Grazing Grass Podcast | Rotational Grazing, Soil Health & Profitable Livestock Farming

Grazing Grass
  • 4.8 (114)
  • Natural Sciences
  • Updated Weekly

The Grazing Grass Podcast features insights and stories of regenerative farming, specifically emphasizing grass-based livestock management. Our mission is to foster a community where grass farmers can share knowledge and experiences with one another. We delve into their transition to these practices, explore the ins and outs of their operations, and then move into the "Over Grazing" segment, which addresses specific challenges and learning opportunities. The episode rounds off with the "Famous Four" questions, designed to extract valuable wisdom and advice. Join us to gain practical tips and inspiration from the pioneers of regenerative grass farming. This is the podcast for you if you are trying to answer: What are regenerative farm practices? How to be grassfed? How do I graze other species of livestock? What's are ways to improve pasture and lower costs? What to sell direct to the consumer?

  1. 225 | Sheep, Polywire, and Practical Grazing with Richard Popham

    1d ago

    225 | Sheep, Polywire, and Practical Grazing with Richard Popham

    In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal visits with Richard Popham about raising registered Katahdin sheep in Kentucky using practical grazing systems and portable electric fencing. Richard explains how he successfully manages sheep with two strands of polywire, why fence training matters, and how good grazing management helps keep sheep content and productive.  The conversation explores:  Using two and three strand polywire systems for sheep  Why sheep must be trained to electric fence  Managing sheep with portable fencing and reels  Selecting productive and efficient ewes  Why buying better sheep matters more than buying more sheep  Building low-stress handling systems  Using records to improve flock genetics  Parasite resistance and culling decisions  Weaning strategies and lamb management  Grazing sheep on small acreage near neighborhoods  Managing sheep without livestock guardian dogs  Portable fencing tools and equipment recommendations  Rotational grazing timing and parasite management  Why Richard prefers moderate-sized ewes  The role of NSIP and flock performance records  Selecting rams and improving flock genetics over time Richard also shares practical advice for new sheep producers, including starting small, focusing on quality animals, and building systems that fit your lifestyle and available time. Find out more Circle P Farm on Youtube | https://www.youtube.com/@circlepfarm3776 Looking for grass-based breeders? Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory. Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research Institute Redmond Agriculture Grassroots CarbonGrazing Grass LinksWebsiteCommunity (on Facebook) Original Music by Louis Palfrey

    1h 20m
  2. 224 | From Flashlight Farmer to Profit Driven Grazing with Gabe Wight

    May 20

    224 | From Flashlight Farmer to Profit Driven Grazing with Gabe Wight

    In this episode, Cal visits with Gabe Wight from Northwest Arkansas about building a profitable grazing operation while simplifying life and focusing on long-term stewardship. Gabe shares how he reduced his herd size from several hundred cows to around forty cows and how that shift dramatically changed his grazing management, stress level, and profitability.  Gabe discusses lessons learned from overgrazing, why stock density matters, and how smaller herds allowed him to improve pasture recovery, calf performance, and equipment longevity. The conversation also covers rotational grazing design, water placement, erosion challenges, fertilizer decisions, chicken litter, stockpiling forage, and managing grazing through seasonal changes.  The discussion shifts into cattle genetics, breeding strategies, marketing calves through value-added programs, direct-to-consumer beef sales, and the importance of focusing on profitability instead of comparison with neighboring operations. Gabe also shares how his curiosity, podcasts, feed store conversations, and modern AI tools help him continue learning and improving his operation.  Topics Covered  Downsizing a cow herd for profitability  Flashlight farming and balancing off-farm work  Rotational grazing management  Recovering from overgrazing  Designing paddocks and water systems  Stockpiling forage for winter grazing  Fertility management and fertilizer decisions  Using chicken litter on pastures  Cattle genetics and replacement strategies  Selling calves through value-added programs  Direct-to-consumer beef experiences  Learning from podcasts, books, and AI tools  Managing grazing in Northwest ArkansasFind Out More Herd Advisor Looking for grass-based breeders? Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory. Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research Institute Redmond Agriculture Grassroots CarbonGrazing Grass LinksWebsiteCommunity (on Facebook) Original Music by Louis Palfrey

    1h 14m

  3. May 13

    223 | The Cow Built for Grass

    What happens when a cattle breed is designed specifically for grass-based farming instead of the feedlot? In this special narrative-style episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal Hardage tells the story of the South Poll breed and the people behind it. Starting with Teddy Gentry’s journey in the late 1980s, this episode explores how one goal shaped an entirely new kind of cow: heat tolerant, fertile, efficient on forage, and built to thrive in regenerative grazing systems. You’ll hear from Teddy Gentry, Greg Judy, Ralph and Jerry Voss, Steve Freeman, and Nathan Hahn as they share how South Poll cattle changed their operations and why they believe smaller, forage-efficient cattle are the future of profitable grass farming. This episode covers:  Why Teddy Gentry created the South Poll breed  The four breeds that formed South Poll cattle  Heat tolerance, slick hair genetics, and grass efficiency  Why fertility and longevity matter more than size  Greg Judy’s transition away from conventional cattle  Leasing land to grow a grazing operation  Why South Poll breeders avoid the show ring  Building profitable cows instead of high-input cows  Grass finishing cattle on pasture  Selling direct-to-consumer grass-fed beef  The economics of regenerative cattle production  Longevity and maternal performance in grazing herds  Using smaller cows to improve profit per acre If you’ve ever wondered whether modern cattle genetics truly fit regenerative grazing systems, this episode will give you a lot to think about. Resources Mentioned: Teddy GentryGreg JudyBurk TeichertSouth Poll Grass Cattle AssociationListen, learn, and keep on grazing.  Looking for grass-based breeders? Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory. Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research Institute Redmond Agriculture Grassroots CarbonGrazing Grass LinksWebsiteCommunity (on Facebook) Original Music by Louis Palfrey

    33 min
  4. 222 | From Australia to Spain: Building a Profitable Farm on 15 Acres with Cian Francis Brazil

    May 6

    222 | From Australia to Spain: Building a Profitable Farm on 15 Acres with Cian Francis Brazil

    Cian didn’t grow up farming. He didn’t inherit land. And he didn’t follow a traditional path. Instead, he moved from Australia to Spain during COVID, started from scratch, and built a profitable small-acreage farm in under a year. In this episode, Cian shares how he and his wife took a leap of faith, navigated government grants, and built a direct-to-consumer farm business using chickens, pigs, and sheep. All on just 15 acres. This conversation goes beyond the romantic vision of farming and dives into the real numbers, mistakes, and lessons learned along the way. If you’ve ever wondered whether small acreage can truly support a full-time income, this episode gives you a clear, honest look at what it takes. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:  How Cian went from city life to farming in Spain  Why small acreage can be more profitable than large operations  The role of direct-to-consumer sales in farm success  How egg production created fast cash flow  What went wrong (and right) with pigs and sheep  How government grants helped launch the farm  The importance of knowing your numbers before starting  Why mindset matters more than tradition in agriculture Key Takeaways Cian’s farm became cash-flow positive in just three months, driven largely by egg sales. By focusing on efficiency, direct marketing, and profitability, he’s proving that you don’t need hundreds of acres to build a sustainable farm business. But it hasn’t been easy. From infrastructure challenges to livestock losses, Cian shares the hard realities behind the success. Find Out More Website | https://www.obicodorio.com/Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/obicodorio/TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@obicodorioEmail | hola [at] obicodorio.com Looking for grass-based breeders? Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory. Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research Institute Redmond Agriculture Grassroots CarbonGrazing Grass LinksWebsiteCommunity (on Facebook) Original Music by Louis Palfrey

    1h 25m
  5. 221 | Grazing Cattle in Vermont: Can a Southern Breed Thrive Up North?

    Apr 29

    221 | Grazing Cattle in Vermont: Can a Southern Breed Thrive Up North?

    What happens when a producer in the heart of dairy country decides to build a grass-based beef herd? In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal visits with John Smith from northern Vermont. John shares how his family farm moved out of dairying decades ago, how his career in dairy co-ops shaped his perspective, and how a desire to raise his own food led him back to livestock ownership. After trying multiple breeds, John found the fit he was looking for in South Poll cattle. They discuss restoring worn-out pastures through grazing management, adapting southern cattle genetics to Vermont winters, raising pigs in wooded systems, and building a future seedstock herd for the Northeast. This episode is full of practical lessons on persistence, genetics, pasture recovery, and finding livestock that match your goals and environment. Topics Covered:  Growing up connected to a former dairy farm  Working in the dairy industry and helping producers  Returning home to raise food for the family  Leasing family ground and restoring poor pasture  Why South Poll cattle stood out  Adapting cattle to harsh Vermont winters  Multi-move grazing and tighter paddock management  Using cattle to rebuild soil fertility  Raising feeder pigs in woodland systems  Building a seedstock future for New England producers Resources Mentioned: Greg Judy South Poll cattle breeders and community Grazing conferences and producer networks Find Out More: Wandering Brook Farms | https://www.wanderingbrookfarm.comIf you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend and leave a review. Until next episode, keep on grazing. Looking for grass-based breeders? Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory. Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research Institute Redmond Agriculture Grassroots CarbonGrazing Grass LinksWebsiteCommunity (on Facebook) Original Music by Louis Palfrey

    1h 11m
  6. 220 | Rebuilding Your Asset Base: Turning Sunshine Into Profit with Chris Henggeler

    Apr 22

    220 | Rebuilding Your Asset Base: Turning Sunshine Into Profit with Chris Henggeler

    What if your most valuable daily income isn’t cattle… but sunlight? In this episode, we explore a powerful mindset shift around rebuilding your asset base and managing what your land can sustainably produce. Instead of chasing short-term outputs, the focus turns to strengthening the foundation—your soil, your grass, and your system. We talk through what it really means to think like a grazier first, how to view your operation through the lens of regeneration, and why aligning production with what your land can handle long-term leads to better outcomes. If you’re working to improve your grazing system—or just starting to think differently about your land—this episode will challenge and encourage you. In this episode, we cover:  What “rebuilding the asset base” actually means  Why sunlight is your most important input  Shifting from production-first to resource-first thinking  How to determine what your land can sustainably yield  The connection between soil health and profitability  Practical mindset shifts for regenerative grazing Resources Mentioned:  Kachana Station, https://www.kachana-station.com/ Looking for grass-based breeders? Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory. Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research Institute Redmond Agriculture Grassroots CarbonGrazing Grass LinksWebsiteCommunity (on Facebook) Original Music by Louis Palfrey

    1h 17m
  7. 219 | Grazing the Sweet Spot: Numbers, Tipping Points, and Better Grass with Tom Krawiec

    Apr 15

    219 | Grazing the Sweet Spot: Numbers, Tipping Points, and Better Grass with Tom Krawiec

    In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal sits down with Tom Krawiec to explore a practical, numbers-driven approach to grazing management. Tom shares how focusing on the “sweet spot” in grazing can dramatically improve forage production, reduce labor, and increase profitability. We dive into the importance of understanding your numbers, including stock days per acre, and how small management changes can lead to massive results. Tom explains the concept of the tipping point in forage production, where your system becomes self-sustaining, and why many operations fall short of reaching it. The conversation also covers multi-species grazing, reducing workload through better systems, and the critical role of the grazing chart as a planning tool, not just a record. Along the way, Tom challenges common assumptions about rest periods, non-selective grazing, and the realities of modern homesteading. If you're looking to improve your grazing system, simplify your operation, and get better results from your land, this episode is packed with actionable insights. Topics Covered  What “grazing in the sweet spot” really means  How to calculate and use stock days per acre  The tipping point in forage production  Why rest periods can be too long, not just too short  Multi-species grazing and its impact on soil health  Using animals to determine graze periods  The power of grazing charts as a planning tool  Labor reduction through smarter systems  Challenges facing homesteaders and small producers  Training livestock to diversify their diet Key Takeaways  Small management tweaks can unlock major gains  You must respect both graze and rest periods  Numbers remove guesswork, “show me the numbers”  Grazing charts are essential for consistent results  Diversity in livestock can improve soil and forage  Profitability starts with understanding your system Resources Mentioned Ranching Like a 12-Year-Old by Tom Krawiec  Holistic Management framework  Ranching for Profit principles  Dr. Kris Nichols (soil biology)  Fred Provenza (animal behavior & nutrition) About the Guest Tom Krawiec is a regenerative grazing practitioner and author known for his practical, systems-based approach to ranching. His work focuses on simplifying operations, reducing labor, and improving profitability through better grazing management. Looking for grass-based breeders? Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory. Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research Institute Redmond Agriculture Grassroots CarbonGrazing Grass LinksWebsiteCommunity (on Facebook) Original Music by Louis Palfrey

    1h 13m
  8. 218 | Custom Grazing, Katahdin Hair Sheep, and Building a Farm Legacy in West Virginia with Justin Frye

    Apr 8

    218 | Custom Grazing, Katahdin Hair Sheep, and Building a Farm Legacy in West Virginia with Justin Frye

    Justin Frye of JMR Farm in Rio, West Virginia joins the show to talk about building a farm from scratch on a family property that's been in his family since 1847. He and his wife Maggie custom graze cow-calf pairs, run a Katahdin hair sheep flock, and buy and finish feeder lambs — all while working off-farm jobs and figuring out what enterprises fit their operation best. Justin shares the story of how his grandfather's surprise offer to sell the family farm set everything in motion, how a connection through a mentor led to their first custom grazing arrangement, and what three consecutive years of drought have taught him about managing grass for someone else's cattle. He also walks through the sheep learning curve, going from 89 ewes down to 30 through hard culling, and explains their feeder lamb protocol from receiving through market. Topics covered: Growing up on a family farm in West Virginia and the influence of mentors at Potomac State CollegeBuying the family farm (in operation since 1847) and what made it financially possibleHow a mentor connection led to their first custom grazing opportunityWhat services JMR Farm provides under the custom grazing agreement, daily moves, pink eye treatment, weaning and vaccinating calves, getting them started on feedManaging three consecutive drought years while grazing someone else's cattleMoving toward 60-day rest periods and what they've learned about residual sward heightBuilding 13,000 feet of exterior and cross fence with just Justin and MaggieSilvopasture plans: thinning wooded areas and controlling multiflora rose and autumn oliveWhy they chose Katahdin hair sheep, the profitability case, and the steep learning curveFAMACHA scoring, dewormer resistance, and culling hard for a parasite-resistant flockGrazing sheep with cattle: their plan for this seasonThe feeder lamb operation: buying 40-60 lb lambs, feeding to 80-100 lbs, sell-buy marketingCattle handling with a Bud Box, the DS Livestock sheep system, and tips for low-stress flow-throughFreeze branding: liquid nitrogen vs. dry ice, container options, and offering it as a serviceCattle breed direction: Leachman Stabilizer genetics and why it fits their marketing channelThe sentimental story of buying back Maggie's heifer (M005) on Valentine's DayFind Out MoreJMR Farm on Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550043373027 (00:00) - (07:33) - Marker 01 Looking for grass-based breeders? Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory. Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research Institute Redmond Agriculture Grassroots CarbonGrazing Grass LinksWebsiteCommunity (on Facebook) Original Music by Louis Palfrey

    1h 9m
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4.8
out of 5
114 Ratings

About

The Grazing Grass Podcast features insights and stories of regenerative farming, specifically emphasizing grass-based livestock management. Our mission is to foster a community where grass farmers can share knowledge and experiences with one another. We delve into their transition to these practices, explore the ins and outs of their operations, and then move into the "Over Grazing" segment, which addresses specific challenges and learning opportunities. The episode rounds off with the "Famous Four" questions, designed to extract valuable wisdom and advice. Join us to gain practical tips and inspiration from the pioneers of regenerative grass farming. This is the podcast for you if you are trying to answer: What are regenerative farm practices? How to be grassfed? How do I graze other species of livestock? What's are ways to improve pasture and lower costs? What to sell direct to the consumer?

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