As is true to form on Roots + Ruminants, we feature those who question the quo. And AJ Munger of Eagle Pass Ranch is no different. He hails from a six generation (soon to be seventh generation) cattle ranch in Highmore, SD. The ranch has gone through many changes and phases through the generations, but the constant over time is that the ranch continues to be home to a progressive cattle operation managed by a family with a vision of the future. Tune in to hear about why they calve in May, how they’re the only seedstock producer with intake data on every female in the cowherd, and how they continue to challenge the status quo.  

Van Mansheim, a farmer since 2011 and board member on the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition, shares how he prioritizes crop diversity on his farm. As someone who is relatively new to the industry, Van has the benefit of a fresh perspective – never looking at things with a “we’ve always done it this way” mindset. Hear how he prioritizes soil health, water infiltration, crop diversity, and how he fed 500 head of cattle for 90 days of winter and didn’t start a tractor once. Insane!

Run it back! The 2023 predictions episode was one of our most popular of the year, so Justin and Jared are back at it to check the scorecard on their predictions and make some new forecasts for 2024. From land and commodity prices, to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, to the most popular cover crop mix – you won't want to miss what Justin and Jared think is in store for 2024. 

Zack Smith, AKA the Stock Cropper, is the co-creator of autonomous grazing machines, developed from the desire to harness the natural cycles of a plant-animal ecosystem. The autonomous grazing concept grows healthier animals and healthier soils, all with a lower carbon footprint. Hear from Zack on autonomous grazing, rural community sustainability, and more!

Lynn Fahrmeier is a Missouri farmer involved in everything from traditional row crop production, to drone application of seed and chemicals, to cover crops, to raising Katahdin sheep.  He's not afraid to try new things, and he shares with Justin and Jared some of what he's learned in his decades of farming. Lynn even gives a peek into the possible future of his farm, and it's not what you might expect. We'll give you a hint...  there's solar panels and livestock involved. Tune in for this fascinating episode! 

Sara Bauder is an SDSU Extension Forage Field Specialist, and she sits down with Justin and Jared to talk all things forage, and to share about the Northern Plains Forage Association. Join the association at their annual meeting on December 1! Meeting details are available here: https://fb.me/e/1exveJuRv

Yes, you read that right. Hosts Justin and Jared sit down with Vivian Georgalas of AgSpire to discuss five grants that are providing new and added income sources for farms and ranches across the country. Many of these grants operate differently from other government or carbon programs in the fact that they don't necessarily require "added" practices to be eligible for incentive payments. Tune in for details!

Meet Roots + Ruminants third international guest, Steven Bennett. Steven is the International Sales Manager for PGG Wrightson, a New Zealand-based seed company. Hosts Jared and Justin got together with him at the Western Seed Trade Association meeting to talk all things brassicas.

David Larson is a Minnesota farmer, and he's putting Jared and Justin to the test with a fall-themed graze it, harvest it, rent it challenge. If you've ever been to a pumpkin patch and your mind was spinning about all the ways you could use the seasonal crops and expansive acres, this episode is for you. 

Walker Farms is located outside the Twin Cities in Minnesota, and they market all their products direct to the customer. Tune in to hear how Andy Walker continues to innovate their products and processes to meet customer needs.