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

June 11, 2025174. A Subscription Model Transformed Jeff Siewicki’s Farm Business
In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, we're joined by Jeff Siewicki of Vital Mission Farm in South Carolina. Jeff shares his journey from raising 25 chickens for personal use to building a thriving regenerative poultry business focused on pasture-raised ducks and turkeys. With a background in science and no prior farming experience, Jeff candidly discusses how he learned everything from scratch—facing the steep learning curves of pasture poultry, selling wholesale to top chefs, and ultimately pivoting to a hyperlocal subscription-based model for direct-to-consumer sales.
Topics Covered:
Starting with chickens, transitioning to ducks and turkeys
Challenges and benefits of pasture-raised poultry
Lessons from selling wholesale to restaurants pre-COVID
Pivoting during the pandemic to direct-to-consumer sales
Creating value-added products like duck prosciutto and pet treats
Launching and refining a customized local subscription box
Online marketing and building an effective digital storefront
Advice for farmers on capturing leads and converting sales
Why You Should Listen:
If you're a grass-based producer exploring poultry, value-added products, or direct-to-consumer models, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world experience. Jeff doesn’t sugarcoat the hard lessons learned, but he also shares the wins—from building customer relationships at farmers markets to crafting a high-margin subscription service. Whether you’re looking to improve your margins, expand product offerings, or shift from wholesale to DTC, Jeff’s story is full of inspiration and actionable insights.

Resources Mentioned:
Vital Mission Farm
Regenerative Success
Premier1 Supplies (chick-safe netting)
Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide
Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources (Coming Soon)
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
1 hr 16 min
June 04, 2025173. Managing 8,000 Acres with Planned Migratory Grazing with Riki Kremers
Riki Kremers joins us from Kremers Ranch in Lance Creek, Wyoming, where she and her family manage 8,000 acres of rough, arid country with Angus-cross cattle, horses, and meat goats. Together with her husband and daughter, Riki has transitioned their operation from traditional set-stock grazing to a powerful combination of Instinctive Migratory Grazing (IMG) and Planned Migratory Grazing (PMG), doubling their stocking rate and reducing feed inputs. With over 20 miles of water pipeline and an impressive track record of adapting to extreme environments, Riki shares hard-earned lessons on stockmanship, infrastructure, and letting nature lead the way.

Topics Covered
History and evolution of Kremers Ranch
Transition from February to June calving
Building water infrastructure and pasture layout
Challenges with temporary fencing in brittle environments
Transitioning to IMG and how it rebooted herd behavior
Role of stockmanship and learning from Bob Kin and Ian Mitchell-Innes
Managing yearlings separately for summer and winter forage balance
Creating and using "insurance pastures"
Shifts in forage species and pasture recovery times
Integrating horses and four-wheelers into cattle management
Why You Should Listen
If you're grazing in a brittle or arid environment—or frustrated with conventional rotational systems—Riki’s experience will resonate. She candidly walks us through her family’s grazing journey, showing how thoughtful stockmanship and intentional planning can unlock natural herd behavior and healthier land. Whether you’re looking to reduce feed, improve forage diversity, or double your stocking rate without burning out your pastures, this episode offers actionable wisdom grounded in real-world success.

Resources Mentioned
Instinctive Migratory Grazing School
Riki Kremers on Facebook
Bob Kinford on the Grazing Grass Podcast
Bob Kinford – Instinctive Migratory Grazing
Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond
GBT Angus

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

Chapters
(00:00) - Introduction and Fast Five with Riki Kramer
(01:26) - History and Evolution of Kramer's Ranch
(02:07) - Grazing Techniques and Challenges
(04:57) - Record Keeping and Ranch Management
(09:20) - Transition to Instinctive Migratory Grazing (IMG)
(18:08) - Implementing and Refining IMG
(33:07) - Stockmanship and Herd Behavior
(40:26) - Understanding Animal Communication
(40:38) - Four-Wheeler vs. Horseback Communication
(42:00) - Benefits of IMG Grazing in Arid Environments
(43:12) - Forage Quality and Species Changes
(45:14) - Managing Cow Herds and Yearlings
(50:50) - Insurance Pastures: A Safety Net for Grazing
(56:10) - Upcoming Grazing School Details
(01:03:42) - Famous Four Questions
(01:14:56) - Conclusion and Takeaways

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 19 min
May 28, 2025172. Balancing Horses, Sheep, and Goats in a Rotational Grazing System with Cherrie Nolden
In this episode, we chat with Cherrie Nolden of Wonder Acres Farm, located in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. Cherrie shares her extensive experience with multi-species grazing, highlighting her innovative approaches to adaptive grazing management and pasture improvement. She discusses how she manages her Norwegian Fjord horses, sheep, goats, and livestock guardian dogs, emphasizing genetic selection for natural parasite resistance and efficient grazing practices. Cherrie also covers fencing strategies, transitioning horses from dry lots to rotational grazing, and maintaining healthy pastures through careful management.

Topics discussed:
Adaptive and rotational grazing strategies
Grazing management for horses, sheep, and goats
Genetic selection for parasite resistance
Multi-species grazing benefits
Using electro-net fencing effectively
Designing and utilizing grazing lanes
Sustainable pasture improvement techniques
Whether you're managing horses, sheep, goats, or all of the above, Cherrie's insights will inspire you to optimize your grazing practices and improve your farm's overall productivity and sustainability.

Resources mentioned:
Wonder Acres Farm on Facebook
Wonder Acres Farm website
Won Der Fjords on Facebook
Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide
Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources (Coming Soon)
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
1 hr 21 min
May 21, 2025171. Growing a Farm Brand with Alex Russell
In this episode, we chat with Alex from Chucktown Acres, a regenerative farm based in Charleston, South Carolina. Alex shares his transformation from suburban musician and Bible college student to full-time regenerative farmer. His journey includes a pivotal internship at Polyface Farms and eventually taking over an existing farm operation in coastal South Carolina. Alex now manages a thriving multi-species livestock operation and also teaches marketing to other farmers.

Topics Covered
Alex’s health awakening and discovery of real food
The shift from Bible college to aspiring farmer
Securing a highly competitive internship at Polyface Farms
What life and work were like at Polyface
Starting and rebranding Chucktown Acres
Raising grass-fed beef, Berkshire hogs, broilers, laying hens, turkeys, and more
Adjusting practices for regional predator pressure in South Carolina
Using and recommending Kiwi Tech posts and Gallagher reels
Building a direct-to-consumer business with Barn2Door and weekly email marketing
Offering internships for local youth interested in sustainable ag
Navigating social media and customer communication
Equipment preferences and gear talk (O’Brien vs. Kiwi Tech)

Whether you’re just starting your regenerative journey or looking to refine your marketing and multi-species operation, Alex’s story is a valuable one. He didn’t grow up farming and didn’t inherit land—but he found a way through passion, grit, and practical action. His take on internships, rebranding, and building customer relationships through authentic marketing is inspiring and actionable. Plus, there’s plenty of great gear talk for graziers who love comparing reels and posts.

Resources Mentioned
Polyface Farms
Books & Authors:
Folks, This Ain’t Normal by Joel Salatin
Dirt to Soil by Gabe Brown
Works by Greg Judy, Alan Savory, Will Harris
Barn2Door – eCommerce for farmers
Redmond Agriculture
Noble Research Institute Courses
Kiwi Tech Posts – Available at Ken Cove
Gallagher reels, O’Brien posts, and other fencing gear
Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide
Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources (Coming Soon)
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast
Chapters
(00:00) - Introduction and Quickfire Questions
(01:58) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast
(03:36) - Alex's Journey to Farming
(05:15) - Discovering the World of Health Food
(06:56) - From Bible College to Farming Aspirations
(15:57) - Internship at Polyface Farms
(42:06) - Starting Chucktown Acres
(45:17) - Starting the Farming Journey
(45:56) - A Fortunate Break
(46:59) - Taking Over the Farm
(48:33) - Rebranding and Relocating
(49:50) - Challenges and Adaptations
(53:30) - Marketing and Sales Strategies
(57:29) - Social Media and Marketing Challenges
(59:49) - Advice for New Farmers
(01:12:05) - The Importance of Farmer's Markets
(01:14:19) - Famous Four Questions
(01:19:52) - Final Thoughts and Resources

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 30 min
May 14, 2025170. Building a Bison Empire in Oklahoma with Dusty Baker
Dusty Baker of Cross Timbers Bison joins us on the Grazing Grass Podcast to share his journey from city life to raising bison full time in Sulphur, Oklahoma. With a background in wildlife ecology and a deep appreciation for the nearby Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Dusty took the leap into bison ranching during the pandemic, starting out on an old dairy farm. Since then, he’s poured his passion into building a thriving herd and managing his land with regenerative practices that benefit both the soil and the animals.

In this episode, we dig into:
Dusty’s transition from city life to bison ranching
How he adapted a former dairy into a working bison operation
The challenges of fencing and handling these powerful animals
His approach to regenerative grazing and land stewardship
Thoughts on bison genetics and today’s bison meat market
Lessons learned from experimenting with multi-species grazing
Straightforward advice for anyone looking to get into bison ranching
If you’re curious about bison, regenerative grazing, or just love hearing a good ranching story, you won’t want to miss this one. Dusty’s experience offers practical tips and a real-world look at the ups and downs of raising these incredible animals.
Links Mentioned in the Episode
Cross Timbers Bison Ranch
Cross Timbers Bison on YouTube
This is Oklahoma Podcast with Dusty Baker

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide
Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources (Coming Soon)
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast
Original Music by Louis Palfrey
Chapters
(00:00) - Introduction and FAST Five
(00:23) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast
(02:01) - Farm Updates and Teeter Farm Tech Gates
(03:06) - Web Tinkering and Community Projects
(05:24) - Interview with Dusty Baker Begins
(05:47) - Dusty's Journey with Bison
(16:57) - Challenges and Learnings in Bison Farming
(21:59) - Transition to Full-Time Farming During COVID
(29:29) - Starting a YouTube Channel
(35:25) - Regenerative Practices on a Bison Ranch
(45:05) - Transition to Overgrazing
(45:59) - Redmond Agriculture Ad
(46:56) - Getting Started with Bison
(47:49) - Fencing and Keeping Bison Happy
(50:25) - Bison Genetics and Breeding
(57:32) - Bison Meat Market and Business
(01:00:21) - Challenges with Multi-Species Grazing
(01:11:34) - Cooking Bison Meat
(01:14:00) - Famous Four Questions
(01:25:48) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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
May 07, 2025169. Moving Across the Country with Nick Jackson and Sarah Mahan
Nick Jackson and Sarah Mahan recently embarked on a transformative journey from Atkinson, Maine, to Healy, Kansas, to pursue regenerative agriculture. Their passion for soil health and sustainable farming practices led them to transition from market gardening to livestock farming. With backgrounds in organic agriculture and compost production, they have drawn inspiration from influential thinkers like Alan Savory to enhance their approach to farming. Their story is not just about agriculture but also about personal growth, community support, and family dynamics as they navigate their new life in Kansas.

Topics covered in this episode:
Introduction to regenerative agriculture and Nick and Sarah's background
Transition from market gardening to livestock farming
Influence of thinkers like Alan Savory on their practices
Historical and ecological evolution of agriculture in Maine
Challenges and emotional aspects of relocating from Maine to Kansas
Managing livestock in a new environment and adapting to local conditions
Experiences with flash floods and community support
Insights into grazing strategies and sustainable farming techniques
Family dynamics and working with loved ones in a farming context

Listeners should tune in to this podcast episode to gain a comprehensive understanding of regenerative agriculture through the real-life experiences of Nick and Sarah. Their journey is both inspiring and educational, offering practical insights into sustainable farming practices and the resilience required to adapt to new environments. Whether you're an established farmer or someone new to the field, their story provides valuable lessons in managing cash flow, embracing change, and maintaining a sustainable lifestyle. The episode also offers a rich tapestry of historical and ecological perspectives, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of agriculture, sustainability, and personal growth.
Links Mentioned in the Episode

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide
Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources (Coming Soon)
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast
Original Music by Louis Palfrey
Chapters
(00:00) - Introduction and Fast Five
(00:50) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast
(01:25) - Noble Research Institute Courses
(02:28) - Starting the Regenerative Journey
(06:01) - Transitioning to Livestock
(08:34) - Challenges and Strategies in Farming
(17:15) - Maine's Agricultural Landscape
(25:57) - Moving to Kansas: A New Beginning
(42:37) - Airbnb Adventures and Meeting Greg
(43:59) - Selling Everything and Moving to Kansas
(45:37) - Challenges and Changes in Kansas
(48:45) - Custom Grazing and Scaling Up
(52:15) - Managing Sheep and Steers
(01:04:47) - Favorite Resources and Tools
(01:09:51) - Working with Family and Final Thoughts

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
April 30, 2025168. Harnessing Nature's Balance for Better Beef with Jason Schoenfelder
Jason Schoenfelder, a passionate advocate for sustainable cattle farming, is our featured guest. Raised on the sun-soaked ranches of Southeast Arizona, Jason's journey took him to the verdant pastures of Northeast Oregon, where he has embraced innovative, pasture-based cattle finishing operations. Influenced by the revolutionary ideas of Allen Savory, Jason is dedicated to enhancing rangeland health and crafting economically sustainable models in the cattle industry. His commitment to high animal welfare standards and innovative grazing techniques makes him a beacon of responsible and eco-friendly ranching.

Topics covered in this episode:
Jason's upbringing and introduction to rotational grazing in Southeast Arizona
Transition to pasture-based cattle finishing in Northeast Oregon
The influence of Allen Savory and holistic management practices
Challenges and successes in the cattle industry
Implementation of regenerative agriculture through the Grazewell program
Pasture management techniques, including strategic crop rotations
Insights into maintaining soil health and resource management, especially water
Importance of retaining ownership in cattle breeding for profitability
Consumer demand for high-quality, sustainably produced beef
Cooperative models like Country Natural Beef and their impact on sustainable practices

Listeners should tune in to this episode to gain a deeper understanding of sustainable cattle farming practices and the challenges and rewards of pasture-based operations. Jason Schoenfelder's journey offers valuable insights into the intricate balance required in resource management and innovative approaches to cattle feeding. Whether you are a seasoned rancher or an aspiring one, this episode provides practical guidance and inspiration for producing quality beef responsibly. By exploring themes of ecological balance and sustainability, Jason's story encourages listeners to embrace forward-thinking practices that benefit both the land and the beef industry.
Links Mentioned in the Episode
Northwest Pasture Beef
Country Natural Beef

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide
Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources (Coming Soon)
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast
Original Music by Louis Palfrey
Chapters
(00:00) - Introduction and Fast Five with Jason Schoenfelder
(01:28) - Jason's Background and Grazing Journey
(02:34) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast
(03:09) - Noble Research Institute Courses
(04:11) - Cal's Grazing Update
(05:28) - Join the Grazing Grass Community
(05:58) - Jason's Early Career and Experiences
(13:23) - Transition to Beef Northwest Feeders
(16:10) - Understanding GAP Standards
(23:02) - Pasture Finishing Program Details
(29:48) - Country Natural Beef Cooperative
(35:38) - Ownership and Financial Ramifications for Ranchers
(36:53) - Grading and Market Value of Cattle
(40:38) - Introduction to Grazewell Program
(44:27) - Grazewell Program Details and Implementation
(49:41) - Country Natural Beef and Market Reach
(50:44) - Final Thoughts and Advice for Ranchers
(53:42) - Famous Four Questions
(01:02:41) - Podcast Goals and Listener Engagement

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 8 min
April 23, 2025167. Ranching with Family and Utilizing Public Grazing Lands with Karson Rippstein
Karson Rippstein is a rancher from The Ripp Ranch in central Utah. His family's involvement in the industry dating back to the late 1800s. Karson has effectively combined traditional ranching methods with innovative practices, transforming undervalued plots of land into a thriving and sustainable cattle business. His journey is marked by resilience, creativity, and a commitment to sustainable grazing techniques, which have allowed his family's ranch to prosper even on less desirable land.
Topics covered in this episode:
Family ranching and grazing land utilization
Building a beef herd on undervalued land
Expanding cattle ranching through the formation of an LLC
Family communication and transparency in ranching
Transitioning to low-input cattle ranching
Challenges of public lands grazing and breeding
Redmond's approach to mineral supplementation
Nuances of mineral supplementation in cattle nutrition
Recommended resources and tools for ranch management

Listeners should tune into this episode to gain valuable insights into modern cattle ranching and sustainable grazing practices. Karson Rippstein's story offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation, showcasing how resilience and strategic decision-making can lead to success in the cattle industry. Whether you're a seasoned rancher or new to the field, Karson's experiences and practical advice provide inspiration and guidance for anyone looking to improve their ranching operations. His focus on collaboration, efficient land use, and natural supplementation offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in modern ranching.
Links Mentioned in the Episode
Ripp Ranch on YouTube

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide
Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources (Coming Soon)
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast
Original Music by Louis Palfrey
Chapters
(00:00) - Introduction to Ranching with Family
(00:10) - Fast Five with Karson Rippstein
(01:38) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast
(03:04) - Electric Fence Challenges
(06:24) - Karson's Ranching Journey
(08:01) - Starting with Small Herds
(23:38) - Forming the Family LLC
(34:16) - Shifting to Low Input Cows
(41:40) - Understanding Public Land Grazing
(42:45) - Grazing on Public Land: Permits and Challenges
(45:43) - Managing Cattle Breeding on Shared Grazing Lands
(46:28) - Adapting Calving Seasons for Better Efficiency
(51:34) - Innovative Grazing Practices and Virtual Fencing
(52:52) - Extending Grazing Seasons for Profitability
(54:31) - Introduction to Redmond Agriculture
(56:47) - Redmond's Unique Mineral Products
(01:00:46) - Philosophy on Mineral Supplementation
(01:16:32) - Famous Four Questions
(01:20:21) - Practical Tips for New Ranchers

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
April 16, 2025166. Grazing Sheep with Big Tom Perkins
Big Tom Perkins is a seasoned farmer who has successfully navigated the challenging transition from cattle to sheep farming. With his extensive experience at Con-O-Creek Farm in western Pennsylvania, he has become a beacon of innovation in livestock management and rotational grazing. His story is one of resilience, having faced and overcome significant obstacles such as strip mining and labor shortages. Through embracing modern techniques and programs like the National Sheep Improvement Program, Big Tom has revitalized his farm, focusing on traits like weight gain and parasite resistance to build a thriving sheep operation.

Topics Covered
Transition from cattle to sheep farming
Rotational grazing techniques
Overcoming environmental and labor challenges
The impact of strip mining on farming
Utilization of the National Sheep Improvement Program
Importance of breeding and genetics in sheep farming
Effective fencing strategies for livestock
Managing multiple lambing seasons
Starting and producing the Grazing Sheep Podcast
Personal growth through farming and podcasting

Listeners should tune in to this episode to gain invaluable insights into sustainable farming practices from a seasoned expert. Big Tom Perkins not only shares practical wisdom and innovative strategies but also inspires with his personal journey of adaptation and growth. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or new to the field, this podcast offers lessons in both farming and life, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.
Links Mentioned in the Episode
Con-O-Creek Farm
Grazing Sheep Podcast

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide
Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources (Coming Soon)
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast
Original Music by Louis Palfrey
Chapters
(00:00) - Introduction to Today's Episode
(00:18) - Meet Big Tom Perkins
(01:27) - The Grazing Grass Podcast Overview
(03:40) - Challenges and Innovations in Grazing
(04:39) - Tom's Farming Background
(10:43) - Transition to Rotational Grazing
(17:30) - Adding Sheep to the Operation
(20:09) - National Sheep Improvement Program
(30:12) - Grazing Management and Fencing Solutions
(41:49) - Marketing and Breeding Strategies
(42:18) - Selling Older Sheep and Meat Market Plans
(43:02) - Breeding Strategies and Hybrid Vigor
(43:54) - Lambing Seasons and Management
(44:24) - Mothering Ability and Culling Decisions
(45:20) - The Excitement of Lambing Season
(47:02) - National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) Insights
(55:14) - Starting the Grazing Sheep Podcast
(59:10) - Podcast Production and Listener Growth
(01:06:15) - Favorite Resources and Tools for Grazing
(01:12:02) - Advice for New Shepherds
(01:15:01) - Where to Find More Information
(01:16:22) - Final Thoughts and Outro

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 21 min
April 09, 2025165. Silvopasture: Getting Trees Started Right with Austin Unruh
In this episode , we feature Austin Unruh, the founder of Trees for Graziers. Austin's journey into the world of silvopasture and agroforestry began in 2017 when he started planting trees along streams to improve water quality. Since then, his passion for integrating trees into pasture systems has grown, and he has worked with grass-fed dairy operators to transform their pastures using innovative agroforestry practices. His expertise in overcoming challenges, such as unsuccessful tree planting attempts and livestock management, has positioned him as a leader in the field, achieving a remarkable 90% success rate in tree establishment.

Topics covered in the episode include:
The integration of trees into pasture systems through silvopasture
Challenges and opportunities in implementing silvopasture
Strategies for protecting young trees from cattle and other threats
Best practices for tree establishment and care
Tree care and watering tips
Insights into silvopasture resources and tools
You should listen to this episode to gain a deeper understanding of how integrating trees into pastures can create a harmonious balance between agriculture and ecology. Austin Unruh shares invaluable insights, practical strategies, and lessons learned from his experiences, making it an essential listen for anyone interested in regenerative agriculture and agroforestry. Whether you're a seasoned grazer or new to the concept, this episode promises to inspire and educate, offering tips and resources to help you successfully implement silvopasture on your farm.
Links Mentioned in the Episode
Trees for Graziers

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide
Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources (Coming Soon)
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
1 hr 9 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.