Thinking Outside The Soil

Sean Short
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Thinking Outside The Soil is the next evolution of a podcast with more than 160 episodes behind it. It began as a broader exploration of hydroponics and agriculture. Now, the show narrows into a focused format on the real-world operators using hydroponic fodder for horses and chickens. Expect straight talk on outcomes, constraints, economics, and implementation. New episodes drop every Tuesday for horses and every Friday for chickens. thinkingoutsidethesoil.substack.com

  1. S7E2: How to Use Fodder for Healthier Horses: Insights from Paul Johnson

    16 HR AGO

    S7E2: How to Use Fodder for Healthier Horses: Insights from Paul Johnson

    There’s a question sitting underneath a lot of feed conversations right now… Is there a better way to feed horses when hay is expensive, water is hard to come by, and consistent feeding matters? In the world of horse care, finding a balance between quality feed and cost is a challenge many owners face. If you’re looking for a solution to keep your horses healthy without breaking the bank, then this is for you. In this episode of Thinking Outside The Soil, I sat down with Paul Johnson of Cripple Gray Ranch in Texas, a longtime horseman and polocrosse trainer who has been feeding fodder to performance horses since 2011. About Paul Johnson Paul Johnson is the owner and operator of Cripple Gray Ranch in McCade, Texas. With years of experience in horse riding and care, Paul has explored various feeding methods to ensure the health and performance of his horses. His journey into fodder began out of necessity, and his insights offer valuable lessons for horse owners everywhere. Why Traditional Horse Feed Can Be Costly and Ineffective Many horse owners are familiar with the increasing costs of hay and feed. In 2011, Paul faced a severe drought in Texas, making hay scarce and expensive. The quality was often poor, leaving him with limited options to keep his horses nourished. Traditional feeding methods can lead to high costs without guaranteeing the best nutrition for performance horses. The Fodder Solution: Transforming Horse Feeding In search of alternatives, Paul stumbled upon the concept of fodder feeding. Fodder, which consists of sprouted grains, offers several advantages: * Cost-Effective: Initially spending about $3 per horse per day for traditional feed, Paul discovered that he could reduce this cost to less than $0.50 with fodder. * Nutritional Value: Horses can digest over 70% of fodder, compared to only about 30% of commercial feed, making it a more efficient option for nourishment. * Health Benefits: Fodder is alkaline, helping to prevent issues like ulcers that are common with acidic commercial feeds. Paul noted that his horses showed improved health and performance after switching to fodder. Common Misconceptions About Fodder Despite its benefits, there are misconceptions about the nutritional value of fodder. Many equine nutritionists were unaware of how to evaluate fodder effectively at the time Paul began his journey. Most assessments required drying and grinding the plants, which does not accurately reflect the benefits of feeding live fodder. Key Takeaways * Cost Savings: Switching to fodder can significantly reduce feeding costs while improving the nutritional intake of horses. * Health Improvements: Fodder can enhance the overall health of horses, reducing common issues associated with traditional feeding practices. * DIY Approach: Implementing a fodder system may require some initial setup and daily maintenance, so consider a system built for you that saves time. Paul Johnson’s experience highlights the potential of fodder feeding for horse owners seeking a healthier, more cost-effective solution. By transitioning to fodder, you can not only save money but also ensure your horses receive the best nutrition possible. Check out the links below to learn more about how hydroponic fodder helps farmers save water, improve livestock quality, and become better stewards. Take care, and have a lovely day! — Our Substack: Paul’s YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@pjpxmcd2/videos Eleusis Feedhttps://eleusisfeed.com The Book:⁠thinkingoutsidethesoil.com⁠ Thinking Outside The Soil Audiobook:⁠https://amzn.to/3zr4x5S⁠ Blooming Health Farms:⁠https://www.bloominghealthfarms.com Apple Podcasts:⁠https://is.gd/UG2E5X⁠ Spotify:⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RNFxHElKSwjumV3DcA3tr Instagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/seany_alfalfaseed⁠ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bloominghealthfarms Get full access to Thinking Outside The Soil at thinkingoutsidethesoil.substack.com/subscribe

    59 min
  2. Season 7: Ep. 1 - Relaunching a Feed Revolution

    4 DAYS AGO

    Season 7: Ep. 1 - Relaunching a Feed Revolution

    This episode is a relaunch of Thinking Outside The Soil. After 165 episodes exploring hydroponics and agriculture more broadly, the show is narrowing into a more disciplined format focused on hydroponic fodder, feeding systems, and the real-world operators using them for horses and chickens. From here forward, Tuesday episodes are for horses. Friday episodes are for chickens. Get full access to Thinking Outside The Soil at thinkingoutsidethesoil.substack.com/subscribe

    14 min
  3. Season 6: Ep. 16 - The Art of Sprouting

    02/07/2024

    Season 6: Ep. 16 - The Art of Sprouting

    Good Morning and Hello from Blooming Health Farms! Welcome to another episode of Thinking Outside The Soil, with your host Sean E. Alfalfaseed. Where I get to talk story and touch on topics about hydroponics and the farmers who grow the crops and creatures we need to eat.  | Check out the links below to learn more about our farm and how hydroponic fodder helps farmers save water, improve livestock quality, and become better stewards. Follow the show and get the book so you don't miss out on the next agricultural revolution! Thank you for being with me on another episode of TOTS. Take care, and have a lovely day! Links: Blooming Health Farms:⁠https://www.bloominghealthfarms.com The Book:⁠thinkingoutsidethesoil.com⁠ Get full access to Thinking Outside The Soil at thinkingoutsidethesoil.substack.com/subscribe

    8 min
  4. Season 6: Ep. 15 - Thanks to Ranchers

    25/06/2024

    Season 6: Ep. 15 - Thanks to Ranchers

    Good Morning and Hello from Blooming Health Farms!Welcome to another episode of Thinking Outside The Soil, with your host Sean E. Alfalfaseed. Where I get to talk story and touch on topics about hydroponics and the farmers who grow the crops and creatures we need to eat. |Check out the links below to learn more about our farm and how hydroponic fodder helps farmers save water, improve livestock quality, and become better stewards.Follow the show and get the book so you don't miss out on the next agricultural revolution!Thank you for being with me on another episode of TOTS. Take care, and have a lovely day!Links:Blooming Health Farms:⁠https://www.bloominghealthfarms.comThe Book:⁠thinkingoutsidethesoil.com⁠ Get full access to Thinking Outside The Soil at thinkingoutsidethesoil.substack.com/subscribe

    7 min
  5. Season 6: Ep. 14 - Broilers, pt. 3

    18/06/2024

    Season 6: Ep. 14 - Broilers, pt. 3

    Good Morning and Hello from Blooming Health Farms! Welcome to another episode of Thinking Outside The Soil, with your host Sean E. Alfalfaseed. Where I get to talk story and touch on topics about hydroponics and the farmers who grow the crops and creatures we need to eat. | Check out the links below to learn more about our farm and how hydroponic fodder helps farmers save water, improve livestock quality, and become better stewards. Follow the show and get the book so you don't miss out on the next agricultural revolution! Thank you for being with me on another episode of TOTS. Take care, and have a lovely day! Links: The Book: ⁠thinkingoutsidethesoil.com Broilers, pt. 1 https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/nkGizSPWwKb Broilers, pt. 2 https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/fpCDZaKWwKb Get full access to Thinking Outside The Soil at thinkingoutsidethesoil.substack.com/subscribe

    11 min
  6. Season 6: Ep. 13 - FarmBox Foods

    14/06/2024

    Season 6: Ep. 13 - FarmBox Foods

    Good Morning and Happy Aloha Friday from Blooming Health Farms!Welcome to another episode of Thinking Outside The Soil, with your host Sean E. Alfalfaseed. Where I get to talk story and touch on topics about hydroponics and the farmers who grow the crops and creatures we need to eat. |Check out the links below to learn more about our farm and how hydroponic fodder helps farmers save water, improve livestock quality, and become better stewards.Follow the show and get the book so you don't miss out on the next agricultural revolution!Links:Blooming Health Farms:⁠https://www.bloominghealthfarms.comThe Book:⁠thinkingoutsidethesoil.com⁠ FarmBox Foods: https://www.farmboxfoods.com Get full access to Thinking Outside The Soil at thinkingoutsidethesoil.substack.com/subscribe

    12 min
  7. Season 6: Ep. 12 - Aquaponics in the Coop Keynote Presentation

    11/06/2024

    Season 6: Ep. 12 - Aquaponics in the Coop Keynote Presentation

    Got chickens? Want to make your farm work smarter, not harder? Sean, an aquaponics expert and author of "Thinking Outside The Soil," invites you to a revolutionary session that might change your thoughts about egg farming. "Aquaponics in the Coop: Cleaner Water, Healthier Feed, Better Eggs" isn't your usual farming talk. Sean will share some secrets about making the most of what you've got. He's using something as simple as water and seeds in ways you wouldn't believe, getting amazing environmental and chicken health results. What's his secret to better feed and top-notch eggs? How does he turn waste into a winning formula for egg farmers? These are just some of the questions Sean will dive into, sharing insights from his aquaponic chickening journey. This session is a must for anyone looking to shake things up in their poultry game. Whether you're a farming expert or an aquaponics novice, this presentation promises practical insights and inspiring revelations. It's more than just tips and tricks; it's about a fresh perspective on farming. Join in and discover the missing pieces to make your farm thrive. Watch here on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mrsflHnixwg?si=4nop7KxpzVwDTdON Get full access to Thinking Outside The Soil at thinkingoutsidethesoil.substack.com/subscribe

    1h 9m
  8. Season 6: Ep. 11 - Shell Eggs: Ensuring Food Safety

    04/06/2024

    Season 6: Ep. 11 - Shell Eggs: Ensuring Food Safety

    Good Morning and Hello from Blooming Health Farms! Welcome to another episode of Thinking Outside The Soil, with your host Sean E. Alfalfaseed. Today's episode is about food safety in eggs. | Check out the links below to learn more about our farm and how hydroponic fodder helps farmers save water, improve livestock quality, and become better stewards. Follow the show and get the book so you don't miss out on the next agricultural revolution! Thank you for being with me on another episode of TOTS. Take care, and have a lovely day! Links: Blooming Health Farms:⁠https://www.bloominghealthfarms.com The Book:⁠thinkingoutsidethesoil.com⁠ Get full access to Thinking Outside The Soil at thinkingoutsidethesoil.substack.com/subscribe

    14 min
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About

Thinking Outside The Soil is the next evolution of a podcast with more than 160 episodes behind it. It began as a broader exploration of hydroponics and agriculture. Now, the show narrows into a focused format on the real-world operators using hydroponic fodder for horses and chickens. Expect straight talk on outcomes, constraints, economics, and implementation. New episodes drop every Tuesday for horses and every Friday for chickens. thinkingoutsidethesoil.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Sean Short
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    167
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Sean Short
  • Show Website
    Thinking Outside The Soil