In this episode, Jason Contreras, shares his inspirational journey from being diagnosed with cancer to becoming a homesteader in North Carolina. After his diagnosis, Jason and his wife decided to pursue a healthier, more self-sustainable lifestyle, which led them to leave their city life in Los Angeles and start a small scale farming operation. They began by raising chickens and gradually added more livestock, such as pigs and steers. Jason discusses the complexities of his new lifestyle, sharing insights on various farming practices and techniques. He also emphasizes the determination and resilience required for self-sufficiency and healthier living. This episode provides valuable insights for those considering a similar path, making it a must-listen for aspiring homesteaders.
Continue reading e71. Sow the Land with Jason Contrerase69. Grazing on the Homestead with Joshua Deck
In this podcast episode, Joshua Deck, a homesteader from southwest Missouri, talks about his journey into regenerative ranching and sustainable farming. Joshua discusses his techniques for transforming his 20-acre homestead into a thriving regenerative ranch. He shares his experiences with different types of livestock, soil management, garden and mushroom cultivation, and pastured poultry. He also shares insights on the importance of observing the land before starting with permaculture design, and offers advice for those starting out. This episode provides a wealth of knowledge for anyone interested in homesteading, sustainable farming, and regenerative ranching.
Continue reading e69. Grazing on the Homestead with Joshua Decke66. The Healing Power of Agriculture with Adam Mason
In this episode, Adam Mason, who operates HEAL Farms, shares his journey into the world of sustainable farming, from developing an interest in farming, setting up agricultural systems in a Haitian orphanage, to finally establishing his own farming operation during the pandemic. He discusses the challenges of direct marketing farm produce and the importance of wise purchasing decisions. He also delves into a unique approach to land restoration using pigs, his experiences in applying the teachings from Joel Salatin’s book, Polyface Designs, and his use of social media for farm transparency and reaching wider audiences.
Continue reading e66. The Healing Power of Agriculture with Adam Masone63. Humble Beginnings & Rapid Growth with Caleb Schenk
In this episode, Caleb Schenk from Deer Run Acres shares his journey from starting with two Dexter cows and a bull to managing a successful farm. He discusses the challenges of pasture management, dealing with high snowfall, and the different forage options in Erie County, Pennsylvania. He also highlights the importance of water management and shares practical techniques like trench digging and the use of Plasson connectors. Caleb shares his experiences with fence-building methods, raising pastured pork, and the significance of hiring a consultant for farming ventures. He also shares the challenges and benefits of bail grazing and winter hay feeding. The episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to navigate the intricacies of farming and pasture management.
Continue reading e63. Humble Beginnings & Rapid Growth with Caleb Schenke62. The Fallen Aspen Farm Journey with Jake Kristophel
In this episode, we delve into the fascinating journey of Jake Kristophel, who established Fallen Aspen Farm in Pennsylvania from scratch. Jake details his experiences in creating diverse farming practices, managing pigs, grass-fed lamb, and pasture eggs, and dealing with challenges like overgrazing and sheep management. We examine the operation of Fallen Aspen Farm, including sheep management, breeding challenges, and the strategies they employed, such as keeping ram lambs away from the ewes. We also discuss measures taken to combat overgrazing, the plantation of drought-tolerant trees, and the enchanting story of Jake’s native pastures. Jake provides insights into winter stockpiling, future farm planning and shares his marketing strategies for the farm’s products like lard soap and lard balms.
Continue reading e62. The Fallen Aspen Farm Journey with Jake Kristophele56. Turning Bedrock into Thriving Grazing Land with Claudia Kaelin
In this episode, Claudia Kaelin shares her experiences raising cattle, goats, and turkeys on Fossil Ridge Farms in Canada, detailing the challenges of grazing on bedrock and the importance of forage utilization. She also discusses the regulations and quotas Canadian farmers must adhere to and the importance of bridging the gap between consumers and their food sources, the personable nature of turkeys, and her experiences with full-blood Limousin cattle. Additionally, Claudia shares invaluable advice on working deliberately, understanding the dangers of moving parts, and taking extra precautions when working with animals.
Continue reading e56. Turning Bedrock into Thriving Grazing Land with Claudia Kaeline51. The Regen Ranch Story: A Holistic Approach to Sustainable and Profitable Livestock Management with Christine Martin
In this episode, Christine Martin shared her journey from homesteading to operating the Regen Ranch in East Texas. She discusses how her health issues led her to clean up her diet and start producing her own food. Christine also talks about holistic management, which helped her shift from homesteading to running a profitable ranch. She shares her experience with managing livestock, parasite loads, and proper infrastructure, as well as using turkeys to mitigate parasite load in sheep. In addition, Christine discusses direct-to-consumer marketing strategies for selling sheep and turkey products, focusing on farmers’ markets and online shipping. She also touched on the concept of planned grazing, which allows for better recovery and management of the land.
Continue reading e51. The Regen Ranch Story: A Holistic Approach to Sustainable and Profitable Livestock Management with Christine Martine50. Exploring the Power of Regenerative Ranching and Agro-tourism in California with Dana Wilson
In this episode, we dive into the world of rotational grazing, land management, and sustainable farming practices on a California ranch. We explore the journey of Dana Wilson and her family as they manage their forty-acre property with Highland cattle, meat goats, chickens, and ducks. We discuss the importance of water management and the challenges of managing different sized animals with electric fencing. We also talk about the benefits of goats and Highland cattle in browsing and land management, as well as the potential of agro-tourism as a way to diversify income streams and promote sustainable farming practices. Join us as we learn from Dana’s experiences and insights in land management and livestock care, and explore the opportunities and challenges faced in providing grass-finished vintage beef and goat meat to a diverse market in California.
Continue reading e50. Exploring the Power of Regenerative Ranching and Agro-tourism in California with Dana Wilsone49. Regenerative Farming and Livestock Management at Greenacres Foundation with Leevi Stump
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Leevi Stump, Livestock Manager at Greenacres Foundation in Cincinnati, Ohio. We discussed the regenerative farming practices they use at Greenacres, including raising a variety of livestock such as grass-fed and finished beef and sheep, pasture-raised chickens and turkeys, and heritage pigs. We explored the benefits of using smaller breed genetics like Aberdeen Angus for grass-fed and finished cattle operations, as well as the importance of rotational grazing and avoiding herbicides and pesticides for overall soil health and ecology. We also delved into the management and integration of various livestock species on the farm, such as integrating sheep into the cattle herd, creating a “flerd,” and the potential benefits of parasite control and protection from predators. Additionally, we discussed the process of raising meat birds on pasture, ensuring their health and wellbeing through the use of chicken tractors and diverse diets. We also touched on their turkey operation, focusing on the broad-breasted bronze breed, and the growth of their pig enterprise. Finally, we explored the use of pigs on the farm to disrupt and root up invasive honeysuckle in wooded areas, improving the overall quality of the land for other livestock species. We also highlighted various resources and books related to grazing and regenerative farming, emphasizing the importance of time management, creating a game plan, and having a supportive team in the farming industry. Join me as I learn more about Greenacres and their incredible work in regenerative farming practices and livestock management.
Continue reading e49. Regenerative Farming and Livestock Management at Greenacres Foundation with Leevi Stumpe38. The J&L Green Farm Story
In this episode of The Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal talks with Jordan Green of J&L Green Farm. J&L Green Fram raises grass finished beef, pastured poultry and forest raised hogs which is marketed directly to the consumer. For the overgrazing section, we discuss the FarmBuilder program.
Continue reading e38. The J&L Green Farm Story