Grazing Grass Podcast sharing Regenerative Ag Stories

• 177. How Tango Holsteins Embraces Regenerative Dairy Without the Buzzwords with Tom Otton

  Tom Otton joins us from the far south coast of Australia to share his journey from growing up on a beef farm to operating a grazing-based dairy with his family. Tom discusses the evolution of his practices, including a heavy focus on multi-species pastures, no-till methods, and regenerative grazing—long before he even knew the word “regenerative.” He shares thoughtful insights on cow genetics, virtual fencing, and the challenges of balancing tradition with innovation, especially in the context of Australia’s extreme weather and regulatory environment.Transition from beef farming to dairy during Australia’s millennium droughtGrazing-based dairy practices with multi-species pasturesImplementing high-density rotation with 2–4 shifts per dayAdoption and legality of virtual fencing in AustraliaUsing sexed semen and beef crosses for herd improvement and profitabilityWinter planting of cereal and forage blends; native summer grass systemsInfrastructure layout with laneways, river watering, and no indoor housingHonest insights on power costs, robotic milkers, and future techPersonal reflections on footwear, decision-making, and doing what works for you Tom’s down-to-earth approach to grazing-based dairying in a region with both drought and flood extremes offers valuable perspective for anyone in livestock. Whether you're intrigued by virtual fencing, cow genetics, or just love hearing how others adapt regenerative principles across the globe, Tom delivers a mix of practical know-how and big-picture thinking.Resources MentionedCall of the Reed Warbler by Charles MassyDirt to Soil by Gabe BrownTango Holsteins on FacebookTango Holsteins on InstagramLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastChapters

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• 176. Building Iron Root Pastures from Backyard Chickens to Raw Milk Dairy with Ernie Mathes

  In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal talks with Ernie Mathis of Iron Root Pastures in Rising Fawn, Georgia. Ernie shares how he went from suburban New Jersey roots and metro Atlanta life to traveling the U.S. in an RV and finally settling on a dilapidated cow-calf farm to pursue a regenerative, multi-species livestock operation. He discusses starting with backyard broilers, managing raw milk production from his herd of Jerseys, raising pigs and poultry on organic, soy-free and corn-free feed, and why he’s adding rabbits next. Ernie also walks through his portable milking parlor setup, calf-sharing system, and lessons learned in farm infrastructure, grazing systems, and marketing directly to health-focused consumers.Topics CoveredWhy and how Ernie and his family left metro life for farm lifeStarting with 10 backyard broilers and progressing to pasture poultryTransitioning from RV life to settling on a 225-acre propertyDeveloping a direct-to-consumer market with chiropractic clinicsRaising soy-free, corn-free fed chickens, pigs, and layersBuilding a portable milking setup for 8 Jersey cowsImplementing calf sharing with a custom calf shelterUsing belted Galloways and moving toward more heat-tolerant breedsPlans for integrating rabbits and sheepThoughts on A2 milk, sexed semen, and dual-purpose livestockManaging pastures and daily moves using simple infrastructureIf you’ve ever wondered how to go from urban homesteader to full-time grazier, Ernie’s story will inspire and inform you. His creative infrastructure, practical solutions for milking in the pasture, and strong values around health and transparency in food production make this a great episode for new farmers, aspiring dairy graziers, or anyone looking to build a regenerative, direct-to-consumer business. Whether it’s a discussion on milking schedules or raw milk laws, there’s something here for everyone walking a similar path.Resources MentionedIron Root PasturesKentucky Organics (feed mill)Justin Rhodes YouTube ChannelWhite Oak Pastures (Rabbitat project)Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastChapters

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• 175. Adapting Grazing and Breeding to Harsh Environments with Doug Badcock

  In this episode, we head to Zambia to talk with Doug Badcock of Green Lid Enterprises. Doug shares his journey from managing a diverse crop and livestock farm to developing a passion for grazing and livestock management. Situated just miles from the Congo border, Doug discusses the realities of ranching in Zambia’s unique environment—from tropical grasses and fires to high-density grazing and breeding Boran and Angoni cattle. His openness about trial, error, and continual improvement makes this a valuable conversation for graziers everywhere.Topics Covered:Transitioning from conventional to regenerative grazingGrazing livestock near the Congo borderUsing electric fencing in remote areasManaging forage through fire and seasonal rainfallAdjusting calving and breeding seasonsAdapting cattle breed selection to local conditionsHigh-density grazing: when it works and when it hurtsForage management with bananas and corn stalksDifferences between Boran, Sussex, Angoni, and other African breedsUsing line breeding and natural selection in herd developmentDoug Badcock brings a unique perspective to the Grazing Grass Podcast from his farm in Zambia. His willingness to share both successes and challenges—from learning to manage tropical forage to selecting the right breeds for his environment—makes this episode a global look at regenerative grazing principles. Whether you farm in Oklahoma or Africa, you’ll find inspiration and insight in Doug’s honest storytelling and deep curiosity for continual improvement.Resources Mentioned:Green Lid Enterprises Facebook & YouTube: https://youtube.com/@green_lid_enterprises?si=elTGbGeGCylwOuSNhttps://www.facebook.com/share/192BW7WRNN/https://www.instagram.com/green_lid_enterprises?igsh=b2V5OHAwMmk0eG1oJohan Zietsman's book Man, Cattle and VeldCalvin Birioti's YouTube video featuring Doug’s farm Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondGBT AngusGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastChapters

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• 174. A Subscription Model Transformed Jeff Siewicki’s Farm Business

  In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, we're joined by Jeff Siewicki of Vital Mission Farm in South Carolina. Jeff shares his journey from raising 25 chickens for personal use to building a thriving regenerative poultry business focused on pasture-raised ducks and turkeys. With a background in science and no prior farming experience, Jeff candidly discusses how he learned everything from scratch—facing the steep learning curves of pasture poultry, selling wholesale to top chefs, and ultimately pivoting to a hyperlocal subscription-based model for direct-to-consumer sales.Topics Covered:Starting with chickens, transitioning to ducks and turkeysChallenges and benefits of pasture-raised poultryLessons from selling wholesale to restaurants pre-COVIDPivoting during the pandemic to direct-to-consumer salesCreating value-added products like duck prosciutto and pet treatsLaunching and refining a customized local subscription boxOnline marketing and building an effective digital storefrontAdvice for farmers on capturing leads and converting salesWhy You Should Listen: If you're a grass-based producer exploring poultry, value-added products, or direct-to-consumer models, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world experience. Jeff doesn’t sugarcoat the hard lessons learned, but he also shares the wins—from building customer relationships at farmers markets to crafting a high-margin subscription service. Whether you’re looking to improve your margins, expand product offerings, or shift from wholesale to DTC, Jeff’s story is full of inspiration and actionable insights.Resources Mentioned:Vital Mission FarmRegenerative SuccessPremier1 Supplies (chick-safe netting)Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondGBT AngusGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResources (Coming Soon)Community (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastChapters

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• 173. Managing 8,000 Acres with Planned Migratory Grazing with Riki Kremers

  Riki Kremers joins us from Kremers Ranch in Lance Creek, Wyoming, where she and her family manage 8,000 acres of rough, arid country with Angus-cross cattle, horses, and meat goats. Together with her husband and daughter, Riki has transitioned their operation from traditional set-stock grazing to a powerful combination of Instinctive Migratory Grazing (IMG) and Planned Migratory Grazing (PMG), doubling their stocking rate and reducing feed inputs. With over 20 miles of water pipeline and an impressive track record of adapting to extreme environments, Riki shares hard-earned lessons on stockmanship, infrastructure, and letting nature lead the way. Topics CoveredHistory and evolution of Kremers RanchTransition from February to June calvingBuilding water infrastructure and pasture layoutChallenges with temporary fencing in brittle environmentsTransitioning to IMG and how it rebooted herd behaviorRole of stockmanship and learning from Bob Kin and Ian Mitchell-InnesManaging yearlings separately for summer and winter forage balanceCreating and using "insurance pastures"Shifts in forage species and pasture recovery timesIntegrating horses and four-wheelers into cattle managementWhy You Should ListenIf you're grazing in a brittle or arid environment—or frustrated with conventional rotational systems—Riki’s experience will resonate. She candidly walks us through her family’s grazing journey, showing how thoughtful stockmanship and intentional planning can unlock natural herd behavior and healthier land. Whether you’re looking to reduce feed, improve forage diversity, or double your stocking rate without burning out your pastures, this episode offers actionable wisdom grounded in real-world success.Resources MentionedInstinctive Migratory Grazing SchoolRiki Kremers on FacebookBob Kinford on the Grazing Grass PodcastBob Kinford – Instinctive Migratory GrazingVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmondGBT AngusGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResources (Coming Soon)Community (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastChapters(00:00) - Introduction and Fast Five with Riki Kramer (01:26) - History and Evolution of Kramer's Ranch (02:07) - Grazing Techniques and Challenges (04:57) - Record Keeping and Ranch Management (09:20) - Transition to Instinctive Migratory Grazing (IMG) (18:08) - Implementing and Refining IMG (33:07) - Stockmanship and Herd Behavior (40:26) - Understanding Animal Communication (40:38) - Four-Wheeler vs. Horseback Communication (42:00) - Benefits of IMG Grazing in Arid Environments (43:12) - Forage Quality and Species Changes (45:14) - Managing Cow Herds and Yearlings (50:50) - Insurance Pastures: A Safety Net for Grazing (56:10) - Upcoming Grazing School Details (01:03:42) - Famous Four Questions (01:14:56) - Conclusion and Takeaways

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