Jason Schoenfelder, a passionate advocate for sustainable cattle farming, is our featured guest. Raised on the sun-soaked ranches of Southeast Arizona, Jason's journey took him to the verdant pastures of Northeast Oregon, where he has embraced innovative, pasture-based cattle finishing operations. Influenced by the revolutionary ideas of Allen Savory, Jason is dedicated to enhancing rangeland health and crafting economically sustainable models in the cattle industry. His commitment to high animal welfare standards and innovative grazing techniques makes him a beacon of responsible and eco-friendly ranching.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Jason's upbringing and introduction to rotational grazing in Southeast Arizona
• Transition to pasture-based cattle finishing in Northeast Oregon
• The influence of Allen Savory and holistic management practices
• Challenges and successes in the cattle industry
• Implementation of regenerative agriculture through the Grazewell program
• Pasture management techniques, including strategic crop rotations
• Insights into maintaining soil health and resource management, especially water
• Importance of retaining ownership in cattle breeding for profitability
• Consumer demand for high-quality, sustainably produced beef
• Cooperative models like Country Natural Beef and their impact on sustainable practices

Listeners should tune in to this episode to gain a deeper understanding of sustainable cattle farming practices and the challenges and rewards of pasture-based operations. Jason Schoenfelder's journey offers valuable insights into the intricate balance required in resource management and innovative approaches to cattle feeding. Whether you are a seasoned rancher or an aspiring one, this episode provides practical guidance and inspiration for producing quality beef responsibly. By exploring themes of ecological balance and sustainability, Jason's story encourages listeners to embrace forward-thinking practices that benefit both the land and the beef industry.

Links Mentioned in the Episode

Northwest Pasture Beef

Country Natural Beef

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources (Coming Soon)
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction and Fast Five with Jason Schoenfelder
• (01:28) - Jason's Background and Grazing Journey
• (02:34) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast
• (03:09) - Noble Research Institute Courses
• (04:11) - Cal's Grazing Update
• (05:28) - Join the Grazing Grass Community
• (05:58) - Jason's Early Career and Experiences
• (13:23) - Transition to Beef Northwest Feeders
• (16:10) - Understanding GAP Standards
• (23:02) - Pasture Finishing Program Details
• (29:48) - Country Natural Beef Cooperative
• (35:38) - Ownership and Financial Ramifications for Ranchers
• (36:53) - Grading and Market Value of Cattle
• (40:38) - Introduction to Grazewell Program
• (44:27) - Grazewell Program Details and Implementation
• (49:41) - Country Natural Beef and Market Reach
• (50:44) - Final Thoughts and Advice for Ranchers
• (53:42) - Famous Four Questions
• (01:02:41) - Podcast Goals and Listener Engagement

Karson Rippstein is a rancher from The Rip Ranch in central Utah. His family's involvement in the industry dating back to the late 1800s. Karson has effectively combined traditional ranching methods with innovative practices, transforming undervalued plots of land into a thriving and sustainable cattle business. His journey is marked by resilience, creativity, and a commitment to sustainable grazing techniques, which have allowed his family's ranch to prosper even on less desirable land.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Family ranching and grazing land utilization
• Building a beef herd on undervalued land
• Expanding cattle ranching through the formation of an LLC
• Family communication and transparency in ranching
• Transitioning to low-input cattle ranching
• Challenges of public lands grazing and breeding
• Redmond's approach to mineral supplementation
• Nuances of mineral supplementation in cattle nutrition
• Recommended resources and tools for ranch management

Listeners should tune into this episode to gain valuable insights into modern cattle ranching and sustainable grazing practices. Karson Rippstein's story offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation, showcasing how resilience and strategic decision-making can lead to success in the cattle industry. Whether you're a seasoned rancher or new to the field, Karson's experiences and practical advice provide inspiration and guidance for anyone looking to improve their ranching operations. His focus on collaboration, efficient land use, and natural supplementation offers listeners a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in modern ranching.

Links Mentioned in the Episode
Ripp Ranch on YouTube

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources (Coming Soon)
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction to Ranching with Family
• (00:10) - Fast Five with Karson Rippstein
• (01:38) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast
• (03:04) - Electric Fence Challenges
• (06:24) - Karson's Ranching Journey
• (08:01) - Starting with Small Herds
• (23:38) - Forming the Family LLC
• (34:16) - Shifting to Low Input Cows
• (41:40) - Understanding Public Land Grazing
• (42:45) - Grazing on Public Land: Permits and Challenges
• (45:43) - Managing Cattle Breeding on Shared Grazing Lands
• (46:28) - Adapting Calving Seasons for Better Efficiency
• (51:34) - Innovative Grazing Practices and Virtual Fencing
• (52:52) - Extending Grazing Seasons for Profitability
• (54:31) - Introduction to Redmond Agriculture
• (56:47) - Redmond's Unique Mineral Products
• (01:00:46) - Philosophy on Mineral Supplementation
• (01:16:32) - Famous Four Questions
• (01:20:21) - Practical Tips for New Ranchers

Big Tom Perkins is a seasoned farmer who has successfully navigated the challenging transition from cattle to sheep farming. With his extensive experience at Con-O-Creek Farm in western Pennsylvania, he has become a beacon of innovation in livestock management and rotational grazing. His story is one of resilience, having faced and overcome significant obstacles such as strip mining and labor shortages. Through embracing modern techniques and programs like the National Sheep Improvement Program, Big Tom has revitalized his farm, focusing on traits like weight gain and parasite resistance to build a thriving sheep operation.

Topics Covered

• Transition from cattle to sheep farming
• Rotational grazing techniques
• Overcoming environmental and labor challenges
• The impact of strip mining on farming
• Utilization of the National Sheep Improvement Program
• Importance of breeding and genetics in sheep farming
• Effective fencing strategies for livestock
• Managing multiple lambing seasons
• Starting and producing the Grazing Sheep Podcast
• Personal growth through farming and podcasting

Listeners should tune in to this episode to gain invaluable insights into sustainable farming practices from a seasoned expert. Big Tom Perkins not only shares practical wisdom and innovative strategies but also inspires with his personal journey of adaptation and growth. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or new to the field, this podcast offers lessons in both farming and life, encouraging a shift towards more sustainable and efficient agricultural practices.

Links Mentioned in the Episode
Con-O-Creek Farm
Grazing Sheep Podcast

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources (Coming Soon)
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction to Today's Episode
• (00:18) - Meet Big Tom Perkins
• (01:27) - The Grazing Grass Podcast Overview
• (03:40) - Challenges and Innovations in Grazing
• (04:39) - Tom's Farming Background
• (10:43) - Transition to Rotational Grazing
• (17:30) - Adding Sheep to the Operation
• (20:09) - National Sheep Improvement Program
• (30:12) - Grazing Management and Fencing Solutions
• (41:49) - Marketing and Breeding Strategies
• (42:18) - Selling Older Sheep and Meat Market Plans
• (43:02) - Breeding Strategies and Hybrid Vigor
• (43:54) - Lambing Seasons and Management
• (44:24) - Mothering Ability and Culling Decisions
• (45:20) - The Excitement of Lambing Season
• (47:02) - National Sheep Improvement Program (NSIP) Insights
• (55:14) - Starting the Grazing Sheep Podcast
• (59:10) - Podcast Production and Listener Growth
• (01:06:15) - Favorite Resources and Tools for Grazing
• (01:12:02) - Advice for New Shepherds
• (01:15:01) - Where to Find More Information
• (01:16:22) - Final Thoughts and Outro