Grazing Grass Podcast | Rotational Grazing, Soil Health & Profitable Livestock Farming

In this episode, we're joined by Glenn McCaig, a devoted farmer and rare breed aficionado, who imparts his knowledge on the subject of regenerative grazing and holistic farming. Glenn takes us through his transformative journey from traditional farming techniques to embracing a more integrative and holistic method, underscoring the crucial role of adaptability and courage to take risks. Venturing into the fascinating world of Lynch Lineback cattle, Glenn unfolds their rich history, the distinct color gene they possess, and their significant contribution to an innovative calf sharing program. The conversation then shifts to delve into the intriguing concept of epigenetics, the importance of diversity in the ecosystem, and natural behavior patterns of cattle. The discussion focuses on the importance of minimizing stress levels in cattle and enabling them to display their natural behaviors. Glenn leaves budding farmers with some precious nuggets of wisdom. He emphasizes the importance of patience, the need to question everything, and the value of recognizing and celebrating even small strides of progress in the farming journey.

Resources Mentioned:
Mark Bader - The Ecology of Chemical Energy - PFI 2018 Annual Conference

Social media:
Facebook: FineLine Farm 

Discover the wonders of regenerative agriculture with Noble Research Institute! Their practical solutions and extensive research help farmers and ranchers enhance soil health, increase grazing productivity, and uplift the entire ecosystem. They've just launched the Essentials of Regenerative Ranching course - a must for those eager to pioneer change in agriculture. Check them out at noble.org and pioneer a sustainable future today!

Looking for grass-based breeders?
 Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory.

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture
Grassroots Carbon

Grazing Grass Links
Website
Community (on Facebook)

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

In this episode, we talk to Pennsylvania-based sheep farmer Nathan Smelser to discuss his journey from being a novice to an experienced farmer. Nathan shares his experiences, emphasizing the importance of family dynamics, resilience, continuous learning, and regenerative grazing. He provides detailed information about establishing a farm, including the challenges of purchasing land with poor soil and installing fencing. The episode provides valuable insights and practical advice, particularly on the use of high tensile and Polywire fencing for sheep grazing.

Social media:
Facebook: PA Lamb Farm

Discover the wonders of regenerative agriculture with Noble Research Institute! Their practical solutions and extensive research help farmers and ranchers enhance soil health, increase grazing productivity, and uplift the entire ecosystem. They've just launched the Essentials of Regenerative Ranching course - a must for those eager to pioneer change in agriculture. Check them out at noble.org and pioneer a sustainable future today!

Looking for grass-based breeders?
 Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory.

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture
Grassroots Carbon

Grazing Grass Links
Website
Community (on Facebook)

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

In this episode, we're joined by Meg Greski, an agricultural consultant and grass farmer based in Oklahoma. Meg talks about the significance of adaptive grazing and mental health in successful farming. She shares insightful experiences from her early career as an intern for grass farming expert, Greg Judy, where she learned about regenerative agriculture and fiscal management. Meg speaks about her journey in establishing Rhinestone Cattle Company, addressing challenges in land leasing, and moving her business to Oklahoma. This episode also covers topics such as the practice of sell-by marketing, tools for farm management, and the potential of virtual fencing technologies. At the end, Meg stresses the importance of maintaining mental health and staying focused on one's goals for effective and sustainable farming.

Books/Resources Mentioned:
Building a Sustainable Business by Sarah Grant (Amazon)
The Turnaround: A Rancher's Story by Dave Pratt (Amazon)
Healthy Land, Happy Families and Profitable Businesses: Essays to Improve Your Land, Your Life and Your Bottom Line by Dave Pratt (Amazon)

Social media:
Email: [email protected]
Youtube: Regenerative Ranching with Meg

Discover the wonders of regenerative agriculture with Noble Research Institute! Their practical solutions and extensive research help farmers and ranchers enhance soil health, increase grazing productivity, and uplift the entire ecosystem. They've just launched the Essentials of Regenerative Ranching course - a must for those eager to pioneer change in agriculture. Check them out at noble.org and pioneer a sustainable future today!

Looking for grass-based breeders?
 Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory.

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture
Grassroots Carbon

Grazing Grass Links
Website
Community (on Facebook)

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

In this episode, successful local farmer Stephen Skrenta of Acabonac Farms in Long Island, New York takes listeners on a journey through Long Island’s thriving agricultural scene. Stephen shares his experience of growing his business from a 20-acre farm to a sprawling enterprise with grass-fed beef, lamb, pork, and chicken. He discusses the unique challenges and rewards of farming on an island, from the intricacies of livestock farming infrastructure to navigating the steep learning curve in the industry. Stephen also shares his commitment to animal welfare and regenerative farming, his approach to diversification, and the importance of sustainable agriculture.

Social media:
Instagram:@acabonacfarms
Facebook: Acabonac Farms
Website: https://www.acabonacfarms.com/

Discover the wonders of regenerative agriculture with Noble Research Institute! Their practical solutions and extensive research help farmers and ranchers enhance soil health, increase grazing productivity, and uplift the entire ecosystem. They've just launched the Essentials of Regenerative Ranching course - a must for those eager to pioneer change in agriculture. Check them out at noble.org and pioneer a sustainable future today!

Looking for grass-based breeders?
 Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory.

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture
Grassroots Carbon

Grazing Grass Links
Website
Community (on Facebook)

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

In this episode, desert rancher Alejandro Carrillo shares his experiences and insights on regenerative desert ranching. With over 30,000 acres of land, Alejandro discusses the art of holistic management, the challenges of grazing cattle in a desert, and how technology can revolutionize ranching practices. He highlights the importance of having the right cattle genetics for a given environment, the shift from conventional to regenerative ranching, and the respect for natural succession that leads to a thriving ranch. The episode also covers cattle grazing management for optimal performance and the role of technology in promoting sustainable ranching practices.

Social media:
Instagram:@lasdamascattleranch
Facebook: Alejandro Carrillo
Website: https://www.desertgrasslands.com/

Discover the wonders of regenerative agriculture with Noble Research Institute! Their practical solutions and extensive research help farmers and ranchers enhance soil health, increase grazing productivity, and uplift the entire ecosystem. They've just launched the Essentials of Regenerative Ranching course - a must for those eager to pioneer change in agriculture. Check them out at noble.org and pioneer a sustainable future today!

Looking for grass-based breeders?
 Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory.

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture
Grassroots Carbon

Grazing Grass Links
Website
Community (on Facebook)

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

In this episode, we explore the intriguing world of grass-fed farming in South Africa with Naude Schoeman. Naude shares his journey, revealing secrets of high-density grazing and discussing how they navigated challenges such as droughts to build a resilient grass-fed livestock operation. He sheds light on the importance of farm diversification, providing valuable insights into the nuances of grass farming. This conversation illuminates their family's innovative approach to farming and their contribution to South African agriculture.

Social media:
Instagram: @life_in_a_dome
Facebook: Schoemanshof Grass-Fed
Website: https://www.schoemanshof.co.za/

Discover the wonders of regenerative agriculture with Noble Research Institute! Their practical solutions and extensive research help farmers and ranchers enhance soil health, increase grazing productivity, and uplift the entire ecosystem. They've just launched the Essentials of Regenerative Ranching course - a must for those eager to pioneer change in agriculture. Check them out at noble.org and pioneer a sustainable future today!

Looking for grass-based breeders?
 Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory.

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture
Grassroots Carbon

Grazing Grass Links
Website
Community (on Facebook)

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

In this episode, we delve into the journey of Aaron Prinz, a first-generation farmer passionate about regenerative agriculture. Starting from his roots in 4-H, Aaron talks about his experiences through earning an Animal Science degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo to owning and managing Prinz Pasture in South Dakota. The conversation explores his struggles, triumphs, and innovations in farming. He speaks about the challenges of finding affordable land in California, adapting to South Dakota's colder climate, and managing animal nutrition. However, it also shines a light on the joys of introducing new livestock to his farm, his success with custom grazing, and his future marketing plans. As the conversation wraps up, Aaron shares invaluable advice for those starting in the farming industry, emphasizing the power of creative thinking and resourcefulness. His journey is a testament to resilience, courage, and the rewards of venturing into uncharted territories.

Social media:
Instagram: @prinz_pastures

Discover the wonders of regenerative agriculture with Noble Research Institute! Their practical solutions and extensive research help farmers and ranchers enhance soil health, increase grazing productivity, and uplift the entire ecosystem. They've just launched the Essentials of Regenerative Ranching course - a must for those eager to pioneer change in agriculture. Check them out at noble.org and pioneer a sustainable future today!

Looking for grass-based breeders?
 Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory.

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture
Grassroots Carbon

Grazing Grass Links
Website
Community (on Facebook)

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

In this episode, Catherine Kirchner shares her inspiring journey from being a teacher to becoming a regenerative farmer. She recounts the challenges she faced and the steps she took to establish herself in the agricultural industry. Catherine's farming philosophy focuses on building a symbiotic relationship with the land and animals, leading her to unconventional methods like stacking enterprises. This approach has not only increased profitability but also fostered sustainability. She shares her experiences with cattle and sheep farming, discussing her preferences for specific breeds and her marketing strategies. Catherine emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and innovation in farming practices. The episode concludes with a discussion on stacked enterprises and Catherine's expansion into poultry farming.

Books/Resources Mentioned:
Holistic Management by Allan Savory
Dirt to Soil by Gabe Brown
For the Love of Soil: Strategies to Regenerate Our Food Production Systems by Nicole Masters

Social media:
Facebook: Uncommon Beef LLC
Instagram: @uncommonbeef
Website: https://uncommonpastures.com/

Discover the wonders of regenerative agriculture with Noble Research Institute! Their practical solutions and extensive research help farmers and ranchers enhance soil health, increase grazing productivity, and uplift the entire ecosystem. They've just launched the Essentials of Regenerative Ranching course - a must for those eager to pioneer change in agriculture. Check them out at noble.org and pioneer a sustainable future today!

Looking for grass-based breeders?
 Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory.

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture
Grassroots Carbon

Grazing Grass Links
Website
Community (on Facebook)

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

In this episode, Tanner McBride of STK Cattle and Hay talks about the complexities of ranching. Tanner shares some hard-earned wisdom from steering his family's farm through turbulent times. His story of buying and selling cattle, and implementing rotational grazing strategies are lessons learned from a life in the saddle. Learn how he leveraged his herd to his advantage, and the challenges he faced in switching from his father's ranching methods to establish his own distinctive style.

Social media:
Youtube: STK Cattle and Hay
Email: [email protected]

Discover the wonders of regenerative agriculture with Noble Research Institute! Their practical solutions and extensive research help farmers and ranchers enhance soil health, increase grazing productivity, and uplift the entire ecosystem. They've just launched the Essentials of Regenerative Ranching course - a must for those eager to pioneer change in agriculture. Check them out at noble.org and pioneer a sustainable future today!

Looking for grass-based breeders?
 Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory.

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture
Grassroots Carbon

Grazing Grass Links
Website
Community (on Facebook)

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

In this episode, we are joined by Grant Estrade who, along with his wife, Kate Estrade, run Local Coolings Farm and Laughing Buddha Nursery. Grant shares his journey from urban life to livestock farming. He explains how he started with pigs and gradually diversified his farm to include layers, goats, and beef cattle. His strategic buying and selling in the commodity market allowed him to grow his herd from two to 24 cattle. He also emphasizes his commitment to environmental stewardship, using innovative composting methods and implementing wildlife conservation initiatives on his farm. The episode offers valuable insights intoregenerative farming practices and the challenges and rewards of livestock farming.

Social media:
Website: https://www.laughingbuddhanursery.com/
Facebook: Local Cooling Farms

Discover the wonders of regenerative agriculture with Noble Research Institute! Their practical solutions and extensive research help farmers and ranchers enhance soil health, increase grazing productivity, and uplift the entire ecosystem. They've just launched the Essentials of Regenerative Ranching course - a must for those eager to pioneer change in agriculture. Check them out at noble.org and pioneer a sustainable future today!

Looking for grass-based breeders?
 Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory.

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture
Grassroots Carbon

Grazing Grass Links
Website
Community (on Facebook)

Original Music by Louis Palfrey