Working Cows

The Midwest can be a difficult place to graze for a host of reasons. The competitiveness of the cash rent market, parasite load, mud, forage quality, and many other issues face those seeking to profitably graze in this region. Today we are joined by John Hays and Jeremy Sweeten of Understanding Ag to discuss their...

As Taylor Moyer and his wife have sought to bootstrap their ranch operation they have had to think outside the box from an enterprise mix perspective, marketing perspective, and as it pertains to the potential sources of revenue the ranch can produce. This has led them to many capitalize on many different opportunities including custom...

Supply management may not line up with free market principles, but the fruits of it to this point have been positive for Sean Smith and his family. These strategies have helped the to remain profitable at a scale a family can manage. They have also freed them up to experiment with some more regenerative practices....

We are facing water quality and quantity issues across a broad swath of the agricultural landscape. This impacts not only our rural communities, but also those in cities and towns downstream from our operations. Brian Dougherty and Eric Fuchs join me today to discuss the simple methods agriculturalists can use to improve their land's ability...

In this world we will have trouble. We will experience pain, suffering, loss, and difficulty. How do we do that well? What role does faith play in helping us to successfully navigate these challenges. Dalton Darnell of 3:10 Ranch Life shares about his experience in dealing with Psoriatic Arthritis. We discuss the role of community,...

As we progress down the regenerative journey we will see many changes on the landscape. Not the least of which is the diversity of wildlife that will be attracted to our operations. Jeremy Sweeten and Kent Solberg join me to discuss the ways to create spaces for wildlife as well as strategies for capitalizing on...

Tyson Langland started his career with a data and analytics firm that worked with NFL football teams. When he decided to come back to the family farm and take over the cowherd, he brought that expertise with him. He achieved some goals regarding maternal traits early on, but that left him wanting more in the...

The US Military has millions of acres within the US Border. In addition, they have the opportunity to impact many more acres outside of the United States by assisting those around US Military installations abroad to bring their management into alignment with regenerative principles. Maj. Eric Czaja is working to see this happen starting here...

Your ideal customer is looking for what you are selling when you are selling it. They are willing to pay more because you have what they are demanding when the supply is lowest. Knowing your ideal customer isn't just for direct-to-consumer business. In fact, Matt Stone of Dakota Growth joined me to discuss how Cow/Calf...

If we are going to grass-finish our animals, we should do it excellently. There are many pieces to accomplishing this. It is possible in almost all latitudes and longitudes. Today, Dr. Allen Williams shares with us what he has learned about grass-finishing in nearly 30 years of doing it. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding...

If we aren't measuring what matters we can't manage it. First, we need to decide what we are trying to accomplish and then start measuring the data that correlates to that goal so that we can make good decisions for profitable businesses. Eric Jasinski of Ambrook helps us think about how we can get started...

Principles are powerful tools that can help us to avoid the temptation to follow the crowd and ranch like everyone else. Today we talk to Bart Carmichael and Pat Guptill about their new venture together, Principled Land Managers. We discuss both of their histories with regenerative agriculture as well as how they work to foster...

Burke Teichert has a long track record of success in managing profitable ranches. Over that time, he has noticed some commonalities among successful ranch managers. He has boiled it down to Five Essentials. Today we discuss these 5 Essentials and how to apply them in a way that all resources under management are on a...

Neil Thorsteinson of Range Ward and Powerflex Supply joined me to discuss his journey into regenerative ranching as well as his work with Range Ward over the years. We discuss Powerflex Supply's Rancher Success Program, the history of the companies, as well as the versatility of these systems. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag!...

It won't be long until everyone living was born after a time when electricity was ubiquitous in it's availability. How does that fact change our society? Vance Crowe, of Legacy Interviews, joined me to discuss how this project has impacted him as well as some of the common lessons people share with him as he...

A positive beef eating experience depends on more than flavor and marbling. Frank Hendrix has discovered the genetic marker that is 100% accurate in predicting exceptionally tender beef. We discuss his journey into this discovery as well as the bottom line of profitability related to finding animals that display this marker. Thanks to our Studio...

Goats are notoriously difficult to contain. Daniel Magalsky joins me to discuss the tools and skills necessary to keep goats in as well as ensure their success as a family unit. We also discuss how goats continue to be more profitable than cow/calf enterprises even in our current market conditions. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor,...

Sheep like “weeds.” They will eat them first. This makes them a great tool for improving all kinds of landscapes, including forage crops. Matt Goble, a sixth-generation sheepman from Utah, joins me to discuss the different strategies he and his family employ to make their wool sheep a very profitable enterprise. Thanks to our Studio...

Are we consistently applying the Six Principles of Soil Health to all of our acres? Even our gardens? Marni Thompson of Understanding Ag joins me to discuss the lessons she has learned in applying these principles in her garden. We discuss the challenges, best practices, and the role of compost in the success of this...

Horses are severe grazers. They are capable of causing almost unparalleled damage in a pasture. Meg Greski joined me to discuss the lessons she has learned in developing a horse grazing business that is regenerative and profitable. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today! Sponsor: PowerflexSupply.com...

It's easy to focus on the various pieces of our marketing strategy to the point that we forget to actually sell the products we are marketing. Karoline Bohannan, of the KRose Company, joined me to discuss the things to pay attention to as we seek to get the word out about our ranch and rural...

It's easy to focus on the various pieces of our marketing strategy to the point that we forget to actually sell the products we are marketing. Karoline Bohannan, of the KRose Company, joined me to discuss the things to pay attention to as we seek to get the word out about our ranch and rural...

As we seek to bridge the gap toward a redesign of our agricultural systems natural options are going to be the best option for a host of reasons. Lynn Hoover of Ocean Blue Agronomics joins me to discuss the role of sea salt in balancing nutrients, activating soil biology, and connecting plants with the nutrients...

Drones continue to improve in efficiency and cost. They are proving useful across agriculture and reducing waste and over application of chemicals. Preston Cave shares some of his experiences using drones in different agricultural applications. We also talk about him joining a team of heroes that help delivered relief to victims of Hurricane Helene in...

Is regenerative agriculture enough to fix America's broken rural economies? Can we simply soil health our way out of the mess that the has been created by inflation and the printing of money? Joel Hollingsworth says “no.” While soil health and regenerative agriculture are crucial without sound money we are going to struggle to get...

Managing winter feed costs can boost profitability as reliably as almost any other change we can make. Stefan Bouw, of Edie Creek Angus, joined me once again to discuss some of the different strategies they have implemented over the years to manage labor costs and boost animal performance through his harsh Canadian winters. Thanks to...

Brian Dougherty of Understanding Ag joins me once again. This time to discuss how we can become more adaptable with our nutrient management. Rather than following the conventional 4R approach of right source, right rate, right time, right place we look at the 6P approach where we let the 6 Principles of Soil Health guide...

Will Winter joins me once again. This time we are focused on the A to Z of Apple Cider Vinegar. What purpose does it fill in a livestock operation? Why the source matters? As well as some practical considerations for how we use it on our operations. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head...

Calving season can be a stressful time for cattle and cattlemen alike. Ellen Bench joins me once again to talk about a different approach to helping calving season go more smoothly and less stressfully for everyone involved. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today! Sponsor: KRose...

Our mindset determines what we are willing to entertain as an option. Being willing to wean ourselves off of conventional approaches to agriculture and experiment with regenerative agriculture is no different. Luke Jones, Consultant with Understanding Ag, joins me to discuss the process he has seen work well in helping people change their mindset and...

If we are going to regenerate our food system we must also work on regenerating fruit and nut crops generally grown in orchards. Much of the conventional wisdom in the orchard industry is stacked against the application of the Six Principles of Soil Health. Chuck Schembre, Soil Health Consultant with Understanding Ag, joined me to...

Marketing is a big lever for the average ranch. How do we push on that lever with the right information at the right time to help us make profitable market transactions? Nelson Koehn developed his Value of Gain website to help people do just that. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to...

In this episode I share a talk I gave during a breakout session at the recent South Dakota Grassland Coalition annual conference. I take a look at a few passages from the New Testament Book of Matthew and consider the implications for how we handle leadership. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over...

Good leaders direct their organizations toward success. Great leaders replace themselves with leaders better than they are. Josh Kerpan has been on a journey to replace himself. He and his team have accomplished that. Today on the Working Cows podcast we discuss the importance of Purpose, Processes, and People to escape the entrepreneurial trap. Thanks...

How do leaders shape the future of the resources with which they have been entrusted? What does it take to avoid catastrophe and maximize positive results? In a word, intentionality. We have to continue making small regular investments in our resources to ensure long-term success. In this episode I share a keynote I gave to...

Many places around the country talk about sheep being the mortgage lifters. South Central Kansas is no different. Ryan and Kelsey Keeling have been on a journey to transition the ranch they manage to a higher percentage of grazing days allotted to sheep. They joined me to discuss how they are sharing this journey on...

In part two of a discussion on where we stand in American agriculture Gabe Brown and Dr. Allen Williams joined me to discuss what we can do to revive rural America economically speaking. We discuss the role of regenerative agriculture in accomplishing this goal as well as the causes of the hollowing out of rural...

Wineglass Ranch has been on a mission for many years to develop easy-keeping cattle. They have sought to do this by developing heifers that get bred year after year, developing bulls that add heterosis, and maintain a low frame score cow that can graze 365 days per year. Cow boss TJ Ellicott joined me to...

What is the State of Agriculture in 2025 in America? How do we substantively make a difference in 2025 in American Agriculture? Gabe Brown and Dr. Allen Williams join me to discuss their understanding of where we are in agriculture and how we make real progress in a regenerative direction. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor,...

Over 90% of our communication is non-verbal. From body language, to tone, to mirror neurons it's less about what we said and more about how we said it including our posture while saying. Guests Joshua and Tara Dukart help me take a deep dive on all things communication. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag!...

The Great Wealth Transfer is coming. What are Joel Salatin and Polyface Farms doing to prepare leaders to thrive? Among other things they are training them to run attractive businesses, fostering a culture of innovation, and teaching their employees how to complain. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book...

Jared Luhman, host of the newly rebranded Ranching Returns podcast, joined me to discuss his strategy of investing in real estate. We also discuss his favorite resources and lessons learned. We get the discussion started by talking about his recent rebrand. The conversation turns to real estate investing as Jared discusses lessons learned through the...

John Hays, a consultant with Understanding Ag, joined me to discuss the journey he and his family have been on to diversify and market the products raised on their farm. We discuss the necessary education, connections, and infrastructure to succeed in direct marketing pastured proteins. We also discuss his ability to compete for leases in...

Eric Fuchs, a consultant with Understanding Ag, joined me to talk about the journey they have been on at his farm to get to more diversity. We talk about the role the Six Principles played in this journey as well as some of the things he had to unlearn from his previous education in grazing...

Jonathan and Stefan Bouw of Howrey Angus and Edie Creek Angus joined me to discuss the journey they have been on to find grass-based genetics. We discuss the steps they have taken from genetics developed to thrive in the feedlot to genetics developed to thrive on grass. We also discuss the process of taking over...

Grant Vassberg, of Bos Sires and Kallion Farms, joined me to discuss the journey he has been on to develop a cooperative for producers looking to source fertile cattle. We discuss what makes a fertile cow as well as the heritability of fertility. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to...

Kent Donica, a consultant with Understanding Ag, joined me once again to discuss the lessons he has learned from his career as a Sell/Buy Marketer. We discuss the importance of discipline, the roll of fear and greed, as well as things he will never do again. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over...

John Kempf, Host of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, joined me to discuss his perspective on what it is going to take to regenerate and relocalize America's food system. We discuss success stories he has seen as well as the opportunities presented by the challenges of our current infrastructure. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag!...

Amber Bell is the newly minted host of Ruminating with Real Ag. She joined me to discuss the podcast and her goals for it. We discuss lessons she has learned in this new venture with it's broader agricultural focus. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today!...

John Moody of Rogue Food and other endeavors joined me to discuss the reasons we should fight the mandatory implementation of RFID. We also discuss his previous experiences of resisting tyranny and the methods that he has seen be effective in pushing back against government overreach. We also discuss the upcoming Rogue Food Conference in...

Joshua and Tara Dukart are Holistic Management Educators from Seek First Ranch in North Dakota. They have helped many people experience breakthroughs in their ranch businesses. They joined me to discuss some examples of those breakthroughs from a recent course they taught as well as how their approach to instruction differs from other educators. We...