Zach (first-generation) and Kacie (fifth-generation) Scherler-Abney are ranchers operating Re:Farm and Re:Supply in Cotton and Tillman Counties in southwest Oklahoma, running a cow-calf herd with some stockers while also managing land for others and operating retail stores in Norman, Oklahoma and Wichita Falls, Texas.
In This Episode, We Explore:
- How a personal health scare led them back to the family place and into raising their own food
- Using an autoimmune protocol diet as a catalyst to question food labels and sourcing
- Learning regenerative grazing through books, YouTube, and early hands-on trial and error
- Grazing in a more brittle, variable rainfall environment in southwest Oklahoma and north Texas
- Ultra high-density, non-selective grazing and why recovery time is the key variable for them
- What polywire taught them, and why quality of life and labor forced a change
- Building water systems with HDPE poly pipe, quick couplers, and central lanes for flexibility
- Leasing strategies including Oklahoma state school land (CLO) and BIA tribal land leases
- Transitioning to Halter virtual fencing and what changed in daily management and stress
- How their cattle buying philosophy shifted to phenotype, productivity, and pounds per acre
- Marketing reality checks: balancing direct-to-consumer beef with current sale barn economics
- Why they built brick-and-mortar stores and how non-perishables help stabilize cash flow
- Community-building through retail and sourcing other local products beyond their own beef
Why This Episode Matters
This conversation is a practical look at matching grazing goals to real life, especially when labor, family time, leases, and cash flow are all limiting factors. Zach and Kacie share what worked, what wore them out, what they changed, and how they think about staying flexible without abandoning the core principles that keep land and livestock improving.
Resources Mentioned
- Halter virtual fencing system
- Passon quick couplers
- Oklahoma Commissioners of the Land Office (CLO) grazing leases
- Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) grazing leases
Find Out More
- Instagram | re:farm
- Website | Re:Farm Market
- Facebook | Re:Farm
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Original Music by Louis Palfrey
Matt Goble joins the Grazing Grass Podcast to share how he’s built a profitable, resilient wool sheep operation in a high-elevation mountain valley using entirely private and marginal land. While working a full-time W-2 job, Matt manages 450 ewes with a strong focus on grazing efficiency, soil health, and thoughtful breeding decisions. His system blends management-intensive grazing, cover crops, and perennial pastures, all adapted to a short growing season and limited irrigation.
In this episode, we cover:
Why This Episode Matters:
This conversation is a clear example of how management, not acres, often determines success. Matt shows how intentional grazing, simple systems, and observation can double productivity without doubling land or inputs. His practical insights into lambing efficiency, breeding decisions, and drought planning offer valuable lessons for anyone managing livestock on limited or challenging ground.
Resources Mentioned:
Find Out More:
Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics
Upcoming Grazing Events
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Original Music by Louis Palfrey
In this Field Notes episode, Cal slows things down to share a simple way to think about soil health principles that actually sticks when you’re in the pasture. Instead of another list to memorize, this episode introduces CRADLE, a practical framework that organizes well-known soil health principles into something easier to remember and apply in real-world conditions.
In this episode, we explore:
What CRADLE stands for:
Why listen to this episode?
If you understand soil health principles but struggle to recall or apply them under real-world pressure, this episode gives you a mental model you can actually use. CRADLE helps move soil health from theory into day-to-day decision-making — without adding complexity.
Looking ahead
Next week’s Field Notes tackles a listener question on low-cost corral options, focusing on what actually matters, what you can skip, and practical ways to work animals safely without overspending on infrastructure.
Thanks to our partners
Field Notes is made possible by the continued support of Noble Research Institute and Redmond Agriculture. Their commitment to soil health education and stewardship helps make these conversations possible.
More grass. Better soil. Happier livestock.
Keep on grazing, and we’ll see you next week.
Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics
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Original Music by Louis Palfrey
In Episode 201 of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal Hardage sits down with Jacob Morin of Target Angus and Le Paysan Gourmand in Quebec. Jacob shares how a college humanities class unexpectedly set him on a path toward regenerative agriculture and how he and his family transitioned a conventional cow-calf operation into a diversified, grass-based farm. Together, they discuss intentional grazing, winter management in cold climates, infrastructure decisions that make daily moves possible, and how direct-to-consumer beef, market gardening, and livestock diversification work together to support the next generation on the farm.
Topics covered in this episode include:
Why you should listen:
This episode is packed with real-world insight for producers navigating cooler climates, land constraints, and direct marketing. Jacob’s story highlights how thoughtful grazing, diversification, and intentional choices can build resilience—both in the soil and in the family running the operation. If you’re balancing tradition with change or looking for practical ideas to strengthen your grazing system, this conversation will resonate.
Resources mentioned in the episode:
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Original Music by Louis Palfrey
Adam Daugherty joins us from southern Indiana to share the story of how a few cows, some encouragement from family, and a willingness to try rotational grazing transformed his operation. Adam talks through the early days of partnering with his grandfather and great-aunt, the moment rotational grazing finally “clicked,” and how semi-permanent fencing, flexible water systems, and strategic winter feeding have reshaped his pastures. He also walks us through his approach to genetics, cow size, docility, and marketing calves directly to a feedlot rather than selling through a barn—plus what he wishes new graziers would know before they start.
Topics Covered
Why You Should Listen
Adam exemplifies the reality for many graziers: juggling off-farm jobs, limited time, and a desire to do better with what you already have. His story is packed with practical, low-cost ideas—from fencing to water to winter feeding—that can help new and seasoned graziers rethink their systems. If you’ve ever felt too busy to start rotational grazing or unsure where to begin, Adam’s journey will show you exactly how doable it can be.
Resources Mentioned
Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics
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Original Music by Louis Palfrey
Rachel Bouressa of Bouressa Family Farm joins us from central Wisconsin, where she’s a fifth-generation farmer and second-generation grazier managing 120 acres with a soil-first mindset. After returning home following a barn fire, she rebuilt her operation using perennial forages, diverse annuals, and a willingness to experiment. Today she’s deeply involved with Grassworks, Wisconsin Farmers Union, NRCS conservation planning, women-in-conservation mentoring, and the Upper Fox Wolf Demonstration Farm Network—all while running a thriving direct-to-consumer beef business.
Topics Covered in This Episode
Why You Should Listen
If you’re looking for a grounded, real-world example of what soil-first grazing looks like in practice, Rachel brings hard-earned wisdom, humility, and a spirit of experimentation. Her story is full of practical insights—from pasture renovation to breed selection to extending the grazing season—and she offers a refreshingly honest look at the challenges and rewards of growing a regenerative, community-connected grazing operation.
Resources Mentioned
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Original Music by Louis Palfrey
Today’s episode features Doug Jobes, Regenerative Ranching Advisor at the Noble Research Institute, whose background spans rural Georgia agriculture, the 75th Ranger Regiment, wildlife science, and rangeland ecology. Doug brings a wildlife-first lens to grazing—not just how animals eat grass, but how grazing decisions ripple out into birds, deer, turkeys, insects, habitat structure, and even the income potential of your ranch.
We dig into how wildlife and grazing fit together, what habitat components matter most, how producers can inventory wildlife on their land, and how regenerative grazing opens doors to additional enterprises like hunting leases, ecotourism, and wildlife photography. Doug also explains nesting cover vs. roost sites for turkeys, how to adapt your grazing plan for wildlife without sacrificing profitability, and why “realistic expectations” matter more than anything when managing both grass and critters.
Topics Covered
🎧 Why Listen?
If you’ve ever wondered how wildlife fits into regenerative ranching—or how your grazing decisions affect far more than cattle—this episode will open your eyes. Doug connects soil health, plant communities, wildlife needs, grazing pressure, and producer profitability in a way few people can. You’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of habitat, new options for income streams, and several practical management tweaks you can apply immediately.
This episode is especially valuable if you’ve been noticing wildlife differences between your property and the neighbors and wondering “why?”
Resources Mentioned
Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics
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Original Music by Louis Palfrey
Austin Unruh returns for another deep, practical conversation on silvopasture — this time focusing on “the dip,” livestock pressure, pruning, shade strategy, pigs and poultry in tree systems, and what to do in Year Zero before you ever put a seedling in the ground. If you’ve ever stared at your pastures on a hot day wishing you had more shade… this one will light a fire under you.
What we cover in this episode:
If you’re serious about silvopasture, this episode gives you a roadmap from the ground up — from species selection and timing to realistic maintenance and livestock integration. Austin breaks down the parts most graziers underestimate: the grind, the setbacks, and the discipline it takes before shade and feed finally show up. Whether you’re planting five trees or five hundred, you’ll walk away with clearer steps and fewer unknowns.
Resources mentioned:
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Original Music by Louis Palfrey
Leslie returns to share what’s changed since her first appearance in Episode 28. She runs Cylon Rolling Acres in northwestern Wisconsin, where she grazes both goats and Texel sheep on pasture and markets meat directly to consumers through a thriving online business. This episode dives deep into her evolution from wholesale to a sustainable, subscription-based direct-to-consumer model — plus her approach to regenerative grazing with multi-species livestock.
Topics Covered
If you’ve ever wondered how to turn a small ruminant enterprise into a profitable, direct-to-consumer brand, Leslie’s model is a must-hear. She shares practical insight on managing inventory, shipping meat, marketing through education, and keeping customers subscribed.
Resources Mentioned
Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics
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Original Music by Louis Palfrey
In this special in-person episode recorded at the South Poll Field Day, Cal sits down with some of the biggest names connected to the South Poll breed and regenerative grazing movement — Teddy Gentry, Greg Judy, Ralph & Jerry Voss, Steve Freeman, and Nathan Hahn.
You’ll hear the story of how the South Poll breed was created, the philosophy behind it, and how it continues to thrive on real-world farms. From developing heat-tolerant genetics and maintaining fertility in tough environments to direct-to-consumer beef and breeding program strategies, this episode captures a living snapshot of regenerative cattle culture in action.
Guests include:
Why You Should Listen
Whether you raise South Polls or not, this episode is packed with wisdom about:
It’s part history lesson, part grazing masterclass, and a celebration of the community driving the South Poll breed forward.
Resources Mentioned
Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics
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Original Music by Louis Palfrey
In this episode, Cal visits with Shane Maddock, a fourth-generation rancher from north-central North Dakota, where cattle country meets farm country. Shane shares the story of building a regenerative operation through drought, grazing challenges, and generations of learning. He discusses taking over a neighbor’s ranch after returning from National Guard service, developing cross-fenced paddocks and a positive/negative electric system, managing water in the Prairie Pothole Region, and adjusting his grazing philosophy from “a third, a third, a third” to adaptive management guided by what the grass and cattle tell him.
Topics covered
If you’ve ever wondered how to keep cows productive through seven drought years out of eleven—or how to balance generational wisdom with modern regenerative ideas—Shane’s story delivers practical lessons on adaptation, family teamwork, and faith in the land’s resilience.
Resources mentioned
Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics
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Original Music by Louis Palfrey
Stan and his wife began farming in 2021 after adopting four children and realizing they wanted to raise them with meaningful work and stewardship. Starting with neglected, junk-filled land, they’ve built a regenerative, multi-species farm from scratch—learning through Greg Judy, Joel Salatin, and hands-on mistakes.
Topics Covered
Stan’s story is a realistic look at starting late, learning fast, and doing it intentionally. From adoption to regenerative restoration, he shows how faith, family, and stewardship intersect on a small Arkansas farm. Whether you’re reclaiming abused land or diversifying your livestock, his experience offers encouragement and practical takeaways.
Resources Mentioned
Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics
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Original Music by Louis Palfrey
In this episode, Cal talks with Adam Phomin from Hoof and Beak Farm in eastern Ontario, Canada. Adam shares his journey from fitness coach and gym owner to regenerative farmer, raising sheep, cattle, chickens, and llamas on his 100-acre farm. A first-generation farmer, Adam connects his passion for health and nutrition to raising his own protein and improving the land. He discusses starting from scratch, lessons learned fencing and grazing, using polywire for sheep, the role of llamas as guardians, and the importance of daily progress—both in farming and fitness. Adam also introduces his 5 AM Squat Club, a mindset and movement program he leads live each morning on YouTube.
Topics Covered
If you’re just getting started or balancing farming with another career, this episode is packed with relatable insights. Adam’s story proves you can build a regenerative operation from scratch—even without an ag background—by focusing on health, mindset, and progress over perfection. His fitness perspective offers a refreshing reminder that farmers are athletes too, and taking care of your body is key to taking care of your land.
Resources Mentioned
Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics
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Original Music by Louis Palfrey
In this episode, Cal visits with Lauren Jorgensen and Frank “Toby” Tobias, owners of Starlight Farm in North Florida. Lauren and Toby share their inspiring transition from suburban professionals to regenerative graziers, managing cattle, horses, and chickens on 108 acres of sandy Florida soil. Their story begins with a daughter’s recommendation to watch Kiss the Ground, which set them on a journey into soil health and regenerative practices. From battling Florida’s unique soil challenges to founding the Florida Soil Health Coalition, they’ve become advocates for soil, community, and mindful stewardship.
Topics Covered
Why You Should Listen
This episode is full of relatable moments for anyone striving to make progress on imperfect land. Lauren and Toby’s enthusiasm and candor highlight how regenerative agriculture is as much about mindset as it is about management. Their story captures the patience, humor, and persistence required to restore soil in Florida’s challenging environment — and how connection, both human and ecological, fuels that process. You’ll also learn about a new grassroots movement growing in the Sunshine State through the Florida Soil Health Coalition.
Resources Mentioned
Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics
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Original Music by Louis Palfrey
Dana Tinney Wilson of Chantilly Ranch in Northern California returns to the Grazing Grass Podcast to share what’s new since her first appearance in episode 50. Dana and her husband Gary raise Boer goats, Highland cattle, and Dexter cattle, direct-marketing beef to their community while also using goats for fire abatement and neighborhood grazing services. She talks about adapting her grazing management, expanding into irrigation, and the role her children now play in the family operation. Dana also introduces the infinite banking concept, a financial strategy she has adopted for building resilience and long-term security for her family and ranch.
Topics covered in this episode:
This episode is for graziers who want inspiration on building a profitable, regenerative, family-centered ranch while exploring creative ways to finance growth. Dana’s story blends practical grazing insights with long-term financial thinking that may spark new ideas for your own operation.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal visits with Karl Palmberg of Sunlight and Rain in northwest Iowa. Karl shares his journey from growing up on a farm, serving in the Air Force, and eventually returning home to rebuild his family’s cattle operation. He dives into the lessons learned from shifting to no-till farming, integrating livestock for soil health, and experimenting with genetics for grass-fed beef. A major focus of this conversation is Karl’s experience adopting virtual fencing technology with Gallagher’s eShepherd collars—how it’s changed his management, saved time, and opened new possibilities for grazing.
Topics covered include:
Karl’s story is a reminder of how regenerative practices are often a process of trial, error, and persistence. His candid take on the benefits and limitations of virtual fencing offers practical insight for graziers considering this new technology.
If you’ve wondered whether virtual collars could fit into your grazing system—or if you’re curious about one farmer’s path from conventional tillage to regenerative practices—this episode is packed with honest lessons and real-world advice. Karl’s mix of military discipline, family heritage, and innovative curiosity makes for a compelling story.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics
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eShepherd
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Original Music by Louis Palfrey
Bruce shares his journey from managing sheep and goats to building a South Poll seedstock operation, the pivotal experiences that shaped his philosophy, and how he balances practicality with profitability. He also reflects on the importance of family, community, and keeping options open in an unpredictable business.
In this episode, we cover:
Whether you’re a grazier looking to simplify your system, or just curious about the South Poll breed, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and real-world experience.
Bruce doesn’t overcomplicate things—his success comes from sticking to the basics. His “simple recipe” offers a refreshing reminder that profitability often comes from focus, discipline, and letting cattle prove themselves in the environment they’re meant for. If you’re thinking about South Polls, sheep, or just streamlining your grazing operation, Bruce’s story will give you ideas and encouragement.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics
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South Poll Field Day & Sale
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Original Music by Louis Palfrey
Josh shares his journey as a sixth-generation grazier managing South Poll cattle, woodland-raised pork, and pasture poultry with his father. He grew up immersed in rotational grazing from the late 1990s, giving him a unique second-generation perspective on regenerative practices. Josh explains how their family transitioned from commercial breeds to South Polls in 2006, seeing immediate differences in heat tolerance, fly resistance, and docility. Today, they run a registered South Poll herd and market animals both as seed stock and direct-to-consumer beef.
Key topics covered:
This episode highlights the long-term benefits of sticking with regenerative grazing across generations and offers a candid look at building both seed stock and direct-to-consumer businesses. Josh’s experience with South Poll cattle provides valuable insights for anyone considering heat-tolerant, grass-efficient breeds.
Resources mentioned:
Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics
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Ann and Bob share their journey from Nebraska crop and cattle farming to building a regenerative grazing operation in the Ozarks. They discuss the challenges of starting over, investing in infrastructure like tire tanks and fencing, and adapting their herd with South Poll genetics to fit their environment. Their story highlights resilience, stewardship, and the pursuit of nutrient-dense beef and healthier soils.
Topics covered in this episode:
Why listen to this episode:
Ann and Bob bring decades of hands-on experience, showing how management, not just genetics or land, drives success. From portable waters to garlic salt minerals, they share practical insights any grazier can apply. Their emphasis on stewardship, learning, and resilience will inspire both beginners and seasoned graziers alike.
Resources mentioned:
Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics
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Todd Barkley of Barkley Ranch in Southeast Montana joins us to share his journey as a fourth-generation rancher balancing education, cattle, and regenerative practices. Todd talks about building his cow herd through AI, crossbreeding with Herefords, and now introducing Galloway genetics for winter hardiness and fly resistance. He also dives deep into cover crops, soil health, and the powerful role of epigenetics in shaping cattle for the environment. A major highlight is his firsthand experience with Gallagher’s eShepherd virtual fencing system and how it’s changing the way he manages pastures and labor on his ranch.
We cover topics including:
This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about how virtual fencing works on a real ranch, or for producers considering breed selection to better match cattle to their environment. Todd’s perspective shows how combining tradition, experimentation, and technology can strengthen both the land and the herd.
Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics
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