Working Cows - Regenerative Ranching to Maximize Profitability and Soil Health

Jason Medows, Jared Luhman, and Brian Alexander and myself were all able to connect for a conversation about our experiences as podcasters as well as what we see coming as far as land transition and preparing the next generation. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at www.sea-90.com or (770) 361-6092. Sponsor:farmingwithoutthebank.com

Buck Brannaman a horse clinician and trainer from Sheridan, WY welcomed me into his tack room to have a discussion about the history of Vaquero horsemanship. We talk about it’s origins as a result of Spanish defeat at the hands of Muslim warriors, how this style was influenced by Mexican rodeos, as well as the tack that is deeply entwined with this style of horsemanship. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at www.sea-90.com or (770) 361-6092. Relevant Links:El Vaquero by Ernie MorrisBrannaman.comThe Buck Channel

Gabe Brown of Understanding Ag joined me to talk about the state of the American food system. Gabe has a unique perspective given his unique experience over the last twenty years traveling and consulting extensively on farms and ranches around the world and across the globe. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at www.sea-90.com or (770) 361-6092. Relevant Links:UnderstandingAg.comSoilHealthAcademy.com

Shanon Sims of McFadden, WY joined me to talk about the importance of having hobbies away from the ranch. Shanon recently completed a full marathon. We talked the challenges, benefits, and process of training to complete a marathon. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at www.sea-90.com or (770) 361-6092. Sponsor:RanchingForProfit.com Shanon’s Previous Episode:Ep. 199 Shanon Sims – Raising Your Own Bulls

Steve Kenyon of Greener Pastures Ranching joined me to talk about the paradigm challenging practice of paying yourself. We talk about how Steve figures his labor and equipment costs as well as how he thinks about the profitability threshold of a new enterprise or opportunity. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Sea-90! You can reach them at www.sea-90.com or (770) 361-6092. Sponsor:RanchingForProfit.com Relevant Links:CFGA Advanced Grazing SystemsGreener Pastures Ranching Board Game (Pay Yourself!) Steve’s Previous Episodes:Ep. 214 Steve Kenyon – Managing for Drought ResilienceEp. 128 Steve Kenyon – The Discipline of Lifelong LearningEp. 095 Steve Kenyon – The Calendar of the Year-Round GrazierEp. 068 Steve Kenyon – Managing “Waste” in Bale GrazingEp. 036 Steve Kenyon – Natural Parasite Control

John Haskell of Ranch Right LLC joined me to flesh out an interesting comment he made on a recent RFP Online Webinar. John said that we should make sure our business structure matches available resources from a personnel perspective. We talk about not rushing to get to the place of being an investor too soon as well as the key to growing a business through proper use of cash flow. Sponsor the Podcast: WorkingCows.net/Contact Links Mentioned:RanchRightLLC.comRanching.FYIMiranda’s Monday Musings

Zack Smith joined me to talk about his recent video where he pitched a new approach to crop insurance. We take a little deeper dive into his thoughts about how to help make meaningful change in agriculture towards a better food production system. emk9a4yh Subscribe for Free:WorkingCows.net/Subscribe Relevant Links: Zack’s Previous Episodes:Ep. 263 Jason Mauck and Zack Smith – The Future of Farmonious MovementEp. 189 Zack Smith – Stock Cropping at ScaleEp. 151 Zack Smith – Stock Cropping

Zack Smith joined me to talk about his recent video where he pitched a new approach to crop insurance. We take a little deeper dive into his thoughts about how to help make meaningful change in agriculture towards a better food production system.

Will Winter DVM joined me to talk about the problems caused by EMF and how we can mitigate them. We talk about the sources and what we can do to protect ourselves from their effects personally as well as protecting our land. Support WCP:WorkingCows.net/Support Relevant Links:WillWinter.comAg Conditioners (EMF Mitigation) Will’s Previous Episodes:Ep. 244 Will Winter, DVM – Natural Livestock HealthEp. 259 Will Winter, DVM – Measuring Regenerativity Intro Voice Over: H/T: Jim Thompson Intro Music: H/T: Luke Dowler

Will Winter DVM joined me to talk about the problems caused by EMF and how we can mitigate them. We talk about the sources and what we can do to protect ourselves from their effects personally as well as protecting our land.

Will Winter DVM joined me to talk about the problems caused by EMF and how we can mitigate them. We talk about the sources and what we can do to protect ourselves from their effects personally as well as protecting our land.

Ray Marxer, Author of Cowboy in a Corporate World, joined me again to talk about some of the ideas in his book regarding keeping good employees. We talk about meeting the physical needs of the people coming to work for us as well as the structural changes that Ray led at the Beaverhead Ranch that facilitated a five-fold increase in their employee retention. Subscribe for Free:WorkingCows.net/Subscribe Relevant Links:RayMarxer.com Ray’s Previous Episode:Ep. 257 Ray Marxer – Cowboy in a Corporate World Intro Voice Over: H/T: Jim Thompson Intro Music: H/T: Luke Dowler

Ray Marxer, Author of Cowboy in a Corporate World, joined me again to talk about some of the ideas in his book regarding keeping good employees. We talk about meeting the physical needs of the people coming to work for us as well as the structural changes that Ray led at the Beaverhead Ranch that facilitated a five-fold increase in their employee retention.

Scott Hauck of Sacred Song Farm in Mancos, CO joined me to discuss why the beef industry has been so successful at resisting vertical integration. We talk about what our unfair advantage is and how we can maximize that unfair advantage to continue to resist vertical integration. Support WCP:Amazon WishlistPatreon.com/WorkingCows Contact Scott: #beef is the last food production system free of vertical integration Why? Because we run on sunshine, water, soil and forage Don’t ever surrender our unfair advantage, or forget it pic.twitter.com/lvFv5aX5Xk — Scott Hauck (@sacredsongfarm) November 25, 2022 Scott’s Previous Episode:Ep. 239 Scott Hauck – Truly Regenerative Agriculture Intro Voice Over: H/T: Jim Thompson Intro Music: H/T: Luke Dowler

Scott Hauck of Sacred Song Farm in Mancos, CO joined me to discuss why the beef industry has been so successful at resisting vertical integration. We talk about what our unfair advantage is and how we can maximize that unfair advantage to continue to resist vertical integration.

Michelle Patten of The AgBiz Consultants joined me to discuss three ways to ensure your family ag business is passed on to the next generation. We talk about the three key elements of a generational transition, including and operating agreement, a transition plan, and a will. Share WCP:RanchingPodcast.com Links Mentioned:AgBizConsult.com Michelle’s Previous Episode:Ep. 123 Michelle Patten – Outsourcing Bookkeeping Intro Voice Over: H/T: Jim Thompson Intro Music: H/T: Luke Dowler

Michelle Patten of The AgBiz Consultants joined me to discuss three ways to ensure your family ag business is passed on to the next generation. We talk about the three key elements of a generational transition, including and operating agreement, a transition plan, and a will.

Bud Williamson of Williamson Land & Cattle near Moorcroft, WY joined me to talk about the work they are doing to change the way breeding cattle are marketed. We talk about understanding the products that your ranch produces and some practical ways that you can change the way you market those various products. Share WCP:RanchingPodcast.com Relevant Links:WilliamsonLandandCattle.com Intro Voice Over: H/T: Jim Thompson Intro Music: H/T: Luke Dowler

Bud Williamson of Williamson Land & Cattle near Moorcroft, WY joined me to talk about the work they are doing to change the way breeding cattle are marketed. We talk about understanding the products that your ranch produces and some practical ways that you can change the way you market those various products.

Wally Olson of Ranching.FYI joined me to discuss his upcoming webinar where he will be discussing issues of market inflation and deflation and how that is different than inventory appreciation and depreciation. We also discuss some paradigms Wally sees in the ranching industry and how we can make sure that we don’t remain trapped in a negative paradigm.

Wally Olson of Ranching.FYI joined me to discuss his upcoming webinar where he will be discussing issues of market inflation and deflation and how that is different than inventory appreciation and depreciation. We also discuss some paradigms Wally sees in the ranching industry and how we can make sure that we don’t remain trapped in a negative paradigm. Subscribe to WCP for Free:WorkingCows.net/Subscribe Relevant Links:Ranching.FYI Intro Voice Over: H/T: Jim Thompson Intro Music: H/T: Luke Dowler

Tom Krawiec joined me to talk about his new book, Ranching Like a 12 Year Old. We focused on, as Tom calls it, “Grazing in the Sweet Spot.” We talk about the importance multiple grazing passes as well as getting started early in the spring. Get in Touch:WorkingCows.net/Contact Links Mentioned:Buy Tom’s Book (Early and Often) Intro Voice Over: H/T: Jim Thompson Intro Music: H/T: Luke Dowler

Tom Krawiec joined me to talk about his new book, Ranching Like a 12 Year Old. We focused on, as Tom calls it, “Grazing in the Sweet Spot.” We talk about the importance multiple grazing passes as well as getting started early in the spring.

Elaine Froese the Farm Family Coach joined me once again to talk about the different ways succession has been handled throughout the decades. We talk about how to facilitate healthy communication as well as how to manage expectations from our first family meeting. Subscribe for Free:WorkingCows.net/Subscribe Relevant Links:South Dakota Grassland Coalition Hosts Elaine FroeseNebraska Grazing Lands Coalition Hosts Elaine Froese South Dakota Farm Bureau Hosts Elaine Froese (Registration Link Coming Soon)FarmFamilyCoach.comZach Williams Christmas Concert Elaine’s Previous Episodes:Ep. 250 Past Guests – Advice for the Next GenerationEp. 216 Elaine Froese – Getting Ranch Transition UnstuckEp. 192 Elaine Froese – Getting the Succession Discussion Started Intro Voice Over: H/T: Jim Thompson Intro Music: H/T: Luke Dowler

Elaine Froese the Farm Family Coach joined me once again to talk about the different ways succession has been handled through out the decades. We talk about how to facilitate healthy communication as well as how to manage expectations from our first family meeting.

Ross Bronson of Redd Summit Advisors joined me to discuss the five sources of risk in agriculture. We talk about what each one means and how we can think about unique ways to mitigate these risks. Review WCP:Apple Podcasts Relevant Links: ReddSummitReddSummit.com Intro Voice Over: H/T: Jim Thompson Intro Music: H/T: Luke Dowler

Ross Bronson of Redd Summit Advisors joined me to discuss the five sources of risk in agriculture. We talk about what each one means and how we can think about unique ways to mitigate these risks.

Ross Bronson of Redd Summit Advisors joined me to discuss the five sources of risk in agriculture. We talk about what each one means and how we can think about unique ways to mitigate these risks.

Jason Mauck and Zack Smith joined me to talk about the future of stock cropping. We discuss where they are in the development of a fully autonomous mobile livestock barn that can move between row crops thus achieving integration of livestock during the growing season. Share WCP:RanchingPodcast.com Relevant Links:Twitter.com/JasonMauck1Twitter.com/ZebulousPrimeTheStockCropper.com Previous Episodes:Ep. 189 Zack Smith – Stock Cropping at ScaleEp. 152 Jason Mauck – Fixing Broken Supply ChainsEp. 151 Zack Smith – Stock CroppingEp. 062 Jason Mauck – Closing the Loop between Livestock and Grains Intro Voice Over: H/T: Jim Thompson Intro Music: H/T: Luke Dowler

Jason Mauck and Zack Smith joined me to talk about the future of stock cropping. We discuss where they are in the development of a fully autonomous mobile livestock barn that can move between row crops thus achieving integration of livestock during the growing season.

James Rogers and Marissa Taylor of Northway Ranch Services joined me to discuss the work they are doing to free up ranchers to do the work they love and the work at which they excel. We discuss the importance, especially in the West, of managing stakeholder relationships between the rancher and those public and private partners with which they will inevitably have to do business. Subscribe for Free:WorkingCows.net/Subscribe Links Mentioned:NorthwayRanchServices.com Intro Voice Over: H/T: Jim Thompson Intro Music: H/T: Luke Dowler

James Rogers and Marissa Taylor of Northway Ranch Services joined me to discuss the work they are doing to free up ranchers to do the work they love and the work at which they excel. We discuss the importance, especially in the West, of managing stakeholder relationships between the rancher and those public and private partners with which they will inevitably have to do business.

Robert Cain and Michael Sileck of Sea-90 Mineral Salt joined me to talk about the sea salt revolution. Robert has had a front row seat to this revolution working early on with Dr. Maynard Murray. We discuss the benefits of sea salt for soil health, animal health, and ultimately for the health of the food we are producing.Links Mentioned:Sea Energy AgricultureFertility from the Ocean DeepDr. Murray’s ACRES presentationSea-90.comBajaGoldSeaSalt.comRobert’s Phone Number: (770) 361 7003email for More Information Related Episodes:Ep. 196 Steve Campbell – Remineralizing Cattle with SaltEp. 159 Nicole Masters – Understanding the Purpose of “Weeds” Intro Voice Over: H/T: Jim Thompson Intro Music: H/T: Luke Dowler

Robert Cain and Michael Sileck of Sea-90 Mineral Salt joined me to talk about the sea salt revolution. Robert has had a front row seat to this revolution working early on with Dr. Maynard Murray. We discuss the benefits of sea salt for soil health, animal health, and ultimately for the health of the food we are producing.

Dane Kuper joined me to talk about the opportunities that exist in the Cow/Calf sector if we can get them timely and relevant information. We talked about innovations on current technologies as well as newly launched technologies like “Performance Ranch” that are specifically geared towards helping the Cow/Calf operator collect meaningful data that can later empower them to make an informed decision. Links Mentioned:PerformanceLivestockAnalytics.com Intro Voice Over: H/T: Jim Thompson Intro Music: H/T: Luke Dowler

Dane Kuper joined me to talk about the opportunities that exist in the Cow/Calf sector if we can get them timely and relevant information. We talked about innovations on current technologies as well a

Dane Kuper joined me to talk about the opportunities that exist in the Cow/Calf sector if we can get them timely and relevant information. We talked about innovations on current technologies as well as newly launched technologies like “Performance Ranch” that are specifically geared towards helping the Cow/Calf operator collect meaningful data that can later empower them to make an informed decision.

Will Winter, DVM joined me to talk about the work of measuring regenerativity. We talk about the 14 criteria they measure and the difference that makes in what they produce. Share WCP:RanchingPodcast.com Links Mentioned:WillWinter.comWestonAPrice.orgAcresUSA.comStockmanGrassfarmer.com Intro Voice Over: H/T: Jim Thompson Intro Music: H/T: Luke Dowler

Will Winter, DVM joined me to talk about the work of measuring regenerativity. We talk about the 14 criteria they measure and the difference that makes in what they produce.

Will Harris of White Oak Pastures joined me to talk about regenerating rural America. White Oak Pastures is in Bluffton, GA a town that was gutted through the industrialization of agriculture. We talk about what the role White Oak Pastures has played in facilitating its regeneration. Subscribe for Free to WCP:WorkingCows.net/Subscribe Links Mentioned:Center for Agricultural Resilience Intro Voice Over: H/T: Jim Thompson Intro Music: H/T: Luke Dowler

Will Harris of White Oak Pastures joined me to talk about regenerating rural America. White Oak Pastures is in Bluffton, GA a town that was gutted through the industrialization of agriculture. We talk about what the role White Oak Pastures has played in facilitating its regeneration.

Ray Marxer, former Manager of the Beaverhead Ranch (a ranch that at it’s peak spanned 500 square miles of Southwest Montana), joined me to talk about his new book “Cowboy in a Corporate World.” I can’t urge you strongly enough to get your copy of this excellent book today. Share WCP:RanchingPodcast.com Links Mentioned:RayMarxer.comCowboy in a Corporate World Facebook Page

Ray Marxer, former Manager of the Beaverhead Ranch (a ranch that at it’s peak spanned 500 square miles of Southwest Montana), joined me to talk about his new book “Cowboy in a Corporate World.” I can’t urge you strongly enough to get your copy of this excellent book today.

Hugh Aljoe of the Noble Research Institute joined me to discuss the new YouTube series from Noble called “Regenerating the Ranch.” We discuss the journey Noble has been on toward developing a regenerative system as well as how multiple species are serving them well on that journey. Subscribe for Free:WorkingCows.net/Subscribe Relevant Links:Noble Research Institute Hugh’s Previous Episode:Ep. 136 Hugh Aljoe – Six Skills of an Intentional Manager – April 21st, 2020

Hugh Aljoe of the Noble Research Institute joined me to discuss the new YouTube series from Noble called “Regenerating the Ranch.” We discuss the journey Noble has been on toward developing a regenerative system as well as how multiple species are serving them well on that journey.

Mary Jo Irmen of Farming Without the Bank joined me to discuss the power of knowing where you stand. Primarily we talked about the power of knowing where you stand financially and knowing where you stand with regard to vision and mission. Meet Mary Jo:Mary Jo Live in Cody, WY Listen to the Farming Without the Bank Podcast:

Mary Jo Irmen of Farming Without the Bank joined me to discuss the power of knowing where you stand. Primarily we talked about the power of knowing where you stand financially and knowing where you stand with regard to vision and mission.

Doug Ferguson joined me to talk about the ins and outs of using Sell/Buy Marketing. We talk about managing through cattle cycles, the importance of scale, and where to go to learn more about Sell/Buy Marketing. Share WCP:RanchingPodcast.com Marketing School in Deadwood, SD:September Sell/Buy Marketing School

Doug Ferguson joined me to talk about the ins and outs of using Sell/Buy Marketing. We talk about managing through cattle cycles, the importance of scale, and where to go to learn more about Sell/Buy Marketing.

Jared Luhman is host of the great Herd Quitter podcast. He and his family are cooperative producers for Pharo Cattle Co. in Southeast Minnesota. We talk about the economic challenges of ranching on very valuable land as well as the unique ways they have found to overcome those challenges. Subscribe for Free:WorkingCows.net/Subscribe Relevant Links:PharoCattle.com/Podcast