Join us for an engaging conversation with Andy Youngblood of Youngblood Farm in Southwest Arkansas as he shares his transformative journey in farming. From growing up in a small town focused on beef cattle and poultry operations to earning an ag business degree and working at Tyson Foods, Andy's experiences with various livestock and his shift to regenerative grazing practices offer invaluable insights. Discover how his and Cal's paths crossed 25 years ago, adding a rich backdrop to their discussion about silvopasture management and the evolution of his farm.

Explore the transition from conventional farming to regenerative agriculture as Andy recounts a pivotal moment in 2006 that prompted a reevaluation of their farming practices. Influenced by Joel Salatin's "Salad Bar Beef" and a friend's rotational grazing techniques, Andy and his family embraced grass farming and diversified their livestock operations. Despite initial challenges, including managing broiler houses they no longer believed in, they fully committed to sustainable agriculture, ultimately selling their conventional farming assets by 2022.

Listen in as Andy discusses his fascination with different cattle breeds, particularly the Red Devon and South Poll breeds, and the importance of temperament and docility in cattle management. Learn about the diverse experiences of running a multi-species farm, including raising hogs, goats, and sheep, and the challenges of fencing and maintaining these animals. The episode also covers the benefits of silvopasture and agroforestry practices, and Andy shares essential tips for new farmers and grazers, emphasizing valuable resources and practical tools for successful land stewardship.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Youngblood Farm

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Join us for an enlightening conversation with Matthew, a sixth-generation farmer and rancher from Waller County, Texas, who shares his family's agricultural journey that began in 1847. We discuss Matthew's diverse operations, including horse-quality square bale production and cattle grazing, and the invaluable support of his family, particularly his sisters. Matthew's educational background in animal science from Texas A&M initially led him to a career in preconditioning and input sales, but a transformative encounter with horse trainer Martin Black inspired him to adopt regenerative grazing practices.

Listen in as we explore the challenges and successes Matthew experienced while transitioning his family ranch to regenerative agriculture. From the initial complexities and costs of traditional fencing to the revolutionary use of electric fencing, Matthew's journey highlights the influence of industry experts and the importance of adaptive management strategies. Key changes, such as shifting the calving season and embracing principles of stockmanship, have significantly enhanced cattle management and ranch productivity.

Discover the benefits of low-input system livestock management, including the integration of heat-tolerant breeds and the strategic use of apple cider vinegar to improve digestion during winter grazing. Matthew shares his insights on custom grazing, weed utilization, and the importance of consistent grazing plans. Wrapping up, we discuss practical tools and resources that have supported Matthew's journey, offering valuable takeaways for anyone interested in regenerative grazing practices.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Menke Farm and Ranch Inc

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Join us on this enlightening episode as we welcome Dennis Stout, a wind energy expert with over 18 years of experience, to explore the world of renewable energy, focusing on wind energy projects. Dennis provides an extensive overview of renewable energy, discussing its definition, benefits, and real-world impacts on rural America. Listen in as we tackle the advantages and controversies surrounding wind energy, particularly in contentious areas like northeast Oklahoma. Dennis also answers questions from our Grazing Grass community, offering insights to help listeners make informed decisions about renewable energy.

Throughout our conversation, we cover various aspects of wind energy, from the substantial size of modern turbines to the intricate process of integrating their power into the grid. Dennis explains the factors critical to establishing a wind farm, such as favorable wind conditions and supportive local regulations. We also discuss the financial benefits for landowners and the minimal land footprint of wind turbines, emphasizing the positive impact on farmers and ranchers.

Additionally, Dennis addresses several important concerns, including the evolution of turbine designs to reduce bird strikes and the minimal impact of wind farms on weather patterns and groundwater. We also explore the logistics of wind turbines, such as ice buildup precautions and the importance of long-term lease agreements. Dennis shares valuable advice for farmers negotiating with energy companies and highlights federal energy policy incentives that support renewable energy projects. Finally, we direct listeners to Dennis's educational platforms, including CropAmerica.com and WindFarmGuy.com, for further information on renewable energy.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:
CROP America
WindFarmGuy
WindFarmGuy on YouTube

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Join us for an insightful conversation with Hunter Lehman of Grazing Lands as we explore his transformative journey from managing a hunting property to embracing regenerative grazing near Stockdale, Texas. Hunter shares how he stays connected with his former ranch through innovative tools like virtual fencing, and discusses the transition from stocker cows to a static cow-calf herd. We touch on the benefits of having a well-trained herd, especially during hunting season, and Hunter's strategies for dealing with invasive plants like sericea lespedeza.

In this episode, we also discuss Hunter's new role at Grazing Lands, a subsidiary of Soilworks Natural Capital dedicated to regenerative agriculture. Hunter provides insights into the use of technology such as virtual fencing and heat maps to optimize cattle management and animal welfare. We talk about the challenges of integrating cool-season grasses with recreational land use, and the mission of Grazing Lands to set a standard for regenerative agriculture in America through profitable, large-scale operations.

Additionally, we explore various cattle management strategies, from the use of polywire fencing to managing stocking rates and transitioning herds to different environments. Hunter emphasizes the importance of selecting the right genetics for resilience and productivity, sharing his experience with breeds like Beefmaster and Red Angus. We also touch on the innovative breeding strategies of Steven Lukefahr and the potential of African cattle genetics for regenerative farming. Listen in as we wrap up with practical advice for newcomers to agriculture and the influential work of grazing expert Dick Richardson.

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Join us on the Grazing Grass Podcast as we continue our journey into the fascinating world of livestock color genetics. In this episode, we explore the practical aspects and implications for breeders, focusing on the two primary pigments—eumelanin (black) and pheomelanin (tan)—that determine livestock coat color. We simplify the terminology for ease of understanding and revisit key genetic loci, such as the extension and agouti loci, which play significant roles in coat color variations in cattle. Additionally, we discuss unique alleles like black-red, where calves change color as they age, and dominant red, which overrides the extension locus. Drawing insights from Dr. Sponenberg's "Practical Color Genetics for Livestock Breeders," we offer a comprehensive guide for beef and dairy cattle breeding.

In our discussion on cattle color dilution genetics, we shed light on the Simmental and Charolais dilution alleles, which impact coat colors, resulting in lighter shades like orange, yellow, and various grays. We also touch on other breeds such as Galloway and Dexter, which have their unique dilution genes that can sometimes lead to unexpected coat colors. Furthermore, we explore the genetic complexity in breeds like Brown Swiss and Murray Greys, and mention the recently identified Larson Blue dilution gene, enriching our understanding of the intricate genetics behind cattle coat colors.

Our exploration doesn't stop there; we also delve into the intriguing patterns of white spotting genetics in cattle. From the "wading" allele, which creates white patterns on the lower legs and belly, to the "white sides" allele characterized by animals with white sides and pigmented legs, we cover a wide range of patterns. We discuss speckled patterns such as "colorsided," "fisheagle," and "spitting cobra," along with the roan category and its variations like "marocha" and "salineiro." Finally, we examine modifiers like "brockle," "ticking," and "smudge," which add complexity to these patterns. This episode promises a rich and informative discussion on the genetic factors shaping the diverse and beautiful coat colors of livestock.

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Join us for an engaging episode where we explore the transformative journey of Mike, a third-generation cattle and crop farmer from central Iowa, as he transitions from conventional farming to regenerative grazing practices. Mike candidly shares his frustrations with overgrazing and the inspiration he drew from his grandfather to adopt management-intensive rotational grazing. He takes us through the learning curve of measuring forage, setting up a daily move system, and developing a forage measurement tool. Mike’s story underscores the importance of hands-on learning and experimentation in improving farm sustainability and efficiency.

We also discuss the intricacies of rotational grazing management, emphasizing the need for accurate calibration and measurement of forage availability and livestock needs. Using tools like spreadsheets and mapping apps, we explore methods for estimating total dry matter in a paddock and determining its support duration for a herd. Mike shares personal anecdotes about managing hayfields, adjusting strategies during drought conditions, and the benefits of underutilizing grass to prevent overgrazing. The conversation highlights the role of technology in optimizing pasture rotations and the unexpected advantages of natural events.

Finally, we delve into the management of grazing and cover crops, examining the long-term impacts of reintroducing animal activity to previously inactive land. Mike shares his experiences with different cover crops and the challenges of integrating them with grazing schedules and weather events. We also touch on the unexpected outcomes of government-mandated tree planting and its implications for agricultural practices. The episode concludes with insights on cattle herd management, emphasizing the importance of both traditional education and modern resources, such as social media and online communities, in mastering regenerative grazing practices. Tune in to discover valuable resources and tools for effective grazing management and to hear practical innovations that can enhance daily farm operations.

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Join us as we explore the fascinating journey of Kody, a ninth-generation agrarian from northeast Missouri, who returned to his family's farm. Kody opens up about the evolution of their farming practices, transitioning from traditional row cropping to pasture-based operations. Hear about Kody's childhood experiences on the farm, his initial reluctance towards farming due to a dislike for machinery, and how he found his way back to the agricultural lifestyle he once tried to escape. Kody's preference for livestock and grasslands is highlighted, along with the adjustments made to accommodate these preferences and the challenges and rewards of managing the family farm with his mother and grandfather.

In this episode, Kody shares insights into managing a mixed farming operation, including his passion for native grasses and habitat restoration, which he nurtured during his college years at the University of Missouri. Discover how Kody and his wife balance their roles on the farm, with his wife focusing on commercial hogs and Kody overseeing livestock, grass, and row crop aspects. Listen in as Kody discusses the introduction of rotational grazing to optimize resources, practical aspects of managing cattle and sheep, and the innovative grazing strategies they employ to ensure the health and productivity of their farm.

We also explore Kody's experiences with water management for sheep grazing, the intricacies of livestock breeding and management, and the benefits of native grass restoration. Hear about the successes and challenges Kody has faced in running a diversified farming operation, from the Lake St. Louis Farm Market to online sales. Gain valuable insights into effective grazing strategies for native grasses, and learn about Kody's favorite resources and tools for farming. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in regenerative grazing practices and the journey of modern agrarians.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Karr Family Farms on Facebook
Karr Family Farms on Instagram

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Join us on this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast as we welcome William Vogl from Vogl Homestead. Listen in as William shares his incredible journey in regenerative grazing, discussing his experiences in grass-based livestock production and the unique challenges of farming at high elevation with variable weather conditions. From raising sheep to managing forest understories, William provides insights into his diverse operations and how he maximizes the use of small acreages. He also reflects on his family's influence, transitioning from a homestead garden to a comprehensive regenerative farming operation, and his future plans, including setting up a sawmill while balancing a full-time job as a firefighter.

In our conversation, William and I explore the nuances of starting a sheep farm, focusing on the benefits and challenges of raising White Dorpers in Colorado. We discuss his preference for hair sheep, the selection process, and the advantages they offer over cattle for smaller acreages. William also shares his experiences with electric fencing, predator control using Colorado Mountain Dogs, and the initial skepticism from his cattle-rearing family. He highlights the ease of managing sheep compared to cattle, emphasizing their lower risk of injury and simpler handling requirements.

Additionally, we touch on practical aspects of grazing management, the role of livestock guardian dogs, and the benefits of prescribed grazing. William provides valuable tips for beginner farmers, stressing the importance of starting small and taking care of oneself to avoid burnout. We also discuss innovative composting techniques for pasture improvement and the significance of marketing sheep as a sustainable meat option. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just starting, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for anyone interested in regenerative farming practices.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Vogl Homestead on Facebook

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Kencove Farm Fence