Grazing Grass Podcast sharing Regenerative Ag Stories

• 190. Balancing Grazing, Goats, and Generational Wealth with Dana Tinney Wilson

  Dana Tinney Wilson of Chantilly Ranch in Northern California returns to the Grazing Grass Podcast to share what’s new since her first appearance in episode 50. Dana and her husband Gary raise Boer goats, Highland cattle, and Dexter cattle, direct-marketing beef to their community while also using goats for fire abatement and neighborhood grazing services. She talks about adapting her grazing management, expanding into irrigation, and the role her children now play in the family operation. Dana also introduces the infinite banking concept, a financial strategy she has adopted for building resilience and long-term security for her family and ranch.Topics covered in this episode:Dana’s recent marriage and family involvement on the ranchRaising Highland and Dexter cattle, including selling direct-to-consumer beefThe role of goats for meat, fire prevention, and community grazing contractsManaging predator pressure and challenges with electric nettingShifts in grazing strategy, including irrigation and rest periodsBuilding big-picture goals for profitability, regeneration, and legacyConsidering adding pigs to meet market demandHow her daughter’s horse training business fits into the ranch visionA deep dive into infinite banking and how it can provide stability and intergenerational wealthThis episode is for graziers who want inspiration on building a profitable, regenerative, family-centered ranch while exploring creative ways to finance growth. Dana’s story blends practical grazing insights with long-term financial thinking that may spark new ideas for your own operation.Resources mentioned in this episode:Chantilly RanchHolistic Management by Allan SavoryNoble Research Institute’s MarketSMART Ranching courseRedmond Agriculture mineralsNelson Nash’s book on Infinite Banking

  --------  

  1:26:50

  --------

  1:26:50
• 189. Building Soil and Beef Quality with Virtual Fencing with Karl Palmberg

  In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal visits with Karl Palmberg of Sunlight and Rain in northwest Iowa. Karl shares his journey from growing up on a farm, serving in the Air Force, and eventually returning home to rebuild his family’s cattle operation. He dives into the lessons learned from shifting to no-till farming, integrating livestock for soil health, and experimenting with genetics for grass-fed beef. A major focus of this conversation is Karl’s experience adopting virtual fencing technology with Gallagher’s eShepherd collars—how it’s changed his management, saved time, and opened new possibilities for grazing.Topics covered include:Karl’s beginnings with cattle in junior high and how those early experiences shaped his pathTransitioning from conventional tillage to no-till and strip-till farmingThe role of livestock in building soil healthPractical fencing tools: reels, polywire, fiberglass posts, energizers, and water infrastructureBreeding strategy and focusing on functional, easy-fleshing cattle geneticsShifting toward grass finishing and direct-to-consumer beef salesThe challenges and opportunities of marketing grass-fed beefA deep dive into virtual fencing: training animals, collar fit, technology quirks, and labor savingsLessons learned about humility, innovation, and adapting systems on the farmKarl’s story is a reminder of how regenerative practices are often a process of trial, error, and persistence. His candid take on the benefits and limitations of virtual fencing offers practical insight for graziers considering this new technology.If you’ve wondered whether virtual collars could fit into your grazing system—or if you’re curious about one farmer’s path from conventional tillage to regenerative practices—this episode is packed with honest lessons and real-world advice. Karl’s mix of military discipline, family heritage, and innovative curiosity makes for a compelling story.Resources mentioned in this episode:Sunlight and Rain – Karl’s farmGallagher Animal Management – eShepherd virtual fencing systemJoel Salatin’s The Marvelous Pigness of PigsLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture.eShepherdGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis Palfrey

  --------  

  1:21:12

  --------

  1:21:12
• 188. Simple Recipe for Cattle Production with Bruce Shanks

  Bruce shares his journey from managing sheep and goats to building a South Poll seedstock operation, the pivotal experiences that shaped his philosophy, and how he balances practicality with profitability. He also reflects on the importance of family, community, and keeping options open in an unpredictable business.In this episode, we cover:Bruce’s background in agriculture and how he ended up in Bell, MissouriTransitioning from sheep and goats to a South Poll-centered cattle operationLessons learned from Burke Teichert and the Rex Ranch about low-input grazing systemsWhy docility and adaptability matter in South Poll cattleRunning sheep and cattle together, and the challenges of small ruminantsHow Bruce markets lambs and develops bulls with his customers in mindThe role of lease land in his operationAdvice for beginners: walk before you run and never say never in grazingWhether you’re a grazier looking to simplify your system, or just curious about the South Poll breed, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and real-world experience. Bruce doesn’t overcomplicate things—his success comes from sticking to the basics. His “simple recipe” offers a refreshing reminder that profitability often comes from focus, discipline, and letting cattle prove themselves in the environment they’re meant for. If you’re thinking about South Polls, sheep, or just streamlining your grazing operation, Bruce’s story will give you ideas and encouragement.Resources mentioned in this episode:Sassafras Valley RanchGreg Judy’s No Risk Ranching (first book)How to Think Like a Grazier by Greg JudySouth Poll Grass Cattle AssociationLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture.South Poll Field Day & SaleGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis Palfrey

  --------  

  1:16:59

  --------

  1:16:59
• 187. Raising South Poll Cattle & Direct-to-Consumer Beef with Josh Harris

  Josh shares his journey as a sixth-generation grazier managing South Poll cattle, woodland-raised pork, and pasture poultry with his father. He grew up immersed in rotational grazing from the late 1990s, giving him a unique second-generation perspective on regenerative practices. Josh explains how their family transitioned from commercial breeds to South Polls in 2006, seeing immediate differences in heat tolerance, fly resistance, and docility. Today, they run a registered South Poll herd and market animals both as seed stock and direct-to-consumer beef.Key topics covered:Growing up in a regenerative grazing family and partnering with his dad on the farm.Transition to South Poll cattle and why they thrive in North Carolina’s hot, humid fescue environment.Breeding philosophy with split spring and fall calving seasons.Benefits of docility, adaptability, and calving ease in their herd.Seed stock marketing and demand for South Poll cattle.Building a direct-to-consumer beef business with online sales, pickup locations, and limited home delivery.Diversifying with woodland-raised pork and pasture poultry for both soil and business benefits.Balancing scaling the farm with off-farm work, including lessons from his Chamber of Commerce role.Advice for beginners: focus, clarity, and starting with quality animals or strong customer relationships.This episode highlights the long-term benefits of sticking with regenerative grazing across generations and offers a candid look at building both seed stock and direct-to-consumer businesses. Josh’s experience with South Poll cattle provides valuable insights for anyone considering heat-tolerant, grass-efficient breeds.Resources mentioned:Harris Home Place Farm: harrishomeplacefarm.comFacebook & Instagram: Harris Homeplace FarmSouth Poll Grass Cattle Association: southpoll.comThe End of Craving by Mark SchatzkerSteak by Mark SchatzkerLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture.South Poll Field Day & SaleGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis Palfrey

  --------  

  1:13:11

  --------

  1:13:11
• 186. A Recipe, Not a Prescription: Grazing Insights from the Ozarks with Bob and Ann Demerath

  Ann and Bob share their journey from Nebraska crop and cattle farming to building a regenerative grazing operation in the Ozarks. They discuss the challenges of starting over, investing in infrastructure like tire tanks and fencing, and adapting their herd with South Poll genetics to fit their environment. Their story highlights resilience, stewardship, and the pursuit of nutrient-dense beef and healthier soils.Topics covered in this episode:Transition from conventional farming in Nebraska to management-intensive grazing in MissouriDaily moves, portable watering systems, and eventually installing 28 tire tanksExperiences with cattle breeds including Black Angus, Braford, Corriente, and South Poll crossesMarketing steers through private sales, meat business, and occasional sale barnsNutrient-density testing of their beef, showing omega ratios close to wild salmonSoil health improvements, bird diversity surveys, and ecosystem changes on their ranchLessons learned about rest periods, stewardship, and adapting grazing as a “recipe, not a prescription”Future plans as they balance ranch work, family, and personal goalsWhy listen to this episode: Ann and Bob bring decades of hands-on experience, showing how management, not just genetics or land, drives success. From portable waters to garlic salt minerals, they share practical insights any grazier can apply. Their emphasis on stewardship, learning, and resilience will inspire both beginners and seasoned graziers alike.Resources mentioned:Stockman Grass FarmerMan, Cattle and VeldTop of the Ozarks grazing groupRedmond Agriculture mineralsClear Spring Ranch – clearspringranch.comFive Five Coyote Meat Business – fivefivecoyote.comLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture.South Poll Field Day & SaleGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast

  --------  

  1:26:28

  --------

  1:26:28

More Science podcasts

Trending Science podcasts

About Grazing Grass Podcast sharing Regenerative Ag Stories