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

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

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Original Music by Louis Palfrey

In this episode, Hobbs Magaret, author of Herd: Animals That Gave Rise to Humanity and Why We Need Them More Than Ever, joins Cal for a deep, thought-provoking conversation about grazing, ecology, and shifting our perspectives on livestock production. Hobbs shares his journey from ranching in Oregon to working on massive cattle stations in Australia, blending personal experience with philosophical insights. The discussion explores high density grazing, the role of herd animals in human history, how to market regenerative beef, and the radical idea of viewing beef as a waste product rather than the main goal. Along the way, Hobbs touches on corporate politics, ecological ideals, genetic selection for fertility, and the lessons learned from managing vastly different environments.

Topics Covered

• Hobbs Magaret’s background and ranching journey in the U.S. and Australia
• The origins of his interest in high density grazing (influences from Allan Savory and Johann Zietsman)
• Moving from a protein-production mindset to an ecological-function mindset
• The concept of beef as a waste product instead of a byproduct
• Lessons learned from grazing in Oregon vs. Texas vs. Northern Australia
• Managing corporate politics while implementing ecological changes
• Performance art and visibility in agriculture marketing
• Using social media (TikTok & Instagram) to grow influence and sell beef
• The role of hindgut fermenters in ecosystems and simulating their function with ruminants
• Genetic adaptation and breed considerations for different environments
• The importance of fertility as the key livestock selection criterion
• Marketing strategies and the value of storytelling in agriculture

 If you’re interested in the future of regenerative ranching, this episode will challenge your assumptions and spark new ideas. Hobbs brings a rare combination of large-scale experience, ecological philosophy, and practical know-how. Whether you’re grazing a few acres or managing thousands, his insights into livestock genetics, grazing strategy, and the deeper purpose of ruminants will help you think differently about your land, your herd, and your role as a steward.

Resources Mentioned

• Herd: Animals That Gave Rise to Humanity and Why We Need Them More Than Ever by Hobbs Magaret
• Allan Savory’s work and holistic management principles
• Man, Cattle and Veld by Johann Zietsman
• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

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

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Chapters

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

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

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture
Grassroots Carbon

Grazing Grass Links
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Original Music by Louis Palfrey

In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal visits with Jaime Elizondo, known as Jim in the United States, to explore his Total Grazing Program. This is a comprehensive approach to regenerative ranching focused on lowering costs, improving soil, and increasing livestock performance. With decades of experience managing cattle in Mexico and the U.S., Jim shares his path from red cattle in the tropics to creating a composite breed suited for harsh environments. He breaks down the importance of African Bos taurus genetics, how to build soil carbon, and the strategies behind stockpiling and grazing timing. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of how to manage grazing with nature, not against it.

In this episode, you’ll hear about:

• Jim’s story from Mexico to Texas and the foundation of his farm, Las Coloradas
• His evolution from red cattle to developing an adapted composite breed
• The significance of African Bos taurus genetics in hot, humid, and disease-prone environments
• What the Total Grazing Program is and how it differs from ultra high-density grazing
• How to build long-lived soil carbon and why it matters
• Stockpiling strategies for winter and how to boost soil and forage health
• Monitoring livestock performance with gut fill and body condition
• The role of coaching and mentorship in successful grazing operations
• Applying these grazing principles to cattle, sheep, and goats

 If you're interested in cutting input costs, improving soil, and raising animals that thrive in your environment, this episode delivers a practical and proven system. Jim offers clear guidance based on firsthand experience. Whether you're on a small farm or a large ranch, his insights can help you improve your land and your bottom line.

Resources Mentioned:

• Grass Productivity by André Voisin
• Man Must Measure by Jan Bonsma
• A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold
• The Forage Book by Hutchinson and Metcalf
• Jim’s paper “Soil Carbon” (available on his website)

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

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Provide feedback for the podcast
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Chapters

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

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture
Grassroots Carbon

Grazing Grass Links
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Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Joel shares his inspiring journey from business economics and tech startups to building a fast-growing regenerative ranch. He explains how he used herd shares and ultra high density grazing to expand from a small herd to nearly 500 cows in just a few years. Along the way, he discusses developing hardy genetics, navigating serious labor shortages, and creating a supportive network of investors and mentors. Joel blends economics, history, faith, and land stewardship into a powerful vision for the future of ranching.

Topics Covered:

• Launching a ranch with zero capital through herd share partnerships
• Choosing Oklahoma for its climate challenges and opportunities
• Lessons from tech and startup life that apply to ranching
• Ultra high density grazing and how it multiplies carrying capacity
• Genetic selection for cattle that thrive without inputs
• Using community and social capital to scale
• The hidden economics behind modern ranch failure
• Advice for young or aspiring regenerative ranchers

Why You Should Listen:

This episode offers a rare look into what it takes to build a large-scale regenerative operation from the ground up. Joel is not only focused on grazing methods but also on solving the deeper economic, cultural, and logistical problems facing ranchers today. His practical strategies and vision for the future will resonate with anyone serious about making a living on the land.

Resources Mentioned:

• Smoke River Ranch
• Book: Man, Cattle & the Grass by Johann Zietsman
• Joel’s handle: @untappedgrowth on X/Twitter

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

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

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 visits with Natalie Hancock of Olde Oak Glen, located near Perkins–Tryon, Oklahoma. Natalie shares her unique journey from the mountains of Greece to raising one of the rarest and most flavorful heritage pigs—Mangalitsa—on 60 forested acres. What began as a love for animals, particularly horses, turned into a passion for pigs after rescuing a potbelly. Now, Natalie is one of the largest Mangalitsa breeders in Oklahoma, producing high-quality pork and skin care products while embracing regenerative and ethical farming practices.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• How Natalie got started with pigs and why she chose Mangalitsa
• Characteristics and history of the Mangalitsa breed
• The challenges and rewards of raising slow-growing, heritage pigs
• Pasture-based management and natural farrowing practices
• What makes Mangalitsa pork (and its fat!) so different and nutritious
• How Natalie markets her pork through farmers markets and snack sticks
• Creative uses of lard for skincare and baking
• Feeding practices, mineral use, and maintaining herd health
• The importance of educating consumers and building a direct market

If you’ve ever been curious about heritage pigs or want to learn from someone doing things a bit differently—and deliciously—this is a can’t-miss conversation. Natalie’s commitment to flavor, animal welfare, and sustainable practices shines through every part of her story.

Resources Mentioned:

• Olde Oak Glen (Natalie's farm)
• Edmond Farmers Market
• Ralph’s Processing for private label snack sticks

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

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond

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

In this episode, Cal sits down with Daniel and Mandie Stallings of Perch & Pasture in Waverly Hall, Georgia. This husband-and-wife team share their powerful story of transitioning from military life to full-time regenerative farming. Sparked by personal health challenges and a passion for nutrient-dense food, they’ve built a diversified farm enterprise that includes raw dairy, beef, pork, poultry, and small ruminants. The Stallings discuss their commercial homestead model, raw milk production, rotational grazing systems, and how they've made their farm accessible and resilient—even during medical setbacks.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• The Stallings’ health-driven journey into farming
• Managing a multi-species farm with dairy cows, goats, pigs, and poultry
• Their transition from military to farming and its mental/emotional impact
• Raw milk licensing in Georgia and working with the Raw Milk Institute
• Why they left Nigerian Dwarf goats behind for Nubians
• Developing resilient systems for a small family farm
• The role of education, transparency, and community in their operation
• Their work with veterans and the SkillBridge program

Whether you're a beginning farmer, a homesteader, or a veteran looking for your next chapter, this episode is full of practical insight and inspiration. Daniel and Mandie show how purpose, adaptability, and thoughtful planning can turn land into a lifeline—and a legacy.

Resources & Mentions:

• Perch & Pasture
• Reverence Farms
• Raw Milk Institute (RAWMI)
• SkillBridge Program for Veterans
• Justin Rhodes & Joel Salatin (mentioned as learning influences)

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

Visit our Sponsors:
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Redmond

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast

Chapters

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, we hear from Marque Renshaw of Peace in the Valley Farms in West Plains, Missouri. Marque shares her journey into rotational grazing and the lessons she and her husband Ryan have learned transitioning their operation to focus on sheep. From challenging beginnings—managing animals post-house fire and learning by doing with sale barn ewes—to building a resilient and thoughtful grazing system, Marque's story is both raw and inspiring. Her passion for helping others shines through, especially in her efforts to foster a positive online community and mentor other graziers.

Topics Covered

• Transitioning from horses and cattle to a sheep-focused operation
• Mistakes and hard lessons from buying sale barn sheep
• Learning what true rotational grazing is (and what it isn’t)
• How a house fire catalyzed a new farming chapter
• The importance of fencing and learning to love hotwire
• Finding and building a relationship with a sheep-savvy vet
• Daily grazing rotations and pasture management
• Building supportive and judgment-free communities for graziers
• Educating oneself through podcasts, grazing schools, and mentorship
• The role of women and generational legacy in agriculture

Why You Should Listen
If you're managing sheep or considering them for your operation, Marque's journey is full of relatable struggles, practical insights, and hard-earned wisdom. Her transparency about missteps and breakthroughs offers a refreshing and motivating perspective—especially if you're navigating your first years in regenerative grazing.

Resources Mentioned

• Peace in the Valley Farms
• Grazing Grass Community (Facebook)
• Grazing Sheep podcast (with Tom and Cam)
• Vet Caitlyn from Gainesville, Missouri

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

Visit our Sponsors:
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Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

Provide feedback for the podcast
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Chapters

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

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture
Grassroots Carbon

Grazing Grass Links
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Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Tom Otton joins us from the far south coast of Australia to share his journey from growing up on a beef farm to operating a grazing-based dairy with his family. Tom discusses the evolution of his practices, including a heavy focus on multi-species pastures, no-till methods, and regenerative grazing—long before he even knew the word “regenerative.” He shares thoughtful insights on cow genetics, virtual fencing, and the challenges of balancing tradition with innovation, especially in the context of Australia’s extreme weather and regulatory environment.

• Transition from beef farming to dairy during Australia’s millennium drought
• Grazing-based dairy practices with multi-species pastures
• Implementing high-density rotation with 2–4 shifts per day
• Adoption and legality of virtual fencing in Australia
• Using sexed semen and beef crosses for herd improvement and profitability
• Winter planting of cereal and forage blends; native summer grass systems
• Infrastructure layout with laneways, river watering, and no indoor housing
• Honest insights on power costs, robotic milkers, and future tech
• Personal reflections on footwear, decision-making, and doing what works for you

 Tom’s down-to-earth approach to grazing-based dairying in a region with both drought and flood extremes offers valuable perspective for anyone in livestock. Whether you're intrigued by virtual fencing, cow genetics, or just love hearing how others adapt regenerative principles across the globe, Tom delivers a mix of practical know-how and big-picture thinking.

Resources Mentioned

• Call of the Reed Warbler by Charles Massy
• Dirt to Soil by Gabe Brown
• Tango Holsteins on Facebook
• Tango Holsteins on Instagram

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

Visit our Sponsors:
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Provide feedback for the podcast
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Chapters

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

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Grassroots Carbon

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Original Music by Louis Palfrey

In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal talks with Ernie Mathis of Iron Root Pastures in Rising Fawn, Georgia. Ernie shares how he went from suburban New Jersey roots and metro Atlanta life to traveling the U.S. in an RV and finally settling on a dilapidated cow-calf farm to pursue a regenerative, multi-species livestock operation. He discusses starting with backyard broilers, managing raw milk production from his herd of Jerseys, raising pigs and poultry on organic, soy-free and corn-free feed, and why he’s adding rabbits next. Ernie also walks through his portable milking parlor setup, calf-sharing system, and lessons learned in farm infrastructure, grazing systems, and marketing directly to health-focused consumers.

Topics Covered

• Why and how Ernie and his family left metro life for farm life
• Starting with 10 backyard broilers and progressing to pasture poultry
• Transitioning from RV life to settling on a 225-acre property
• Developing a direct-to-consumer market with chiropractic clinics
• Raising soy-free, corn-free fed chickens, pigs, and layers
• Building a portable milking setup for 8 Jersey cows
• Implementing calf sharing with a custom calf shelter
• Using belted Galloways and moving toward more heat-tolerant breeds
• Plans for integrating rabbits and sheep
• Thoughts on A2 milk, sexed semen, and dual-purpose livestock
• Managing pastures and daily moves using simple infrastructure

If you’ve ever wondered how to go from urban homesteader to full-time grazier, Ernie’s story will inspire and inform you. His creative infrastructure, practical solutions for milking in the pasture, and strong values around health and transparency in food production make this a great episode for new farmers, aspiring dairy graziers, or anyone looking to build a regenerative, direct-to-consumer business. Whether it’s a discussion on milking schedules or raw milk laws, there’s something here for everyone walking a similar path.

Resources Mentioned

• Iron Root Pastures
• Kentucky Organics (feed mill)
• Justin Rhodes YouTube Channel
• White Oak Pastures (Rabbitat project)

Visit our Sponsors:
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Provide feedback for the podcast
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Chapters

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

Visit our Sponsors:
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Redmond Agriculture
Grassroots Carbon

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Original Music by Louis Palfrey

In this episode, we head to Zambia to talk with Doug Badcock of Green Lid Enterprises. Doug shares his journey from managing a diverse crop and livestock farm to developing a passion for grazing and livestock management. Situated just miles from the Congo border, Doug discusses the realities of ranching in Zambia’s unique environment—from tropical grasses and fires to high-density grazing and breeding Boran and Angoni cattle. His openness about trial, error, and continual improvement makes this a valuable conversation for graziers everywhere.

Topics Covered:

• Transitioning from conventional to regenerative grazing
• Grazing livestock near the Congo border
• Using electric fencing in remote areas
• Managing forage through fire and seasonal rainfall
• Adjusting calving and breeding seasons
• Adapting cattle breed selection to local conditions
• High-density grazing: when it works and when it hurts
• Forage management with bananas and corn stalks
• Differences between Boran, Sussex, Angoni, and other African breeds
• Using line breeding and natural selection in herd development

Doug Badcock brings a unique perspective to the Grazing Grass Podcast from his farm in Zambia. His willingness to share both successes and challenges—from learning to manage tropical forage to selecting the right breeds for his environment—makes this episode a global look at regenerative grazing principles. Whether you farm in Oklahoma or Africa, you’ll find inspiration and insight in Doug’s honest storytelling and deep curiosity for continual improvement.

Resources Mentioned:
Green Lid Enterprises Facebook & YouTube:
https://youtube.com/@green_lid_enterprises?si=elTGbGeGCylwOuSN
https://www.facebook.com/share/192BW7WRNN/
https://www.instagram.com/green_lid_enterprises?igsh=b2V5OHAwMmk0eG1o
Johan Zietsman's book Man, Cattle and Veld
Calvin Birioti's YouTube video featuring Doug’s farm

Visit our Sponsors:
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Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

Provide feedback for the podcast
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Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast

Chapters

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