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

By Grazing GrassScience Natural Sciences

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

October 29, 2025194. Grazing Smarter in North Dakota with Fourth Generation Rancher Shane Maddock
In this episode, Cal visits with Shane Maddock, a fourth-generation rancher from north-central North Dakota, where cattle country meets farm country. Shane shares the story of building a regenerative operation through drought, grazing challenges, and generations of learning. He discusses taking over a neighbor’s ranch after returning from National Guard service, developing cross-fenced paddocks and a positive/negative electric system, managing water in the Prairie Pothole Region, and adjusting his grazing philosophy from “a third, a third, a third” to adaptive management guided by what the grass and cattle tell him.

Topics covered
Growing up on a holistic-management ranch and learning from his father
Leasing cattle and structuring multi-year cow leases
Designing high-tensile fencing and pos/neg wiring for sandy soils
Transitioning from mild rotation to intensive adaptive grazing
Managing drought risk with insurance pastures and flexible enterprises
Using Rio Max minerals and observing dramatic feed-efficiency gains
Calving-date adjustments and hybrid-vigor breeding decisions
Founding Maddock Ranch Supply and serving the community
His father receiving North Dakota’s Leopold Conservation Award
If you’ve ever wondered how to keep cows productive through seven drought years out of eleven—or how to balance generational wisdom with modern regenerative ideas—Shane’s story delivers practical lessons on adaptation, family teamwork, and faith in the land’s resilience.

Resources mentioned
Maddock Ranch maddockranch.com
Maddock Ranch Supply maddockranchsupply.com
Man, Cattle and Veld – Johan Zietsman
Grass-Fed Cattle – Julius Ruechel
Holistic Management – Allan Savory
Dirt to Soil – Gabe Brown
North Dakota Grazing Lands Coalition Mentorship Program
Rio Max Minerals - riomax.net
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
Original Music by Louis Palfrey
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
1 hr 12 min
October 22, 2025193. Building Intentional Farms from Neglected Land with Stan Oller
Stan and his wife began farming in 2021 after adopting four children and realizing they wanted to raise them with meaningful work and stewardship. Starting with neglected, junk-filled land, they’ve built a regenerative, multi-species farm from scratch—learning through Greg Judy, Joel Salatin, and hands-on mistakes.

Topics Covered
Moving from western Kansas to Arkansas and starting a farm from nothing
Adopting four children and using the farm as a teaching tool
Restoring neglected land and hauling off 340 tires
Early livestock: 11 heifers → sheep → pigs → broilers
Grant funding from Illinois River Watershed for water lines and fencing
Pivoting from South Poll beef to a sheep-focused enterprise
Leader-follower grazing with cattle and hair sheep
Using C-90 salt, garlic, and apple cider vinegar for mineral programs
Direct-marketing lamb, pork, and chicken through GrazeCart
Adding pigs to utilize 30 acres of woods and reduce ticks
Launching on-farm poultry processing (non-GMO, soy-free feed)
Stewardship mindset and educational outreach via Harvest Hosts & farm visits
Future plans: farrow-to-finish Hereford pigs, possible Dexter cows for raw milk, on-farm events, and intentional growth
Stan’s story is a realistic look at starting late, learning fast, and doing it intentionally. From adoption to regenerative restoration, he shows how faith, family, and stewardship intersect on a small Arkansas farm. Whether you’re reclaiming abused land or diversifying your livestock, his experience offers encouragement and practical takeaways.

Resources Mentioned
Intentional Farms
Greg Judy Grazing School
Joel Salatin videos
The Stockman Grass Farmer
GrazeCart e-commerce platform
Illinois River Watershed Alliance grants
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
Original Music by Louis Palfrey
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
1 hr 13 min
October 15, 2025192. Fitness Meets Farming in the Ottawa Valley with Adam Phomin
In this episode, Cal talks with Adam Phomin from Hoof and Beak Farm in eastern Ontario, Canada. Adam shares his journey from fitness coach and gym owner to regenerative farmer, raising sheep, cattle, chickens, and llamas on his 100-acre farm. A first-generation farmer, Adam connects his passion for health and nutrition to raising his own protein and improving the land. He discusses starting from scratch, lessons learned fencing and grazing, using polywire for sheep, the role of llamas as guardians, and the importance of daily progress—both in farming and fitness. Adam also introduces his 5 AM Squat Club, a mindset and movement program he leads live each morning on YouTube.

Topics Covered
Transitioning from fitness and nutrition to regenerative farming
Building a 100-acre farm from hayed and degraded land
Starting with chickens and moving into Katahdin sheep
Breeding strategies and learning from experience
Grazing management with polywire and limited time
Lessons learned from predator pressure and livestock guardians
Sourcing and raising cattle for seasonal grazing
Marketing protein through his gym community
The 5 AM Squat Club: combining mindset, movement, and purpose
The importance of identity, consistency, and small daily steps
If you’re just getting started or balancing farming with another career, this episode is packed with relatable insights. Adam’s story proves you can build a regenerative operation from scratch—even without an ag background—by focusing on health, mindset, and progress over perfection. His fitness perspective offers a refreshing reminder that farmers are athletes too, and taking care of your body is key to taking care of your land.
Resources Mentioned
Hoof and Beak Farm: Instagram / Website – @hoofandbeak
5 AM Squat Club: YouTube Channel
Podcasts: Working Cows, Ranching Returns, Beyond Labels (Joel Salatin & Sina McCullough), Ranching Reboot
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
Original Music by Louis Palfrey
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
1 hr 20 min
October 08, 2025191. From Sand to Soil Health in the Sunshine State with Lauren Jorgensen and Frank Tobias
In this episode, Cal visits with Lauren Jorgensen and Frank “Toby” Tobias, owners of Starlight Farm in North Florida. Lauren and Toby share their inspiring transition from suburban professionals to regenerative graziers, managing cattle, horses, and chickens on 108 acres of sandy Florida soil. Their story begins with a daughter’s recommendation to watch Kiss the Ground, which set them on a journey into soil health and regenerative practices. From battling Florida’s unique soil challenges to founding the Florida Soil Health Coalition, they’ve become advocates for soil, community, and mindful stewardship.

Topics Covered
Lauren & Toby’s background and 20-year journey to Starlight Farm
Transition from horses to cattle and discovering regenerative grazing
Influence of Kiss the Ground and attending the Soil Health Academy
Managing sandy Florida soils and the challenges of bahiagrass
Bale grazing, cover crops, and learning from failures
The role of chicken and cow manure in improving fertility
Surviving hurricanes and adapting to climate extremes
Starting the Florida Soil Health Coalition — connecting farmers, researchers, and consumers
Finding balance between purity and practicality in regenerative systems
Favorite grazing books and tools (from tractors to hay string!)
Building a life and home rooted in stewardship, love, and laughter
Why You Should Listen
This episode is full of relatable moments for anyone striving to make progress on imperfect land. Lauren and Toby’s enthusiasm and candor highlight how regenerative agriculture is as much about mindset as it is about management. Their story captures the patience, humor, and persistence required to restore soil in Florida’s challenging environment — and how connection, both human and ecological, fuels that process. You’ll also learn about a new grassroots movement growing in the Sunshine State through the Florida Soil Health Coalition.

Resources Mentioned
Florida Soil Health Coalition: floridasoilhealth.org
Starlight Farm Grass-Fed Beef: Facebook Page – “Starlight Farm Grass-Fed Beef”
Tobias Saddlery: ultimatesaddle.com
Books:
Dirt to Soil by Gabe Brown
A Bold Return to Giving a Damn by Will Harris
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
What Your Food Ate by David R. Montgomery & Anne Biklé
Organizations & Mentions:
Soil Health Academy (Gabe Brown, Allen Williams, Ray Archuleta)
Will Harris – White Oak Pastures
Jonathan Lundgren – Ecdysis Foundation & 1000 Farms Study
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
Original Music by Louis Palfrey
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
1 hr 40 min
October 01, 2025190. Balancing Grazing, Goats, and Generational Wealth with Dana Tinney Wilson
Dana Tinney Wilson of Chantilly Ranch in Northern California returns to the Grazing Grass Podcast to share what’s new since her first appearance in episode 50. Dana and her husband Gary raise Boer goats, Highland cattle, and Dexter cattle, direct-marketing beef to their community while also using goats for fire abatement and neighborhood grazing services. She talks about adapting her grazing management, expanding into irrigation, and the role her children now play in the family operation. Dana also introduces the infinite banking concept, a financial strategy she has adopted for building resilience and long-term security for her family and ranch.

Topics covered in this episode:
Dana’s recent marriage and family involvement on the ranch
Raising Highland and Dexter cattle, including selling direct-to-consumer beef
The role of goats for meat, fire prevention, and community grazing contracts
Managing predator pressure and challenges with electric netting
Shifts in grazing strategy, including irrigation and rest periods
Building big-picture goals for profitability, regeneration, and legacy
Considering adding pigs to meet market demand
How her daughter’s horse training business fits into the ranch vision
A deep dive into infinite banking and how it can provide stability and intergenerational wealth
This episode is for graziers who want inspiration on building a profitable, regenerative, family-centered ranch while exploring creative ways to finance growth. Dana’s story blends practical grazing insights with long-term financial thinking that may spark new ideas for your own operation.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Chantilly Ranch
Holistic Management by Allan Savory
Nelson Nash’s book on Infinite Banking
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
Original Music by Louis Palfrey
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
1 hr 27 min
September 24, 2025189. Building Soil and Beef Quality with Virtual Fencing with Karl Palmberg
In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal visits with Karl Palmberg of Sunlight and Rain in northwest Iowa. Karl shares his journey from growing up on a farm, serving in the Air Force, and eventually returning home to rebuild his family’s cattle operation. He dives into the lessons learned from shifting to no-till farming, integrating livestock for soil health, and experimenting with genetics for grass-fed beef. A major focus of this conversation is Karl’s experience adopting virtual fencing technology with Gallagher’s eShepherd collars—how it’s changed his management, saved time, and opened new possibilities for grazing.

Topics covered include:
Karl’s beginnings with cattle in junior high and how those early experiences shaped his path
Transitioning from conventional tillage to no-till and strip-till farming
The role of livestock in building soil health
Practical fencing tools: reels, polywire, fiberglass posts, energizers, and water infrastructure
Breeding strategy and focusing on functional, easy-fleshing cattle genetics
Shifting toward grass finishing and direct-to-consumer beef sales
The challenges and opportunities of marketing grass-fed beef
A deep dive into virtual fencing: training animals, collar fit, technology quirks, and labor savings
Lessons learned about humility, innovation, and adapting systems on the farm
Karl’s story is a reminder of how regenerative practices are often a process of trial, error, and persistence. His candid take on the benefits and limitations of virtual fencing offers practical insight for graziers considering this new technology.

If you’ve wondered whether virtual collars could fit into your grazing system—or if you’re curious about one farmer’s path from conventional tillage to regenerative practices—this episode is packed with honest lessons and real-world advice. Karl’s mix of military discipline, family heritage, and innovative curiosity makes for a compelling story.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Sunlight and Rain – Karl’s farm
Gallagher Animal Management – eShepherd virtual fencing system
Joel Salatin’s The Marvelous Pigness of Pigs
Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics
Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond Agriculture.
eShepherd

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide
Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast
Original Music by Louis Palfrey
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
1 hr 22 min
September 17, 2025188. Simple Recipe for Cattle Production with Bruce Shanks
Bruce shares his journey from managing sheep and goats to building a South Poll seedstock operation, the pivotal experiences that shaped his philosophy, and how he balances practicality with profitability. He also reflects on the importance of family, community, and keeping options open in an unpredictable business.
In this episode, we cover:
Bruce’s background in agriculture and how he ended up in Bell, Missouri
Transitioning from sheep and goats to a South Poll-centered cattle operation
Lessons learned from Burke Teichert and the Rex Ranch about low-input grazing systems
Why docility and adaptability matter in South Poll cattle
Running sheep and cattle together, and the challenges of small ruminants
How Bruce markets lambs and develops bulls with his customers in mind
The role of lease land in his operation
Advice for beginners: walk before you run and never say never in grazing
Whether you’re a grazier looking to simplify your system, or just curious about the South Poll breed, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and real-world experience.
Bruce doesn’t overcomplicate things—his success comes from sticking to the basics. His “simple recipe” offers a refreshing reminder that profitability often comes from focus, discipline, and letting cattle prove themselves in the environment they’re meant for. If you’re thinking about South Polls, sheep, or just streamlining your grazing operation, Bruce’s story will give you ideas and encouragement.

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Sassafras Valley Ranch
Greg Judy’s No Risk Ranching (first book)
How to Think Like a Grazier by Greg Judy
South Poll Grass Cattle Association
Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics
Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond Agriculture.
South Poll Field Day & Sale

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide
Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast
Original Music by Louis Palfrey
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
1 hr 17 min
September 10, 2025187. Raising South Poll Cattle & Direct-to-Consumer Beef with Josh Harris
Josh shares his journey as a sixth-generation grazier managing South Poll cattle, woodland-raised pork, and pasture poultry with his father. He grew up immersed in rotational grazing from the late 1990s, giving him a unique second-generation perspective on regenerative practices. Josh explains how their family transitioned from commercial breeds to South Polls in 2006, seeing immediate differences in heat tolerance, fly resistance, and docility. Today, they run a registered South Poll herd and market animals both as seed stock and direct-to-consumer beef.

Key topics covered:
Growing up in a regenerative grazing family and partnering with his dad on the farm.
Transition to South Poll cattle and why they thrive in North Carolina’s hot, humid fescue environment.
Breeding philosophy with split spring and fall calving seasons.
Benefits of docility, adaptability, and calving ease in their herd.
Seed stock marketing and demand for South Poll cattle.
Building a direct-to-consumer beef business with online sales, pickup locations, and limited home delivery.
Diversifying with woodland-raised pork and pasture poultry for both soil and business benefits.
Balancing scaling the farm with off-farm work, including lessons from his Chamber of Commerce role.
Advice for beginners: focus, clarity, and starting with quality animals or strong customer relationships.
This episode highlights the long-term benefits of sticking with regenerative grazing across generations and offers a candid look at building both seed stock and direct-to-consumer businesses. Josh’s experience with South Poll cattle provides valuable insights for anyone considering heat-tolerant, grass-efficient breeds.

Resources mentioned:
Harris Home Place Farm: harrishomeplacefarm.com
Facebook & Instagram: Harris Homeplace Farm
South Poll Grass Cattle Association: southpoll.com
The End of Craving by Mark Schatzker
Steak by Mark Schatzker
Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics
Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond Agriculture.
South Poll Field Day & Sale

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide
Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast
Original Music by Louis Palfrey
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
1 hr 14 min
September 03, 2025186. A Recipe, Not a Prescription: Grazing Insights from the Ozarks with Bob and Ann Demerath
Ann and Bob share their journey from Nebraska crop and cattle farming to building a regenerative grazing operation in the Ozarks. They discuss the challenges of starting over, investing in infrastructure like tire tanks and fencing, and adapting their herd with South Poll genetics to fit their environment. Their story highlights resilience, stewardship, and the pursuit of nutrient-dense beef and healthier soils.

Topics covered in this episode:
Transition from conventional farming in Nebraska to management-intensive grazing in Missouri
Daily moves, portable watering systems, and eventually installing 28 tire tanks
Experiences with cattle breeds including Black Angus, Braford, Corriente, and South Poll crosses
Marketing steers through private sales, meat business, and occasional sale barns
Nutrient-density testing of their beef, showing omega ratios close to wild salmon
Soil health improvements, bird diversity surveys, and ecosystem changes on their ranch
Lessons learned about rest periods, stewardship, and adapting grazing as a “recipe, not a prescription”
Future plans as they balance ranch work, family, and personal goals
Why listen to this episode:
Ann and Bob bring decades of hands-on experience, showing how management, not just genetics or land, drives success. From portable waters to garlic salt minerals, they share practical insights any grazier can apply. Their emphasis on stewardship, learning, and resilience will inspire both beginners and seasoned graziers alike.

Resources mentioned:
Stockman Grass Farmer
Man, Cattle and Veld
Top of the Ozarks grazing group
Redmond Agriculture minerals
Clear Spring Ranch – clearspringranch.com
Five Five Coyote Meat Business – fivefivecoyote.com
Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics
Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond Agriculture.
South Poll Field Day & Sale

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide
Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast
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
1 hr 27 min
August 27, 2025185. Hair, Grass, and Virtual Fences with Todd Barkley
Todd Barkley of Barkley Ranch in Southeast Montana joins us to share his journey as a fourth-generation rancher balancing education, cattle, and regenerative practices. Todd talks about building his cow herd through AI, crossbreeding with Herefords, and now introducing Galloway genetics for winter hardiness and fly resistance. He also dives deep into cover crops, soil health, and the powerful role of epigenetics in shaping cattle for the environment. A major highlight is his firsthand experience with Gallagher’s eShepherd virtual fencing system and how it’s changing the way he manages pastures and labor on his ranch.
We cover topics including:
Todd’s return to ranching after pursuing a teaching degree
How CRP programs shaped his family’s operation
Building his cow herd with Angus, Hereford, and now Galloway genetics
Challenges of managing cattle in a 9–12 inch rainfall environment
The role of cover crops and organic matter in regenerative systems
Why epigenetics matters in cattle selection
Using eShepherd virtual fencing for labor savings and improved grazing management
Balancing innovation with practical ranching realities
This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about how virtual fencing works on a real ranch, or for producers considering breed selection to better match cattle to their environment. Todd’s perspective shows how combining tradition, experimentation, and technology can strengthen both the land and the herd.
Resources & Mentions:
Johan Zietsman’s Man, Cattle and Veld
Montana Grazing Lands Coalition
Gallagher eShepherd Virtual Fencing
NRCS and regenerative ag leaders: Gabe Brown, Neil Dennis, Jerry Doan, Allen Williams
Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics
Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond Agriculture.
eShepherd

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide
Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast
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
1 hr 34 min

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

From the publisher's feed

The Grazing Grass Podcast features insights and stories of regenerative farming, specifically emphasizing grass-based livestock management. Our mission is to foster a community where grass farmers can share knowledge and experiences with one another. We delve into their transition to these practices, explore the ins and outs of their operations, and then move into the "Over Grazing" segment, which addresses specific challenges and learning opportunities. The episode rounds off with the "Famous Four" questions, designed to extract valuable wisdom and advice. Join us to gain practical tips and inspiration from the pioneers of regenerative grass farming.