-based nonprofit providing legal resources to small-scale farmers and food producers.
The History of Food Safety Regulations – How Upton Sinclair’s work led to laws that now disproportionately burden independent producers.
Regulatory Challenges for Small Farms – How policies favor large corporations and what can be done to level the playing field.
Consumer Safety & Small Producers – Why direct relationships between farmers and customers make local food safer and more transparent.
Current Legal Cases & Policy Changes – Updates on major cases and legislation that could impact local food systems.
How Consumers Can Help – Practical steps non-farmers can take to support independent producers and advocate for fair food policies.
📌 Actionable Insights: ✅ Support local farms by purchasing directly from them. ✅ Join the Farm to Consumer Legal Defense Fund for access to legal resources and updates. ✅ Visit farmtoconsumer.org for state-specific legal information and food regulations. ✅ Take advantage of their membership drive from February 1- March 15, 2025, featuring special incentives for new members.
🔗 Resources & Links: For more information and legal resources, visit farmtoconsumer.org.
📢 Don’t forget! If you found value in this episode, subscribe to Insights from the Pasture and share it with fellow farmers and food advocates. Your support helps us keep these vital conversations going!
👉 Tune in now and discover how you can be part of the movement to protect small farms and food freedom!
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
🎙️ Episode Title: Multi-Species Grazing and Fencing By Russ Wilson
In this episode, Russ Wilson shares four decades of experience managing a 220-acre adaptive grazing system. He breaks down the best practices for multispecies grazing, detailing techniques like follow-the-leader grazing, paddock management, and livestock bonding to optimize land use and soil health.
Russ also dives deep into fencing essentials, covering wire spacing, high-tensile wire specs, and energizer settings for cattle, sheep, and goats. With no deworming since 2012 for cattle and 2020 for sheep, his approach to parasite management is a game-changer for graziers looking to improve livestock health naturally.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
1️⃣ Follow-the-Leader Grazing: Rotating finishers, cow-calf pairs, and sheep/goats through paddocks for parasite control and optimal nutrition. 2️⃣ Paddock Management: The role of soil improvement, rest periods, and manure distribution in regenerative grazing. 3️⃣ Fencing Specifications: Six and seven-wire high-tensile fencing, 12-inch spacing, and 36-joule energizer settings for secure containment. 4️⃣ Temporary Fencing Systems: Why quality poly braid wire and mini reel systems make grazing more efficient. 5️⃣ Livestock Bonding: Training cattle to bond with sheep and goats over 60 days for effective multispecies integration.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
✅ Implement lower stock density grazing for healthier pastures. ✅ Monitor 24-hour growth rates to adjust grazing schedules. ✅ Use 180,000 PSI 12.5 gauge high-tensile wire for long-lasting fencing. ✅ Invest in quality temporary fencing supplies to streamline rotations.
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
🎙️ Regenerative Wisdom: How Regenerative Grazing Boosts the Environment & Ranch Economics
In this episode of Regenerative Wisdom, we dive into the inspiring story of Betsy and Roger Indreland of Indreland Ranch in Big Timber, Montana. With 46 years of experience raising Black Angus cattle, the Indrelands have continually refined their regenerative grazing practices to improve soil health, sequester carbon, and maximize profitability.
They are part of the Northern Great Plains Regenerative Grazing Project, which rewards ranchers for carbon sequestration through improved grazing management. Working alongside Western Sustainability Exchange (WSE)and Native, they’ve built a system that benefits both the land and their bottom line.
🔑 Key Takeaways from This Episode:
How regenerative grazing increases soil organic matter, pasture productivity, and carbon sequestration.
The financial impact: Reducing land needed per animal from 21 acres to 14 acres over a decade.
How the carbon credit market is supporting sustainable ranching.
The role of holistic cattle genetics in adapting to regenerative practices.
Why apprenticeship programs are key to training the next generation of land stewards.
🌱 Resources & Links: 📖 This episode is based on an article from The Stockman Grassfarmer magazine, written by Becky Gillette. 🔗 Learn more about Indreland Ranch: www.indrelandranch.com 🔗 Discover the Western Sustainability Exchange: www.westernsustainabilityexchange.org 🔗 To learn more about The Stockman Grassfarmer and access exclusive resources, visit: www.stockmangrassfarmer.digital/profile
👉 Enjoyed this episode? Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with fellow graziers who are passionate about regenerative agriculture!
12 Mar 2025
The Curious Farmer: Matt Walter’s Path to Regenerative Success
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🎙️ Episode Title: The Curious Farmer—Matt Walter’s Journey in Regenerative Farming
In this episode of Regenerative Wisdom, Carolyn Nation, one of the managing editors of The Stockman Grassfarmer magazine, sits down with Matt Walter, an SGF author and seasoned farmer from Darlington, Wisconsin. Matt shares insights from his family’s multi-generational farming journey, his hands-on approach to raising pigs and layer chickens, and the valuable lessons he’s learned in direct marketing and farm management.
From his early blogging days as “The Curious Farmer” to his latest cattle crossbreeding experiments, Matt’s story is one of adaptability, innovation, and a deep commitment to sustainable agriculture.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
1️⃣ Farm & Family History – How Matt’s family transitioned from LaSalle County, Illinois, to Wisconsin, seeking better opportunities in cattle country.
2️⃣ Diverse Farm Operations – Managing 630 acres, raising pigs and chickens, and involving his 5-year-old son in the daily work.
3️⃣ Marketing & Business Strategy – From commodity production to direct marketing, including email strategies and selling at the Dane County Farmers Market.
4️⃣ Cattle Crossbreeding Experiment – Exploring Red Angus, Black Angus, and South Pole genetics, analyzing birth weights and EPDs.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
✔️ Develop a direct marketing strategy that fits your farm’s scale and goals. ✔️ Experiment with livestock genetics to find the best breed combinations. ✔️ Balance family life with farm operations by safely involving the next generation.
This episode is inspired by the numerous articles by Matt Walter published in The Stockman Grassfarmer. The most recent at the time of publishing this episode was in the March 2025 issue.
Get instant access to 100+ hours of expert-led grazing courses with SGF TV—all for our lowest monthly price ever! New titles added, price stays the same, cancel anytime.
🎙️ Episode Title: The Business of Grazing: Education for Profitability
In this episode of Insights from the Pasture, brought to you by The Stockman Grassfarmer, Travis from the Noble Research Institute shares his expertise in agricultural education and introduces their new course, Business of Grazing.
Travis discusses the importance of shifting from consultation to hands-on education, highlighting how goal setting, documentation, and peer learning play a crucial role in improving farm profitability. He explains why understanding the difference between hobby farming and business-oriented agriculture is essential for long-term success.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
1️⃣ Education Over Consultation – Why Noble Research Institute focuses on teaching rather than just advising. 2️⃣ The ‘Aha Moment’ – How Travis realized that traditional consultation methods weren’t working. 3️⃣ The Business of Grazing Course – Helping producers understand profitability, soil health, and animal health in regenerative systems. 4️⃣ The Power of Documentation – How setting clear, written goals and tracking progress leads to better business outcomes. 5️⃣ Future of Agricultural Education – How Noble Research Institute is making resources and courses more accessible to producers.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
✅ Establish clear, written goals for your farm’s business model. ✅ Use grazing plans to document decisions and monitor progress. ✅ Apply SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) for better farm management. ✅ Explore Noble’s educational resources to improve efficiency and profitability.
🎙️ Episode Title: Is There Enough Acreage to Finish All of America’s Cattle on Pasture?
This episode of Regenerative Wisdom, brought to you by The Stockman Grassfarmer, challenges a long-held belief in the cattle industry—do we really lack the land to finish all our beef on pasture? Jim Gerrish takes a deep dive into land use, debunking the myth that feedlots are a necessity. By analyzing cropland, Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land, and high-elevation irrigated pastures, he lays out a compelling case for a fully pasture-finished beef industry.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
The Land Myth – Why the belief that America lacks pasture for finishing cattle is misleading.
Repurposing Cropland – How shifting 15.5 million acres of former feed crop land to pasture could finish 25 million head of cattle.
CRP Land Potential – The untapped productivity of 22.7 million acres of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land for grass-finishing.
High-Elevation Irrigated Pastures – Why the Intermountain West provides an ideal environment for finishing cattle efficiently.
The Path Forward – What it would take to transition the industry toward a grass-fed future.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
✅ Reevaluate land use—many acres are underutilized and could be converted to productive pasture. ✅ Consider CRP land—proper management could significantly boost finishing capacity. ✅ Explore high-elevation finishing—cooler climates and better forage quality improve weight gain.
In this episode of Regenerative Wisdom, brought to you by The Stockman Grass Farmer Podcast, Greg Judy shares practical, field-tested strategies for protecting your farm from rising costs. With inflation driving up input prices, Greg explains how regenerative grazing can minimize expenses, eliminate the need for commercial fertilizers, and improve your farm’s long-term profitability.
🔑 Key Takeaways: ✔️ Why regenerative grazing is the ultimate inflation-proof strategy ✔️ How to eliminate dependence on commercial fertilizers and save thousands ✔️ The power of legumes and proper grazing management for natural soil fertility ✔️ The impact of rotational grazing on pasture health and livestock performance ✔️ Why continuous grazing is a costly mistake—and how to fix it today
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Start integrating legumes like clover to naturally fix nitrogen in your soil.
Implement a rotational grazing system to improve pasture productivity.
Train your livestock to electric fencing for better grazing control.
Reduce reliance on external inputs and maximize your farm’s solar energy collection.
Educate yourself—attend a grazing school or learn from experienced graziers.
🎧 Listen & Subscribe: Search The Stockman Grass Farmer Podcast on your favorite podcatcher or follow the link in our bio. Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
📢 Enjoyed this episode? Leave us a review and share it with your fellow graziers—let’s spread the word about profitable, sustainable farming! 🚜🌱
09 Apr 2025
Better Grazing With the Three Rules of Adaptive Stewardship by Dr. Allen Williams
Better Grazing With the Three Rules of Adaptive Stewardship
by Dr. Allen Williams
In this episode, Dr. Allen Williams shares a powerful framework for improving land health, livestock performance, and long-term profitability: the Three Rules of Adaptive Stewardship. Drawing on years of experience and observation, Allen outlines how compounding effects, ecological diversity, and planned disruptions work together to create regenerative momentum on your farm.
Dr. Williams explains how each decision influences cascading biological outcomes, why diversity is critical at every level of your ecosystem, and how rigid systems sabotage your ability to respond to nature’s feedback.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
The Rule of Compounding: How every management decision triggers either positive or negative cascading effects—and how observation sharpens intuition.
The Rule of Diversity: Why diverse ecosystems outperform monocultures in plant health, animal wellness, and soil vitality.
The Rule of Disruption: How to use planned disruptions—like changing stock density, paddock layout, or grazing rotation—to prevent biological stagnation.
11 Practical Disruption Strategies: Real-world tools for unlocking soil memory, activating microbial populations, and restoring resilience.
The Role of Keen Observation: How to read animal behavior, soil structure, insect life, and plant response to guide better adaptive decisions.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Develop your observation skills—use all five senses to evaluate grazing outcomes.
Rotate stock density, direction, or rest periods to avoid predictable patterns.
Encourage plant and soil diversity by allowing “weeds” and forbs to thrive.
Experiment with bale grazing or prescribed burns as purposeful disruptions.
Remember: Adaptive grazing is a mindset—not a rigid system or recipe.
👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to Regenerative Wisdom from the Stockman Grassfarmer and discover how small changes can create big results for your grazing operation.
In this episode, grazing consultant and experienced farmer Greg Brann breaks down two of the most essential elements of a successful grazing system: water access and fence infrastructure. With over 700 acres of managed pasture and decades of NRCS and consulting experience, Greg shares practical strategies for improving animal performance through better planning and design.
This episode highlights the power of proper water distribution and fencing as tools for both productivity and ecological stewardship—offering direct, real-world insights that graziers can put to use immediately.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
Water as the Limiting Factor: Why clean, accessible water is one of the greatest performance enhancers in your system.
Strategic Water Point Placement: Tips for using maps, elevation, and cross fencing to reduce trailing and increase animal distribution.
Smart Fence Design: How to structure permanent and temporary fencing for ease of rotation and multi-species setups.
Charger & Grounding Essentials: Avoid common mistakes and learn how to test and tune your electric fence for reliability.
Stream Protection & Livestock Access: When and how to provide alternative water sources without harming sensitive water systems.
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Use aerial maps to identify ideal water point locations and minimize livestock trailing.
Invest in a high-quality charger with remote capability—especially if you manage 50+ acres.
Install fences that match your management goals (e.g., single wire for trained cattle, multi-wire for mixed species).
Rotate and clean troughs frequently—livestock perform better when water is fresh.
Incorporate vegetative buffers and limit stream access to protect water quality and reduce erosion.
🎙️ Episode Title: Silvopasture Strategies with Greg Brann
In this episode, Greg Brann shares how he integrates trees into his pasture-based livestock operation in Adolphus, Kentucky. The episode explores the practice of silvopasture—a regenerative approach that blends trees, forage, and livestock to enhance productivity and ecological balance.
Greg outlines the benefits of silvopasture, including increased forage through browse, timber value, improved livestock comfort, and better manure distribution. He emphasizes the need for intentional design, proper shade management, and species selection to make silvopasture work long-term.
Through practical examples, Greg breaks down the steps to get started and the tools needed to protect young trees, manage multi-species herds, and maintain healthy forage growth under partial canopy.
🔑 Key Points Covered:
What is Silvopasture?
Purposeful integration of trees and grazing
Ideal shade: 20–35%, or 4–11 mature trees per acre
Benefits of Silvopasture:
Extra forage (1,000–2,000 lbs/acre) from browse
Shade and comfort for animals
Improved soil health and grazing uniformity
Long-term timber value
How to Implement:
Thin existing woodlots or plant new trees (fence-line rows preferred)
Maintain at least 50% light penetration for forage
Protect trees until they reach 15 feet tall
Animal Considerations:
Multi-species options (sheep, goats, cattle)
Sheep cause the least tree damage
Livestock may be managed together or in rotation
🌱 Actionable Insights:
Start with a Clear Plan:
Define silvopasture goals and choose tree/forage species accordingly
Protect Your Investment:
Use tree tubes, offset fencing, or electric barriers to protect young trees
Manage the System:
Prune trees before limbs hit 2-inch diameter
Rotate animals frequently to avoid compaction
Choose Smart Forage:
Opt for shade-tolerant species like orchardgrass, fescue, eastern gamagrass, and Virginia wild rye
👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover how silvopasture can increase your farm’s resilience, productivity, and profitability—starting with the trees around you.
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