Nic Moss - Bunchgrass Grazing

Nic Moss - Bunchgrass Grazing

What would you do if sheepherding a flock of sheep for a Diné family ignited a lifelong passion in you? Do you wish more people were in tune with where their food comes from and had the knowledge to process an animal themselves? In this episode, Nic Moss, with Bunchgrass Grazing, shares his journey from nomadic shepherd to general contractor, and back again to being a shepherd, but this time as a prescribed sheep and goat grazer with a passion for teaching others about the death and harvesting process. Listen in and learn how this G.O.A.T spends his days educating others and restoring the soil in Central California as a modern-day shepherd. Find him @ Website: https://www.bunchgrassgrazing.com/ Instagram: bunchgrass.grazing Facebook: Nicholas Moss Use Code MaxGraze10 at Nofence.com Show notes: Chapters 00:00 Nofence ad 04:56 Introduction to Targeted Grazing in California 08:24 The Journey of Bunch Grass Grazing 09:56The Growth of the Herd and Business Model 14:10 Understanding Grazing Dynamics and Soil Health 17:07 The Role of Weeds in Soil Health 23:21 Grazing contract 26:52 Contracting with livestock transportation 27:05 Future of Targeted Grazing 37:50 The transition from Contracting to Grazing 42:50 Core Tenants of a Grazing Business 44:04 Discovering a Passion for Soil and Nature 46:19 Innovative Uses for Wool and Fiber 51:48 Reconnecting with Meat Processing 57:17 Challenges of Livestock Management 57:41 The Emotional Toll of Ranching 01:00:41 Wild Encounters and Challenges in Grazing 01:03:30 Managing Toxic Plants in Grazing 01:06:13 Grazing in Vineyards: Strategies and Practices 01:10:02 Pricing and Negotiating Grazing Contracts 01:15:31 Advice for Aspiring Shepherds 01:19:16 The End

Chad Raines - Key Farms

If the fate of your family farm was in your hands, what would you do to save it from bankruptcy? Where would you go to learn more about the opportunities within the solar grazing industry? Chad Raines, owner and operator of Key Farms, joined Max Wade on The Goat Grazing Podcast and talked about his journey into becoming a solar sheep grazer. He detailed how sheep were the tool that allowed him to save his family farm and shared the resources that new solar grazers can use to jumpstart their growth and become a member of the American Solar Grazing Association. Where can you find him: Facebook: Chad Raines If you want to become a member sign up at ASGA: https://solargrazing.org/

Stephanie Bowers - The Glorious Goat Ranch

Have you thought about becoming a goat grazer but are too afraid to take the leap and quit your job? Do you get tired of always setting up electric net fencing? Stephanie Bowers with The Glorious Goat Ranch, joined Max Wade to discuss how Nofence gave her the power to manage her herds of goats virtually, eliminating much of the need for electric net fencing, all while working full time for UW Madison. Where you can find her: @ Facebook: Glorious Goat Ranch and Goats On the Go - Green Bay Website: gloriousgoatranch.com Show Notes: Chapters Introduction : 0:00 01:36: introducing Stephanie Bowers 04:45: Exploring Goats on The Go 12:16: Managing a large scale operation 19:40: Marketing through goat grazing 27:41: Cost justification for virtual collars 34:33: The great goat escape 40:05: Understanding Nofence Collar saftey 47:07: Understanding your value 55:21: Value added products and goat leasing. 1:04:00: The End

Marc Warnke - Pack Goats

Do you dream of hiking deep into the back country with your family, but can't convince them to carry the packs it would take to make it a comfortable trip? Have you wondered what it would be like to survive entirely off of goat milk on a multi-day hike deep into the mountains? Are goats as lovable as dogs? Marc Warnke, owner and operator of Pack Goats , joins Max Wade on The Goat Grazing Podcast to discuss how pack carrying goats were the key to getting his whole family deep into the back country, how he survived on a trip drinking over two gallons of goat milk per day, and how the goats have changed his life and gained a true place in his heart. Find him at: Instagram: @packgoats and @Marcwarnke Facebook: @packgoats.com and @Marcwarnke Youtube: @packgoatscom and Show Notes: * (00:00) Introduction to Marc Warnke and the multifaceted power of goats * (02:24) How goats became Idaho’s best backcountry livestock * (07:01) The influence of origin stories and goats' capabilities in the wild * (12:10) The pioneering work of John Mayansinski in goat pack history * (14:30) Innovative gear, load balancing, and travel logistics for goats * (18:04) Managing predators and camp safety in predator-rich environments * (20:20) Goats' nutrition, forage, and wild feeding behaviors * (25:50) Ripple Ranch * (28:50 How goats foster connection and therapeutic interactions * (36:36) Breeding for performance, desire, and herd dynamics * (42:00) Conditioning goats for endurance and agility * (55:30) Hunting with goats: stealth, scent cover, and game calling * (1:05:31) Getting into pack goats * (1:08:21) Purpose-driven animal use: respect, reverence, and stewardship * (1:09:38) A trip to live off goat milk—long-distance, high-altitude adventure * (1:12:27) Biochemical changes in goat milk during demanding backcountry work * (1:21:20) The importance of social media * (1:28:38) Advice to people looking to get into pack goats * (1:34:53) The end

Beau Stafford - Wiscovery Farms

Do you struggle to keep grazing jobs out ahead of you? What would you do if a solar farm was put up near your house? Have you wished there was a better way to manage your herd? Beau Stafford with Wiscovery Farms joins Max to discuss his journey into solar grazing and what led him to get Nofence electric net collars, which have transformed the way he operates his business and allow him to sleep at night with peace of mind. Find him @ Instagram: Wiscoveryfarm Facebook: Wiscovery Farm Website: Wiscoveryfarm.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Solar Grazing and Sheep Farming 06:11 The Journey into Solar Grazing 09:27 Scaling Up: From 15 to 300 Sheep 12:53 Innovative Composting Practices 16:15 Contract Grazing: Working with Utility Companies 20:03 Navigating Challenges in Solar Grazing 23:24 The Benefits of Grazing Under Solar Panels 26:41 Virtual Fencing: A Game Changer for Grazing 30:12 Financial Considerations and Grant Opportunities 33:35 Mental Health and Peace of Mind in Farming 45:40 The 24/7 Responsibility of Livestock Management 46:28 Remote Monitoring: A Game Changer for Farmers 47:22 Understanding Animal Behavior Through Technology 49:08 Mental Health in Farming: The Importance of Peace of Mind 50:51 Innovative Grazing Techniques: Silvopasture Management 52:41 Breeding Management: The Role of Technology 54:43 The Future of Solar Grazing: Opportunities and Challenges 57:30 Training Livestock for Virtual Fencing 01:00:22 Innovations in Solar Grazing: Enhancing Livestock Welfare 01:04:31 Navigating the Solar Grazing Industry 01:17:57 Advice for New Grazers: Building Relationships and Knowledge