The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast

In this episode, Glenn Elzinga of Alderspring Ranch shares the remarkable journey from starting with just seven cows and 60 acres in rural Idaho to building one of the nation's most recognized direct-marketed grass-fed beef businesses. Along the way, Glenn discusses how a defining moment involving a Kansas feedlot changed the direction of his operation and led him toward regenerative grazing, direct marketing, and a relationship-centered business model. The conversation explores adaptive grazing in some of the most rugged and predator-rich country in the American West, including how wolves unexpectedly became teachers that transformed both grazing management and ecosystem health. Glenn also shares lessons on family succession, customer loyalty, stockmanship, and building resilience beyond commodity markets. 🔑 Key Points Covered: A Defining Feedlot Moment: A conversation with his young daughter after seeing cattle standing in feedlot conditions sparked a complete reevaluation of how livestock should be raised and marketed. Building a Direct-to-Consumer Business: Glenn explains how a conversation with Joel Salatin encouraged him to pursue direct marketing, eventually growing a customer base of more than 14,000 loyal buyers despite living in one of the most remote regions of Idaho. The Power of Relationship Marketing: Eliminating middlemen and focusing on direct customer relationships created resilience and profitability that commodity markets often cannot provide. From Caretakers to Caregivers: Glenn discusses a shift in mindset from simply managing livestock to truly caring for animals and designing systems that respect their natural behaviors. Wolves as Unlikely Teachers: Predator pressure forced the ranch to rethink grazing management, leading to tighter herd movement, improved stockmanship, healthier ecosystems, and dramatically reduced losses. Adaptive Grazing in Brittle Environments: Glenn shares how cattle may graze a paddock for only a few minutes before receiving multi-year rest periods, allowing plant communities and soil health to recover and thrive. Rest Periods Matter More Than Density: In extremely brittle environments, long recovery periods become the key to restoring grasslands, improving biodiversity, and building resilient ecosystems. Restoring Riparian Areas Through Herd Management: By changing grazing behavior and reducing cattle pressure on sensitive areas, streams, water quality, fish habitat, and riparian ecosystems have improved dramatically. Family Succession and Creating Opportunity: Glenn explains how involving his seven daughters in meaningful ranch work helped create a future where multiple generations remain actively connected to the ranch. Stacking Enterprises Through Diversity: The ranch combines livestock enterprises, ecosystem services, wildlife, and direct marketing to create multiple complementary income streams while improving ecological function. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Focus on building relationships—not only with customers, but also with livestock, soil biology, forage, and local communities. In brittle environments, prioritize longer recovery periods rather than simply increasing grazing density. View challenges and disruptions as opportunities to rethink outdated paradigms and discover better management systems. Create opportunities for the next generation by building diverse enterprises that allow multiple family members to participate in the business. Develop direct marketing channels that make you a price maker rather than a price taker. 📌 Memorable Quote: "The whole thing, in one word, is relationship." 📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to visit us here for our latest specials and exclusive offers:https://www.stockmangrassfarmer.com 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover how relationships—with customers, livestock, ecosystems, and family—can transform both profitability and resilience on the ranch.

In this episode, Rebekah Pierce, author of Agri-Energy: Growing Power, Growing Food, joins Carolyn Nation to share her hands-on experience with agrovoltaics—the practice of grazing livestock under solar panels. Rebekah currently manages seven solar grazing sites across four counties in upstate New York, transforming underutilized land into productive agricultural systems while providing vegetation management for solar companies. The conversation explores how solar grazing works in practice, how farmers can find and secure contracts, and why sheep have become the go-to species for these systems. Rebekah also addresses common concerns around farmland loss, food safety, and soil health, offering a grounded, farmer-first perspective on integrating renewable energy with agriculture. 🔑 Key Points Covered: Getting Started with Solar GrazingRebekah explains how she landed her first solar grazing contract in 2022 and how farmer-to-farmer connections opened the door to rapid growth. Finding Opportunities in the Solar IndustrySolar grazing requires “detective work”—from tracking construction projects and attending town board meetings to navigating the divide between solar builders and maintenance companies. Land Use, Soil Health, and Public ConcernsMany solar sites are built on non-prime or previously degraded land. Through managed rotational grazing, these areas can improve significantly while remaining in agriculture for 20–40 years. Livestock Compatibility with Solar SitesSheep are the most practical option today, but Rebekah discusses emerging possibilities for cattle, poultry, and other livestock as panel designs evolve. Farming Under the PanelsBeyond grazing, farmers are growing vegetables, hay, sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, and even cranberries under and around solar arrays as equipment and layouts adapt. Economics Without SubsidiesPayments for vegetation management come directly from solar companies, providing steady income that has been transformative for Rebekah’s first-generation farm. Safety, Food Quality, and Environmental RealityRebekah addresses concerns about contamination, panel materials, and food safety, pointing to research showing no issues with meat from solar-grazed sites. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Start tracking local solar projects by attending town meetings and monitoring planning notices. Build relationships with solar developers, operations companies, and cooperatives like United Agrovoltaics. Consider sheep as a low-barrier entry point for solar grazing systems. Use intensive rotational grazing to improve soil health while meeting vegetation management requirements. Stay persistent—solar grazing contracts often require repeated follow-ups and long timelines. 📌 Resources & Links: Agri-Energy: Growing Power, Growing Food by Rebekah Pierce United Agrovoltaics Cooperative 👉 Subscribe to the Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast for more real-world conversations on regenerative agriculture, innovative land use, and building resilient farm businesses.  

Recorded at: SGF’s First Gathering at Polyface (2021) In this episode, Jordan Green shares the foundational mindset and practical decision-making required to become a true farm builder. Recorded at SGF’s first-ever Gathering at Polyface, the conversation reflects on the realities of building a farm business through economic uncertainty, market shifts, and long-term growth challenges. Drawing from his experience as a Polyface apprentice, Marine Corps veteran, and diversified farmer alongside his wife Laura, Jordan explores how focus, simplification, and resilience shaped their farming journey—from the late-2000s economic crisis through the COVID-era disruptions. This episode emphasizes building systems that endure rather than chasing short-term wins. 🔑 Key Points Covered: What It Means to Be a Farm BuilderThe difference between operating a farm and intentionally building a long-term, resilient farm business. Lessons from Economic DownturnsHow the 2008 financial crisis and pandemic-era challenges reshaped Jordan’s approach to risk and growth. Simplification as a Growth StrategyWhy narrowing enterprise focus can strengthen profitability and sustainability. Choosing the Right EnterprisesMatching farm enterprises to land capability, labor capacity, and lifestyle goals. Building Through UncertaintyDeveloping adaptability and decision-making frameworks that hold up when conditions change. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Build your farm with a long-term vision rather than reacting to short-term pressures. Simplify enterprises to reduce risk and improve operational clarity. Align your business decisions with your personal and family goals. Embrace adaptability as a core strength, not a weakness. Focus on systems that support resilience through economic and market cycles. 📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to visit us for our latest specials, live events, and monthly magazine:👉 stockmangrassfarmer.digital 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to the Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and explore real-world lessons from producers building farms that last.

In this episode of The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast, Danielle Devota shares practical, boots-on-the-ground lessons from her first full season selling meat at a farmers’ market. Drawing from her experience raising grassfed beef, pasture-raised chicken, and forest-raised pork, Danielle walks through the real considerations behind moving from selling meat shares to offering retail cuts—and what that shift meant for customer relationships, cash flow, and long-term planning. The episode explores the realities of small-scale, regenerative meat sales, including product availability, butcher scheduling, pricing confidence, and market logistics. Rather than offering theory, Danielle provides clear, experience-driven insights that can help producers decide if farmers’ markets fit their operation—and how to do them better if they do. 🔑 Key Points Covered: Why Retail Meat Changed EverythingHow offering smaller quantities expanded Danielle’s customer base and created more consistent cash flow. Seasonality & Product AvailabilityEducating customers on why certain cuts—and meats—aren’t always available year-round. Choosing the Right Market CommitmentTesting markets before committing, picking timeframes that fit forage and production cycles, and knowing when to skip low-return days. Cut Selection & Inventory StrategyFocusing on staple cuts first and letting customer demand guide future offerings. Market Costs & Labor RealityBeing honest about booth fees, equipment, time investment, and the true cost of having multiple people at the stand. Booth Placement & VisibilityWhy consistency matters—and how advocating for your space helps retain regular customers. Pre-Orders & Customer FlowUsing pre-orders to manage inventory and create momentum at the booth. Email List Building at MarketsTurning face-to-face interactions into long-term customer relationships. Creative Displays for Frozen MeatUsing signage, photos, and chalkboards to make frozen products easier to understand and sell. Standing by Your PricingPreparing for price objections and confidently communicating the value of pasture-raised, regeneratively produced meat. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Start with a limited product lineup and expand only after demand is proven. Use farmers’ markets as both a sales channel and a customer education opportunity. Protect your time and cash flow by evaluating each market day as a business decision. Capture customer contact information every chance you get. Remember—not everyone is your customer, and that’s okay. 📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to visit us for our latest articles, podcast episodes, specials, and educational offerings:👉 stockmangrassfarmer.digital 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and learn from producers navigating real-world grazing, marketing, and livestock challenges—straight from the pasture.    

In this episode of The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast, Mike Stockton shares a clear, experience-driven look at common breeding season strategies and the decision-making process behind selecting the right approach for your operation. Drawing from his own work raising direct-market beef on leased land, Mike explains how calving timing and breeding method choices affect labor, cash flow, genetics, and long-term herd resilience. Rather than promoting a single “best” system, this episode focuses on options—helping producers evaluate what works best for their land, resources, and goals. Mike also details why he chose artificial insemination to access adapted genetics affordably, inspired by leaders like Kit Pharo, Greg Judy, Jaime Elizondo, and Gabe Brown. 🔑 Key Points Covered Three Common Calving Systems Year-round, spring, and fall calving — with practical pros and cons for each based on forage availability, climate, labor, and marketing flexibility. Why Spring Calving Gets Attention in Regenerative Systems Aligning peak nutritional demand with abundant grass to reduce costs and improve calf health. Fall Calving as a Heat-Management Strategy How cooler temperatures support breed-back success and market timing advantages. Bull Options Explained Renting a bull, buying a bull, or using artificial insemination — including cost, flexibility, genetics, and management considerations. Using AI to Access Adapted Genetics Mike’s experience sourcing South Poll genetics locally and keeping breeding costs under $50 per calf. Breeding Decisions for Direct-Marketed Beef Why body condition, fertility, and longevity matter when selling beef directly to customers. 🌱 Actionable Insights Match your calving season to forage growth and climate to reduce feed costs and stress on cows. Consider AI if you have a small herd or leased land and want access to high-quality adapted genetics without owning a bull. Remember that the bull contributes 50% of your herd’s genetics — invest thoughtfully. Use breeding decisions as a long-term strategy to build herd value and resilience. Don’t be afraid to test a new approach each year and evaluate the results. 📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to visit us here for our latest specials and exclusive offers: 👉 stockmangrassfarmer.digital 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and explore practical grazing and livestock management lessons straight from the pasture.

In this episode we're flipping the script as host Steve Kenyon of Greener Pastures Ranching leads a special Wednesday Night Networking conversation featuring Carolyn Nation, co-owner of The Stockman Grass Farmer magazine. This wide-ranging discussion explores the history of the iconic publication, the legacy of Alan Nation, the evolution of regenerative grazing education, and the real-world challenges of custom grazing and landowner relationships today. The episode offers a candid look at how WNN began during COVID, why it continues to thrive in its sixth season, and how informal, producer-led learning is shaping the regenerative agriculture community across North America. Steve and Carolyn blend storytelling, history, business insights, and practical advice for graziers navigating today’s changing land access and livestock markets. Carolyn shares the remarkable story behind SGF — from Alan’s early journalism days to the pivotal New Zealand trip that transformed the magazine into the leading voice of grass-based agriculture. Steve expands on his own journey with SGF, his experiences as a custom grazier, and the human relationship dynamics that make or break grazing enterprises. 🔑 Key Points Covered: The Roots of the Wednesday Night Networking SeriesHow WNN began during COVID, why it has lasted six seasons, and the unique peer-to-peer learning format that keeps producers coming back. The Origin Story of The Stockman Grass FarmerHow a trip to New Zealand and one farmer’s comment about being a “grass farmer” dramatically reshaped the magazine’s mission. Alan Nation’s LegacyReflections on Alan’s journalism career, his influential books, his global impact on grazing thought, and how SGF continues to share his insights through “Alan’s Obs.” The Evolution of SGF’s Education PlatformFrom print to events like “The Gathering,” to digital content, podcasts, and business schools co-led by Steve and Joel Salatin. Realities of Custom GrazingThe importance of the Animal Keepers Act in Canada, navigating difficult customer and landowner personalities, and why reliability matters more than the highest-paying clients. Land Ownership & Leasing ChallengesHow generational transitions complicate grazing arrangements and strategies for working with landowners unfamiliar with agriculture. Economics of Land Leasing & Grazing RatesWhy lease rates vary so drastically, what drives market shifts, and why maintaining long-term relationships often outweighs raising prices. Supporting the Regenerative CommunityCarolyn’s invitation for producers to contribute articles and share their experiences for the benefit of the wider grazing community. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Build relationships intentionally — the people you work with matter as much as the land or livestock. Protect your operation legally with tools like the Animal Keepers Act or liens when appropriate. Focus on reliable customers and landowners rather than chasing the highest price. Share your story — real-world grazing experience helps strengthen the entire community. Leverage education and peer networks like WNN for continuous learning and support. 📌 For more insights and resources — including SGF courses, digital content, magazines, and our latest specials — visit: 👉 stockmangrassfarmer.digital 👉 Tune in on your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast for more real-world grazing wisdom from the leaders shaping today’s regenerative movement.