Grazing Grass Podcast sharing Regenerative Ag Stories

182. Fat Cows, Happy Plants: The Power of Total Grazing with Jaime Elizondo


Listen Later

In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal visits with Jaime Elizondo, known as Jim in the United States, to explore his Total Grazing Program. This is a comprehensive approach to regenerative ranching focused on lowering costs, improving soil, and increasing livestock performance. With decades of experience managing cattle in Mexico and the U.S., Jim shares his path from red cattle in the tropics to creating a composite breed suited for harsh environments. He breaks down the importance of African Bos taurus genetics, how to build soil carbon, and the strategies behind stockpiling and grazing timing. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how to manage grazing with nature, not against it.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

  • Jim’s story from Mexico to Texas and the foundation of his farm, Las Coloradas
  • His evolution from red cattle to developing an adapted composite breed
  • The significance of African Bos taurus genetics in hot, humid, and disease-prone environments
  • What the Total Grazing Program is and how it differs from ultra high-density grazing
  • How to build long-lived soil carbon and why it matters
  • Stockpiling strategies for winter and how to boost soil and forage health
  • Monitoring livestock performance with gut fill and body condition
  • The role of coaching and mentorship in successful grazing operations
  • Applying these grazing principles to cattle, sheep, and goats


 If you're interested in cutting input costs, improving soil, and raising animals that thrive in your environment, this episode delivers a practical and proven system. Jim offers clear guidance based on firsthand experience. Whether you're on a small farm or a large ranch, his insights can help you improve your land and your bottom line.


Resources Mentioned:

  • Grass Productivity by André Voisin
  • Man Must Measure by Jan Bonsma
  • A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold
  • The Forage Book by Hutchinson and Metcalf
  • Jim’s paper “Soil Carbon” (available on his website)

Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based Genetics

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast


Chapters

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Grazing Grass Podcast sharing Regenerative Ag StoriesBy Grazing Grass

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

101 ratings


More shows like Grazing Grass Podcast sharing Regenerative Ag Stories

View all
The Business of Agriculture Podcast by Damian Mason

The Business of Agriculture Podcast

117 Listeners

Working Cows - Regenerative Ranching to Maximize Profitability and Soil Health by Clay Conry

Working Cows - Regenerative Ranching to Maximize Profitability and Soil Health

422 Listeners

Regenerative Agriculture Podcast by John Kempf

Regenerative Agriculture Podcast

515 Listeners

Cattle Chat by BCI Cattle Chat

Cattle Chat

129 Listeners

Farm4Profit Podcast by David Whitaker, Corey Hillebo, Tanner Winterhof

Farm4Profit Podcast

375 Listeners

Working Ranch Radio Show by Justin Mills

Working Ranch Radio Show

72 Listeners

Ranching Reboot by Red Hills Rancher

Ranching Reboot

81 Listeners

Roots + Ruminants by Millborn Seeds

Roots + Ruminants

38 Listeners

Ranching Returns Podcast by Jared Luhman

Ranching Returns Podcast

214 Listeners

Barn Talk by Tork and Sawyer Whisler

Barn Talk

1,618 Listeners

Angus Underground by David Brown

Angus Underground

201 Listeners

The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast by The Stockman Grassfarmer

The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast

36 Listeners

The Grazing Sheep Podcast by Big Tom Perkins and Camren Maierle

The Grazing Sheep Podcast

29 Listeners

The Wealthy Cowboy Show by Crockett Carothers

The Wealthy Cowboy Show

162 Listeners

Ranchonomics by John Haskell, Ranch Right LLC

Ranchonomics

23 Listeners