Roots in the Boot

Louisiana Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative
  • 5.0 (4)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Roots in the Boot podcast by Louisiana Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative is for farmers and ranchers looking to learn more about how to improve their land and profitability in the Southeastern United States.

Episodes

  1. APR 2

    "Who Would of Thought?" - Using Livestock to Restore a Native Prairie

    Learn how Julie Mattox is using livestock on her property to restore native prairie species. She uses cattle and sheep to create targeted disturbances, which has helped improve the soil and created an environment for native plant species to thrive. She has conducted forage testing on more than 50 native and non-native plant species consumed by livestock, measuring protein values, total digestible nutrients (TDN), and other nutritional indicators. Her most recent research applies DNA metabarcoding techniques to analyze fecal samples from cattle and sheep, providing quantifiable data on dietary composition and advancing understanding of livestock-prairie interactions. Julie Mattox is a retired surveyor with 35 years of experience in the energy industry, where she worked extensively across the United States and Canada. While operating her own consulting firm, she explored diverse ecosystems, and her time in the short- and mixed-grass prairies of the West sparked a deep interest in prairie ecology and biodiversity. Following her career, she shifted her focus to restoring tallgrass prairie on a former dairy farm in Northeast Texas. Her restoration efforts combine soil health management, adaptive multi-species grazing, and native plant reintroduction to rebuild biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. Julie partnered with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to implement the Pastures for Upland Birds program and collaborates closely with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) to apply science-based management practices. *To better see the graphs and charts Julie references in her discussion, view this episode on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMV6JjlOmeA

    1h 4m

  2. JAN 19

    Producer Panel Intensive Grazing Management Q&A Discussion

    In this discussion, three farmers from across Louisiana talk about their grazing management strategies, and how they use grazing to help manage cattle health. Panelists are: Mr. Conner Hays (Vinton, LA); Mr. Josh Morris (Slaughter, LA); Mr. Robby "Butch" Royer (Denham Springs, LA). This audio is from a recorded webinar. The video recording is also available on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euTByKFgC_A&t=33s This interview is a follow-up from the Producer Panel at the 2025 Louisiana Forage Conference. The recording of that discussion can be found on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/a6lG2ldHnzA LGLCI educates and connects land owners, farmers, ranchers, and land operators to provide a network of information and how-to’s on better economically and ecologically grazing Louisiana’s grazing lands.

    55 min

  3. 08/30/2025

    Cattle Markets & Fall Planting with Wallace Mills

    In this episode, Tara and Caitlin speak with Wallace Mills about the unique way he structures his operation, how he markets his cattle, and what he's planning to plant for fall. Wallace, along with his father and brother, operate a cattle farm in Northeast Louisiana. Tune in to learn how they differentiate themselves from the typical cow-calf operation.

    43 min

  4. 07/17/2025

    Wildlife & Grazing: How the Two Can Work Together

    In this episode, we learn from Scott Durham, a Wildlife Biologist for Ducks Unlimited, Louisiana. In addition to his professional experience as a wildlife biologist, Scott is a rancher at heart, with experience working on ranches in Texas and Wyoming. Together with host Tara, they dive into the unique relationship that wildlife can have with agriculture. They discuss the many mutual benefits that a diverse wildlife population can have on a grazing operation. Tune in to learn about how grazing and wildlife can work together.

    46 min

  5. 01/08/2025

    Cows with Pecans? How Grazing Cattle and Sheep Can Lower Inputs in the Pecan Orchard in Louisiana and the Deep South in a Silvopasture Operation

    In this episode, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Charles Rohla, a senior regenerative ranching advisor at the Noble Research Institute. Actively involved in several state and national organizations focused on pecans and agriculture, Dr. Rohla brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Together with host Tara, they dive into the "why" and the "how" of integrating grazing practices into pecan orchards. Discover the benefits of grazing ruminants in a pecan operation. Learn about the benefits of adaptive grazing in these unique systems, and gain insights into sustainable practices that nurture both land and livestock while boosting the farm’s profit.

    42 min

  6. 10/25/2024

    Louisiana Tall Grass Prairie - A History and Application

    In this episode, join host Tara Morris, Education and Outreach Coordinator for Louisiana GLCI, as she welcomes Louisiana Botanist Larry Allain for a deep dive into the history and restoration of the Louisiana Tall Grass Prairie. Together, they explore the ecological significance of this endangered landscape, and its vital role in sustainable agriculture. From practical applications in land management to the importance of native species, this discussion sheds light on how farmers, landowners, and conservationists can work together to preserve Louisiana’s tall grass prairie. Whether you're passionate about biodiversity, land conservation, or regenerative farming, this episode will inspire and educate. Tune in to learn more about the past, present, and future of Louisiana’s Tall Grass Prairie!

    38 min

  7. 04/14/2023

    Minerals and Salt - How to Know What You Need, And Where To Get It

    Tara and Ellen speak with Cooper Hurst about controlling expensive inputs, "cheap insurance", and the reality of pivoting your operation overtime. Mentioned links: Cost-Effective Mineral Supplementation Programs for Beef Cattle by KC Olson, Ph.D., PAS, ACAN  http://gpvec.unl.edu/elective_files/Pregnancy%20Examination/Beef%20Cow%20Nutrition%20Resources/Cost-Effective%20Min%20Beef%20-%20KC%20Olson.pdf Dirt to Soil by Gabe Brown https://g.co/kgs/b7Dpww MAN, CATTLE and VELD by Johann Zietsman https://g.co/kgs/8tMpem How to Not Go Broke Ranching: Things I Learned the Hard Way in Fifty Years of Ranching by Walt Davis https://g.co/kgs/Xt27yC

    1h 9m
  8. Hay & Organic Matter Procurement and Placement

    03/20/2023

    Hay & Organic Matter Procurement and Placement

    Grant Estrade and his wife Kate own and operate Local Cooling Farms in Bogalusa, LA. They also run a nursery and a local food hub, have a wide social media following, and have drastically improved the heal of their land through well managed multi-species rotation. In this episode, Grant shares a lifetime of experience in spreading organic matter, composting, and opportunities to improve your soil health through community partnerships.

    1h 21m

  9. 03/07/2023

    Year Round Cattle Nutrition with Ted Miller

    Tara and Ellen sit down with North Louisiana Dairyman, Ted Miller, to learn what it takes to run a grass-based dairy and how to feed cattle all year on-farm.

    48 min
  • 9 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Roots in the Boot podcast by Louisiana Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative is for farmers and ranchers looking to learn more about how to improve their land and profitability in the Southeastern United States.

Information

  • Creator
    Louisiana Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Louisiana Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative
  • Show Website
    Roots in the Boot