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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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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) - (06:50) - 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

Dakota Finch didn't grow up planning to be an organic grass-fed dairy farmer. He grew up on his grandfather's conventional dairy in upstate New York, left for the Air Force, started researching nutrition for his family, and found himself reading about the organic dairy market on a computer in Korea during downtime. That curiosity eventually led him back to farming — on his own terms.  In this episode, Dakota shares how he went from a six-year Air Force career to launching Finch Family Farm in 2017, milking 40–50 grass-fed organic cows in central New York, and recently opening a farm retail store selling raw milk, beef, pork, chicken, and eggs. He's honest about where things are working and where they're not — from the farrowing struggles with his son's pig operation, to the challenge of making quality hay on marginal ground nobody else wanted, to the marketing learning curve that comes with selling direct. This is a practitioner's episode: real questions, real tensions, no pretending it's all figured out. What we cover: • How Dakota got his start through an internship on a grass-fed organic dairy and the relationship that made his first herd purchase possible • Fall seasonal vs. spring seasonal dairying — and why his milk market actually pays a premium for winter milk • The 10-and-7 milking schedule he tried to protect time for coaching his kids' sports teams • Balage, native grasses, and the ongoing question of whether to make his own hay or buy it • Breeding decisions: Jersey AI, Ayrshire bulls, the Black Angus that timed out perfectly with the calf market, and why he's now using AAA mating • Opening a farm retail store with Barn2Door and a small business grant — and why raw milk is the lead product that brings customers to the farm • His son's pig operation (currently a train wreck, honestly) and the real math on whether farrowing-to-finish pencils out • First year with 100 meat birds and 100 egg layers — lessons learned, losses included • The Gallagher eShepherd virtual fence collars: what worked, what didn't, and why he's still excited about them heading into this season Find Out MoreDakota: Facebook (Dakota Finch) Finch Family Farm on Facebook https://www.finchfamilyfarmny.com --- Community question this week: What did the younger you dream of that you're doing today? Share in the Grazing Grass community.   (00:00) - Start 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

Brett Chedzoy is a Cornell Extension Forester and co-operator of Angus Glen Farms in upstate New York, where he and his wife Maria graze over 100 cow-calf pairs across 600 acres with much of it wooded. He's also been ranching in central Argentina since the mid-1990s, where he first discovered his love for cattle after heading there as a Peace Corps volunteer fresh out of graduate school. In this episode, Brett breaks down silvopasture and how to evaluate existing woodland and open it up for productive grazing. He explains why thinning your woods isn't just about letting in light, it's about protecting the long-term value of your timber while growing more forage. Topics covered: Brett's background: Kansas wheat farming roots, a Welsh sheep-herding grandfather, Peace Corps in Argentina, and what the gauchos taught him about the difference between working hard and working smartWhat silvopasture looks like in the forested Northeast vs. the savanna-style systems common in other regionsWhy cool-season forages like orchardgrass can actually thrive in light shade and how silvopasture extends your grazing season on both endsThe 10-question site evaluation tool Brett developed to assess whether a piece of woodland is a good silvopasture candidateHow to find the right logging crew for silvopasture thinning (hint: it's a very different operation than high-value timber harvest)The forester vs. farmer timescale problem and how to find the middle groundWho to call first: land grant extension, state forestry agencies, and your local soil and water conservation districtWhy Brett recommends starting small and getting your first experience before tackling a 50-acre projectResources mentioned: Cornell Silvopasture resources — search "Cornell silvopasture" or visit forestconnect.infoBrett's 10-question silvopasture site evaluation toolNational Agroforestry CenterUniversity of Missouri silvopasture resources 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

What if your land could pay you… without selling livestock?  Molly Faught and Hunter Jones from Grassroots Carbon joins today to explain what carbon credits are, how to qualify for them, and how to get started making extra money. If you own your land and plan to be there awhile, this is a must-listen episode.  If you know someone wanting to earn more money from their land, share this episode with them. Question of the Week:  If this is available to you, would you do it? Why or why not? Find out more at https://grassrootscarbon.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

How grazing works for very small acreage, all because of wanting more learning opportunities.  Erich and Allison Henschel of Henschel Hof graze pigs, goats, and cattle in Virginia. In this episode: Why small livestock is better for small arceageWhy starting with smaller breeds lets you learn fasterWhy everything doesn't have to be perfectThis week's question: What did you start with for your grazing journey?  Why?  Join the conversation in the Grazing Grass Community | https://www.facebook.com/groups/grazinggrass Henschel Hof on Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/henschelhof/Grazing Grass Insiders | https://grazinggrass.com/insiders 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

Huw Foulkes runs Pentrefelin Dairy in North Wales in the UK, where he has built a grass-based cow and calf micro dairy around native Red Poll cattle while also stacking direct-to-consumer beef and other enterprises to serve his local community.  In This Episode, We Explore: Starting a cow and calf micro dairy with a low-input, grass-based mindsetWhy Huw chose Red Polls for a dual-purpose dairy and beef systemManaging long rest periods and mob-style rotations to build soil and drought resilienceFarming on dry, light sandy soils and what that changes in grazing decisionsOutwintering strategies including bale grazing and standing hayBuilding a direct local market through farm gate sales, coffee shops, and educationUK requirements for legally selling milk, inspections, and testingKeeping infrastructure simple, including milking with a portable machine in an older parlorHow beef boxes help move the whole carcass and teach customers new cutsAdding poultry, pigs, and trees to stack enterprises on the same acresUsing farm tours and courses to educate the public and support local food systemsWhy This Episode MattersThis conversation is a practical look at building a resilient, small-scale livestock business by matching the animal to the land, keeping inputs low, and connecting directly with local customers. If you are thinking about micro dairy, direct marketing, or stacking enterprises, Huw shares what worked, what he had to learn the hard way, and how education and transparency can turn customers into long-term supporters. Resources Mentioned Food Standards Agency (UK)Denbighshire local council food business registration (mentioned as the local authority process)Pasture for Life (study tours and farm visits)Find Out More Instagram | @pentrefelin_Website | www.pentrefelin.comYouTube | Pentrefelin Dairy 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

Mike Guebert of Terra Farma in northwest Oregon joins Cal to share how he and his wife built a multi-species, direct-to-consumer farm over more than 20 years, from early days as first-generation farmers to running meat CSA sales, improving grazing systems, and teaching others through the Oregon Pasture Network.   In This Episode, We Explore:   Starting a first-generation farm from a blank slate with invasives, no fencing, and rough infrastructure  Moving from vegetarian to raising and processing poultry on-farm  Building a multi-species operation including beef, pork, sheep, goats, poultry, and more  Managing grazing in a high rainfall, dry-summer region without irrigation  Chicken tractor evolution, daily moves, and using a winch system for efficiency and injury prevention  Marketing changes over time including launching a meat CSA in 2020 and the plan to transition away from it  Stopping raw milk sales after losing liability insurance and regaining time and flexibility  Moving toward a more seasonal, grass-only beef model to reduce winter feeding  Teaching and producer support through pasture walks, cohorts, mentorship, and events with Oregon Pasture Network  Conservation district work including farmland protection tools like conservation easements  Why This Episode Matters  This conversation is a practical look at how farm enterprises, marketing, and even personal capacity change over time, and why building community learning opportunities like pasture walks and cohorts can help producers avoid common pitfalls while improving grazing, profitability, and quality of life.   Resources Mentioned   Acres USA annual conference  Ranching for Profit School  Executive Link (Ranching for Profit)  Oregon State University Small Farms Conference  Oregon Pasture Network pasture walks  Oregon FarmLink (Friends of Family Farmers)  Find Out More   Terra Farma website | terrafarmaers.net  Terra Farma Instagram | @terrafarmaers  Oregon Pasture Network | oregonpasturenetwork.org  Friends of Family Farmers | friendsoffamilyfarmers.org  East Multnomah Soil and Water Conservation District | emswcd.org   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

Tyler Flynn runs a small beef cow-calf operation in Northern California at Farmer Tyler Ranch, where he also grows hay and raises a few pigs and chickens for family use while documenting the work and lessons learned through his YouTube channel. In This Episode, We Explore:  Coming back to a family ranch and building a cow-calf business on small acreage  Northern California conditions, including irrigated pasture, rice country, and seasonal rainfall patterns  How and why Tyler uses irrigated pasture rotation, including short rest periods in his context  The shift from small square bales to round bales and what changed his mind  Using hay equipment as a pasture improvement tool, including baling pastures after grazing  Tackling smut grass by cutting, baling, and managing where those bales are fed  Breed composition over time, including Hereford roots and adding SimAngus genetics for heterosis  How YouTube influenced management decisions and helped drive experimentation  Practical YouTube lessons for farmers, including audio, camera stability, and consistent postingWhy This Episode Matters  This conversation is a good reminder that management has to fit the place and the people running it. Tyler shares what works on irrigated pasture in Northern California, how he thinks through rotation length, equipment decisions, and weed pressure, and why consistency and realism matter when you are balancing time, labor, and livestock. Resources Mentioned  - GoPro cameras  - Tripod (video stability)  - Microphone (audio quality) Find Out More   Farmer Tyler Ranch on YouTube | https://www.youtube.com/@farmertylerranch4399   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