In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal visits with Wyatt Jones of Happy Meadow Farm in Pisgah, Alabama. Wyatt shares his family’s journey from military life to building a thriving grass-based farm, raising beef and dairy cattle, Katahdin sheep, and poultry. Starting in 2021, Wyatt and his wife dove headfirst into regenerative agriculture, learning through mentors, books, and hands-on trial and error. Their story is full of determination, grit, and a willingness to embrace challenges in pursuit of a farming life.

Topics covered include:

• Starting Happy Meadow Farm with limited experience but big vision
• Buying land at auction and the unexpected blessings that came with it
• Early challenges with fencing, livestock health, and learning to rotate animals
• Using blueberries and eggs as initial cash crops to build community connections
• Transitioning from Longhorns and Corriente cattle into South Polls and eventually Fleckvieh
• Experiences with sheep, including parasite management and copper issues
• Expanding into raw milk sales through herd shares and building a loyal customer base
• Wyatt’s shift from the fire department to full-time farming
• The potential of Fleckvieh dairy cattle for grass-based systems
• Planting diverse forages and cover crops to support livestock health and productivity

This episode is perfect for anyone starting their regenerative journey, especially those considering multi-species grazing or exploring dairy opportunities beyond Jerseys. Wyatt’s story highlights the power of persistence, community support, and the courage to “just start.”

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• For the Love of Soil by Nicole Masters
• Grass Productivity by André Voisin
• Dairy Farming the Beautiful Way by Adam Klaus
• Happy Meadow Farm on Facebook

Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction and Fast Five Questions
• (00:59) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast
• (01:33) - MarketSMART Ranching Course Announcement
• (02:25) - Personal Celebration and Family Milestones
• (03:27) - Wyatt's Journey to Farming
• (07:02) - Starting the Farm and Acquiring Land
• (12:49) - First Livestock and Initial Challenges
• (24:57) - Expanding the Farm and Community Engagement
• (41:36) - Transition to Dairy Farming
• (45:36) - The Milking Disaster
• (47:30) - Getting a Milking Machine
• (49:27) - The Emotional Attachment to Dairy Cows
• (52:05) - Exploring Different Dairy Breeds
• (54:49) - The Fleckvieh Fascination
• (58:06) - Managing the Dairy Farm
• (01:08:23) - Marketing Raw Milk
• (01:09:56) - Transition to Full-Time Farming
• (01:13:52) - Famous Four Questions
• (01:24:35) - Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser