Inside a First-Generation Sheep Ranch Operation (Live Farm Tour) - Michael Greco | #99
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Show Notes
This on-the-ground episode explores Michael Grecos first-generation regenerative sheep operation, run entirely on leased land in New York’s Hudson Valley.
We walk the pastures with Michael as he explains stocking strategy, grazing philosophy, shade management, lambing, predator protection, mineral systems, on-farm slaughter, and why sheep can make regenerative agriculture viable on smaller landscapes.
Key Topics
- Why Michael chose sheep and how leased land shapes his operation
- Daily rotational grazing, density, rest periods, and pasture response
- Lambing, weaning, animal stress, shade, and heat management
- Guardian dogs, predators, minerals, biochar, and health management
- Ethics, transparency, local food, and on-farm harvest philosophy
What You’ll Learn
- Why sheep economics differ from cattle and fit smaller northeastern landscapes
- How paddock design, net fencing, and daily moves build soil and resilience
- Practical realities of lambing, natural weaning, and dealing with rejection cases
- How to think about ticks, rainfall, heat stress, shade, and pasture density
- Why buying local matters and why ranchers care deeply about animal welfare
Connect with Michael:
Website
Instagram
Follow the tour on YouTube
Timestamps
00:00:00 – Meet Michael & the Hudson Valley Sheep Ranch
00:01:00 – Why Sheep? Cost, Scale, & Land Fit
00:03:00 – Leased Land & Grazing Philosophy
00:05:00 – Natural Weaning vs Forced Weaning
00:07:30 – Daily Moves, Density & Pasture Impact
00:10:00 – What a “Good” Grazed Paddock Looks Like
00:15:00 – Lamb Count, Losses & Culling Logic
00:17:30 – Guardian Dog & Predator Control
00:19:30 – Minerals, Biochar & Health Support
00:21:00 – Rumination & What Calm Sheep Look Like
00:23:00 – Lambing Timing & Spring Nutrition
00:28:00 – Shade, Heat Stress & Summer Management
00:30:30 – On-Farm Harvest & Ethics
00:36:00 – Visiting Farms & Transparency
00:37:30 – Rest Periods, Regrowth & Stockpiling
00:44:00 – Milkweed, Pollinators & “Poison Plant” Myth
00:47:00 – Mowing vs Not Mowing
00:48:00 – Scaling Plans & Future Growth