Advertise on podcast: The Goat Grazing Podcast

If you started a goat grazing company with your romantic partner, would it help or hurt your relationship? Where would you go for information if you were just getting started? How would you ensure that you didn’t overextend yourselves by getting too big too soon? Justin Simarro and Amanda Budde, with The Goat Grazing Company in California, join Max Wade to talk about how starting a goat-grazing business has challenged their relationship in many good ways and taught them how they operate far better as a team than they do on their own. They also shared how The Goat Grazing Podcast has been a big help in their goat-grazing journey, informing their decision to grow only as fast as they could manage and following the podcast's advice to “fail small”. Where to contact them: Instagram: @thegoatgrazingco Number: 916-502-2196 00:00 Introduction 05:47 The Journey Begins: Starting Goat Grazing 08:48 First Job Experience: Challenges and Learning 12:18 Mental Load of Livestock Management 14:20 Navigating Relationships in Business 16:23 Daily Operations and Job Acquisition 24:38 Customer Expectations and Education 28:18 Growth and Expansion of the Business 34:48 Diversifying with Sheep: The Future Ahead 37:03 Building Partnerships in Agriculture 43:19 The Importance of Networking 46:22 Scheduling and Job Management 56:58 Managing Ecosystems and Livestock 01:01:04 Bidding and Pricing Strategies 01:05:13 Understanding Pricing in Goat Grazing 01:05:49 Assessing Job Complexity and Adjusting Fees 01:08:11 Establishing Baselines for Pricing 01:09:39 The Importance of Charging for Estimates 01:11:21 Navigating Insurance for Goat Grazing Businesses 01:14:29 Memorable Experiences in Goat Grazing 01:19:01 Future Goals and Growth in Goat Grazing 01:29:51 Advice for Aspiring Goat Grazers

What would you do if your farm was losing money year after year? Would you have the courage to bet your entire farm as collateral as you put well over a million dollars into building a solar farm? How would you utilize that solar farm to teach the public about the potential of agrivoltaics? Byron Kominek, of the Colorado Agrivoltaic Learning Center and Jack's Solar Garden, joined Max Wade on The Goat Grazing Podcast, where he explained how he saved his family farm by using it as collateral to finance a solar array that now supplies power to more than 300 homes. With vegetation planted beneath the panels, the site has since become an agrivoltaic learning center open to the public. Find him @: Instagram: jackssolargarden Facebook: Jack's Solar Garden + Colorado Agrivoltaic Learning Center Website: https://www.jackssolargarden.com/ and https://www.coagrivoltaic.org/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Agrivoltaics and Jack's Solar Garden 09:28 The Journey to Solar Farming: A Personal Story 13:27 Understanding Microclimates and Their Benefits 18:09 Overcoming Resistance: The Challenges of Solar Adoption 24:05 The Role of Community and Education in Agrivoltaics 26:43 Diverse Agricultural Practices Under Solar Panels 30:18 Engaging the Community: Tours and Education 30:59 Best Practices for Solar Developers in Agriculture 34:10 Sustainable Solar Infrastructure 35:07 Challenges in Solar Development 37:52 The Solar Industry Landscape 38:42 Leasing vs. Building Solar Facilities 43:13 Misconceptions About Solar 46:48 Personal Insights and Benefits of Agrivoltaics 50:03 Future of Agrivoltaics 53:36 Urban Solar Opportunities

Would your relationship survive the trials of starting a goat grazing operation? Could you run a grazing business without purchasing a single goat? How would you find government jobs over 100 miles away from your base of operations?  The power couple behind Restoration Grazing, Rex Rutledge, and Susan Elder, came on the podcast and talked about how they created a grazing company together despite not being married, revealed how they have a unique agreement with a goat producer that supplies them free of charge with over 400 goats that they use for grazing, and shared how they are able to locate potential government jobs using a bid aggregator. Where to find them? Instagram: Restorationgrazing Facebook: Restoration Grazing Website: RestorationgrazingLLC.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Goat Grazing Podcast and Nofence ad 04:54 Meet the Rutledges: A Journey into Grazing 08:55 Starting Restoration Grazing: The Early Days 13:30 Transitioning to Full-Time Grazing 17:27 Growing the Herd: From 40 to 400 Goats 21:52 15 Innovative Grazing Models and Partnerships 26:40 Challenges in Goat Management 40:02 Navigating Government Contracts 48:44 Building Relationships in the Grazing Industry 59:12 Pricing Strategies for Grazing Services 01:13:42 Future Aspirations for Restoration Grazing

Have you heard of Angora Goats? How would you build a business around colored mohair? Is social media a good way to promote your business? Rachel Abraham, from Red Falcon Ranch and Shop Caprine, joined Max Wade to discuss how her and her family got into raising colored Angora goats to harvest their mohair, how they decided on making socks and throws, and how soical media has been pivotal in promoting their business. Find her @ Facebook - Red Falcon Ranch Substack - Red Falcon Ranch Instagram - Redfalconranch Instagram - Shopcaprine Email - [email protected] Show notes: 05:16 Exploring the Angora Goat 09:04 The Unique Qualities of Mohair 14:54 The History of Angora Goats 18:36 Challenges in the Colored Mohair Market 22:00 Building Shop Caprine 28:32 Care and Management of Angora Goats 36:54 Targeted Grazing with Angora Goats 43:22 Authenticity Over Perfection 51:29 Understanding the Science of Soft Socks 55:05 Scaling Up: Challenges and Opportunities 1:02:46 Building a Sustainable Future for Angora Goats 1:08:21 Essential Tips for Aspiring Angora Goats 1:11:41 Connecting with Red Falcon Ranch

What would you do if sheepherding a flock of sheep for a Diné family ignited a lifelong passion in you? Do you wish more people were in tune with where their food comes from and had the knowledge to process an animal themselves? In this episode, Nic Moss, with Bunchgrass Grazing, shares his journey from nomadic shepherd to general contractor, and back again to being a shepherd, but this time as a prescribed sheep and goat grazer with a passion for teaching others about the death and harvesting process. Listen in and learn how this G.O.A.T spends his days educating others and restoring the soil in Central California as a modern-day shepherd. Find him @ Website: https://www.bunchgrassgrazing.com/ Instagram: bunchgrass.grazing Facebook: Nicholas Moss Use Code MaxGraze10 at Nofence.com Show notes: Chapters 00:00 Nofence ad 04:56 Introduction to Targeted Grazing in California 08:24 The Journey of Bunch Grass Grazing 09:56The Growth of the Herd and Business Model 14:10 Understanding Grazing Dynamics and Soil Health 17:07 The Role of Weeds in Soil Health 23:21 Grazing contract 26:52 Contracting with livestock transportation 27:05 Future of Targeted Grazing 37:50 The transition from Contracting to Grazing 42:50 Core Tenants of a Grazing Business 44:04 Discovering a Passion for Soil and Nature 46:19 Innovative Uses for Wool and Fiber 51:48 Reconnecting with Meat Processing 57:17 Challenges of Livestock Management 57:41 The Emotional Toll of Ranching 01:00:41 Wild Encounters and Challenges in Grazing 01:03:30 Managing Toxic Plants in Grazing 01:06:13 Grazing in Vineyards: Strategies and Practices 01:10:02 Pricing and Negotiating Grazing Contracts 01:15:31 Advice for Aspiring Shepherds 01:19:16 The End

If the fate of your family farm was in your hands, what would you do to save it from bankruptcy? Where would you go to learn more about the opportunities within the solar grazing industry? Chad Raines, owner and operator of Key Farms, joined Max Wade on The Goat Grazing Podcast and talked about his journey into becoming a solar sheep grazer. He detailed how sheep were the tool that allowed him to save his family farm and shared the resources that new solar grazers can use to jumpstart their growth and become a member of the American Solar Grazing Association. Where can you find him: Facebook: Chad Raines If you want to become a member sign up at ASGA: https://solargrazing.org/

Have you thought about becoming a goat grazer but are too afraid to take the leap and quit your job? Do you get tired of always setting up electric net fencing? Stephanie Bowers with The Glorious Goat Ranch, joined Max Wade to discuss how Nofence gave her the power to manage her herds of goats virtually, eliminating much of the need for electric net fencing, all while working full time for UW Madison. Where you can find her: @ Facebook: Glorious Goat Ranch and Goats On the Go - Green Bay Website: gloriousgoatranch.com Show Notes: Chapters Introduction : 0:00 01:36: introducing Stephanie Bowers 04:45: Exploring Goats on The Go 12:16: Managing a large scale operation 19:40: Marketing through goat grazing 27:41: Cost justification for virtual collars 34:33: The great goat escape 40:05: Understanding Nofence Collar saftey 47:07: Understanding your value 55:21: Value added products and goat leasing. 1:04:00: The End

Do you dream of hiking deep into the back country with your family, but can't convince them to carry the packs it would take to make it a comfortable trip? Have you wondered what it would be like to survive entirely off of goat milk on a multi-day hike deep into the mountains? Are goats as lovable as dogs? Marc Warnke, owner and operator of Pack Goats , joins Max Wade on The Goat Grazing Podcast to discuss how pack carrying goats were the key to getting his whole family deep into the back country, how he survived on a trip drinking over two gallons of goat milk per day, and how the goats have changed his life and gained a true place in his heart. Find him at: Instagram: @packgoats and @Marcwarnke Facebook: @packgoats.com and @Marcwarnke Youtube: @packgoatscom and Show Notes: (00:00) Introduction to Marc Warnke and the multifaceted power of goats(02:24) How goats became Idaho’s best backcountry livestock(07:01) The influence of origin stories and goats' capabilities in the wild(12:10) The pioneering work of John Mayansinski in goat pack history(14:30) Innovative gear, load balancing, and travel logistics for goats(18:04) Managing predators and camp safety in predator-rich environments(20:20) Goats' nutrition, forage, and wild feeding behaviors(25:50) Ripple Ranch(28:50 How goats foster connection and therapeutic interactions(36:36) Breeding for performance, desire, and herd dynamics(42:00) Conditioning goats for endurance and agility(55:30) Hunting with goats: stealth, scent cover, and game calling(1:05:31) Getting into pack goats(1:08:21) Purpose-driven animal use: respect, reverence, and stewardship(1:09:38) A trip to live off goat milk—long-distance, high-altitude adventure(1:12:27) Biochemical changes in goat milk during demanding backcountry work(1:21:20) The importance of social media(1:28:38) Advice to people looking to get into pack goats(1:34:53) The end

Do you struggle to keep grazing jobs out ahead of you? What would you do if a solar farm was put up near your house? Have you wished there was a better way to manage your herd? Beau Stafford with Wiscovery Farms joins Max to discuss his journey into solar grazing and what led him to get Nofence electric net collars, which have transformed the way he operates his business and allow him to sleep at night with peace of mind. Find him @ Instagram: Wiscoveryfarm Facebook: Wiscovery Farm Website: Wiscoveryfarm.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Solar Grazing and Sheep Farming 06:11 The Journey into Solar Grazing 09:27 Scaling Up: From 15 to 300 Sheep 12:53 Innovative Composting Practices 16:15 Contract Grazing: Working with Utility Companies 20:03 Navigating Challenges in Solar Grazing 23:24 The Benefits of Grazing Under Solar Panels 26:41 Virtual Fencing: A Game Changer for Grazing 30:12 Financial Considerations and Grant Opportunities 33:35 Mental Health and Peace of Mind in Farming 45:40 The 24/7 Responsibility of Livestock Management 46:28 Remote Monitoring: A Game Changer for Farmers 47:22 Understanding Animal Behavior Through Technology 49:08 Mental Health in Farming: The Importance of Peace of Mind 50:51 Innovative Grazing Techniques: Silvopasture Management 52:41 Breeding Management: The Role of Technology 54:43 The Future of Solar Grazing: Opportunities and Challenges 57:30 Training Livestock for Virtual Fencing 01:00:22 Innovations in Solar Grazing: Enhancing Livestock Welfare 01:04:31 Navigating the Solar Grazing Industry 01:17:57 Advice for New Grazers: Building Relationships and Knowledge

Are you tired of setting up polywire and portable electric net fencing? Do you have dreams of managing your herd from anywhere on the planet? Lindsey Weber, US Marketing Manager at Nofence, joins Max on The Goat Grazing Podcast to answer all the most commonly asked questions and explain how this cutting-edge technology can allow grazers to avoid portable electric net fencing and give them freedom to manage their herds from anywhere on the planet! Find Nofence @ Instagram: nofence Facebook: Nofence USA Website: Nofence.com 00:00 - Introduction to the podcast and episode overview02:16 - Meet Lindsey Weber, US marketing manager for Nofence05:33 - The Evolution of Nofence Technology09:07 - How the collars work15:23 - Technology behind Nofence20:09 - Addressing connectivity issues22:06 - Nofence customer service24:25 - Collar and subscription costs34:05 - The benefit of Nofence in challenging enviroments 40:05 - GPS Drift 49:48 - Nofence App59:51 - Real time tracking01:15:00 - Nofence on livestock guardian dogs01:08:46 - Unlimited pastures01:12:21 - Future innovations

Would you get into goat grazing if it meant that you could quit your job and run your own business? Can your animals eat so called "toxic" plants like Kochia and Cheatgrass? Do you know the power of getting your brand out there on social media? In this episode of The Goat Grazing Podcast, Zakary Copeland with Idaho Goat Grazers, talks about his journey of becoming a full time goat grazer, how he has learned the truth about toxicity in plants, and how his dedication towards making content about goat grazing has led to him landing far more jobs than he otherwise would have. Where to find him: Instagram: Idahogoatgrazers TikTok: Idahogoatgrazers Facebook: Idaho Goat Grazers Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Goat Grazing and Zachary Copeland 01:13 The Journey into Goat Grazing 04:52 Family Dynamics in Goat Grazing Business 06:36 Growth and Expansion of the Herd 08:10 The Role of Social Media in Business 09:32 Herd Composition and Breeding Strategies 11:14 Kidding and Grazing Season Management 14:31 Job Logistics and Customer Interaction 20:17 Safety Measures and Predator Management 23:49 Pricing Strategies in Goat Grazing 24:10 Understanding Pricing in Goat Grazing 27:17 Navigating Off-Season Challenges 28:41 Working with Canal Systems 31:38 Insurance Challenges in Goat Grazing 32:59 Growing Pains and Business Expansion 35:29 The Importance of Employee Management 38:01 Vegetation Management and Toxicity Concerns 43:28 Future Prospects for Goat Grazing 46:35 Building Relationships in the Grazing Community 51:53 Advice for New Grazers

Would you take in unwanted goats to build your grazing herd? What issues would you run into if your grazing business was in Australia? Is there a way you can have others raise your baby goats?  In this episode of The Goat Grazing Podcast, Denny Woods with Central Coast Goats explains how he continues to build his grazing herd with feral goats, how snakes cause multiple goat losses per year, and how he runs an animal education service where schools raise his bottle babies and return them to him when they are of age to join the grazing crew.  Where to find him:  Instagram: central_coast_goats TikTok: coasttocoastgoats Facebook: Central Coast Goats Fire Hazard Reduction Services Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:16 What is Central Coast Goats? 02:47 The Inspiration Behind the Business 04:15 Managing a Herd in Suburban Areas 05:49 The Wild Goat Population in Australia 08:02 Challenges of Training Goats 14:19 Pricing and Customer Expectations 17:59 Future Plans and Government Contracts 30:00 Collaborating with Influencers 32:36 Goat Escapes and Fencing Solutions 40:10 Livestock for Learning Program 45:34 Bevy Burrows: Miniature Donkeys for Events 49:48 Memorable Goat Grazing Experiences 53:08 Advice for Aspiring Goat Farmers 57:17 Dealing with Snakes and Livestock Guardian Dogs

What is the main difference between a good guardian dog and a bad one? How can you get your livestock guardian dog to stay closer to your animals? Are genetics or training more important? In this episode of The Goat Grazing Podcast, Rebecca Miller uses her wealth of knowledge and experience to answers these questions and many others about livestock guardian dogs. Where to find her: Instagram: @truenorthguardians TikTok: @truenorthguardians Facebook: @True North Guardians Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Livestock Guardian Dogs 01:14 Rebecca's Journey with True North Guardians 05:27 Building a Strong Dog Program 10:23 Understanding Predator Challenges 14:24 The Roles of Different Livestock Guardian Dogs 20:44 Training and Genetics in Livestock Guardians 26:08 The Importance of Early Socialization 28:54 Understanding the Psyche of Guardian Dogs 36:26 Challenges in Public Spaces with Guardian Dogs 44:17 Evaluating Different Breeds of Livestock Guardian Dogs 49:50 Considering Environmental Factors in Dog Selection 51:50 The Unique Traits of Livestock Guardian Dogs 01:04:18 Rebecca's Journey Back to the Farm 01:05:44 The Shepherd Magazine: A Legacy in Print 01:11:55 Challenges of Managing Livestock Guardian Dogs 01:14:17 Advice for Prospective Dog Owners

What value added avenues are there for those who own goats and sheep? Are there ways to transport goats without a truck and trailer? In this episode of The Goat Grazing Podcast, learn about the unique and exciting strategies Scout implements to make the most of her livestock as well as what inspired her to transport her goats and sheep using a bus instead of a truck and trailer. Find her @ Instagram: partygoatsla TikTok: partygoatsla Facekbook: Party Goats Los Angeles Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Goat Grazing Podcast 02:13 Meet Scout Raskin: The Goat Entrepreneur 03:08 The Birth of Party Goats Grazing 05:55 Sourcing and Raising Goats 07:28 Grazing Operations: Goats vs. Sheep 09:43 Fire Mitigation and Grazing Regulations 11:13 The Unique Goat Bus 12:21 Finding Clients and Growing Demand 13:36 Team Dynamics and Grazing Logistics 15:44 Challenges of Fencing and Terrain 16:22 Client Interaction and Safety 19:33 Trusting Clients with Goats 20:43 The Future of Party Goats Grazing 21:16 Pricing Strategies for Grazing Services 22:12 Grazing Duration and Client Expectations 22:54 Navigating Local Regulations 23:56 Insurance and Permits for Grazing 24:10 Building a Grazing Team 25:16 The Role of Social Media in Business 26:52 Identifying Toxic Plants for Goats 29:30 Site Visits and Plant Surveys 30:09 The Cost of Feeding Goats 31:06 Transitioning from Entertainment to Grazing 33:44 Community Awareness and Fire Management 36:24 Permits and Regulations in Los Angeles 38:20 The Journey of Goat Ownership 40:01 Diverse Services Offered by Party Goats LA 42:40 Popular Events and Client Engagement 43:05 Celebrity Encounters with Goats 45:13 Balancing Grazing and Party Goats LA 50:49 Future Plans and Sustainability 52:28 Advice for Aspiring Goat Entrepreneurs 57:27 Final Thoughts and Reflections

What should you do if your pet goats are costing you too much money? What goat breed can withstand Arizona heat? Are there even grazing opportunities in a place where temperatures climb well over 100 degrees on a regular basis? In this episode of The Goat Grazing Podcast, listen and learn about how Reece, with Rocking AR Goats, got into goat grazing after his wife said the goats were going to eat them out of house and home, and how he navigates the diverse landscapes of Arizona through his deliberate choice of goat breeds and the equipment that he uses. Where can you find him? Instagram: rockingargoats Facebook: Rocking AR Goats Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Goat Grazing Podcast 02:33 Understanding Rockin' AR Goats 04:42 Journey into Goat Farming 09:46 Starting a Goat Grazing Business 11:29 Scaling the Business 15:23 Navigating Challenges in Goat Grazing 18:38 Working with Utility Companies 22:38 Research and Development in Recharge Basins 26:39 Public Perception and Environmental Impact 30:28 Future of Goat Grazing in Arizona 34:21 Innovative Grazing Solutions 36:46 Challenges in Kidding and Herd Management 40:20 Job Setup and Logistics in Goat Grazing 42:15 The Role of Shepherds and Guardian Dogs 47:43 Managing Predators and Risks 50:18 Pricing Strategies for Goat Grazing Services 57:19 Educational Outreach and Community Engagement 01:01:06 Memorable Experiences in Goat Grazing 01:04:38 Advice for Aspiring Goat Grazers