The Working Cows podcast gives you something to think about as you seek to maximize the effectiveness of your cattle operation and the joy your family receives from this lifestyle.
Tyson Hewitt, of Hewitt Land Company, joined me to discuss the keys to success in preparing for a real estate transaction. We talk about how to prepare a property for sale as well as what to do to get ready to purchase a property. We talk about recent market trends and different approaches to financing...
Elaine Froese joined me once again. This time to discuss what we can do to prepare the next generation for the task of leadership. We discuss how we go about building an attractive culture as well as how we decide between successors when there is more than one interested. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding...
Gabe Brown and Dr. Allen Williams of Understanding Ag joined me to discuss the state of agriculture in 2024. We discuss, among other things, the unfathomable occurrence of dust storms simultaneously with floods in the Southeast as well as what this proves and how these occurrences can be mitigated. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding...
John Haskell of Ranch Right joined me to discuss the philosophy and practice behind managing tax burden. We talk about the importance of getting this right as well as some considerations when increasing profitability of a struggling business. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today! Sponsors:...
Logan Pribbeno of the Wine Glass Ranch joined me to discuss the journey they have been on to follow the cattle cycle. After missing the opportunity presented by the market high of 2014 Logan and his dad made a concerted effort to be prepared the next time a market high presented itself. It has been...
Bret Davis, of Horsemanship as an Art, joined me to talk about his philosophy for keeping his young family mounted on good horses they can trust. We discuss his views on training kids to ride as well as somethings maybe you shouldn’t do. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to...
Alejandro Carillo joined me to talk about the journey they have been on from 250 cows with 6 months of supplemental feeding to running 500 cows with only sea salt as a supplement during one of the worst droughts in recent memory. We discuss the process of infrastructure development as well as the roll of...
Cal Hardage, Host of the Grazing Grass Podcast, joined me to discuss his operation, his podcast, and how he and his dad go about making changes on their operation. We discuss the importance of patience and open-mindedness as well as the advantages and challenges of ranching in Northeast Oklahoma. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding...
Brian Dougherty has been writing a series of articles on the Understanding Ag website regarding managing nutrients. The series deals with carbon cycling as well as how nutrient mismanagement is affecting water quality. We talk about what healthy alternatives look like as well as how to get from where we are to where we need...
Cooper Hibbard of Sieben Land and Live Stock joined me to discuss the journey they have been on to develop a composite that fits their environment in the Gallatin Valley of Montana. We discuss the process of introducing new breeds into the already existing composite as well as some of the things they keep an...
Clayton Marxer, Host of the newly minted, Living Western podcast joined me to discuss his motivations for starting the podcast. We talk about what makes him uniquely qualified to host this podcast as well as some of his dream guests. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation...
Ryan White, Founder of SnapLands, joined me to talk about how SnapLands is helping people measure what matters. He shares his own personal journey from an urban context to the expansive landscapes of the west. He also shares some stories of ranchers who have defended their right to continue managing landscapes through the data they...
Kim Barmann, Eric Fuchs, and Doug Voss, board members of the Soil Health Academy, joined me to discuss how the program is constructed and what schools they will be offering this year. We talk about their programs like Battlefields to Fertile Fields as well as what financial assistance is available for those interested in attending....
I was privileged to be the Master of Ceremonies at the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition’s Soil Health Conference. As part of those duties, I was able to moderate a panel discussion with Glenn Elzinga, Jay Fuhrer, Cooper Hibbard and Zack Smith. This was a great wide-ranging discussion with some audience Question and Answer at...
David Bahnsen is the Founder, Managing Partner, and Chief Investment Officer for the Bahnsen Group where he oversees the management of over $4.5 billion in client assets. He joined me to discuss his new book Full-Time: Work and the Meaning of Life. We discuss how understanding our creation helps us to understand the true meaning...
Glenn Elzinga a rancher from Idaho joined me to discuss their business model and how it helps them do the best things for the land, the people, and the bottom line. We discuss how they paid nearly $500,000 in labor costs as well as what Glenn has been learning about cows in their environment. Thanks...
Dr. Shawn Baker joined me to discuss what ranchers can do to help win the war on food. We discuss topics including the role of the Beef Check-off, regulatory capture, and the nuts and bolts of the carnivore diet. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today!...
In this replay of episode 121 I discuss developing heifers in sync with nature with Gabe Brown. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today! Sponsor: UnderstandingAg.com SoilHealthAcademy.org
Zack Smith, inventor of the StockCropping, joined me to discuss the results after the fourth season of stockcropping. This is the second time he has stockcropped those acres and they are seeing some incredible advantages in terms of profitability and yield. However, challenges still remain and they have decided to pivot the focus of The...
Jeremy Engh a rancher from Virginia and member of the Red Devon USA board joined me to discuss the history of Devon cattle in America. We also discuss the upcoming World Red Devon Congress Tour coming this Spring. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today! Sponsor:...
Cody Spencer joined me to talk about the 5 M’s Framework that helps to guide the new Grazing for Life Course from Integrity Soils. We discuss the importance of each of the 5 M’s and how they relate to one another. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your...
Amy Hay a rancher from British Columbia joined me to discuss her family’s journey into ranching and direct marketing. We talk about how Amy, from Scotland, and her husband Scott, from New Zealand, met in France and decided to land in Canada to start a ranch. We also talk about the role direct marketing played...
Doug Peterson and Salar Shemirani joined me to discuss Regenified. A company founded by the partners at Understanding Ag to help ranchers, farmers, and supply chains certify the products they offer as regenerative. We discuss the process of becoming certified, the benefits of certification, as well as the different tiers of certification and what they...
Today I share a reading of the Christmas story from Luke’s Gospel. Merry Christmas to you and your family. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at www.sea-90.com or (717) 580-1458 Sponsor: Farming Without the Bank Relevant Links: Advent of Glory
Jeffrey Mundell, a ranch manager at the Gabilan Ranch near San Juan Bautista, CA, joined me to discuss the recent Buckaroo Traditions Gathering for which he provided the announcing services. We talk about the role of Vaquero horsemanship in the recent history of the west as well as the role it could play in the...
Tom Krawiec, Author of Ranching Like a 12 Year Old, joined me to discuss how to evaluate pasture profitability. We talk about how this method puts the power in the rancher’s hand to make decisions about how to approach a pasture. His goal is to help ranchers get production and profit records comparable to those...
Graeme Hand and Kevin Muno of Landscape Function Management joined me to discuss their unique take on analyzing landscape function. We discuss what properly functioning landscapes look like as well as ways to discover the limits of our landscape’s potential. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at www.sea-90.com or (717) 580-1458...
Aaron Berger of the Beef Watch Podcast and the University of Nebraska Extension joined me to discuss the ins and outs of grazing corn stalks. We talk about the advantages of this strategy as well as how to overcome some of the obstacles. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at www.sea-90.com...
Vance Crowe of Legacy Interviews joined me to discuss his passion for capturing the deep wisdom possessed by those who have gone before us. We discuss the process of helping people get comfortable with talking about their history as well as the value of getting this content captured in a way that can be enjoyed...
Nic De Castro, CEO of LandTrust, joined me to talk about how LandTrust is helping landowners clear some of the hurdles related to leasing hunting rights. We talk about how they help landowners overcome issues related to marketing hunting opportunities, liability concerns, and communication with potential hunters. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can...
Dallas Mount, CEO of Ranch Management Consultants, joined me once again to talk about the way that RMC’s Executive Link program helps people make good decisions. We discuss the reasons why now is a great time to be in EL as well as some of Dallas’ favorite stories of success that came about through the...
I recently had a chance to give a keynote at the Montana Farm Bureau District 6 Fall Fest. It was a great evening of food, conversation, and celebration of the harvest. My goal was to answer the question “How do we put the resources entrusted to us to work for us?” from a paradigm challenging...
Tom Krawiec of Alberta, Canada joined me to discuss his process for managing and training employees. We talk about his process of tell me, show me, watch me. We also discuss his how his experiences in the oil field have shaped his methods for training people. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach...
Javier Mesta a rancher and businessman from Chihuahua, Mexico joined me to discuss the profitability of Ultra-High Density Grazing. We discuss the logistics of moving 4 times per day as well as the progress he has been seeing from a herd perspective and a lanscape perspective. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach...
Enrique Guerrero joined me once again to give an update on the mine land regeneration project. We also discuss what Enrique has learned as he has implemented Ultra-High Density Grazing on his home ranch over the last 9 years. We talk about the process he has gone through as well as what he witnessed as...
Kent Donica an instructor with Understanding Ag as well as a stocker operator from Oklahoma joined me to share some of his wisdom from his decades in the stocker business. We talk about the importance of discipline, stockmanship, and knowing your numbers. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at www.sea-90.com or...
Nick Jackson of Jackson Regenerational Farm in Maine joined me to discuss the ins and outs of their food scrap collection service. We talk about the required infrastructure, the benefits to their business, as well as what it looks like at scale. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at www.sea-90.com or...
Alex Johnston a land manager from the UK joined me to discuss his perspective on the American Landscape and American Regenerative Agriculture. We talk about the differences and similarities between American and UK agriculture as well as the process he has been going through to adapt a herd of beef cattle to their environment in...
Alan Newport a journalist and rancher from Oklahoma joined me to discuss his experiences with Ultra High-Density Grazing. We talk about the benefits, the challenges, and the lessons he has learned as he has journeyed into this style of management. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at www.sea-90.com or (717) 580-1458...
Jeremy Sweeten, part of the team at Understanding Ag and a farmer from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, joined me to talk about what they are doing to add value to lower value land. We talk about the benefits of moving from custom grazing to an owned herd as well as some of the benefits...
Taking a little different approach this week and sharing with you some recent Bonus Content I have released to Patreon Supporters. These are just four episodes that are fairly indicative of what you get as a Patreon Supporter. Maybe someday I will do another episode with Patreon Greatest Hits. Check out the link below if...
Jeremia Markway joined me to discuss his experiences regarding adding hair sheep to their existing livestock operation. We talk about the advantages of hair sheep from a soil health perspective as well as how they compliment a cow herd. We also discuss the challenges and managing parasites as well as Jeremia’s unique approach to finding...
Chuck Schembre, a soil scientist and consultant with Understanding Ag, joined me to talk about the application of soil health principles to gardening. We talk about the seasons of a healthy garden as well as cover crops, mulching, the need for grasses, and diversity. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at...
Rep. Harriet Hageman (WY) joined me to discuss some of the things she has been working on since being elected as a Representative in Wyoming’s only legislative district. We discuss the Electronic Animal Identification and Mandatory Country of Origin Labeling issues and how they could potentially effect producers. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You...
Kate Sabino, a grazing intern at Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment, joined me to discuss a laborer’s perspective on the changes they have been making in the Dairy Division at Wolfe’s Neck. We discuss the changes that have been made, the fallout from those changes, as well as how they include everyone...
Monte Bottens of the Ag Emerge Podcast joined me to discuss his soil health journey. We discuss his experiences with consolidation, integrating livestock, and adopting soil health principles. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at www.sea-90.com or (770) 361-6092 At Home Continuing Ed: Regen Ag 101 by Understanding Ag
Austin Maness, COO of Harvest Returns, joined me to talk about the unique way that they are approaching agricultural funding. We talk about how the process works, who can participate on the investment side as well as who is best suited to participate as a producer. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach...
Morgan Hartman from Understanding Ag joined me to talk about how we apply soil health principles to turf managment in this country. We talk about golf courses, lawns, and the amount of irrigation and chemical application that occurs on these acres. we also try to chart a better path forward with regard to these acres....
Jaime Elizondo of Real Wealth Ranching joined me once again. This time we discuss how to select the most profitable genetics from our herd. We talk about removing the crutches, the way to choose between two equal animals, as well as when to start keeping your own bulls. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You...
Mark Firth, CEO of Arrowquip, joined me to talk about some of the trends they are paying attention to in the industry. We talk about the increasing demand for beef as well as the increased interest in a new generation of ranchers coming into the business of ranching and the equipment, experience, and education they...
Marisa Tolsma joined me to discuss the journey she and her family have been on towards increasing levels of health. We discuss the GAPS diet, the roll of fermented foods, as well as the importance of sea salt for human health. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at www.sea-90.com or (770)...
Lynn Hoover joined my wife Miranda and me at our kitchen table after a pasture walk at our place to discuss what we can do to improve our herd and range health without defaulting to synthetic solutions. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at www.sea-90.com or (770) 361-6092. Sponsors: Sunshine Bible...
Karoline Rose of the KRose Company and various other enterprises joined me to talk about her teams process of setting goals. We talk about how her and her teams go about setting goals as well as how they track progress and maintain a culture of accountability. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach...
Wally Congdon a Deputy County Attorney and Rancher from Mineral County, Montana joined me to talk about the processes that exist to help local stewards reassert local control as they interact with the Federal Government regarding public land use. We talk about the three different ways of interacting with the Federal Government as well as...
Natalie Kovarik and Tara Vander Dussen from the Discover Ag podcast joined me to discuss healthy online engagement. We talk about the issues facing agriculture today as well as how we can answer common objections. We also discuss the ways that we can have a healthier in-house discussion within agriculture, namely between agriculture and regenerative...
Exactly 300 episodes after his initial appearance Fernando Falomir of the Chihuahuan Desert in Mexico joined me to talk about the ins and outs of managing in a brittle environment. We discuss the importance of well thought out infrastructure as we attempt to manage the resource concerns of our specific context. Thanks to our Studio...
Jacob Miller of Livewire Fence Supply joined me to discuss the process they have gone through over the last few years to get through a record setting drought in Southwest Nebraska. We discuss his destocking strategy as well as how the soil health journey they have been on set them up to recover quickly from...
Jeff and Logan Pribbeno of Wine Glass Ranch welcomed me into their office for a discussion about the ins and outs of keeping their ranch together for 5 generations. We talk about it’s founding after the Civil War and some of the keys to transitioning the ranch since that time. Our conversation touches not just...
Gabe Brown and Dr. Allen Williams joined me to discuss matching management to context. We discuss how our management decisions can negatively affect diversity because they are not right for our context. We also discuss the process of soil aggregation, plant succession, and epigenetic improvement. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them...
Dallas Mount, CEO of Ranch Management Consultants, joined me to discuss the ways in which we can use our profit. We discuss the Three Secrets to Increasing Profit as well as how to avoid making the same mistakes we have made when we got the end of the year with excess profit. Thanks to our...
Don Day of Day Weather joined me to discuss the long term predictability of weather patterns. We talk about how consistent these weather patterns are as well as the timescale involved in these cycles. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at www.sea-90.com or (770) 361-6092. Sponsor: Farming Without the Bank CSU...
Burke Teichert joined me to continue our conversation on the characteristics of successful ranch managers. We talk about Burke’s journey into regenerative management as well as some specific production practices that made the difference on the ranches he has managed. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at www.sea-90.com or (770) 361-6092....
Daniel Hayes of Snakebird Stockdogs joined me to discuss the process of learning and succeeding with stock dogs. We talk about the importance of mentors as well as some tips for getting started. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at www.sea-90.com or (770) 361-6092. Sponsor: Farming Without the Bank Relevant Links:...
Jolene Brown a renowned farm and ranch transition expert. She joined me to discuss the importance of communication and preparing the next generation to take the reins of leadership in our businesses. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at www.sea-90.com or (770) 361-6092. Sponsor: Farming Without the Bank Relevant Links: JoleneBrown.com
Burke Teichert joined me for a conversation on what it takes to be a successful ranch manager. We talk about the most important things we should be keeping an eye on including some of the key ratios that go a long way toward determining profitability. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them...
Dawn Hnatow a stockmanship instructor from Sulphur Springs, TX joined me to talk about some lessons she learned when Bud Williams came to the feedlot at which she was working. We discuss the impact to the bottom line of good stockmanship as well as what to do with the excess energy of newly arrived cattle....
Jared Sorenson of Ag Steward and the Profitable Steward Podcast joined me to discuss what it means to be a steward. We also discuss the keys to profiting from our stewardship and what it means to effectively build a market for our products. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at www.sea-90.com...
Kent Solberg and Doug Voss of Understanding Ag joined me to discuss the challenges facing the dairy industry on its journey toward more regenerative management. We discuss the specific benefits to the dairy industry of getting cattle on the land as well as different models of accomplishing that goal. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90!...
Dylan Biggs joined me once again to talk about how he builds a foundation of communication with his stock dogs. We also talk about instilling patience in dogs as well as the importance of setting dogs up for success early on in their career. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at...
Dr. Ken Olson and Jaelyn Whaley both of SDSU Extension joined me to discuss the ecological and economic benefits of interfacing small ruminants into our existing livestock operations. We talk about realistic goals as far as brush control as well as the infrastructure needed to interface sheep with our existing operation. Thanks to our Studio...
Gabe Brown of Understanding Ag and Matt McGinn of McGinn Ranch in the Sandhills of Nebraska joined me to discuss the journey the McGinn family has been on toward more adaptive stewardship of the resources entrusted to them. They have gone from running multiple herds, calving in two seasons, and season long grazing to calving...
Jason Watson, Superintendent of Sunshine Bible Academy (SBA) in Miller, SD, welcomed me into an office at SBA to discuss educational alternatives available to parents looking to educate their children. We talk about the challenges present in our world today as well as some strategies for overcoming those challenges. We discuss the benefits and objections...
Dr. Larry Tranel joined me to discuss what we can do to handle stress more effectively on our operations. We talk about the different types of personalities and how they react to stress. We also discuss the benefits of knowing what type of person you are as it relates to handling stress. Thanks to our...
Gabe Brown and Dr. Allen Williams joined me once again to discuss the Three Rules of Adaptive Stewardship. We talk about what the rules are and the benefits of putting them into practice. We also discuss the need for adaptation when implementing these ideas. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at...
Troy Hadrick along with his wife Stacy have been on a journey in recent months of starting a USDA inspected processing facility in their hometown of Faulkton, SD. Among their goals are a more resilient beef supply chain, opening up USDA inspected processing capacity for those looking to direct market their beef, and provide a...
Gabe Brown and Shane New of Understanding Ag joined me to discuss the nutrient cycle and how we an manage it more effectively. The nutrient cycle is one of the Four Ecosystem processes. The Four Ecosystem Processes are part of The 6-3-4. This is an important part of any successful agricultural operation. Thanks to our...
Jay Young of Young Red Angus in Tribune, KS joined me to talk about his regenerative journey. We focus early on in this conversation on the making and applying of compost extracts. We then turn our attention to the cows that he is grazing on the cover crops that he is growing with the compost...
Audio File Download Link Elaine Froese joined me to discuss the idea of living an intentional life. What does it look like? What are the stages we go through? How do we make sure that those stages do the work they were intended by God to accomplish? We talk about all that and more in...
Mary Jo Irmen of Farming Without the Bank joined me to talk about building a financial team. Who should on our team? What should their roles be? What should we expect from them? We discuss all this and more on this episode. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at www.sea-90.com or...
Here is my recent talk given to FFA students participating in the Ag Adventure Zone at the Black Hills Stock Show in Rapid City, SD. I discuss the elements of an ag advocacy story worth telling as well as what we can do to improve the story our operation is telling. H/T: Nicole Masters for...
