Dusty Baker of Cross Timbers Bison joins us on the Grazing Grass Podcast to share his journey from city life to raising bison full time in Sulphur, Oklahoma. With a background in wildlife ecology and a deep appreciation for the nearby Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Dusty took the leap into bison ranching during the pandemic, starting out on an old dairy farm. Since then, he’s poured his passion into building a thriving herd and managing his land with regenerative practices that benefit both the soil and the animals.

In this episode, we dig into:

• Dusty’s transition from city life to bison ranching
• How he adapted a former dairy into a working bison operation
• The challenges of fencing and handling these powerful animals
• His approach to regenerative grazing and land stewardship
• Thoughts on bison genetics and today’s bison meat market
• Lessons learned from experimenting with multi-species grazing
• Straightforward advice for anyone looking to get into bison ranching

If you’re curious about bison, regenerative grazing, or just love hearing a good ranching story, you won’t want to miss this one. Dusty’s experience offers practical tips and a real-world look at the ups and downs of raising these incredible animals.

Links Mentioned in the Episode

Cross Timbers Bison Ranch
Cross Timbers Bison on YouTube
This is Oklahoma Podcast with Dusty Baker

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

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Website
Insiders
Resources (Coming Soon)
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction and FAST Five
• (00:23) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast
• (02:01) - Farm Updates and Teeter Farm Tech Gates
• (03:06) - Web Tinkering and Community Projects
• (05:24) - Interview with Dusty Baker Begins
• (05:47) - Dusty's Journey with Bison
• (16:57) - Challenges and Learnings in Bison Farming
• (21:59) - Transition to Full-Time Farming During COVID
• (29:29) - Starting a YouTube Channel
• (35:25) - Regenerative Practices on a Bison Ranch
• (45:05) - Transition to Overgrazing
• (45:59) - Redmond Agriculture Ad
• (46:56) - Getting Started with Bison
• (47:49) - Fencing and Keeping Bison Happy
• (50:25) - Bison Genetics and Breeding
• (57:32) - Bison Meat Market and Business
• (01:00:21) - Challenges with Multi-Species Grazing
• (01:11:34) - Cooking Bison Meat
• (01:14:00) - Famous Four Questions
• (01:25:48) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Nick Jackson and Sarah Mahan recently embarked on a transformative journey from Atkinson, Maine, to Healy, Kansas, to pursue regenerative agriculture. Their passion for soil health and sustainable farming practices led them to transition from market gardening to livestock farming. With backgrounds in organic agriculture and compost production, they have drawn inspiration from influential thinkers like Alan Savory to enhance their approach to farming. Their story is not just about agriculture but also about personal growth, community support, and family dynamics as they navigate their new life in Kansas.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Introduction to regenerative agriculture and Nick and Sarah's background
• Transition from market gardening to livestock farming
• Influence of thinkers like Alan Savory on their practices
• Historical and ecological evolution of agriculture in Maine
• Challenges and emotional aspects of relocating from Maine to Kansas
• Managing livestock in a new environment and adapting to local conditions
• Experiences with flash floods and community support
• Insights into grazing strategies and sustainable farming techniques
• Family dynamics and working with loved ones in a farming context

Listeners should tune in to this podcast episode to gain a comprehensive understanding of regenerative agriculture through the real-life experiences of Nick and Sarah. Their journey is both inspiring and educational, offering practical insights into sustainable farming practices and the resilience required to adapt to new environments. Whether you're an established farmer or someone new to the field, their story provides valuable lessons in managing cash flow, embracing change, and maintaining a sustainable lifestyle. The episode also offers a rich tapestry of historical and ecological perspectives, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of agriculture, sustainability, and personal growth.

Links Mentioned in the Episode

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

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

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction and Fast Five
• (00:50) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast
• (01:25) - Noble Research Institute Courses
• (02:28) - Starting the Regenerative Journey
• (06:01) - Transitioning to Livestock
• (08:34) - Challenges and Strategies in Farming
• (17:15) - Maine's Agricultural Landscape
• (25:57) - Moving to Kansas: A New Beginning
• (42:37) - Airbnb Adventures and Meeting Greg
• (43:59) - Selling Everything and Moving to Kansas
• (45:37) - Challenges and Changes in Kansas
• (48:45) - Custom Grazing and Scaling Up
• (52:15) - Managing Sheep and Steers
• (01:04:47) - Favorite Resources and Tools
• (01:09:51) - Working with Family and Final Thoughts

Jason Schoenfelder, a passionate advocate for sustainable cattle farming, is our featured guest. Raised on the sun-soaked ranches of Southeast Arizona, Jason's journey took him to the verdant pastures of Northeast Oregon, where he has embraced innovative, pasture-based cattle finishing operations. Influenced by the revolutionary ideas of Allen Savory, Jason is dedicated to enhancing rangeland health and crafting economically sustainable models in the cattle industry. His commitment to high animal welfare standards and innovative grazing techniques makes him a beacon of responsible and eco-friendly ranching.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Jason's upbringing and introduction to rotational grazing in Southeast Arizona
• Transition to pasture-based cattle finishing in Northeast Oregon
• The influence of Allen Savory and holistic management practices
• Challenges and successes in the cattle industry
• Implementation of regenerative agriculture through the Grazewell program
• Pasture management techniques, including strategic crop rotations
• Insights into maintaining soil health and resource management, especially water
• Importance of retaining ownership in cattle breeding for profitability
• Consumer demand for high-quality, sustainably produced beef
• Cooperative models like Country Natural Beef and their impact on sustainable practices

Listeners should tune in to this episode to gain a deeper understanding of sustainable cattle farming practices and the challenges and rewards of pasture-based operations. Jason Schoenfelder's journey offers valuable insights into the intricate balance required in resource management and innovative approaches to cattle feeding. Whether you are a seasoned rancher or an aspiring one, this episode provides practical guidance and inspiration for producing quality beef responsibly. By exploring themes of ecological balance and sustainability, Jason's story encourages listeners to embrace forward-thinking practices that benefit both the land and the beef industry.

Links Mentioned in the Episode

Northwest Pasture Beef

Country Natural Beef

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

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

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction and Fast Five with Jason Schoenfelder
• (01:28) - Jason's Background and Grazing Journey
• (02:34) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast
• (03:09) - Noble Research Institute Courses
• (04:11) - Cal's Grazing Update
• (05:28) - Join the Grazing Grass Community
• (05:58) - Jason's Early Career and Experiences
• (13:23) - Transition to Beef Northwest Feeders
• (16:10) - Understanding GAP Standards
• (23:02) - Pasture Finishing Program Details
• (29:48) - Country Natural Beef Cooperative
• (35:38) - Ownership and Financial Ramifications for Ranchers
• (36:53) - Grading and Market Value of Cattle
• (40:38) - Introduction to Grazewell Program
• (44:27) - Grazewell Program Details and Implementation
• (49:41) - Country Natural Beef and Market Reach
• (50:44) - Final Thoughts and Advice for Ranchers
• (53:42) - Famous Four Questions
• (01:02:41) - Podcast Goals and Listener Engagement

Karson Rippstein is a rancher from The Rip Ranch in central Utah. His family's involvement in the industry dating back to the late 1800s. Karson has effectively combined traditional ranching methods with innovative practices, transforming undervalued plots of land into a thriving and sustainable cattle business. His journey is marked by resilience, creativity, and a commitment to sustainable grazing techniques, which have allowed his family's ranch to prosper even on less desirable land.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Family ranching and grazing land utilization
• Building a beef herd on undervalued land
• Expanding cattle ranching through the formation of an LLC
• Family communication and transparency in ranching
• Transitioning to low-input cattle ranching
• Challenges of public lands grazing and breeding
• Redmond's approach to mineral supplementation
• Nuances of mineral supplementation in cattle nutrition
• Recommended resources and tools for ranch management

Listeners should tune into this episode to gain valuable insights into modern cattle ranching and sustainable grazing practices. Karson Rippstein's story offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation, showcasing how resilience and strategic decision-making can lead to success in the cattle industry. Whether you're a seasoned rancher or new to the field, Karson's experiences and practical advice provide inspiration and guidance for anyone looking to improve their ranching operations. His focus on collaboration, efficient land use, and natural supplementation offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in modern ranching.

Links Mentioned in the Episode
Ripp Ranch on YouTube

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

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

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction to Ranching with Family
• (00:10) - Fast Five with Karson Rippstein
• (01:38) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast
• (03:04) - Electric Fence Challenges
• (06:24) - Karson's Ranching Journey
• (08:01) - Starting with Small Herds
• (23:38) - Forming the Family LLC
• (34:16) - Shifting to Low Input Cows
• (41:40) - Understanding Public Land Grazing
• (42:45) - Grazing on Public Land: Permits and Challenges
• (45:43) - Managing Cattle Breeding on Shared Grazing Lands
• (46:28) - Adapting Calving Seasons for Better Efficiency
• (51:34) - Innovative Grazing Practices and Virtual Fencing
• (52:52) - Extending Grazing Seasons for Profitability
• (54:31) - Introduction to Redmond Agriculture
• (56:47) - Redmond's Unique Mineral Products
• (01:00:46) - Philosophy on Mineral Supplementation
• (01:16:32) - Famous Four Questions
• (01:20:21) - Practical Tips for New Ranchers

Big Tom Perkins is a seasoned farmer who has successfully navigated the challenging transition from cattle to sheep farming. With his extensive experience at Con-O-Creek Farm in western Pennsylvania, he has become a beacon of innovation in livestock management and rotational grazing. His story is one of resilience, having faced and overcome significant obstacles such as strip mining and labor shortages. Through embracing modern techniques and programs like the National Sheep Improvement Program, Big Tom has revitalized his farm, focusing on traits like weight gain and parasite resistance to build a thriving sheep operation.

Topics Covered

• Transition from cattle to sheep farming
• Rotational grazing techniques
• Overcoming environmental and labor challenges
• The impact of strip mining on farming
• Utilization of the National Sheep Improvement Program
• Importance of breeding and genetics in sheep farming
• Effective fencing strategies for livestock
• Managing multiple lambing seasons
• Starting and producing the Grazing Sheep Podcast
• Personal growth through farming and podcasting

Listeners should tune in to this episode to gain invaluable insights into sustainable farming practices from a seasoned expert. Big Tom Perkins not only shares practical wisdom and innovative strategies but also inspires with his personal journey of adaptation and growth. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or new to the field, this podcast offers lessons in both farming and life, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.

Links Mentioned in the Episode
Con-O-Creek Farm
Grazing Sheep Podcast

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

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

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction to Today's Episode
• (00:18) - Meet Big Tom Perkins
• (01:27) - The Grazing Grass Podcast Overview
• (03:40) - Challenges and Innovations in Grazing
• (04:39) - Tom's Farming Background
• (10:43) - Transition to Rotational Grazing
• (17:30) - Adding Sheep to the Operation
• (20:09) - National Sheep Improvement Program
• (30:12) - Grazing Management and Fencing Solutions
• (41:49) - Marketing and Breeding Strategies
• (42:18) - Selling Older Sheep and Meat Market Plans
• (43:02) - Breeding Strategies and Hybrid Vigor
• (43:54) - Lambing Seasons and Management
• (44:24) - Mothering Ability and Culling Decisions
• (45:20) - The Excitement of Lambing Season
• (47:02) - National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) Insights
• (55:14) - Starting the Grazing Sheep Podcast
• (59:10) - Podcast Production and Listener Growth
• (01:06:15) - Favorite Resources and Tools for Grazing
• (01:12:02) - Advice for New Shepherds
• (01:15:01) - Where to Find More Information
• (01:16:22) - Final Thoughts and Outro

In this episode , we feature Austin Unruh, the founder of Trees for Graziers. Austin's journey into the world of silvopasture and agroforestry began in 2017 when he started planting trees along streams to improve water quality. Since then, his passion for integrating trees into pasture systems has grown, and he has worked with grass-fed dairy operators to transform their pastures using innovative agroforestry practices. His expertise in overcoming challenges, such as unsuccessful tree planting attempts and livestock management, has positioned him as a leader in the field, achieving a remarkable 90% success rate in tree establishment.

Topics covered in the episode include:

• The integration of trees into pasture systems through silvopasture
• Challenges and opportunities in implementing silvopasture
• Strategies for protecting young trees from cattle and other threats
• Best practices for tree establishment and care
• Tree care and watering tips
• Insights into silvopasture resources and tools

You should listen to this episode to gain a deeper understanding of how integrating trees into pastures can create a harmonious balance between agriculture and ecology. Austin Unruh shares invaluable insights, practical strategies, and lessons learned from his experiences, making it an essential listen for anyone interested in regenerative agriculture and agroforestry. Whether you're a seasoned grazer or new to the concept, this episode promises to inspire and educate, offering tips and resources to help you successfully implement silvopasture on your farm.

Links Mentioned in the Episode
Trees for Graziers

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

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

Chapters

Becky Szarzynski is a pioneering farmer in the field of sustainable farming and regenerative agriculture. With her independent venture, Ember Cattle Company, based in Fairfield, Virginia, Becky has transformed her family's farming legacy into a solo endeavor. Her journey is marked by innovative practices such as intensifying grazing techniques and focusing on more frequent moves. Becky's story is a compelling narrative of resilience and passion as she navigates the complexities of transitioning from a joint family operation to a successful independent farm business, all while maintaining strong family ties.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Transition from joint family farming to independent farming
• Innovations in grazing practices and cattle management
• Challenges of non-selective grazing and managing Sericea lespedeza
• Integration of sheep alongside cattle
• Emotional and mental challenges of family farm dynamics
• The role of cattle genetics in improving herd quality
• Importance of dung beetles in regenerative agriculture
• Efficient cattle management with ATVs
• Future prospects of regenerative agriculture in the USA

Listening to this podcast offers invaluable insights into the world of regenerative agriculture through Becky's firsthand experiences and expertise. Whether you're an aspiring farmer or a seasoned agricultural enthusiast, Becky's innovative approaches and practical tips provide a comprehensive understanding of sustainable farming practices. Her journey underscores the potential for personal growth and success in agriculture, encouraging listeners to embrace both the challenges and rewards of this dynamic field.

Links Mentioned in the Episode
Ember Cattle Company

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

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

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction and Guest Revisit
• (00:15) - Fast Five Questions
• (01:05) - Podcast Overview and Sponsor Message
• (02:51) - Farm Update and Grazing Goals
• (05:35) - Becky's Journey and Farm Split
• (08:01) - Challenges and New Beginnings
• (12:31) - Family Dynamics and Support
• (22:40) - Grazing Practices and Innovations
• (35:08) - Genetics and Culling Standards
• (42:37) - Feeding Strategies and Genetic Improvement
• (44:08) - Considering Sheep and Overgrazing
• (46:50) - Introduction to Dung Beetles
• (49:52) - Dung Beetle Lifecycle and Benefits
• (53:45) - Challenges and Observations with Dung Beetles
• (01:04:37) - Advice for New Farmers
• (01:20:03) - Future of Regenerative Agriculture
• (01:25:21) - Conclusion and Resources

Eric Chaya is a visionary in the realm of sustainable agriculture and military synergy. Originating from Wisconsin, Eric's journey has taken him from a traditional dairy-rich environment to pioneering innovative agricultural practices on military lands in California. His career path was notably influenced by his military service, which included a transformative period at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Here, he began to experiment with regenerative farming techniques using livestock such as cattle, pigs, and chickens to rejuvenate land. Eric's passion for sustainable farming and his military discipline have merged to create the Regenerative Grazing Open Air Lab (R-GOAL) in San Luis Obispo, where he continues to blend agricultural innovation with military training to enhance land stewardship and community resilience.

The podcast covers a range of topics, including:

• Eric's transition from Wisconsin to California and his introduction to regenerative agriculture
• His experiences in Africa and the U.S. with livestock relocation
• The integration of agricultural practices into military training environments
• The successful collaboration between military personnel and local ranchers
• The innovative grazing management practices on Department of Defense lands
• The personal anecdotes of his journey, including the emotional decision to part with his Brahman herd
• The ecological benefits observed from these practices, such as increased wildlife sightings and improved landscapes

Listeners should tune in to this episode to gain insights into the unique intersection of military operations and sustainable agriculture. Eric's story is not only inspiring but also offers practical lessons on how dedication and adaptability can lead to remarkable outcomes in land management. The podcast provides a compelling blueprint for future initiatives that harmonize land use, community resilience, and ecological benefits, making it a valuable resource for anyone interested in regenerative farming, military innovation, or environmental sustainability.

Links Mentioned in the Episode
Eric on LinkedIn

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

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

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction to Eric Czaja and Regenerative Ranching
• (00:20) - Fast Five: Quick Questions with Eric
• (01:09) - Eric's Farming Journey and Early Experiences
• (01:30) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast
• (02:06) - Insights on Regenerative Grazing
• (04:44) - Eric's Military Background and Transition to Farming
• (06:47) - Starting with Livestock: Pigs, Chickens, and Cows
• (17:24) - Moving to California and New Beginnings
• (25:42) - The Regenerative Grazing Open Air Lab Project
• (39:38) - Range Control and Personal Management
• (40:04) - Meeting the Rancher
• (40:49) - Innovative Grazing Techniques
• (42:21) - Coordination with Range Control
• (43:55) - Training and Grazing Integration
• (47:40) - Challenges and Lessons Learned
• (50:35) - Project Duration and Future Plans
• (51:05) - Benefits and Observations
• (53:13) - Tools and Resources
• (54:39) - Final Thoughts and Reflections