Todd Barkley of Barkley Ranch in Southeast Montana joins us to share his journey as a fourth-generation rancher balancing education, cattle, and regenerative practices. Todd talks about building his cow herd through AI, crossbreeding with Herefords, and now introducing Galloway genetics for winter hardiness and fly resistance. He also dives deep into cover crops, soil health, and the powerful role of epigenetics in shaping cattle for the environment. A major highlight is his firsthand experience with Gallagher’s eShepherd virtual fencing system and how it’s changing the way he manages pastures and labor on his ranch.

We cover topics including:

• Todd’s return to ranching after pursuing a teaching degree
• How CRP programs shaped his family’s operation
• Building his cow herd with Angus, Hereford, and now Galloway genetics
• Challenges of managing cattle in a 9–12 inch rainfall environment
• The role of cover crops and organic matter in regenerative systems
• Why epigenetics matters in cattle selection
• Using eShepherd virtual fencing for labor savings and improved grazing management
• Balancing innovation with practical ranching realities

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about how virtual fencing works on a real ranch, or for producers considering breed selection to better match cattle to their environment. Todd’s perspective shows how combining tradition, experimentation, and technology can strengthen both the land and the herd.

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

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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

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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

In this episode, Hobbs Magaret, author of Herd: Animals That Gave Rise to Humanity and Why We Need Them More Than Ever, joins Cal for a deep, thought-provoking conversation about grazing, ecology, and shifting our perspectives on livestock production. Hobbs shares his journey from ranching in Oregon to working on massive cattle stations in Australia, blending personal experience with philosophical insights. The discussion explores high density grazing, the role of herd animals in human history, how to market regenerative beef, and the radical idea of viewing beef as a waste product rather than the main goal. Along the way, Hobbs touches on corporate politics, ecological ideals, genetic selection for fertility, and the lessons learned from managing vastly different environments.

Topics Covered

• Hobbs Magaret’s background and ranching journey in the U.S. and Australia
• The origins of his interest in high density grazing (influences from Allan Savory and Johann Zietsman)
• Moving from a protein-production mindset to an ecological-function mindset
• The concept of beef as a waste product instead of a byproduct
• Lessons learned from grazing in Oregon vs. Texas vs. Northern Australia
• Managing corporate politics while implementing ecological changes
• Performance art and visibility in agriculture marketing
• Using social media (TikTok & Instagram) to grow influence and sell beef
• The role of hindgut fermenters in ecosystems and simulating their function with ruminants
• Genetic adaptation and breed considerations for different environments
• The importance of fertility as the key livestock selection criterion
• Marketing strategies and the value of storytelling in agriculture

If you’re interested in the future of regenerative ranching, this episode will challenge your assumptions and spark new ideas. Hobbs brings a rare combination of large-scale experience, ecological philosophy, and practical know-how. Whether you’re grazing a few acres or managing thousands, his insights into livestock genetics, grazing strategy, and the deeper purpose of ruminants will help you think differently about your land, your herd, and your role as a steward.

Resources Mentioned

• Herd: Animals That Gave Rise to Humanity and Why We Need Them More Than Ever by Hobbs Magaret
• Allan Savory’s work and holistic management principles
• Man, Cattle and Veld by Johann Zietsman
• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

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
• (00:52) - Career Journey and Ranching Experience
• (09:57) - High Density Grazing and Ecological Insights
• (30:53) - Marketing and Social Media Success
• (32:23) - Writing the Book and Philosophical Reflections
• (45:49) - The Central Thesis: Ecologically Aligned Beef
• (46:46) - Controversial Insights on American Cattle Industry
• (48:07) - Historical Context and Ecological Impact
• (49:53) - The Paradigm Shift: Profitability vs. Sustainability
• (01:01:14) - Genetics and Fertility in Cattle Breeding
• (01:02:11) - Ecological Adaptation and Market Realities
• (01:05:36) - Global Perspectives on Cattle Breeding
• (01:17:44) - The Role of Hindgut Fermenters in Grazing Systems
• (01:20:01) - Final Thoughts and Reflections