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 Kristophele33. Alex Bates – Chickens, Turkeys, and Wool Sheep, Oh My!
In this episode of The Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal talks with Alex Bates of Chapel Ford Farm. We discuss brooding chicks for others, pastured poultry, pastured turkeys and wool sheep. For the Overgrazing Section, we discuss how his off-the-farm job makes him a better farmer.
Continue reading e33. Alex Bates – Chickens, Turkeys, and Wool Sheep, Oh My!e31. Rachel Wagoner – Multigenerational Family Farm in Transition
In this episode of The Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal talks with Rachel Wagoner of Tall Pines Farms. Tall Pines Farms LLC is a multigenerational family farm in transition in Darlington, Pennsylvania. They raise beef cattle and hair sheep on grass to produce freezer beef and lamb seasonally. For the Overgrazing Section, we focus on Livestock Guardian Animals.
e18. Austin Unruh – Silvopastures for Graziers
In this episode of The Grazing Grass podcast, Cal talks with Austin Unruh from Trees for Graziers. He discusses the Silvopasture for graziers, including why you would want to add trees and how to start.
Continue reading e18. Austin Unruh – Silvopastures for Graziers