Grazing Grass Podcast : Sharing Stories of Regenerative Ag
Grazing Grass
The Grazing Grass Podcast features insights and stories of regenerative farming, specifically emphasizing grass-based livestock management. Our mission is to fo...
Jared Sorensen, a passionate rancher and steward, shares his captivating journey through the world of ranching, revealing the unique challenges and triumphs of managing Secret Pass Livestock in northeastern Nevada. Growing up as the youngest of ten siblings, Jared chose a path less traveled, embracing hands-on experience over formal education. His time at Deseret Ranch in Florida taught him invaluable lessons in efficient cattle management and stewardship, fueling his desire for entrepreneurial ownership and legacy-building. Listen as Jared recounts how these formative experiences have shaped his approach to ranching and influenced the nurturing of an entrepreneurial spirit in his nine children.The episode also delves into the cutting-edge realm of virtual fencing technology. We explore the challenges Jared faced over the past six months as he integrated this innovation into his ranching practices. Despite the technical hurdles and occasional setbacks, Jared remains optimistic about the potential of virtual fencing to revolutionize land management and enhance carbon sequestration. His journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability, underscoring the importance of profitability and sustainability in agriculture. Together, we discuss how these innovations align with holistic ranching practices and the biblical perspective of stewardship.Finally, we highlight the educational initiatives of AgStewart, Jared's education and coaching company dedicated to helping family-owned farms thrive. From one-on-one guidance to virtual summits, AgStewart connects a global community of farmers and ranchers, providing essential education and accountability to achieve profitability, land regeneration, and sustainable business practices. As we wrap up, we invite listeners to join the growing regenerative agriculture community and embrace a lifestyle that values mental and emotional well-being, sustainable success, and meaningful relationships.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeThe Profitable Regeneration SummitVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResources (Coming Soon)Community (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis PalfreyChapters(00:00) - Introduction and Overview
(00:10) - Fast Five with Jared Sorenson
(03:31) - Jared's Background and Early Life
(06:38) - Transition to Cattle Ranching
(17:43) - Direct Marketing and Business Strategies
(20:36) - Virtual Fencing Challenges
(27:25) - Stewardship and Profitable Ranching
(32:37) - Addressing Stress and Relationships in Agriculture
(33:06) - Ecological and Financial Health in Farming
(33:56) - The Role of Financial Institutions in Supporting Regenerative Practices
(36:55) - The Importance of Mental Health in Agriculture
(41:54) - Holistic Management and Mentorship
(47:09) - Introduction to AgSteward and Its Mission
(50:01) - Virtual Summits and Community Building
(55:23) - Famous Four Questions and Closing Remarks
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1:05:15
152. Virtual Fencing from Halter with Theo Beaumont
Theo Beaumont, from the forefront of agricultural innovation, joins us to share his journey and insights into the world of virtual fencing technology. From growing up to navigating a potential career in banking, Theo found his true calling at Halter, a trailblazer in virtual fencing based in New Zealand. We explore his pivotal role in the company’s expansion into the United States, uncovering how his passion for agricultural technology is helping to shape the future of livestock management across six states with aspirations for further growth.Our conversation delves into Halter's strategic focus on the dairy and beef sector for the US, Australian, and New Zealand markets. Theo walks us through the company's shift from prioritizing labor savings to enhancing pasture management, a move that has significantly boosted efficiencies in dairy operations. Learn how Halter's commitment to refining virtual fencing technology is paving the way for meaningful changes in pasture-based systems, offering farmers new tools for success even in challenging terrains.Implementing Halter’s cutting-edge collar technology involves more than just equipment; it’s about adaptability and support. Theo shares the meticulous process of integrating this system on ranches, from initial planning to the thrill of collaring cattle. Our discussion highlights the versatility of these collars in managing livestock using GPS, auditory cues, and gentle pulses. Theo’s advice for newcomers in agriculture—curiosity and hands-on experience—resonates throughout, encouraging anyone passionate about farming to connect with Halter and explore this transformative technology.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeHalterVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResources (Coming Soon)Community (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis PalfreyChapters(00:00) - Introduction to Today's Episode
(00:09) - Fast Five with Theo Beaumont
(00:58) - Halter's Global Reach
(01:57) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast
(02:31) - Noble Profitability Essentials Course
(03:57) - Theo's Journey to Halter
(05:04) - New Zealand's Farming Practices
(08:48) - Virtual Fencing and Dairy Farming
(13:03) - Expanding Halter's Reach
(15:47) - Challenges and Successes in New Zealand
(19:43) - Overgrazing Section Sponsored by Redmond
(20:53) - Halter's Expansion in the US and Australia
(23:40) - How Halter's Virtual Fencing Works
(27:00) - Solar-Powered Collars: Longevity and Warranty
(27:20) - Subscription Model Explained
(27:51) - Base Station Tower and Warranty
(28:15) - Implementation Timeline for Ranches
(28:53) - Focus on Beef Operations
(29:47) - Onboarding and Installation Process
(31:49) - Training Cows with Virtual Fences
(33:31) - How Virtual Fences Work
(38:45) - Collar Safety and Calf Management
(41:39) - GPS Tracking and App Features
(49:30) - Customer Service and Expansion
(51:04) - Famous Four Questions
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e151. Insights into Biosecurity and Livestock Health with Wyatt & Samantha Catron
What if you could transform your farming operation by improving efficiency and biosecurity, while also ensuring the health and productivity of your livestock? Join us as we welcome Wyatt Catron, a mobile food animal veterinarian, and Samantha Catron, a postdoc fellow at the University of Arkansas. Together, they share insights into the world of hair sheep farming and livestock health. Our conversation leads us to Paragon Ranch in Stillwater, Oklahoma, where we explore their innovative approach to raising low-input hair sheep with a focus on parasite resistance and maternal traits.Our guests, Wyatt and Samantha, guide us through the journey of sheep breed selection and the importance of genetics in overcoming challenges like shearing and market demands. We discuss the benefits of hair sheep, delving into practical strategies to enhance flock quality and adaptability. Wyatt shares his international experiences, drawing fascinating comparisons between sheep farming practices in the United States and Australia. This discussion is enriched by insights into efficiency improvements, including innovative equipment and record-keeping that can optimize farm productivity.As we delve deeper, the episode turns to the critical topic of farm biosecurity, offering practical advice on preventing disease spread. Wyatt and Samantha emphasize the significance of tailored biosecurity plans and the role veterinarians play in identifying potential blind spots. We also explore livestock health and reproduction management, focusing on the "four T's" for evaluating breeding animals. The episode concludes with a discussion on farm management and operational efficiency, showcasing the value of investing in the right equipment to streamline operations and maintain balance in the farming lifestyle.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeCatron Veterinary ServicesCatron Veterinary Services on FacebookVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResources (Coming Soon)Community (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis Palfrey
(00:00) - e151. Wyatt Catron
(35:16) - Overgrazing Topic of BioSecurity
(59:49) - Famous Four Questions
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1:11:19
e150. Unveiling Soil Secrets for Better Farming Outcomes with Dale Strickler
On today's episode we have Dale Strickler of Regenerative Wisdom, a consulting company based in Wichita, Kansas. He shares his background of growing up on a diversified family farm and initially pursuing engineering before switching to agronomy after being inspired by the concept of using nature to solve problems in agriculture.Dale discusses his journey of exploring regenerative practices, including rotational grazing, cover crops, and integrating multiple species like cattle, sheep, and poultry. He emphasizes the importance of feeding soil microbes through living roots and photosynthesis, rather than relying on tillage and external inputs.Dale emphasizes the need to shift from the dominant corn and soybean monoculture to more diverse, perennial-based systems that mimic natural ecosystems. He advocates for optimizing production on smaller acreages, prioritizing a good quality of life over the pursuit of ever-increasing scale.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeRegenerative WisdomVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondKencove Farm FenceGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResources (Coming Soon)Community (on Facebook)Original Music by Louis Palfrey
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e149. Grazing, Growing, and Butchery with Jock Gibson
Join us as we welcome Jock Gibson from Edinvale Farm in northern Scotland, who shares his inspiring journey into grass-fed beef farming amidst the region's challenging climate. Jock reflects on his unexpected return to the family farm in 2015 after the loss of his parents, a transition that marked a shift in the farm's focus towards highland cattle. Explore the evolution of Edinvale Farm, from its beginnings in the mid-70s under George's father to its current operations, and the benefits and challenges of raising highland cattle. Discover how the farm's connection to their butchery business adds value to their produce, alongside their commitment to being "Pasture for Life" certified, which guarantees a grass-only diet for their cattle.Our discussion highlights the transformation towards sustainable farming practices, emphasizing the strategic integration of Edinvale Farm and the butcher shop to produce premium products that meet consumer demands. We discuss the introduction of Shorthorn genetics to improve carcass confirmation and finishing times while maintaining winter hardiness, as well as the importance of consumer feedback in shaping farm practices and breed choices. The balance between maintaining high-quality beef and meeting the economic challenges posed by the UK's beef market is a focal point, demonstrating the farm's resilience and adaptability.Jock also offers insights into optimizing cattle nutrition and grazing in northern Scotland's unique environment. Listen as he explains the decision to integrate Luing cattle, adapting breeds to fit specific systems and comply with regulations. The conversation touches on reducing chemical use, shifting grazing strategies, and tackling issues like low selenium affecting pregnancy rates. The episode culminates in exploring sustainable beef production strategies, underscoring the significance of resilience and adaptability in farming practices amidst a challenging political and economic climate. Join us for a thoughtful exploration of Jock's journey and the broader themes of sustainable agriculture and meat production.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeEdinvale FarmMacbeth ButcheryVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondKencove Farm FenceGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResources (Coming Soon)Community (on Facebook)Original Music by Louis Palfrey
About Grazing Grass Podcast : Sharing Stories of Regenerative Ag
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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