In this episode, we tour through Rucker Farm with Garrett Heydt to see how a large, leased regenerative operation actually works; covering hay, turkeys, water systems, minerals, and grazing decisions that shape animal health and land outcomes over time.

Key Topics 

• Rotational grazing on large, leased properties
• Pasture-based turkey production and management
• Water infrastructure, exclusion fencing, and environmental impact
• Hay economics vs standing winter forage
• Regeneration as a long-term land ethic

Why You Should Listen

• Clear explanation of rotational grazing at scale (30+ paddocks, leased land)
• Practical breakdown of hay vs standing forage economics
• Rare detail on pasture-raised turkey management and behavior
• Insight into water systems, mineral strategy, and soil-and-water funding
• A grounded philosophy of regeneration over sustainability

Connect with Rucker Farm

Website
Instagram

Follow the tour on YouTube

Timestamps

 00:00 Hay production and second cutting
 02:00 Pasture-raised turkeys and grazing behavior
 05:00 Predators, electric netting, and night radio strategy
 06:30 Raising turkeys: brooders, socialization, survivability
 07:45 Turkey processing timelines and sizing
 12:00 Mobile brooders and farming on leased land
 16:30 Cattle water systems and exclusion fencing
 23:00 Minerals, salt, and late-pregnancy cow health
 29:30 Hay costs vs grazing saved forage
 37:30 Regeneration vs sustainability and rebuilding soil
 48:00 Leaving the city and choosing farm life