Around the Fencepost

Jacob Leach
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Education

Around the Fencepost is a producer‑first podcast about real farming, real stewardship, and real people. Each episode brings you conversations with folks who still have dirt under their nails — farmers, grazers, seed dealers, and neighbors who serve their communities and care deeply about the land and livestock they steward. We talk soil health, animal health, forage decisions, and the everyday challenges that shape a farm. Just stories, practical experience, and seed and practice recommendations grounded in real‑world feedback. If you’re looking for conversations that help you think, learn, and make better stewardship decisions on your own farm, pull up a chair. The best talks still happen around the fencepost.

  1. 4d ago

    🌾 Around the Fencepost Episode 16 Jacob Leach / Cattle Production Profits Wet Meadows Seed

    🐄 What really drives profit in a cattle operation? In this episode of Around the Fencepost, we discuss the management decisions that have the biggest impact on profitability. While many producers focus on cattle prices, genetics, and equipment, true profitability often comes from how well you manage your forage resources and available acres. The conversation explores the relationship between forage timing, acre management, and decision-making, showing how each affects the bottom line of a cattle operation. Every acre has the potential to produce more value when forage systems are properly planned and managed. One of the key topics discussed is the role of summer annuals. These forages can provide valuable feed during periods when cool-season grasses slow down, helping producers fill forage gaps, extend grazing opportunities, and reduce reliance on stored feed. The discussion also highlights the importance of fall perennials. Establishing and maintaining productive perennial stands creates a strong foundation for long-term grazing success. Healthy perennial systems help improve soil structure, support livestock performance, and contribute to overall farm sustainability. Another major focus is protecting forage investments. Producing hay requires significant time, labor, equipment, and input costs. Proper storage through hay barns, tarps, and other protective measures can help preserve forage quality while reducing waste and financial loss. Sometimes profitability is not about producing more, but protecting what you already have. Pasture rest is another critical management tool discussed in this episode. Allowing pastures adequate recovery time helps maintain plant health, improve root development, and increase long-term forage production. Effective grazing management is about understanding plant growth cycles and creating systems that benefit both livestock and land. The episode also covers one of the most valuable management practices available to producers: soil and forage sampling. Rather than making decisions based on assumptions, testing provides real-world data that can guide fertility programs, feeding strategies, and forage management decisions. Knowing what is happening in your fields and feed sources allows for more accurate planning and better financial outcomes. Whether you manage a small herd or a large cattle operation, understanding the connection between forage production, pasture management, and profitability can help you make more informed decisions and improve overall performance. 🎙️ Chapters 00:00 – Factors Affecting Profit 07:24 – Hay Barns and Tarps: Protecting Investments 14:03 – Soil and Forage Sampling: Knowing Instead of Guessing Learn more about forage management, grazing systems, and seed solutions at https://wetmeadowsseed.com #WetMeadowsSeed #AroundTheFencepost #CattleProduction #ForageManagement #GrazingManagement #PastureManagement #SoilHealth #ForageTesting #RotationalGrazing #BeefCattle #LivestockManagement #SummerAnnuals #PerennialForages #HayManagement #FarmProfitability #RegenerativeAgriculture #RanchLife #FarmLife #Agriculture

    19 min

  2. May 26

    🌾 Around the Fencepost Episode 15 Dr. Roger Gates Jacob Leach Wet Meadows Seed

    Dr. Roger Gates shares insights on forage agronomy, regenerative agriculture, and the establishment of warm-season perennials. He emphasizes the importance of soil health, diversity, and the abundance mentality in agricultural practices. The discussion covers the management of summer annuals, perennial establishment, and fertility preparation for fall planting. Takeaways Regenerative agriculture emphasizes abundance mentality and the importance of soil health and diversity.Summer annuals can be managed to clean up fields ahead of fall establishment.Fertility preparation for fall planting includes soil testing, liming, and a spoon-feeding approach to nitrogen application. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Roger Gates06:05 Collaboration and Experience with Tifton Group11:09 Summer Annuals and Forage Considerations19:06 Warm Season Annuals and Grazing Strategies27:09 Regrowth and Grazing Intervals32:18 Summer Annuals for Fall Field Cleanup46:09 Fertility Preparation for Fall Planting

    45 min

  3. May 20

    🌾 Around the Fencepost Episode 14 George Moss Producer Jacob Leach Wet Meadows Seed

    The conversation covers the challenges and slow growth in the cattle business, including the management of cattle operations, risk management, market dynamics, mindset, belief, and support in agriculture, pressures in the cattle industry, and future plans and goals for the business. Takeaways Slow growth in the cattle businessChallenges of land acquisition and management Chapters 00:00 Starting a Cattle Business05:41 Challenges in Cattle Farming13:14 Mindset and Overcoming Fears20:11 Pressures in the Cattle Industry

    28 min

  4. May 14

    🌾 Around the Fencepost Episode 13 Dr. Bruno Padreira Rotation Planning Jacob Leach Wet Meadows Seed

    Dr. Bruno Padreira discusses the importance of soil fertility and pH in forage production, sharing insights on his background, challenges in Tennessee forage production, and the management of soil fertility for optimal plant nutrition. He emphasizes the role of extension agents as valuable resources for agricultural information. The conversation delves into the importance of long-term planning for farm management, emphasizing the need for a five-year rotation plan and the significance of perennial and annual rotation. It also highlights the key aspects of soil fertility and management, including soil sampling, grazing efficiency, cross-fencing, and weed control for pasture recovery. Takeaways Soil fertility is crucial for forage productionUnderstanding soil pH is essential for plant nutritionExtension agents are valuable resources for agricultural information Long-term planning for farm managementImportance of soil fertility and soil sampling Chapters 00:00 Managing Soil Fertility and pH for Forage Production27:23 Long-Term Farm Planning and Rotation

    55 min

  5. May 5

    🌾 Around the Fencepost Episode 12 John Chester Custom Haymaker, Jacob Leach Wet Meadows Seed

    The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to farming, hay production, and forage management. It delves into the challenges, insights, and lessons learned from years of experience in the agricultural industry. The discussion also highlights the importance of adaptability, quality, and continuous improvement in farming practices. Takeaways Continuous improvement is essential in farmingQuality hay production is crucial for success in the hay business Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background05:05 Lessons Learned and Continuous Improvement11:09 Fertility Program and Soil Testing17:29 Hay Quality and Weather Challenges25:56 Hay Business and Market Dynamics32:05 Customer Misconceptions and Quality vs. Yield40:06 Hay Market and Future Outlook45:18 Advice for Aspiring Hay Producers52:17 Family and Future Generations

    49 min

  6. Apr 28

    🌾 Around the Fencepost Episode 11 Guest John Winchell Expert, Jacob Leach Wet Meadows Seed

    John Winchell, a dairy nutrition expert, shares insights on forage quality, the utilization of annuals and rotations, and the management of alfalfa and grass mixes. He also discusses the understanding of triticale and rye in dairy farming. The conversation delves into the science of spring growth, exploring phonology, visual triggers for growth, and the use of nature as an approach. It then shifts to the challenges with nutritionists, emphasizing the importance of communication, proactive measures, and the impact of balanced diet and forage quality. Finally, it addresses crop readiness and planting considerations, including early planting and emergence, planting population, leaf wetness, and mycotoxin risk. The conversation covers a range of topics related to forage management, crop flexibility, and optimizing planting population. It delves into the importance of right-sizing planting population and relative maturity for corn, as well as the adaptability of crops to changing environmental conditions. The discussion also explores the impact of harvest timing on forage quality and the importance of nutritionists in forage management. Additionally, it highlights the considerations for sorghum forage quality and best practices for sorghum planting and management. The conversation concludes with plans for future collaboration and the significance of understanding nature's impact on farming. Takeaways Forage quality is a critical factor in dairy nutritionUtilizing annuals and rotations can optimize forage productionUnderstanding triticale and rye is essential for effective dairy farmingManaging alfalfa and grass mixes requires careful attention to the composition of the forage Understanding the science of spring growth and visual triggers for plant growthThe importance of effective communication and proactive measures with nutritionistsConsiderations for crop readiness, planting population, and mycotoxin risk Optimizing planting population and relative maturity is crucial for crop successHarvest timing and forage quality are key factors in forage management Chapters 00:00 Introduction to John Winchell10:24 Utilizing Annuals and Rotations24:19 Understanding Triticale and Rye37:26 Managing Alfalfa and Grass Mixes56:06 Forage Quality and Nutritionists01:13:37 Crop Readiness and Planting Considerations01:19:45 Optimizing Planting Population and Relative Maturity01:26:35 Sorghum and Corn Silage Comparison01:32:43 Forage Quality and Harvest Timing01:38:05 Sorghum Forage Quality and Harvest Considerations01:44:36 Sorghum Planting and Management Best Practices01:51:34 Observing Nature and Growing Degree Days

    1h 41m

  7. Apr 21

    🌾 Around the Fencepost Episode 10 New Age Farming Brady Krchnavy, Jacob Leach Wet Meadows Seed

    The conversation delves into the significance of soil biology, the role of mycorrhizal fungi in agriculture, and the impact of farm practices on soil health. Brady shares insights on quality control, customized product blends, and the importance of DNA analysis in soil. The discussion also covers weed suppression, water absorption, and the benefits of no-till farming. Additionally, the impact of Bionic on crop yield is explored. The conversation covers the importance of quality and diversity in AMF products, the impact of biologicals on soil health and nutrient uptake, and the shift from bushel focus to cost savings. It also explores advancements in soil testing, versatile application methods, and the future of New Age Farming with a focus on soil health and fertilizer efficiency. The conversation emphasizes the significance of transparency, certification, and the avoidance of common mistakes in biological application. Takeaways The crucial role of mycorrhizal fungi in soil health and plant growthThe importance of quality control and product purity in agricultural inputs Quality and diversity of AMF products are crucialLow-quality products can lead to frustration and ineffective resultsImportance of quality and certification in biological productsTransparency and certification are essential for trustSoil testing is crucial for biological applicationBiologicals impact root growth and nutrient uptakeShift from bushel focus to cost savingsSignificant cost savings and fertilizer efficiencyNew DNA testing empowers farmersPotential for significant fertilizer savingsVersatile and cost-effective application methodsSimplified application for farmersImportance of isolating and testing productsAvoiding common mistakes in biological applicationRole and benefits of AMF in forage productionImpact on soil health and nutrient uptakeFocus on soil health and fertilizer efficiencyEnd game of soil improvementImpact of natural soil management on root growthReduced reliance on tillage and chemicals Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Anticipation06:27 Quality Control and Product Purity13:03 DNA Analysis in Soil and Native Species Cultivation18:44 Impact of Farm Practices on Soil Health25:23 Bionic and its Impact on Crop Yield31:30 Fertilizer Efficiency and Cost Savings37:51 Common Mistakes with Biologicals46:39 Natural Soil Management and Root Growth

    46 min

  8. Apr 14

    🌾 Around the Fencepost / Episode 9 ForageFanAddict Jeff Jackson, Jacob Leach Wet Meadows Seed

    The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including Jeff Jackson's background, experience, and expertise in forage and livestock management. It also delves into the importance of building relationships, providing valuable information, and the passion for helping farmers and ranchers succeed. The conversation emphasizes the flexibility and stress tolerance of forage sorghum and the need to support the next generation of farmers and ranchers. The conversation covers a range of topics related to forage farming, including challenges faced by small farms, innovative on-farm processing, beef production, forage quality, and the use of biologicals. The discussion emphasizes the need for a shift in mindset and adaptation to modern advancements in forage farming practices. Takeaways Forage Sorghum FlexibilityBuilding RelationshipsSupporting the Next Generation Innovation in on-farm processing is a strategy for small farms to stay relevant in the community.Understanding forage quality and the timing of cutting is crucial for optimizing feed for livestock.The use of biologicals in forage farming requires careful consideration and evaluation of product efficacy. Chapters 00:00 Forage Sorghum and Legacy Farming43:16 Challenges Faced by Small Farms and On-Farm Processing51:04 The Role of Microbes and Biologicals in Forage Farming58:34 Challenges in Obtaining Forage Data and Experimentation01:11:05 Adapting to Modern Forage Farming Practices

    1h 3m
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About

Around the Fencepost is a producer‑first podcast about real farming, real stewardship, and real people. Each episode brings you conversations with folks who still have dirt under their nails — farmers, grazers, seed dealers, and neighbors who serve their communities and care deeply about the land and livestock they steward. We talk soil health, animal health, forage decisions, and the everyday challenges that shape a farm. Just stories, practical experience, and seed and practice recommendations grounded in real‑world feedback. If you’re looking for conversations that help you think, learn, and make better stewardship decisions on your own farm, pull up a chair. The best talks still happen around the fencepost.

Information

  • Creator
    Jacob Leach
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Jacob Leach

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