Grazing Grass Podcast sharing Regenerative Ag Stories

• 181. Scaling Regenerative Ranching with Ultra High Density Grazing with Joel Hollingsworth

  Joel shares his inspiring journey from business economics and tech startups to building a fast-growing regenerative ranch. He explains how he used herd shares and ultra high density grazing to expand from a small herd to nearly 500 cows in just a few years. Along the way, he discusses developing hardy genetics, navigating serious labor shortages, and creating a supportive network of investors and mentors. Joel blends economics, history, faith, and land stewardship into a powerful vision for the future of ranching.Topics Covered:Launching a ranch with zero capital through herd share partnershipsChoosing Oklahoma for its climate challenges and opportunitiesLessons from tech and startup life that apply to ranchingUltra high density grazing and how it multiplies carrying capacityGenetic selection for cattle that thrive without inputsUsing community and social capital to scaleThe hidden economics behind modern ranch failureAdvice for young or aspiring regenerative ranchersWhy You Should Listen:This episode offers a rare look into what it takes to build a large-scale regenerative operation from the ground up. Joel is not only focused on grazing methods but also on solving the deeper economic, cultural, and logistical problems facing ranchers today. His practical strategies and vision for the future will resonate with anyone serious about making a living on the land.Resources Mentioned:Smoke River RanchBook: Man, Cattle & the Grass by Johann ZietsmanJoel’s handle: @untappedgrowth on X/TwitterLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond AgricultureGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast (00:00) - Introduction and Fast Five Questions (00:21) - Challenges in Labor and Livestock Management (02:30) - Labor Issues and Solutions (07:38) - Podcast Introduction and Sponsor Message (09:20) - Farm Updates and Podcast Announcements (12:30) - Joel's Journey into Farming (12:49) - Health Crisis and Nutritional Discoveries (16:20) - Educational Background and Career Path (18:50) - Starting the Ranch and Bitcoin Investment (27:05) - Scaling the Ranch and Herd Share Program (39:24) - Challenges and Strategies in Modern Ranching (49:37) - The Impact of Historical Agricultural Practices (50:03) - The Evolution of American Agriculture (51:07) - Challenges and Innovations in Modern Ranching (51:48) - The Herd Share Arrangement (53:06) - Ultra High Density Grazing (55:07) - Building a Supportive Ranching Community (56:15) - The Importance of Hardy Cattle Breeds (01:07:46) - Scaling and Adapting to High Density Grazing (01:14:44) - Future Innovations and Tools for Ranching (01:18:29) - Famous Four Questions (01:34:31) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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• 180. Slow-Grown, Flavor-First: The Mangalitsa Difference with Natalie Hancock

  In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal visits with Natalie Hancock of Olde Oak Glen, located near Perkins–Tryon, Oklahoma. Natalie shares her unique journey from the mountains of Greece to raising one of the rarest and most flavorful heritage pigs—Mangalitsa—on 60 forested acres. What began as a love for animals, particularly horses, turned into a passion for pigs after rescuing a potbelly. Now, Natalie is one of the largest Mangalitsa breeders in Oklahoma, producing high-quality pork and skin care products while embracing regenerative and ethical farming practices.In this episode, you'll hear about:How Natalie got started with pigs and why she chose MangalitsaCharacteristics and history of the Mangalitsa breedThe challenges and rewards of raising slow-growing, heritage pigsPasture-based management and natural farrowing practicesWhat makes Mangalitsa pork (and its fat!) so different and nutritiousHow Natalie markets her pork through farmers markets and snack sticksCreative uses of lard for skincare and bakingFeeding practices, mineral use, and maintaining herd healthThe importance of educating consumers and building a direct marketIf you’ve ever been curious about heritage pigs or want to learn from someone doing things a bit differently—and deliciously—this is a can’t-miss conversation. Natalie’s commitment to flavor, animal welfare, and sustainable practices shines through every part of her story.Resources Mentioned:Olde Oak Glen (Natalie's farm)Edmond Farmers MarketRalph’s Processing for private label snack sticksLooking 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 Podcast

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• 179. Commercial Homesteading with Heart with Daniel and Mandie Stallings

  In this episode, Cal sits down with Daniel and Mandie Stallings of Perch & Pasture in Waverly Hall, Georgia. This husband-and-wife team share their powerful story of transitioning from military life to full-time regenerative farming. Sparked by personal health challenges and a passion for nutrient-dense food, they’ve built a diversified farm enterprise that includes raw dairy, beef, pork, poultry, and small ruminants. The Stallings discuss their commercial homestead model, raw milk production, rotational grazing systems, and how they've made their farm accessible and resilient—even during medical setbacks.In this episode, you'll hear about:The Stallings’ health-driven journey into farmingManaging a multi-species farm with dairy cows, goats, pigs, and poultryTheir transition from military to farming and its mental/emotional impactRaw milk licensing in Georgia and working with the Raw Milk InstituteWhy they left Nigerian Dwarf goats behind for NubiansDeveloping resilient systems for a small family farmThe role of education, transparency, and community in their operationTheir work with veterans and the SkillBridge programWhether you're a beginning farmer, a homesteader, or a veteran looking for your next chapter, this episode is full of practical insight and inspiration. Daniel and Mandie show how purpose, adaptability, and thoughtful planning can turn land into a lifeline—and a legacy.Resources & Mentions:Perch & PastureReverence FarmsRaw Milk Institute (RAWMI)SkillBridge Program for VeteransJustin Rhodes & Joel Salatin (mentioned as learning influences)Looking 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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• 178. Grazing Lessons from the Ground Up with Marque Renshaw

  In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, we hear from Marque Renshaw of Peace in the Valley Farms in West Plains, Missouri. Marque shares her journey into rotational grazing and the lessons she and her husband Ryan have learned transitioning their operation to focus on sheep. From challenging beginnings—managing animals post-house fire and learning by doing with sale barn ewes—to building a resilient and thoughtful grazing system, Marque's story is both raw and inspiring. Her passion for helping others shines through, especially in her efforts to foster a positive online community and mentor other graziers.Topics CoveredTransitioning from horses and cattle to a sheep-focused operationMistakes and hard lessons from buying sale barn sheepLearning what true rotational grazing is (and what it isn’t)How a house fire catalyzed a new farming chapterThe importance of fencing and learning to love hotwireFinding and building a relationship with a sheep-savvy vetDaily grazing rotations and pasture managementBuilding supportive and judgment-free communities for graziersEducating oneself through podcasts, grazing schools, and mentorshipThe role of women and generational legacy in agricultureWhy You Should Listen If you're managing sheep or considering them for your operation, Marque's journey is full of relatable struggles, practical insights, and hard-earned wisdom. Her transparency about missteps and breakthroughs offers a refreshing and motivating perspective—especially if you're navigating your first years in regenerative grazing.Resources MentionedPeace in the Valley FarmsGrazing Grass Community (Facebook)Grazing Sheep podcast (with Tom and Cam)Vet Caitlyn from Gainesville, MissouriLooking 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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• 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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