Grazing Grass Podcast sharing Regenerative Ag Stories

• 193. Building Intentional Farms from Neglected Land with Stan Oller

  Stan and his wife began farming in 2021 after adopting four children and realizing they wanted to raise them with meaningful work and stewardship. Starting with neglected, junk-filled land, they’ve built a regenerative, multi-species farm from scratch—learning through Greg Judy, Joel Salatin, and hands-on mistakes.Topics CoveredMoving from western Kansas to Arkansas and starting a farm from nothingAdopting four children and using the farm as a teaching toolRestoring neglected land and hauling off 340 tiresEarly livestock: 11 heifers → sheep → pigs → broilersGrant funding from Illinois River Watershed for water lines and fencingPivoting from South Poll beef to a sheep-focused enterpriseLeader-follower grazing with cattle and hair sheepUsing C-90 salt, garlic, and apple cider vinegar for mineral programsDirect-marketing lamb, pork, and chicken through GrazeCartAdding pigs to utilize 30 acres of woods and reduce ticksLaunching on-farm poultry processing (non-GMO, soy-free feed)Stewardship mindset and educational outreach via Harvest Hosts & farm visitsFuture plans: farrow-to-finish Hereford pigs, possible Dexter cows for raw milk, on-farm events, and intentional growthStan’s story is a realistic look at starting late, learning fast, and doing it intentionally. From adoption to regenerative restoration, he shows how faith, family, and stewardship intersect on a small Arkansas farm. Whether you’re reclaiming abused land or diversifying your livestock, his experience offers encouragement and practical takeaways.Resources MentionedIntentional FarmsGreg Judy Grazing SchoolJoel Salatin videosThe Stockman Grass FarmerGrazeCart e-commerce platformIllinois River Watershed Alliance grantsLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture.Grazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis Palfrey

  --------  

  1:12:03

  --------

  1:12:03
• 192. Fitness Meets Farming in the Ottawa Valley with Adam Phomin

  In this episode, Cal talks with Adam Phomin from Hoof and Beak Farm in eastern Ontario, Canada. Adam shares his journey from fitness coach and gym owner to regenerative farmer, raising sheep, cattle, chickens, and llamas on his 100-acre farm. A first-generation farmer, Adam connects his passion for health and nutrition to raising his own protein and improving the land. He discusses starting from scratch, lessons learned fencing and grazing, using polywire for sheep, the role of llamas as guardians, and the importance of daily progress—both in farming and fitness. Adam also introduces his 5 AM Squat Club, a mindset and movement program he leads live each morning on YouTube.Topics CoveredTransitioning from fitness and nutrition to regenerative farmingBuilding a 100-acre farm from hayed and degraded landStarting with chickens and moving into Katahdin sheepBreeding strategies and learning from experienceGrazing management with polywire and limited timeLessons learned from predator pressure and livestock guardiansSourcing and raising cattle for seasonal grazingMarketing protein through his gym communityThe 5 AM Squat Club: combining mindset, movement, and purposeThe importance of identity, consistency, and small daily stepsIf you’re just getting started or balancing farming with another career, this episode is packed with relatable insights. Adam’s story proves you can build a regenerative operation from scratch—even without an ag background—by focusing on health, mindset, and progress over perfection. His fitness perspective offers a refreshing reminder that farmers are athletes too, and taking care of your body is key to taking care of your land.Resources MentionedHoof and Beak Farm: Instagram / Website – @hoofandbeak5 AM Squat Club: YouTube ChannelPodcasts: Working Cows, Ranching Returns, Beyond Labels (Joel Salatin & Sina McCullough), Ranching RebootLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture.Grazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis Palfrey

  --------  

  1:19:16

  --------

  1:19:16
• 191. From Sand to Soil Health in the Sunshine State with  Lauren Jorgensen and Frank Tobias

  In this episode, Cal visits with Lauren Jorgensen and Frank “Toby” Tobias, owners of Starlight Farm in North Florida. Lauren and Toby share their inspiring transition from suburban professionals to regenerative graziers, managing cattle, horses, and chickens on 108 acres of sandy Florida soil. Their story begins with a daughter’s recommendation to watch Kiss the Ground, which set them on a journey into soil health and regenerative practices. From battling Florida’s unique soil challenges to founding the Florida Soil Health Coalition, they’ve become advocates for soil, community, and mindful stewardship.Topics CoveredLauren & Toby’s background and 20-year journey to Starlight FarmTransition from horses to cattle and discovering regenerative grazingInfluence of Kiss the Ground and attending the Soil Health AcademyManaging sandy Florida soils and the challenges of bahiagrassBale grazing, cover crops, and learning from failuresThe role of chicken and cow manure in improving fertilitySurviving hurricanes and adapting to climate extremesStarting the Florida Soil Health Coalition — connecting farmers, researchers, and consumersFinding balance between purity and practicality in regenerative systemsFavorite grazing books and tools (from tractors to hay string!)Building a life and home rooted in stewardship, love, and laughterWhy You Should ListenThis episode is full of relatable moments for anyone striving to make progress on imperfect land. Lauren and Toby’s enthusiasm and candor highlight how regenerative agriculture is as much about mindset as it is about management. Their story captures the patience, humor, and persistence required to restore soil in Florida’s challenging environment — and how connection, both human and ecological, fuels that process. You’ll also learn about a new grassroots movement growing in the Sunshine State through the Florida Soil Health Coalition.Resources MentionedFlorida Soil Health Coalition: floridasoilhealth.orgStarlight Farm Grass-Fed Beef: Facebook Page – “Starlight Farm Grass-Fed Beef”Tobias Saddlery: ultimatesaddle.comBooks:Dirt to Soil by Gabe BrownA Bold Return to Giving a Damn by Will HarrisBraiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall KimmererWhat Your Food Ate by David R. Montgomery & Anne BikléOrganizations & Mentions:Soil Health Academy (Gabe Brown, Allen Williams, Ray Archuleta)Will Harris – White Oak PasturesJonathan Lundgren – Ecdysis Foundation & 1000 Farms StudyLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture.Grazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis Palfrey

  --------  

  1:39:42

  --------

  1:39:42
• 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 SavoryNelson Nash’s book on Infinite BankingLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture.Grazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis Palfrey

  --------  

  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

Mais podcasts de Ciência

Podcasts em tendência em Ciência

Sobre Grazing Grass Podcast sharing Regenerative Ag Stories