Join the Soil Sisters in Stonewall, Texas, for this conversation with Michael Klein, a sixth-generation Gillespie County Texan and owner/steward of Windy Bar Ranch. The discussion covers the ranch's transition to Black Angus cattle, regen ag in ranching, strategies for success, and the journey from wholesale to direct-to-consumer beef sales. Michael shares insights into his farming practices, genetic testing for cattle, rotational grazing, and how he avoids commercial fertilizers on his land and big pharma drugs in his cattle. The conversation also touches on local beef processing and the significance of voting with your dollars by supporting local farmers and ranchers.

Connect with Michael Klein: @windybarbeef | Get on the waiting list to purchase Windy Bar Beef at windybarbeef.com | Learn more about Windy Bar Ranch at windybarranch.com

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast

00:12 Introduction to Windy Bar Ranch

01:21 Starting with Black Angus

05:54 Direct to Consumer Beef Sales

09:22 Genetic Testing and Marbling

13:32 Sustainable Feeding Practices

15:53 Cover Crops and Fertilization

26:04 Challenges and Advice for New Farmers

28:37 Ranch Tours and Learning Experiences

29:24 The Meater App: A Game Changer for Grilling

30:29 Concerns About Texas Farm and Ranch Land

30:37 The Importance of Water Management

32:07 The Battle Against Cedar Trees

36:15 The Disconnect Between Food Sources and Consumers

37:45 The Role of Black Angus in Quality Beef

38:06 The Power of Record Keeping in Ranching

39:44 Engaging with Customers and Social Media

45:20 Challenges with Government Regulations

48:47 The Beef Packing Industry's Impact on Ranchers

49:50 Local Beef Processors and Dry Aging

52:02 The Benefits of Corn in Beef Feed

54:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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