The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast

In this episode of Regenerative Wisdom , Steve Kenyon challenges an idea he was taught years ago in college—that it takes 100 years to grow an inch of topsoil. After more than 25 years of working with livestock, plants, and soil health, Steve has come to a very different conclusion: with the right management, we can grow soil much faster. In “Growing Soil,” Steve takes us below the surface to explain how carbon sequestration, living roots, soil biology, and grazing management work together to build soil. He also shares results from his own Alberta ranch that demonstrate just how dramatically soil can change under advanced grazing management. At the heart of Steve's approach is a simple shift in thinking: instead of focusing only on growing plants from the soil, what if we focused on growing soil from the plants? 🔑 Key Points Covered Why Steve challenges the idea that it takes 100 years to grow an inch of topsoil. The difference between leaving plant residue on the surface and building soil through living plants and roots. Why carbon sequestration is central to Steve's approach to growing soil. The three processes Steve identifies as essential: photosynthesis, exudation, and biological conversion . How plants capture carbon from the atmosphere and convert it into glucose. Why root exudates are important for feeding soil biology. How the relationship between plants and soil organisms helps cycle nutrients and build stable soil carbon. Why increasing soil carbon can improve water-holding capacity, fertility, and soil structure. The role of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and glomalin in Steve's explanation of long-term soil carbon. How plant roots and soil biology help turn sand, silt, and clay into functioning soil. Why capturing more sunlight with a full canopy of living plants can increase carbon sequestration. The importance of keeping living roots in the soil for as many days of the year as possible. Why Steve believes graziers should strive to keep pastures in a growing, vegetative stage. How improving the water cycle becomes especially important in dry environments. The results Steve has observed after years of advanced grazing management on his Alberta ranch. How his Five G.R.A.S.S. Concepts provide the management framework behind those changes. Why regenerative agriculture should be viewed as a whole system rather than a recipe. 🌱 Three Steps to Growing Soil Steve breaks carbon sequestration into three basic processes: 1. Photosynthesis Plants capture carbon from the atmosphere and use sunlight to turn it into glucose. 2. Exudation Plants send a portion of those sugars through their roots and into the soil, providing food for soil biology. 3. Biological Conversion Soil organisms use those root exudates, with some ultimately contributing to longer-term stable soil carbon. For the grazier, Steve says the job is to manage the tops of the plants so the roots can continue doing their work underground. ☀️ Capture More Sunlight for More Days If the goal is to grow soil faster, Steve says producers need to sequester more carbon each day—and do it for more days of the year. That means maximizing the amount of sunlight captured by green, growing plants rather than allowing it to hit bare soil or be reflected away. It also means extending the growing season whenever possible. Can you maintain living roots in early spring? Late fall? Can your pasture remain vegetative longer? Can you capture sunlight and feed soil biology for 200 days? Or even 300? Steve's goal is to keep living roots working and feeding the underground system for as much of the year as the environment allows. 📊 The Proof Is in the Puddin' Steve shares two examples from his Alberta ranch to demonstrate what he says can happen under advanced grazing management. In a research project with the University of Alberta , two pastures with similar histories, topography, and soil types were compared. Steve's pasture had been under regenerative grazing management for 15 years, while the other had been continuously grazed. Steve reports that his pasture averaged 11% soil organic carbon , compared with 5.2% in the continuously grazed pasture. His side also had a distinct dark soil horizon averaging 10.8 inches deep . A second pasture demonstration compared soil samples taken in 2006 and 2023. Steve reports that soil organic matter increased from 2.6% to 7.1% over those 17 years, along with the development of approximately 6 to 12 inches of dark topsoil . For Steve, these results demonstrate that management can dramatically influence the rate at which soil develops. 🌾 The Five G.R.A.S.S. Concepts Steve credits much of the change on his ranch to managing a perennial polyculture using his Five G.R.A.S.S. Concepts: Graze Period — Manage how long livestock remain in a grazing area. Rest Period — Give plants adequate time to recover before being grazed again. Animal Impact — Use livestock as a tool to influence plants and the soil surface. Stock Density — Manage the concentration of animals at a given point in time. Soil Armor — Keep the soil protected with living plants and plant residue. Together, these concepts help Steve manage the plants above ground while encouraging roots and soil biology to do their work below ground. 👨‍🌾 About Steve Kenyon Steve Kenyon ranches in Busby, Alberta, Canada, where he has spent decades developing and teaching practical grazing strategies through Greener Pastures Ranching . His book, The Calendar of the Year-Round Grazier , is available through the Stockman Grass Farmer Bookshelf . 📅 Learn From Steve Kenyon In Person Want to take these principles beyond the podcast? Steve will be teaching the Year-Round Grazing School in Omaha, Nebraska, November 6–7, 2026 . Join Steve for two full days of practical, field-tested, profit-focused grazing education designed to help you improve your grazing management and build a stronger operation. Seats are limited , so early registration is encouraged. Learn more and reserve your seat at stockmangrassfarmer.com . 🎧 Listen, Learn & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Regenerative Wisdom for more practical lessons and timeless insights from the farmers, ranchers, and grazing experts featured in Stockman Grass Farmer . 📌 Be sure to check out our monthly magazine, live events, books, online schools, and the latest specials for even more resources to help you build healthier soil and a more profitable grazing operation.

In this episode of Regenerative Wisdom , Steve Kenyon challenges one of agriculture's most familiar concepts: the weed. Steve doesn't believe there is such a thing as a weed. Instead, he prefers the term “pioneer species” —tough, aggressive plants that often appear because conditions favor them. Rather than simply being a problem to eliminate, these plants can protect bare ground, reduce erosion, cycle nutrients, build organic matter, improve water infiltration, and help damaged soil begin to heal. The real question, Steve argues, isn't “How do I kill the weeds?” It's “Why are these plants here in the first place?” Using Canada thistle as an example, Steve explains how undesirable plants can reveal weaknesses in a grazing system and how management can shift conditions back in favor of more desirable forage species. At the heart of his approach are his Five G.R.A.S.S. Concepts —a practical framework for managing healthy, competitive pastures without constantly fighting nature. 🔑 Key Points Covered Why Steve prefers the term “pioneer species” instead of weeds. How pioneer species act like a scab , protecting and helping heal disturbed soil. Why simply spraying or tilling weeds may address the symptom rather than the underlying problem. How deep-rooted plants can access moisture and nutrients unavailable to shallower-rooted species. The role pioneer species can play in reducing erosion, building soil armor, and attracting beneficial insects. What Canada thistle can tell you about conditions in your pasture. Why selective grazing can give undesirable plants a competitive advantage. How healthy desirable species can eventually outcompete pioneer species when conditions improve. Why managing the roots of forage plants is just as important as managing what you see above ground. How grazing management can encourage a new generation of healthy forage plants. Why patience is essential when trying to change pasture composition. 🌱 Steve Kenyon's Five G.R.A.S.S. Concepts Graze Period: Keep the grazing period short enough to prevent animals from taking a second bite from recovering plants. Steve emphasizes that overgrazing is about time , not simply animal numbers or acreage. Rest Period: Give plants enough recovery time to rebuild leaves and replenish energy reserves in their roots. Strong roots help desirable plants compete. Animal Impact: Hoof action can stimulate the soil surface and encourage new seedlings, helping rejuvenate aging forage stands. Stock Density: Higher stock densities can reduce selective grazing by increasing utilization across the paddock. Instead of repeatedly grazing only the most desirable plants, livestock graze, trample, or impact more of the available vegetation. Soil Armor: Maintaining a protective layer of plant material over the soil helps reduce evaporation and runoff, regulate soil temperature, and create better conditions for soil life and desirable forage plants. 🌾 Manage the Conditions, Not Just the Symptom Steve's central message is that weeds—or pioneer species—are often symptoms of the conditions within the grazing system . If desirable plants are repeatedly grazed before they have recovered, while undesirable plants are left untouched, management is effectively giving those undesirable plants an advantage. Instead of continually attacking them, Steve recommends changing the conditions. Strengthen desirable plants. Protect the soil. Manage grazing periods and recovery. Increase stock density where appropriate. And give the system time to respond. As Steve points out, this isn't necessarily a quick fix. Changing pasture composition can take several years, and different growing seasons may favor different species. The goal isn't necessarily to eliminate every undesirable plant, but to maintain a diverse, healthy forage stand where those plants don't dominate. 👨‍🌾 About Steve Kenyon Steve Kenyon ranches in Busby, Alberta, Canada, and operates Greener Pastures Ranching . He has been writing for Stockman Grass Farmer since 2008, when he sent his first article—also about weeds—to longtime SGF editor Allan Nation. Steve's book, The Calendar of the Year-Round Grazier , is available through the Stockman Grass Farmer Bookshelf . 📅 Learn From Steve Kenyon In Person Steve will also be teaching a two-day Year-Round Grazing School on November 6–7, 2026, in Omaha, Nebraska . The school will feature two full days of practical, field-tested, profit-focused grazing education designed to help producers improve their grazing management for years to come. Seats are limited , so early registration is encouraged. Learn more about Steve's upcoming school, his book, and other grazing resources at stockmangrassfarmer.com . 🎧 Listen, Learn & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Regenerative Wisdom for more practical lessons and timeless insights from the farmers, ranchers, and grazing experts featured in Stockman Grass Farmer . Be sure to check out our monthly magazine, live events, books, and the latest specials for even more resources to help you build a healthier, more profitable grazing operation.

In this episode of Regenerative Wisdom , we travel to Fitzgerald, Georgia, where cattle breeder and soil cowboy Dan Glenn shares how matching forage resources with the nutritional needs of cattle can create a more profitable and efficient grazing system. Dan explains why understanding your operation's forage resources throughout the year is essential for making decisions about when to calve, when to wean, and when to market cattle . Rather than forcing the cattle program to fit a calendar, he builds his grazing system around the forage resources his farm can produce. His experience with earlier weaning provides a practical example. By moving calves off their dams at seven to eight months and onto stockpiled summer annuals, Dan was able to improve calf performance, increase cow condition, delay hay feeding, and get winter annuals established on time. The result was a forage chain that kept cattle growing through periods that had previously been challenging. 🔑 Key Points Covered Why successful grazing operations should rely on the cow to harvest her own high-quality forage. How understanding yearly forage surpluses and deficits can guide profitable management decisions. Matching the calving season to the period of highest forage quality. Why Dan calves in February and March in South Georgia. The challenges of managing cattle alongside a row-crop operation during peanut harvest. Why Dan moved from late weaning to weaning calves at seven to eight months. Using stockpiled sorghum-Sudan, sunn hemp, cowpea, pearl millet, and crabgrass for post-weaning nutrition. How early weaning improved both calf performance and cow body condition. Using dry cows to take advantage of stockpiled Bermudagrass. Delaying hay feeding by making better use of stockpiled forage. Transitioning calves from summer annuals into winter annuals. The role of spring oats, hybrid turnip, cereal rye, spring pea, crimson clover, hairy vetch, ryegrass, oats, and triticale in Dan's forage chain. Matching cattle genetics to the challenging South Georgia climate. The advantages of heat-adapted composites such as Senepol × Angus and Beefmaster × Angus . How changing the calving season helped Dan reduce losses from black vulture predation. How earlier pregnancy checking and culling fit into the overall system. The economic value of adding an estimated 30–60 pounds of weaning weight through better forage utilization. Why every grazing operation needs to identify its own weak links and build a forage program around its unique resources. 🌱 The Forage Chain Dan's system demonstrates an important grazing principle: the goal isn't simply to grow more forage, but to connect the forage you grow with the nutritional needs of your livestock at the right time. On his South Georgia operation, winter annuals provide a major portion of the grazing program from January through May. As forage quality declines later in the year, Dan uses stockpiled summer annuals to keep calves gaining while allowing dry cows to utilize lower-quality stockpiled Bermudagrass. That timing allows the farm to make better use of its resources while reducing reliance on purchased feed and hay. 📈 Turning Forage Into Profit Dan estimates that using stockpiled summer annuals and transitioning calves sooner to winter annuals likely added 30–60 pounds of weaning weight . While producing stockpiled annuals comes with an expense, the additional forage keeps calves growing during one of the year's poorest grazing periods and fits with Dan's value-added grass-fed beef program. The larger lesson is that profitability comes from understanding where the weak links are in your forage chain and finding ways to keep both cows and calves grazing and growing . 👨‍🌾 About Dan Glenn Dan Glenn is a cattle breeder and soil cowboy from southern Georgia. He raises environmentally adapted cattle in a low-input system. Learn more about Dan and his farm at deepgrassgraziers.com . 🎧 Listen, Learn & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode of Regenerative Wisdom , subscribe so you don't miss future conversations and timeless lessons from the farmers, ranchers, and grazing experts featured by Stockman Grass Farmer . 📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to check out our monthly magazine, books, live events, and online courses here: www.stockmangrassfarmer.com

Chapter 1: How Do Grazing Cultural Biases Hold You Back from Success? By Allan Nation For decades, Allan Nation's "Al's Obs" challenged graziers to question conventional wisdom and think differently about agriculture. In this opening chapter from Al's Obs: 20 Questions & Their Answers , Allan argues that many of the decisions producers make aren't truly economic—they're cultural. The most successful graziers learn to recognize these biases, question them, and build businesses around economic reality instead of tradition. From the value of quality pasture and grass silage to grass-finished beef, agroforestry, regional specialization, and niche marketing, Allan explores ten opportunities that reward independent thinking. While originally written years ago, these ideas remain remarkably relevant for today's regenerative farmers and ranchers seeking greater profitability and resilience. 🔑 Key Points Covered Why cultural biases often influence farm decisions more than economics. How independent thinking creates an "unfair advantage." The overlooked value of investing in high-quality pasture. Why energy—not simply forage quantity—is the key to livestock performance. Building productive pastures through legumes, fertility, and grazing management. The economic advantages of grass silage over traditional hay systems. Using regional specialization to improve livestock profitability. Matching genetics to grass-finished production systems. Opportunities in organic and niche grass-fed markets. How pasture-crop rotations build soil health and increase long-term productivity. Reintegrating grazing with timber production through agroforestry. Why sheep and goats can become valuable management tools. Looking beyond conventional thinking to discover new grazing opportunities. 📚 Featured Resource This episode is taken from Al's Obs: 20 Questions & Their Answers , a collection of Allan Nation's most influential columns from Stockman Grass Farmer . Spanning articles originally published between 1997 and 2012, this timeless collection explores grazing management, regenerative agriculture, business strategy, economics, and the philosophy behind successful grass farming. Allan's unique ability to connect ideas from agriculture, business, and history continues to inspire producers to think beyond conventional practices. 📖 Learn more or purchase the book using the by clicking here. 🌱 About Regenerative Wisdom Regenerative Wisdom brings the timeless writings and teachings of agriculture's leading voices to a new generation of graziers. Through classic articles, books, and presentations from the Stockman Grass Farmer library, each episode delivers practical ideas that remain as valuable today as when they were first shared. 🎧 Listen, Learn & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast for more timeless lessons from Allan Nation and other pioneers of regenerative grazing. 📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to check out our monthly magazine, books, live events, and online courses here

In this episode of Insights from the Pasture , Carolyn Nation sits down with longtime Stockman Grass Farmer columnist Jim Gerrish to discuss what it truly means to be a grass farmer in today's agricultural landscape. Drawing on more than 40 years of research, ranching, consulting, and practical experience, Jim shares timeless lessons on restoring worn-out land, building profitable grazing systems, managing weeds without herbicides, and working with nature instead of against it. Whether you're just getting started or have decades of experience, Jim explains why understanding the relationship between soil, plants, animals, and time remains the foundation of profitable grazing. Jim also shares insights from his upcoming educational workshops and discusses why today's producers have more tools than ever—from grazing management principles to digital mapping technologies—to make better decisions on the land. 🔑 Key Topics Covered Jim Gerrish's journey from a small Illinois crop farm to becoming one of the world's leading grazing educators. Practical steps for restoring degraded cropland into productive pasture. Why soil health begins with proper fertility, legumes, and biological recovery. How livestock can become your most effective weed management tool. The differences—and surprising similarities—between grazing in Missouri and irrigated ranching in Idaho. Why patience is one of the most valuable grazing management skills. The plant-soil-animal relationship that drives every successful grazing system. The importance of observing livestock behavior directly in the pasture. Modern digital tools every grazier should know, including: Google Earth Web Soil Survey AgriWebb MaiaGrazing ONX Maps Smartphone mapping apps Using forage inventories and grazing data to avoid costly stocking mistakes. Why economic decision-making is just as important as grazing management. 📚 Featured Resource Jim's newest book, Grassroots of Grazing: Grazing Management, Land Improvement and Profitability brings together 85 of his most valuable Stockman Grass Farmer columns , carefully selected from nearly three decades of writing for today's grass farmers. Inside you'll learn about: Growing the next generation of graziers Improving soil health and land productivity Assessing profitability using Animal Unit Days Enterprise and pasture diversity Birthing livestock in sync with nature Drought planning Estimating pasture inventory Practical grazing strategies that improve both profitability and quality of life Whether you raise cattle, sheep, goats, or poultry, this collection provides practical, field-tested advice that can be applied to nearly every grazing operation. 📖 Order your copy here: https://www.stockmangrassfarmer.digital/gog-book 🌱 About Grassroots of Grazing For nearly three decades, Jim Gerrish has authored the Grassroots of Grazing column in Stockman Grass Farmer , sharing practical, research-backed insights that continue to help producers improve their land, livestock, and profitability. 🎧 Listen, Learn & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Insights from the Pasture for conversations with leading voices in regenerative grazing, livestock production, and profitable grass farming. For more educational resources, courses, books, and podcast episodes, visit: https://www.stockmangrassfarmer.digital/profile

In this episode, Jim Gerrish challenges one of the most common assumptions in the cattle business—that feed is always your largest expense. While winter feed has traditionally topped the budget for most cow-calf operations, Jim explains why that may soon change. As the cattle cycle shifts, depreciation—not feed—could become the biggest financial threat facing producers over the next several years. Drawing from decades of research, industry data, and real-world ranch consulting, Jim reveals the financial metrics that actually separate profitable operations from struggling ones. He explains why producers often focus on improving weaning weights while overlooking the costs that have a far greater impact on the bottom line. If you're serious about protecting profitability through changing markets, this episode will challenge the way you evaluate your operation. 🔑 Key Points Covered Why cow depreciation could become the largest cost in your operation over the next 1–3 years. How the cattle cycle impacts profitability beyond cattle prices. The surprising research showing feed costs account for over half of the variation in ranch profitability. Why equipment and facility depreciation often hurts profits more than producers realize. What the Standardized Performance Analysis (SPA) data reveals about successful cow-calf operations. Why chasing heavier weaning weights rarely delivers the financial returns producers expect. The hidden costs of producing and feeding hay that many ranchers never calculate. Why herd size alone has very little influence on profitability. How changing your business model often matters more than increasing production. Why understanding costs—not just production—is the key to long-term success. Whether you manage 50 cows or 5,000, this episode offers practical financial insights that can help you make better management decisions and prepare for the next phase of the cattle cycle. Jim's newest book, Grassroots of Grazing: Grazing Management, Land Improvement and Profitability brings together 85 of his most valuable Stockman Grass Farmer columns , carefully selected from nearly three decades of writing for today's grass farmers. Inside you'll learn about: Growing the next generation of graziers Improving soil health and land productivity Assessing profitability using Animal Unit Days Enterprise and pasture diversity Birthing livestock in sync with nature Drought planning Estimating pasture inventory Practical grazing strategies that improve both profitability and quality of life Whether you raise cattle, sheep, goats, or poultry, this collection provides practical, field-tested advice that can be applied to nearly every grazing operation. 📖 Order your copy here 🌱 About Grassroots of Grazing For nearly three decades, Jim Gerrish has authored the Grassroots of Grazing column in Stockman Grass Farmer , sharing practical, research-backed insights that continue to help producers improve their land, livestock, and profitability. 🎧 Listen, Learn & Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Insights from the Pasture for conversations with leading voices in regenerative grazing, livestock production, and profitable grass farming. For more educational resources, courses, books, and podcast episodes, visit us here

In this episode, Glenn Elzinga of Alderspring Ranch shares the remarkable journey from starting with just seven cows and 60 acres in rural Idaho to building one of the nation's most recognized direct-marketed grass-fed beef businesses. Along the way, Glenn discusses how a defining moment involving a Kansas feedlot changed the direction of his operation and led him toward regenerative grazing, direct marketing, and a relationship-centered business model. The conversation explores adaptive grazing in some of the most rugged and predator-rich country in the American West, including how wolves unexpectedly became teachers that transformed both grazing management and ecosystem health. Glenn also shares lessons on family succession, customer loyalty, stockmanship, and building resilience beyond commodity markets. 🔑 Key Points Covered: A Defining Feedlot Moment : A conversation with his young daughter after seeing cattle standing in feedlot conditions sparked a complete reevaluation of how livestock should be raised and marketed. Building a Direct-to-Consumer Business : Glenn explains how a conversation with Joel Salatin encouraged him to pursue direct marketing, eventually growing a customer base of more than 14,000 loyal buyers despite living in one of the most remote regions of Idaho. The Power of Relationship Marketing : Eliminating middlemen and focusing on direct customer relationships created resilience and profitability that commodity markets often cannot provide. From Caretakers to Caregivers : Glenn discusses a shift in mindset from simply managing livestock to truly caring for animals and designing systems that respect their natural behaviors. Wolves as Unlikely Teachers : Predator pressure forced the ranch to rethink grazing management, leading to tighter herd movement, improved stockmanship, healthier ecosystems, and dramatically reduced losses. Adaptive Grazing in Brittle Environments : Glenn shares how cattle may graze a paddock for only a few minutes before receiving multi-year rest periods, allowing plant communities and soil health to recover and thrive. Rest Periods Matter More Than Density : In extremely brittle environments, long recovery periods become the key to restoring grasslands, improving biodiversity, and building resilient ecosystems. Restoring Riparian Areas Through Herd Management : By changing grazing behavior and reducing cattle pressure on sensitive areas, streams, water quality, fish habitat, and riparian ecosystems have improved dramatically. Family Succession and Creating Opportunity : Glenn explains how involving his seven daughters in meaningful ranch work helped create a future where multiple generations remain actively connected to the ranch. Stacking Enterprises Through Diversity : The ranch combines livestock enterprises, ecosystem services, wildlife, and direct marketing to create multiple complementary income streams while improving ecological function. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Focus on building relationships—not only with customers, but also with livestock, soil biology, forage, and local communities. In brittle environments, prioritize longer recovery periods rather than simply increasing grazing density. View challenges and disruptions as opportunities to rethink outdated paradigms and discover better management systems. Create opportunities for the next generation by building diverse enterprises that allow multiple family members to participate in the business. Develop direct marketing channels that make you a price maker rather than a price taker. 📌 Memorable Quote: "The whole thing, in one word, is relationship." 📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to visit us here for our latest specials and exclusive offers: https://www.stockmangrassfarmer.com 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover how relationships—with customers, livestock, ecosystems, and family—can transform both profitability and resilience on the ranch.

In this episode, Russ Wilson shares why legumes have become one of the most valuable tools in his adaptive grazing system. Drawing from more than 40 years of grazing experience, Russ explains how species like clover, alfalfa, and birdsfoot trefoil improve profitability, reduce input costs, strengthen livestock performance, and build healthier soils. The discussion explores how legumes function as nature’s fertilizer factory through nitrogen fixation, how they enhance forage quality and animal performance, and why they are critical for building resilient grazing systems in an era of rising input costs and unpredictable weather. Russ also addresses common misconceptions about bloat, explains how proper grazing management minimizes risk, and shares practical strategies for establishing and maintaining productive legume stands. Throughout the episode, he emphasizes a simple principle: let biology do the heavy lifting. 🔑 Key Points Covered: Nature’s Nitrogen Factory : Legumes work with rhizobia bacteria to fix atmospheric nitrogen, supplying the equivalent of 100–250+ pounds of nitrogen per acre annually while reducing fertilizer dependence. Improved Livestock Performance : Legumes provide higher protein, energy, calcium, and magnesium levels than grasses alone, supporting greater weight gains, improved fertility, better milk production, and reduced supplementation costs. Managing Bloat Through Grazing Management : Bloat risks can be minimized through proper grazing practices, mineral availability, controlled intake, and the use of lower-risk species such as birdsfoot trefoil and sainfoin. Drought Resilience and Extended Grazing : Deep-rooted legumes like alfalfa and sainfoin maintain productivity during dry periods, helping extend grazing seasons and reduce reliance on expensive stored feeds. Building Soil Health Through Biology : Legumes contribute organic matter, improve soil aggregation, increase water infiltration, support microbial activity, and strengthen overall ecosystem resilience. Matching Legume Species to the Job : White clover, red clover, alfalfa, and birdsfoot trefoil each offer unique strengths, allowing producers to build diverse and resilient pasture systems. Low-Cost Establishment Strategies : Legumes can often be established through strategic grazing management and improved seed-to-soil contact without major pasture renovations. 🔑 Russ Wilson’s Top 5 Management Tips for Legumes: Manage Recovery, Not Height Focus on adequate rest periods that allow legumes to rebuild root reserves and maintain nitrogen-fixing nodules. Don’t Let Grasses Bully Them Use grazing or clipping to open the canopy and allow sunlight to reach emerging legumes. Keep the Rumen Happy Prevent bloat by avoiding turnout of hungry animals onto lush legume stands and ensuring consistent mineral access. Prioritize Inoculation and Seed-to-Soil Contact Proper inoculation and good seed placement are critical for successful nodulation and nitrogen fixation. Use Diversity to Spread Risk Different legume species excel under different conditions, creating a more resilient pasture system year-round. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Evaluate current pasture legume percentages and target 30–40% legume content where appropriate. Implement grazing strategies that allow adequate recovery periods for legumes to persist. Consider adding diverse legume species to improve forage quality, drought resilience, and nitrogen cycling. Review mineral programs and grazing practices to minimize bloat risk. Focus on building soil biology and reducing purchased inputs through strategic forage diversity. 📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to visit us here for our latest specials and exclusive offers. 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover how legumes can reduce input costs, improve livestock performance, and help build a more profitable grazing system from the soil up.

In this episode, Allan Nation breaks down custom grazing from the client’s perspective and explains why the future of profitable ranching may depend more on management and service than land ownership or cattle ownership. Drawing from decades of economic analysis and real-world ranch examples, Allan challenges many long-held assumptions in the cattle business. He explores why separating land and livestock into two distinct businesses can dramatically improve returns, why leasing often outperforms owning, and how graziers can position themselves as high-value service providers rather than commodity producers. The episode also dives deep into pricing cattle gain, building investor-ready operations, improving forage systems, and creating the kind of professionalism and trust that keeps custom grazing clients coming back year after year. 🔑 Key Points Covered: Why Service-Based Ranching Can Be More Profitable : Allan explains how selling grazing and management services can outperform traditional cattle ownership models and create higher ROI with lower capital risk. The Economics of Leasing vs. Owning Land : Learn why leased land often creates stronger financial flexibility, lower tax burdens, and better long-term returns than heavily financed deeded land. Value of Gain Pricing Explained : Allan breaks down how successful custom graziers price based on pounds of gain rather than cattle value alone, including performance bonuses tied to ADG and death loss. What Custom Grazing Clients Actually Want : From strong perimeter fencing and clean facilities to professional communication and regular weigh reports, Allan shares what builds long-term client confidence. Grass Finishing and Seasonal Gain Challenges : The episode explores seasonal forage quality, finishing targets, forage chains, and why certain annuals can dramatically improve summer and fall gains. Reducing Capital and Machinery Costs : Allan highlights why many of the most profitable operations focus on lowering hay dependence, reducing machinery investment, and improving stocking flexibility. How to Build an Investor-Ready Grazing Business : Learn how disciplined economics, clear contracts, and operational consistency can attract outside capital and create scalable opportunities. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Evaluate whether leasing land could improve your flexibility and return on investment compared to owning additional acreage. Build custom grazing agreements around value of gain, performance metrics, and transparent reporting systems. Focus on lowering machinery, hay, and labor costs rather than chasing maximum production numbers. Improve professionalism with better fencing, organized infrastructure, clean branding, and documented performance history. Develop forage chains and grazing systems that maintain strong gains throughout more of the year. 📌 Want more practical grazing and ranch profitability insights? Be sure to visit us here for our latest specials, courses, magazine subscriptions, and exclusive offers: The Stockman Grassfarmer 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover why understanding the client’s perspective may be one of the most profitable shifts a grazier can make.

In this episode, Greg Judy shares practical, field-tested lessons on building profitable and resilient multi-species grazing systems. This remastered session dives into the infrastructure, grazing strategies, drought planning, and diversified income streams that help producers improve pasture performance while reducing dependence on costly inputs. From fencing and portable paddocks to hunting leases and soil health, Greg explains how intentional management can dramatically improve both profitability and land resilience. 🔑 Key Points Covered: Fence is the Highest ROI Investment : Permanent perimeter fencing built with high-tensile steel creates control, improves grazing management, and prevents costly overgrazing. Portable Paddocks Increase Flexibility : Starting with portable polywire instead of permanent interior divisions allows producers to adapt quickly and improve rotations efficiently. Water Systems Matter—but Don’t Overbuild : Strategic water placement is important, but cattle can walk farther than many producers assume. Sunlight Harvesting Drives Profitability : Maintaining adequate leaf area and plant residuals maximizes solar energy capture and pasture productivity. High-Density Grazing Done Correctly Works : Frequent moves and controlled grazing can improve pasture recovery and animal performance when properly managed. Multi-Species Grazing Creates Synergy : Sheep, poultry, pigs, and cattle all bring unique advantages—from weed control and fertility cycling to diversified income streams. Hunting and Fishing as Revenue Streams : Recreational access such as hunting leases and fishing days can create additional income from existing land resources. Drought Requires Early Action : Greg emphasizes monitoring regrowth closely and reducing stocking rates early before overgrazing creates long-term damage. Soil Cover is Critical : Maintaining a “litter bank” protects soil moisture, reduces temperatures, improves infiltration, and keeps rainfall where it belongs. Infrastructure Should Simplify Labor : Lightweight reels, effective fencing systems, and thoughtful layouts dramatically reduce daily workload and stress. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Prioritize permanent perimeter fence before investing heavily in other infrastructure. Start with portable polywire systems to improve grazing flexibility and reduce upfront costs. Protect ponds and water sources from direct livestock access. Monitor forage regrowth regularly—especially during drought conditions. Maintain adequate plant residuals and soil cover to improve water retention and pasture recovery. Diversify enterprises to create multiple income streams from the same acreage. Consider recreational opportunities like hunting or fishing access where appropriate. Use species strategically—sheep for smaller acreages, poultry for fertility, pigs for diversification. Simplify systems to reduce labor and improve operational sustainability. 📌 Special Offer for Podcast Listeners: This episode comes directly from Greg Judy’s in-depth grazing course. 👉 Get a discounted link to the full video recording here The full course goes even deeper into: • Multi-species grazing systems • Fencing and infrastructure • Drought resilience • Soil health • Profitability strategies • Livestock management Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover how intentional grazing management can transform your land, livestock, and bottom line.

In this episode, Doug McCarty shares the story behind farmersnavigator.com — a tool designed to help producers cut through the complexity of U.S. agricultural programs and make better, more informed decisions. The episode explores how confusing program requirements, shifting regulations, and “government-ese” often prevent producers from accessing valuable resources. Doug explains how the Navigator simplifies this process through plain-language guides and a localized dashboard called the Pulse, giving producers real-time, actionable insights based on their ZIP code. From drought alerts to funding opportunities, this conversation highlights how better information—and better delivery of that information—can empower producers to take control of their operations. 🔑 Key Points Covered: The Problem with Complexity : Many producers avoid USDA programs due to confusing language, paperwork, and lack of clarity around eligibility and benefits. The Navigator Solution : A free platform offering plain-language guides to major programs like EQIP, CSP, and others—making them accessible and understandable. Introducing the Pulse Dashboard : A ZIP code-based tool delivering daily, localized updates on drought conditions, water levels, reporting deadlines, and opportunities. Turning Information into Action : Helping producers identify and act on opportunities such as funding for fencing, water systems, and drought assistance. Bridging the Gap Between Producers and Programs : Designed for both farmers and agricultural professionals to improve communication and adoption. Built for Simplicity and Accessibility : No personal information required—just enter your ZIP code to start receiving insights. Challenges of Building the Tool : Navigating constantly changing regulations, limited team capacity, and maintaining accurate, up-to-date data. Future Opportunities : Expanding adoption through partnerships, improving educational resources, and refining tools based on user feedback. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Explore USDA programs that may support your operation—don’t assume they’re too complicated or not applicable. Use tools like the Navigator to simplify decision-making and stay informed on deadlines and opportunities. Pay attention to local environmental data (like drought alerts) to better plan grazing and resource use. Consider how cost-share programs could offset investments in infrastructure like fencing and water systems. Stay proactive—many opportunities are time-sensitive and require early action. Leverage daily updates or alerts to build better operational awareness without adding complexity. Connect with local FSA or NRCS offices to validate and maximize program use. 📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to visit us here for our latest specials and exclusive offers: link 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover how simplifying information can unlock new opportunities for your farm or ranch.

In this episode, Joel Salatin dives into the practical side of building a resilient and profitable direct-to-consumer farm business. This installment moves beyond philosophy and into execution—covering how to expand your product line, adapt to shifting consumer behavior, and create multiple revenue streams without compromising your brand. From value-added products to farm events and strategic collaborations, Joel shares real-world examples and numbers that demonstrate how farms can evolve with the marketplace while maintaining integrity. 🔑 Key Points Covered: Adapting to Consumer Behavior : Modern customers prioritize convenience, with trends like online ordering, takeout, and mobile purchasing reshaping how farms must sell. Integrity Convenience is Growing : Value-added, ready-to-use products like broth, snacks, and heat-and-eat meals are one of the fastest-growing segments in food. Expanding Through Collaboration : Partnering with local producers can turn your farm into a one-stop shop—while maintaining control of the customer relationship. Protecting Your Brand : Collaborators must align with your standards to avoid reputational risk and maintain trust with your customers. Consignment vs. Wholesale Strategy : • Consignment (low risk): ~20% markup • Wholesale (higher risk): ~30%+ markup depending on perishability Whole-Animal Profitability : Every part of the animal must generate value—turning items like chicken feet, broth, or ground beef into profitable products. Value-Added Revenue Opportunities : Examples include cut-up chicken, hot dogs, broth, and pet food channels—adding tens of thousands in revenue without increasing production. Farm as a Destination : Tours, dinners, and events can generate significant income while building deeper customer relationships and loyalty. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Expand your product line with value-added items that meet modern convenience demands. Build partnerships with aligned local producers to broaden offerings without increasing workload. Implement clear pricing strategies based on risk (consignment vs. wholesale). Develop outlets for underutilized products to maximize whole-animal profitability. Consider hosting farm tours or events to create additional revenue and strengthen customer connections. Adapt your sales channels to include online ordering and shipping where appropriate. Focus on customer ownership—whoever manages the sale controls the relationship. Monitor consumer trends and adjust your business model to stay relevant. 📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to visit us here for our latest specials and exclusive offers: link 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover how to build a direct marketing system that thrives in today’s changing marketplace.

In this episode, Lydia Kyle shares the story of John and Betty Mobbs and their transformation of Lazy JM Ranch in Idaho. What began as a struggle to stay afloat evolved into a regenerative grazing operation rooted in adaptability, stewardship, and long-term thinking. The episode explores how challenging deeply held traditions—like winter calving and conventional feeding systems—opened the door to improved soil health, increased forage production, and a more profitable and sustainable ranch business. Through years of learning, experimentation, and perseverance, the Mobbs family redefined their approach to land management, livestock, and marketing—creating a model that supports both their family and their community. 🔑 Key Points Covered: Breaking Tradition : Moving calving season from February to May improved animal health, reduced stress, and aligned production with natural forage cycles. From Overgrazing to Regeneration : Recognizing they were understocked yet overgrazing led to a complete shift in grazing management. Adopting Management-Intensive Grazing : Transitioning to rotational and cell grazing rapidly increased forage production and carrying capacity. Building a Resilient Operation : Diversifying livestock and improving soil health resulted in more pollinators, better pastures, and long-term sustainability. Direct-to-Consumer Marketing : Supplying local families with grass-finished beef created a stronger, more profitable connection to their community. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Align calving and production cycles with natural forage availability to reduce input costs and stress. Evaluate grazing practices—overgrazing can occur even with fewer animals if management is off. Start small with rotational or cell grazing and scale as you see results. Focus on building soil health and biodiversity to improve long-term productivity. Develop direct marketing channels to capture more value and build relationships with customers. 📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to visit us here for our latest specials and exclusive offers 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover how breaking tradition can lead to a more resilient, profitable, and fulfilling future in agriculture.

In this episode of The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast , we sit down with Austin Unruh , founder of Trees for Graziers and author of The Grazier’s Guide to Trees , to explore how trees can become one of the most powerful tools on a livestock operation. Austin shares how he moved from suburban roots into agroforestry, eventually developing practical, scalable systems for planting and protecting trees in active pasture. From innovative electric fencing designs to species selection for winter feed and summer drought resilience, this conversation reframes trees as more than shade — but as forage banks, livestock nutrition tools, and long-term economic assets. 🔑 Key Points Covered: Planting Trees in Active Pasture Austin explains the six-foot tree shelter system and the “overpass” electric fencing method that protects young trees while keeping paddock flexibility intact. Trees as Seasonal Feed Sources Honey locust pods for winter sugar-rich feed and tree fodder for summer protein offer ways to reduce purchased feed costs during critical times. Species-Specific Benefits Goats, sheep, cattle, pigs, and even horses can benefit from different tree crops — from fodder leaves to mast like acorns and chestnuts. Acorn-Finished Pork & Historical Context America once produced vast quantities of mast-fed pork. Austin explains how diversified tree systems today could rival Spain’s dehesa model. Drought Resilience Through Pollarding Managed tree fodder systems act like standing hay reserves — perennial feed banks available when pastures fail. Silvopasture Development Whether planting into open pasture or thinning degraded woods, intentional tree integration improves shade distribution, forage production, and long-term land value. Tree Density & Long-Term Maintenance Lessons learned on planting density, pruning for high canopies, and balancing fast-growing nurse trees with long-term mast species. The Grazier’s Guide to Trees Austin shares insights behind his book and the upcoming updated edition published through Acres U.S.A. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Use trees strategically to reduce feed costs during summer slump and winter dormancy. Protect young trees with insulated shelters and overhead electric systems to maintain grazing flexibility. Consider mast-producing species like honey locust, oak, chestnut, persimmon, and mulberry for diversified livestock nutrition. Manage canopy height to distribute shade movement and prevent livestock concentration damage. View tree fodder as a long-term drought insurance policy — a living feed reserve that grows each year. 📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to visit us here for our latest specials and exclusive offers 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover practical grazing innovations that blend ecology, livestock performance, and long-term profitability.

In this episode, Allen Williams brings the series to a powerful close by connecting grazing management, soil health, and genetic selection into one unified system. This final installment emphasizes that genetics are not fixed—they are expressed through environment, management, and decision-making. By aligning grazing practices with plant biology and focusing on economically relevant traits, producers can unlock better performance without increasing inputs. The episode explores how timing, forage maturity, and microbiome health directly influence epigenetics, while also challenging conventional approaches to genetic selection that rely too heavily on single-trait tools like EPDs. 🔑 Key Points Covered: Epigenetics Begins in the Pasture : Grazing timing and forage maturity directly impact gene expression and animal performance. Optimal Grazing Window : Target mid- to late-stage plant maturity rather than overly vegetative forage to support better outcomes. Afternoon Moves Matter : Moving livestock in the early-to-mid afternoon aligns with peak plant energy (BRIX), improving intake and gains. Dry Matter & Residual Management : Limit grazing to 30–50% of available forage and ensure adequate intake to protect plant recovery and soil health. Performance Without Added Inputs : Proper grazing management alone can increase average daily gain by 0.25–0.5 lbs per head per day. Rethinking Genetic Selection : Longevity, fertility, adaptability, and structural soundness should take priority over production-focused traits. Limitations of EPDs & Genomics : Single-trait selection tools can narrow gene pools and overlook real-world performance in forage-based systems. Lessons from the Dairy Industry : Overemphasis on production traits has led to reduced fertility, shorter lifespans, and increased health issues. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Shift herd moves to early-to-mid afternoon to align with peak plant sugars. Graze at mid- to late-stage forage maturity to improve epigenetic expression. Monitor dry matter intake and avoid overgrazing beyond 50% removal. Use BRIX awareness to guide paddock entry timing. Prioritize longevity, fertility, and adaptability in breeding decisions. Reduce reliance on EPDs and focus on whole-animal performance. Expand pedigree evaluation to include multiple generations and management context. Improve soil biology and plant diversity to enhance genetic expression naturally. 📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to visit us here for our latest specials and exclusive offers: link 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover how better grazing and smarter selection can unlock the full potential of your livestock—starting from the soil up.

In this episode, Stan Parsons delivers a hard-hitting analysis of the modern livestock business model, challenging producers to rethink how they measure success and profitability. The episode explores the difference between financial survival and true economic viability, emphasizing that many ranches operate with positive cash flow while failing to cover the real costs of land, labor, capital, and overhead. Stan reframes ranching as a business first, urging producers to move away from production-focused thinking and toward disciplined economic management. Through practical examples and clear benchmarks, this episode highlights the key drivers of profitability—and the costly habits that hold operations back. 🔑 Key Points Covered: Financial vs. Economic Reality : Many operations generate cash flow but fail to achieve true profitability when full costs are accounted for. The Fragility of the Livestock Industry : A large portion of producers rely on land appreciation, off-farm income, or inherited assets rather than cattle profits. Why “Produce More” Doesn’t Work : Increased production often leads to higher input costs, canceling out any financial gains. Understanding Gross Margin : Profitability hinges on gross margin per cow—not total production output. The True Cost of Overhead : Labor, machinery, and equipment are often treated as fixed—but are actually controllable expenses. Winter Calving Challenges : Calving during low-forage periods increases feed costs, labor demands, and operational stress. The Hidden Cost of Hay : Hay production and feeding significantly reduce profitability due to machinery, labor, and input expenses. Labor Efficiency and Scale : Low cows-per-person ratios reduce viability, with larger herd groupings offering a path to improved efficiency. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Conduct a full economic analysis including land, labor, capital, and overhead costs. Calculate gross margin per cow and identify key cost drivers. Evaluate calving season to better align with forage availability. Assess the true cost and necessity of hay production and feeding. Identify opportunities to reduce machinery and labor overhead. Increase cows-per-person productivity through simplified systems. Prioritize business planning, budgeting, and marketing decisions. Use a grazing chart to align labor, forage, and cash flow throughout the year. 📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to visit us here for our latest specials and exclusive offers 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover practical strategies to take control of your ranch and build a more profitable future.

In this episode, Allen Williams shares the powerful story of how a historic ice storm devastated his regenerative farm in Mississippi and the lessons that emerged from the experience. The conversation explores the realities of managing livestock through extreme weather, the importance of preparedness, and the resilience required to keep a farm operating when infrastructure fails. Allen also reflects on the deeper meaning of community support, faith, and the role regenerative agriculture can play in helping landscapes better withstand climate extremes. Through hardship and recovery, this episode highlights both the vulnerability and the strength of modern regenerative farming systems. 🔑 Key Points Covered: A Historic Ice Storm Over three inches of ice accumulated across Allen’s farm, bringing down trees, power lines, and infrastructure while trapping the family on the farm for days. Caring for Livestock Without Power or Water With electricity and water systems down, livestock had to be watered manually by breaking ice on ponds and hauling water by hand. Protecting Pastured Poultry Portable poultry houses had to be constantly cleared of ice to prevent structural collapse and protect thousands of birds. Operating a Farm with Only Two People With roads blocked and employees unable to reach the farm, Allen and his son handled all daily livestock care and emergency response alone. Community Support in Times of Crisis Farmers, neighbors, and supporters from around the world offered help, supplies, and encouragement during the recovery. Preparing for the Unexpected The experience reinforced the importance of having more generators, fuel, equipment, and contingency plans than you think you’ll need. Why Regenerative Agriculture Matters Allen emphasizes that landscape-scale regenerative practices can help moderate extreme weather patterns and build long-term resilience. Training the Next Generation Inspired by the experience, Allen shares plans for launching a Regenerative University to train the next generation of regenerative farmers and educators. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Prepare for storms beyond what forecasts predict. Maintain backup power systems, fuel reserves, and emergency equipment. Evaluate infrastructure designs to withstand extreme weather events. Build strong relationships within your local agricultural community. Support education efforts that expand regenerative agriculture knowledge. 📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to visit us here for our latest specials and exclusive offers: 👉 stockmangrassfarmer.digital 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover practical grazing and farm management lessons straight from the pasture.

This special episode marks Episode 100 of The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast , and to celebrate the milestone we’re launching a three-part series featuring one of the most influential voices in regenerative agriculture, Joel Salatin . In Part 1 of this series, Joel lays the foundation for understanding why direct marketing is such a powerful strategy for modern farm businesses . Drawing from decades of experience building a successful direct-market farm, he explains how farmers can stabilize income, capture more of the food dollar, and create resilient businesses by expanding beyond production into processing, marketing, and distribution. Joel also explores the mental barriers many farmers face when it comes to marketing — from fear of rejection to discomfort with self-promotion — and why separating marketing strategy from sales execution can help farms grow more effectively. This episode sets the stage for the rest of the series by introducing the key principles that guide successful direct-market farm enterprises. 🔑 Key Points Covered: Why Direct Marketing Creates Stability Most farms earn income only from production, which is heavily influenced by weather, pests, disease, and market volatility. By capturing value in processing, marketing, and distribution, farms can build more stable revenue streams. Capturing the “Middleman” Margin Instead of complaining about middlemen, Joel argues that farmers should become the middleman by participating in more stages of the food chain. Rebuilding Local Food Commerce Direct marketing reconnects farmers and customers, reviving historically normal local food systems while strengthening community relationships. Marketing vs. Sales Joel explains the important difference between the two: marketing is the strategy , while sales is the execution that flows from that strategy. Overcoming Farmer Mindset Barriers Many farmers resist marketing due to fear of rejection, discomfort with self-promotion, or peer pressure. Recognizing these barriers is key to overcoming them. The Goal of Two Incomes Joel emphasizes that truly resilient farm businesses should aim to support at least two salaries , reducing risk and building long-term sustainability. Prototype Before You Scale Instead of asking “How big can this be?”, Joel encourages farmers to ask “How small can it be?” when testing new ideas. Building a Strong Customer Base It’s often easier to grow a business by increasing spending from existing customers rather than constantly chasing new ones. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Expand your farm’s revenue beyond production whenever possible. Develop a clear marketing strategy before focusing on sales tactics. Start small when testing new business ideas or enterprises. Build strong relationships with loyal customers and increase their lifetime value. Focus on creating a farm business that can support more than one income. This episode is Part 1 of a three-part series , where Joel begins unpacking the principles behind successful direct marketing and farm business resilience. 📌 Episode 100 Special: To celebrate our 100th episode , we’re offering listeners a special opportunity to go deeper into the principles discussed in this series. Get the entire The Grazier's Marketing School for just $37 . The three-part podcast series you’re hearing now makes up the first module of the full course , where Joel Salatin walks through the foundations of building a profitable direct-market farm. 👉 Click here to learn more. 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover practical insights from leaders in regenerative agriculture. 🌱 Here’s to the next 100 episodes!

In this episode, Greg Judy shares practical, field-tested insight into successfully grazing sheep and cattle together. Drawing from his experience managing South Poll cattle and parasite-resistant hair sheep across owned and leased farms in Clark, Missouri, Greg explains how multi-species grazing increases profitability, improves pasture health, and simplifies parasite management. Rather than promoting sheep as a standalone enterprise, this episode demonstrates how integrating species creates biological synergy. Greg walks through sourcing adaptable breeding stock, training sheep to respect electric fence, rotational strategies, and even how combining bulls and sheep into a “flerd” can streamline winter management. This conversation is packed with actionable lessons for cattle producers considering adding sheep to diversify income and strengthen pasture performance. 🔑 Key Points Covered: Start with Adaptable, Hardy Sheep Avoid sale barn shortcuts. Purchase forage-adapted, parasite-resistant breeding stock from reputable graziers. Breed your best, sell the rest, and cull sheep that fail to adapt. Fence Training Over Heavy Infrastructure Instead of overbuilding permanent paddocks, train sheep to respect a single poly-braid electric wire. Flexibility in paddock size improves grazing management and reduces labor and expense. Parasite Cycle Disruption Sheep parasites ingested by cattle are dead-end hosts — and vice versa. Each species helps “vacuum up” parasites, reducing overall pressure naturally. Weed Control as Profit Sheep prefer broadleaf plants and thorny species such as multiflora rose, honey locust, and autumn olive. They convert weeds cattle avoid into marketable lamb. Seasonal Advantages Sheep require no hay and often no water below 32°F when grazing stockpiled forage, reducing winter inputs. Sequential Grazing System Greg typically grazes cattle first, followed by sheep. At certain times of year, bulls are combined with the sheep flock to simplify winter rotation and management. The “Flerd” Concept Combining bulls and sheep reduces labor and improves efficiency during the non-breeding season. With proper training, even a single poly-wire can safely contain large bulls. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Start small — add 8–10 forage-adapted ewes and a ram before scaling up. Focus on parasite-resistant genetics suited to your region. Train livestock to respect electric fence early to avoid costly infrastructure. Use sheep to convert nuisance plants into revenue. Evaluate grazing order — cattle first, sheep second — to maximize forage utilization. Be patient. Selection and culling over time build a resilient, profitable flock. Greg emphasizes that the ultimate grazing system brings species together as many days of the year as possible. The biological benefits extend beyond livestock — pastures improve, weed pressure declines, and soil health builds. 📌 For more grazing insights, click here for books by Greg Judy, and access to the Multi-Species Grazing School, and much more 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast for practical lessons straight from experienced graziers building profitable regenerative operations.

In this episode,Greg Judy shares a practical and encouraging roadmap for building a profitable farm business without owning land. The conversation explores how access to land — not ownership — is often the real gateway to opportunity, and how strategic leasing, relationship building, and enterprise focus can help producers launch and grow successful operations. Rather than waiting to purchase property, this episode emphasizes controlling expenses, protecting capital, and building cash-flowing enterprises first. The discussion challenges the assumption that land ownership defines farming success and instead focuses on operational excellence, flexibility, and long-term resilience. The episode details practical strategies for finding leases, negotiating agreements, building trust with landowners, and designing enterprises that fit leased ground. It encourages producers to think entrepreneurially, operate professionally, and focus on profitability before asset accumulation. 🔑 Key Points Covered: Access Over Ownership : Farming is about managing land, not necessarily owning it. Leasing can accelerate growth while protecting working capital. Building Relationships for Land Access : Most farm leases never hit public listings — they change hands through trust and community connections. Keeping Capital Liquid : Purchasing land too early can starve the business of operating capital needed for livestock, fencing, water systems, and marketing. Choosing the Right Enterprises : Mobile, adaptable livestock systems often work best on leased land due to flexibility and lower infrastructure investment. Professionalism in Agreements : Clear communication, defined expectations, and written agreements protect both farmer and landowner. Operations Build Wealth; Land Secures Wealth : A strong operation generates cash flow. Land can later serve as a wealth-preservation tool. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Start with marketing and customer relationships before expanding production. Build local networks — attend meetings, connect with landowners, and maintain strong community ties. Design enterprises that require minimal permanent infrastructure. Keep expenses lean and focus on profitability before asset ownership. View farming as a business first — measure margins, manage risk, and protect capital. 📌 For more insights, practical grazing strategies, and business-building resources, visit us for our latest specials and exclusive offers 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover practical, real-world lessons to help you build a resilient farm business — whether you own the land or not.