In this episode, I visit the southern Oregon coast to sit down with Gavin, the young owner of Qualman Oyster Farm in Charleston. Gavin shares how he found his way into oyster farming and what it takes to operate inside the protected South Slough Estuary, where every oyster is hand-planted and every decision is shaped by tides, timing, and the quality of the mud beneath his feet.

Gavin breaks down the essentials of growing oysters year-round, the challenges posed by invasive species like sand shrimp and green crabs, and how sustainability and regulation intersect — sometimes in helpful ways, sometimes not. He also talks about leasing estuary ground from the government, the science behind healthy shellfish beds, and how the industry can move forward with policies that support both farmers and ecosystems.

It’s a thoughtful look at the future of oyster farming through the lens of someone who genuinely loves the work and is committed to building something meaningful on the Oregon coast.

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In this episode of Talkin’ Dirt, I sit down with Michael from Lost Coast Ranch, tucked out on one of the most remote and rugged stretches of Northern California. Michael’s lived an adventurous, humble life across the region, and we talk about the path that eventually led him to the Lost Coast and the land he now stewards.

He walks me through how he keeps healthy grass in such a harsh environment, from traditional ecological knowledge to pasture rotation, broadcast burns, and learning season by season. We also get into the realities of marketing beef out there, the challenges of organic labels, and the differences he sees between Wagyu and Angus cattle. Along the way, we even circle back to Sarah and Lee from Humboldt Grassfed Beef and the work they’re doing in the community.

Recorded right on the Lost Coast, this conversation blends ranching, philosophy, and the history of the land in a way that only a place like this can bring out.

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In this episode of Talkin’ Dirt, I sat down with Sarah and Lee from Humboldt Grassfed Beef, a fourth-generation family ranch in Northern California. We talked about what it really takes to raise cattle the right way — from managing healthy pastures to producing high-quality, grass-finished beef. They walk me through the ranch’s evolution over the years, the day-to-day realities of running a herd, and how good grazing practices translate into better soil, better beef, and a more resilient business.

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Twitter: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TalkinDirtPod⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TalkinDirt.farm