Grazing Grass Podcast : Sharing Stories of Regenerative Ag

Join us on an exciting journey as we welcome back Taylor Moyer, who has transitioned from a successful NASCAR career to full-time farming. Over the past 18 months, Taylor has embraced the challenges and rewards of regenerative farming, leaving the racetrack after the last race in Phoenix to pursue his passion for agriculture. Taylor shares insights into the complexities of understanding cattle carrying capacity, the unique advantages and challenges of farming in the Southeast, and the high land prices near population centers. With a focus on the ongoing learning process, Taylor offers a glimpse into balancing new ventures while navigating the practicalities and aspirations of regenerative agriculture.In our conversation, Taylor discusses his innovative approach to strategic cattle management, exploring how doing things differently from neighboring farms has led to both growth opportunities and challenges. With a focus on spring calving herds in a region dominated by fall breeders, Taylor emphasizes the importance of strategic breeding decisions and optimizing breeding windows while balancing economic considerations. He highlights the transformation of undervalued cows into valuable assets and the role of a dedicated business team and external advisors in ensuring sustainable growth and profitability.We also explore the benefits of the Land Trust initiative, which offers farm owners a valuable tool for facilitating outdoor recreation and connecting people to the land. Taylor shares his experiences using the Land Trust platform, which allows landowners to list their land for activities like hunting, fishing, and photography. With a flexible business model, landowners can set their own prices and benefit from an 80/20 revenue share. The platform ensures security with a robust verification process and complimentary insurance for landowners. Taylor reflects on the joy and satisfaction landowners experience by sharing their land with interested visitors, creating fulfilling connections and fostering appreciation for agricultural life.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeLand TrustRidgeview Land and CattleVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondKencove Farm FenceGrazing Grass LinksProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResources (Coming Soon)Community (on Facebook) 

Unlock the secrets to regenerative farming success with Cedric Shannon from Weathertop Farm in Virginia. Listen as Cedric recounts transforming 54 acres of potential housing development land into a thriving regenerative livestock operation. Inspired by Joel Salatin, Cedric shares how he and his wife, Sarah, started their farm journey with limited resources, beginning with chickens and hogs, and progressively integrating cattle and sheep. Through continuous learning and building a supportive community, Cedric offers insights into overcoming challenges and achieving sustainable farming success.Explore the nuances of raising rabbits and chickens for profit as Cedric shares his experiences and insights. Discover the logistical challenges and rewarding solutions like hoop houses for rabbit hutches and the innovative use of rabbit manure to enhance poultry productivity. Cedric discusses the market dynamics and cultural preferences for rabbit meat, providing a thoughtful reflection on the balance between passion and practicality in small-scale farming. From family farming growth to the legacy of their operation, hear about the reinvestment in skills development and how their farm internship program has paved paths for aspiring regenerative farmers.Cedric guides us through holistic grazing management and flexible farm infrastructure strategies that are vital for thriving with limited capital. Learn about the benefits of rotational grazing and how different livestock species can synergistically enrich soil nutrients, creating a sustainable farming ecosystem. Practical advice on managing farm operations—like using electric netting over permanent fencing and the importance of movable structures—highlights the resourcefulness required to succeed in agriculture. With Cedric's insights, start your farming journey with creativity and adaptability, and become part of the sustainable farming community.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeWeathertop FarmVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondKencove Farm FenceGrazing Grass LinksProvide feedback for the podcast Website Insiders Resources (Coming Soon)Community (on Facebook) 

Unlock the secrets of successful cattle farming in wet climates with Jake Yancey from the Tracking Y Ranch in Western Washington. Join us for an inspiring exploration of Jake's journey as a first-generation rancher, overcoming the challenges of heavy rainfall to expand his operations across a thousand acres. Discover how Jake's innovative direct-to-consumer strategy and dedication to grass-fed, grain-finished beef have set his ranch apart in the competitive agricultural landscape.Gain valuable insights into the world of livestock farming from personal stories of passion and perseverance. Listen as Jake recounts his experiences growing up in a small town, influenced by Future Farmers of America and a scholarship to Washington State University, leading him to a career in agriculture. Learn about the role of practical skills like horseshoeing and the impact of high tensile electric fencing in cattle management, emphasizing the importance of building trust with landowners through open communication and property improvements.Explore the broader landscape of sustainable farming practices that shape successful livestock operations. From prescribed conservation grazing to strategic partnerships with conservation groups, Jake shares his expertise in balancing ecological needs with effective cattle management. Hear about the regulatory challenges in Washington State and the creative solutions needed to reach metropolitan markets. Whether it's sourcing from family-owned grain mills or managing costs in non-home-based operations, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge for those passionate about agriculture and sustainable practices.Links Mentioned in the EpisodeTracking Y RanchVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondKencove Farm FenceGrazing Grass LinksProvide us feedback on this episode  Website  Insiders  Community (on Facebook) 

Join us for an enlightening discussion with Blane Stacy, a rangeland management specialist from Northeast Oklahoma, as we explore the intricacies of regenerative grazing and rangeland management. Blane shares his fascinating journey from his early days in FFA to becoming a specialist assisting farmers and ranchers across the state with effective grazing strategies. His dual role as a professional and practitioner on his 80-acre farm provides a unique perspective on the principles of evaluating plant communities for livestock and wildlife management. Through Blane's insights, we uncover the importance of maintaining functional grazing ecosystems and the invaluable lessons learned from his personal and professional experiences in regenerative agriculture.Listen in as we revive interest in rangeland judging contests within FFA programs, highlighting the evolution and importance of these competitions in fostering knowledge of plant species and ecological systems. We discuss the need for supporting ag teachers and attracting future rangeland specialists, emphasizing how these contests can inspire careers in plant and soil sciences. The conversation extends to the practical aspects of setting up a managed grazing system, focusing on making it family-friendly and flexible, and the challenges of managing infrastructure like electric fencing.Finally, we examine the critical relationship between rangeland ecosystems and grazing management, especially in Northeast Oklahoma. Blane guides us through the historical role of natural processes like fire and grazing in shaping ecosystems and the balance needed to maintain ecological function. Through examples of high-intensity regenerative grazing practices, we highlight the necessity of managed grazing for ecosystem health. The episode wraps up with discussions on connecting with like-minded grazers and utilizing resources like Walt Davis's "How to Not Go Broke Ranching" to promote effective land stewardship. This episode offers a comprehensive look at how regenerative grazing can benefit both land and livestock, encouraging sustainable agricultural practices.Links Mentioned in the Episode:Oklahoma Conservation CommissionVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondKencove Farm Fence