Matt Goble joins the Grazing Grass Podcast to share how he’s built a profitable, resilient wool sheep operation in a high-elevation mountain valley using entirely private and marginal land. While working a full-time W-2 job, Matt manages 450 ewes with a strong focus on grazing efficiency, soil health, and thoughtful breeding decisions. His system blends management-intensive grazing, cover crops, and perennial pastures, all adapted to a short growing season and limited irrigation.

In this episode, we cover:

• Grazing irrigated pasture and marginal land in a mountain valley
• Using cover crops to build soil before establishing perennial pasture
• Managing sheep with daily and multi-day grazing moves
• Lambing systems, jug management, and efficiency at scale
• Breeding strategies for maternal traits and terminal lambs
• Using ear notching and simple visual systems to reduce decision fatigue
• Predator pressure and why net fencing matters for sheep
• Balancing stocking rates during drought years
• Adding chickens and turkeys to improve soil and diversify income
• Matching enterprise scale to land capacity and lifestyle goals

Why This Episode Matters:
This conversation is a clear example of how management, not acres, often determines success. Matt shows how intentional grazing, simple systems, and observation can double productivity without doubling land or inputs. His practical insights into lambing efficiency, breeding decisions, and drought planning offer valuable lessons for anyone managing livestock on limited or challenging ground.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Soil Owner’s Manual by John Stika
• The Art and Science of Shepherding (Premier 1 Supplies)
• Field Area Measure (mobile app)

Find Out More:

• Facebook: Dry Bottom Farms
• Snow College Agriculture Department (Utah)

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Original Music by Louis Palfrey