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

In this episode, Javier Mesta, a rancher from Chihuahua, Mexico, shares his inspiring journey of transforming a 3,000-acre desert ranch through high-density grazing. By effectively managing the land and avoiding overgrazing, Javier has increased his stocking rate by 2.5 times and plans to double it once more. He discusses the challenges and rewards of managing a ranch in a desert environment, the importance of proper grazing, and how high-density grazing can lead to better regeneration of grasslands and improved land value. Javier also shares his experience with obtaining carbon credits, the certification process, and the use of satellite technology to monitor carbon capture on individual ranches.

• (00:00) - GG E54 Javier Mesta

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, Taylor Moyer, owner of Ridgeview Land and Cattle, shares his journey in agriculture and innovative cattle management while balancing his career in NASCAR. From observing the land before making changes to utilizing technology for automation and monitoring, Taylor discusses his approach to rotational grazing, cattle herd development, and artificial insemination. They also explore the benefits of bale grazing for regenerating farm ground and the importance of networking and advocating for agriculture through social media. Tune in for a fascinating conversation on farming, business, and the passion for a rural lifestyle.

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 dive deep into the world of ranching, exploring topics such as the evolution of ranching practices, managing drought risk, custom grazing, adapting cattle to changing environments, and marketing cow-calf operations direct to consumers. I speak with Brian, a rancher from South Central Kansas, about his journey and experiences in the industry. We touch upon the importance of preserving water resources, the use of solar wells, the benefits of Corriente cattle, and the value of connecting directly with consumers. We also discuss the potential of using platforms like Hipcamp and LandTrust to generate income from ranch properties and the importance of rural community outreach. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of ranching and the creative solutions ranchers must implement to ensure their business remains viable during difficult times.

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 of the Grazing Grass podcast, Christine Martin shared her journey from homesteading to operating the Regen Ranch in East Texas. She discusses how her health issues led her to clean up her diet and start producing her own food. Christine also talks about holistic management, which helped her shift from homesteading to running a profitable ranch. She shares her experience with managing livestock, parasite loads, and proper infrastructure, as well as using turkeys to mitigate parasite load in sheep. In addition, Christine discusses direct-to-consumer marketing strategies for selling sheep and turkey products, focusing on farmers' markets and online shipping. She also touched on the concept of planned grazing, which allows for better recovery and management of the land. 

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 dive into the world of rotational grazing, land management, and sustainable farming practices on a California ranch. We explore the journey of Dana Wilson and her family as they manage their forty-acre property with Highland cattle, meat goats, chickens, and ducks. We discuss the importance of water management and the challenges of managing different sized animals with electric fencing. We also talk about the benefits of goats and Highland cattle in browsing and land management, as well as the potential of agro-tourism as a way to diversify income streams and promote sustainable farming practices. Join us as we learn from Dana's experiences and insights in land management and livestock care, and explore the opportunities and challenges faced in providing grass-finished vintage beef and goat meat to a diverse market in California.

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, I had the pleasure of speaking with Leevi, the livestock manager at Greenacres Foundation in Cincinnati, Ohio. We discussed the regenerative farming practices they use at Green Acres, including raising a variety of livestock such as grass-fed and finished beef and sheep, pasture-raised chickens and turkeys, and heritage pigs. We explored the benefits of using smaller breed genetics like Aberdeen Angus for grass-fed and finished cattle operations, as well as the importance of rotational grazing and avoiding herbicides and pesticides for overall soil health and ecology. We also delved into the management and integration of various livestock species on the farm, such as integrating sheep into the cattle herd, creating a "flerd," and the potential benefits of parasite control and protection from predators. Additionally, we discussed the process of raising meat birds on pasture, ensuring their health and wellbeing through the use of chicken tractors and diverse diets. We also touched on their turkey operation, focusing on the broad-breasted bronze breed, and the growth of their pig enterprise. Finally, we explored the use of pigs on the farm to disrupt and root up invasive honeysuckle in wooded areas, improving the overall quality of the land for other livestock species. We also highlighted various resources and books related to grazing and regenerative farming, emphasizing the importance of time management, creating a game plan, and having a supportive team in the farming industry. Join me as I learn more about Greenacres and their incredible work in regenerative farming practices and livestock management.

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 of the Grazing Grass podcast, join me as I dive into the fascinating journey of Christian Carreon in regenerative agriculture. We explore the challenges faced in his family's ranch in Mexico, his experiences with grazing management in Chihuahua, and the crucial role of well-designed electric fences and water supply systems. Christian shares invaluable insights on the importance of persistence, adaptability, and ambition in achieving success, as well as the benefits of adapting cattle breeds to their environment. We also discuss valuable resources and advice for those just starting out in ranching. Don't miss this in-depth conversation packed with practical tips and inspiring stories from Christian's journey in the world of regenerative agriculture.

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 of The Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal talks with Jared Kerst of Lazy K at Rivendell Farms. We discuss his journey from turfgrass manager to regenerative grass farmer. Among the topics discussed are grazing alfalfa, daytime moves, garlic, and selling beef.

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 of The Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal talks with Ethon Pawlaczyk of Black Swamp Cattle Compnay. We discuss his journey from row crops to grass based cattle and poultry.  We also discuss free choice minerals and he recommends a new book to the pod.

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 of The Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal talks with Jesse Straight of Whiffle Tree farm. We discuss his multiple livestock species and how he got started.  Also, we take a deep dive into the internships that are available on his farm.   

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