In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal visits with Wyatt Jones of Happy Meadow Farm in Pisgah, Alabama. Wyatt shares his family’s journey from military life to building a thriving grass-based farm, raising beef and dairy cattle, Katahdin sheep, and poultry. Starting in 2021, Wyatt and his wife dove headfirst into regenerative agriculture, learning through mentors, books, and hands-on trial and error. Their story is full of determination, grit, and a willingness to embrace challenges in pursuit of a farming life.

Topics covered include:

• Starting Happy Meadow Farm with limited experience but big vision
• Buying land at auction and the unexpected blessings that came with it
• Early challenges with fencing, livestock health, and learning to rotate animals
• Using blueberries and eggs as initial cash crops to build community connections
• Transitioning from Longhorns and Corriente cattle into South Polls and eventually Fleckvieh
• Experiences with sheep, including parasite management and copper issues
• Expanding into raw milk sales through herd shares and building a loyal customer base
• Wyatt’s shift from the fire department to full-time farming
• The potential of Fleckvieh dairy cattle for grass-based systems
• Planting diverse forages and cover crops to support livestock health and productivity

This episode is perfect for anyone starting their regenerative journey, especially those considering multi-species grazing or exploring dairy opportunities beyond Jerseys. Wyatt’s story highlights the power of persistence, community support, and the courage to “just start.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• For the Love of Soil by Nicole Masters
• Grass Productivity by André Voisin
• Dairy Farming the Beautiful Way by Adam Klaus
• Happy Meadow Farm on Facebook

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

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Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction and Fast Five Questions