Trees as Tools — Grazing with Purpose with Austin Unruh

In this episode, Allan Nation breaks down custom grazing from the client’s perspective and explains why the future of profitable ranching may depend more on management and service than land ownership or cattle ownership. Drawing from decades of economic analysis and real-world ranch examples, Allan challenges many long-held assumptions in the cattle business. He explores why separating land and livestock into two distinct businesses can dramatically improve returns, why leasing often outperforms owning, and how graziers can position themselves as high-value service providers rather than commodity producers. The episode also dives deep into pricing cattle gain, building investor-ready operations, improving forage systems, and creating the kind of professionalism and trust that keeps custom grazing clients coming back year after year. 🔑 Key Points Covered: Why Service-Based Ranching Can Be More Profitable: Allan explains how selling grazing and management services can outperform traditional cattle ownership models and create higher ROI with lower capital risk. The Economics of Leasing vs. Owning Land: Learn why leased land often creates stronger financial flexibility, lower tax burdens, and better long-term returns than heavily financed deeded land. Value of Gain Pricing Explained: Allan breaks down how successful custom graziers price based on pounds of gain rather than cattle value alone, including performance bonuses tied to ADG and death loss. What Custom Grazing Clients Actually Want: From strong perimeter fencing and clean facilities to professional communication and regular weigh reports, Allan shares what builds long-term client confidence. Grass Finishing and Seasonal Gain Challenges: The episode explores seasonal forage quality, finishing targets, forage chains, and why certain annuals can dramatically improve summer and fall gains. Reducing Capital and Machinery Costs: Allan highlights why many of the most profitable operations focus on lowering hay dependence, reducing machinery investment, and improving stocking flexibility. How to Build an Investor-Ready Grazing Business: Learn how disciplined economics, clear contracts, and operational consistency can attract outside capital and create scalable opportunities. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Evaluate whether leasing land could improve your flexibility and return on investment compared to owning additional acreage. Build custom grazing agreements around value of gain, performance metrics, and transparent reporting systems. Focus on lowering machinery, hay, and labor costs rather than chasing maximum production numbers. Improve professionalism with better fencing, organized infrastructure, clean branding, and documented performance history. Develop forage chains and grazing systems that maintain strong gains throughout more of the year. 📌 Want more practical grazing and ranch profitability insights?Be sure to visit us here for our latest specials, courses, magazine subscriptions, and exclusive offers: The Stockman Grassfarmer  👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover why understanding the client’s perspective may be one of the most profitable shifts a grazier can make.

In this episode, Greg Judy shares practical, field-tested lessons on building profitable and resilient multi-species grazing systems. This remastered session dives into the infrastructure, grazing strategies, drought planning, and diversified income streams that help producers improve pasture performance while reducing dependence on costly inputs. From fencing and portable paddocks to hunting leases and soil health, Greg explains how intentional management can dramatically improve both profitability and land resilience. 🔑 Key Points Covered: Fence is the Highest ROI Investment:Permanent perimeter fencing built with high-tensile steel creates control, improves grazing management, and prevents costly overgrazing. Portable Paddocks Increase Flexibility:Starting with portable polywire instead of permanent interior divisions allows producers to adapt quickly and improve rotations efficiently. Water Systems Matter—but Don’t Overbuild:Strategic water placement is important, but cattle can walk farther than many producers assume. Sunlight Harvesting Drives Profitability:Maintaining adequate leaf area and plant residuals maximizes solar energy capture and pasture productivity. High-Density Grazing Done Correctly Works:Frequent moves and controlled grazing can improve pasture recovery and animal performance when properly managed. Multi-Species Grazing Creates Synergy:Sheep, poultry, pigs, and cattle all bring unique advantages—from weed control and fertility cycling to diversified income streams. Hunting and Fishing as Revenue Streams:Recreational access such as hunting leases and fishing days can create additional income from existing land resources. Drought Requires Early Action:Greg emphasizes monitoring regrowth closely and reducing stocking rates early before overgrazing creates long-term damage. Soil Cover is Critical:Maintaining a “litter bank” protects soil moisture, reduces temperatures, improves infiltration, and keeps rainfall where it belongs. Infrastructure Should Simplify Labor:Lightweight reels, effective fencing systems, and thoughtful layouts dramatically reduce daily workload and stress. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Prioritize permanent perimeter fence before investing heavily in other infrastructure. Start with portable polywire systems to improve grazing flexibility and reduce upfront costs. Protect ponds and water sources from direct livestock access. Monitor forage regrowth regularly—especially during drought conditions. Maintain adequate plant residuals and soil cover to improve water retention and pasture recovery. Diversify enterprises to create multiple income streams from the same acreage. Consider recreational opportunities like hunting or fishing access where appropriate. Use species strategically—sheep for smaller acreages, poultry for fertility, pigs for diversification. Simplify systems to reduce labor and improve operational sustainability. 📌 Special Offer for Podcast Listeners:This episode comes directly from Greg Judy’s in-depth grazing course. 👉 Get a discounted link to the full video recording here The full course goes even deeper into:• Multi-species grazing systems• Fencing and infrastructure• Drought resilience• Soil health• Profitability strategies• Livestock management Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover how intentional grazing management can transform your land, livestock, and bottom line.

In this episode, Doug McCarty shares the story behind farmersnavigator.com — a tool designed to help producers cut through the complexity of U.S. agricultural programs and make better, more informed decisions.  The episode explores how confusing program requirements, shifting regulations, and “government-ese” often prevent producers from accessing valuable resources. Doug explains how the Navigator simplifies this process through plain-language guides and a localized dashboard called the Pulse, giving producers real-time, actionable insights based on their ZIP code. From drought alerts to funding opportunities, this conversation highlights how better information—and better delivery of that information—can empower producers to take control of their operations. 🔑 Key Points Covered: The Problem with Complexity:Many producers avoid USDA programs due to confusing language, paperwork, and lack of clarity around eligibility and benefits. The Navigator Solution:A free platform offering plain-language guides to major programs like EQIP, CSP, and others—making them accessible and understandable. Introducing the Pulse Dashboard:A ZIP code-based tool delivering daily, localized updates on drought conditions, water levels, reporting deadlines, and opportunities. Turning Information into Action:Helping producers identify and act on opportunities such as funding for fencing, water systems, and drought assistance. Bridging the Gap Between Producers and Programs:Designed for both farmers and agricultural professionals to improve communication and adoption. Built for Simplicity and Accessibility:No personal information required—just enter your ZIP code to start receiving insights. Challenges of Building the Tool:Navigating constantly changing regulations, limited team capacity, and maintaining accurate, up-to-date data. Future Opportunities:Expanding adoption through partnerships, improving educational resources, and refining tools based on user feedback. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Explore USDA programs that may support your operation—don’t assume they’re too complicated or not applicable. Use tools like the Navigator to simplify decision-making and stay informed on deadlines and opportunities. Pay attention to local environmental data (like drought alerts) to better plan grazing and resource use. Consider how cost-share programs could offset investments in infrastructure like fencing and water systems. Stay proactive—many opportunities are time-sensitive and require early action. Leverage daily updates or alerts to build better operational awareness without adding complexity. Connect with local FSA or NRCS offices to validate and maximize program use. 📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to visit us here for our latest specials and exclusive offers: link 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover how simplifying information can unlock new opportunities for your farm or ranch.

In this episode, Joel Salatin dives into the practical side of building a resilient and profitable direct-to-consumer farm business. This installment moves beyond philosophy and into execution—covering how to expand your product line, adapt to shifting consumer behavior, and create multiple revenue streams without compromising your brand. From value-added products to farm events and strategic collaborations, Joel shares real-world examples and numbers that demonstrate how farms can evolve with the marketplace while maintaining integrity. 🔑 Key Points Covered: Adapting to Consumer Behavior:Modern customers prioritize convenience, with trends like online ordering, takeout, and mobile purchasing reshaping how farms must sell. Integrity Convenience is Growing:Value-added, ready-to-use products like broth, snacks, and heat-and-eat meals are one of the fastest-growing segments in food. Expanding Through Collaboration:Partnering with local producers can turn your farm into a one-stop shop—while maintaining control of the customer relationship. Protecting Your Brand:Collaborators must align with your standards to avoid reputational risk and maintain trust with your customers. Consignment vs. Wholesale Strategy:• Consignment (low risk): ~20% markup• Wholesale (higher risk): ~30%+ markup depending on perishability Whole-Animal Profitability:Every part of the animal must generate value—turning items like chicken feet, broth, or ground beef into profitable products. Value-Added Revenue Opportunities:Examples include cut-up chicken, hot dogs, broth, and pet food channels—adding tens of thousands in revenue without increasing production. Farm as a Destination:Tours, dinners, and events can generate significant income while building deeper customer relationships and loyalty. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Expand your product line with value-added items that meet modern convenience demands. Build partnerships with aligned local producers to broaden offerings without increasing workload. Implement clear pricing strategies based on risk (consignment vs. wholesale). Develop outlets for underutilized products to maximize whole-animal profitability. Consider hosting farm tours or events to create additional revenue and strengthen customer connections. Adapt your sales channels to include online ordering and shipping where appropriate. Focus on customer ownership—whoever manages the sale controls the relationship. Monitor consumer trends and adjust your business model to stay relevant. 📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to visit us here for our latest specials and exclusive offers: link 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover how to build a direct marketing system that thrives in today’s changing marketplace.

In this episode, Lydia Kyle shares the story of John and Betty Mobbs and their transformation of Lazy JM Ranch in Idaho. What began as a struggle to stay afloat evolved into a regenerative grazing operation rooted in adaptability, stewardship, and long-term thinking. The episode explores how challenging deeply held traditions—like winter calving and conventional feeding systems—opened the door to improved soil health, increased forage production, and a more profitable and sustainable ranch business. Through years of learning, experimentation, and perseverance, the Mobbs family redefined their approach to land management, livestock, and marketing—creating a model that supports both their family and their community. 🔑 Key Points Covered: Breaking Tradition: Moving calving season from February to May improved animal health, reduced stress, and aligned production with natural forage cycles. From Overgrazing to Regeneration: Recognizing they were understocked yet overgrazing led to a complete shift in grazing management. Adopting Management-Intensive Grazing: Transitioning to rotational and cell grazing rapidly increased forage production and carrying capacity. Building a Resilient Operation: Diversifying livestock and improving soil health resulted in more pollinators, better pastures, and long-term sustainability. Direct-to-Consumer Marketing: Supplying local families with grass-finished beef created a stronger, more profitable connection to their community. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Align calving and production cycles with natural forage availability to reduce input costs and stress. Evaluate grazing practices—overgrazing can occur even with fewer animals if management is off. Start small with rotational or cell grazing and scale as you see results. Focus on building soil health and biodiversity to improve long-term productivity. Develop direct marketing channels to capture more value and build relationships with customers. 📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to visit us here for our latest specials and exclusive offers 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover how breaking tradition can lead to a more resilient, profitable, and fulfilling future in agriculture.

In this episode of The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast, we sit down with Austin Unruh, founder of Trees for Graziers and author of The Grazier’s Guide to Trees, to explore how trees can become one of the most powerful tools on a livestock operation. Austin shares how he moved from suburban roots into agroforestry, eventually developing practical, scalable systems for planting and protecting trees in active pasture. From innovative electric fencing designs to species selection for winter feed and summer drought resilience, this conversation reframes trees as more than shade — but as forage banks, livestock nutrition tools, and long-term economic assets. 🔑 Key Points Covered: Planting Trees in Active PastureAustin explains the six-foot tree shelter system and the “overpass” electric fencing method that protects young trees while keeping paddock flexibility intact. Trees as Seasonal Feed SourcesHoney locust pods for winter sugar-rich feed and tree fodder for summer protein offer ways to reduce purchased feed costs during critical times. Species-Specific BenefitsGoats, sheep, cattle, pigs, and even horses can benefit from different tree crops — from fodder leaves to mast like acorns and chestnuts. Acorn-Finished Pork & Historical ContextAmerica once produced vast quantities of mast-fed pork. Austin explains how diversified tree systems today could rival Spain’s dehesa model. Drought Resilience Through PollardingManaged tree fodder systems act like standing hay reserves — perennial feed banks available when pastures fail. Silvopasture DevelopmentWhether planting into open pasture or thinning degraded woods, intentional tree integration improves shade distribution, forage production, and long-term land value. Tree Density & Long-Term MaintenanceLessons learned on planting density, pruning for high canopies, and balancing fast-growing nurse trees with long-term mast species. The Grazier’s Guide to TreesAustin shares insights behind his book and the upcoming updated edition published through Acres U.S.A. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Use trees strategically to reduce feed costs during summer slump and winter dormancy. Protect young trees with insulated shelters and overhead electric systems to maintain grazing flexibility. Consider mast-producing species like honey locust, oak, chestnut, persimmon, and mulberry for diversified livestock nutrition. Manage canopy height to distribute shade movement and prevent livestock concentration damage. View tree fodder as a long-term drought insurance policy — a living feed reserve that grows each year. 📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to visit us here for our latest specials and exclusive offers 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover practical grazing innovations that blend ecology, livestock performance, and long-term profitability.    

In this episode, Allen Williams brings the series to a powerful close by connecting grazing management, soil health, and genetic selection into one unified system. This final installment emphasizes that genetics are not fixed—they are expressed through environment, management, and decision-making. By aligning grazing practices with plant biology and focusing on economically relevant traits, producers can unlock better performance without increasing inputs. The episode explores how timing, forage maturity, and microbiome health directly influence epigenetics, while also challenging conventional approaches to genetic selection that rely too heavily on single-trait tools like EPDs. 🔑 Key Points Covered: Epigenetics Begins in the Pasture:Grazing timing and forage maturity directly impact gene expression and animal performance. Optimal Grazing Window:Target mid- to late-stage plant maturity rather than overly vegetative forage to support better outcomes. Afternoon Moves Matter:Moving livestock in the early-to-mid afternoon aligns with peak plant energy (BRIX), improving intake and gains. Dry Matter & Residual Management:Limit grazing to 30–50% of available forage and ensure adequate intake to protect plant recovery and soil health. Performance Without Added Inputs:Proper grazing management alone can increase average daily gain by 0.25–0.5 lbs per head per day. Rethinking Genetic Selection:Longevity, fertility, adaptability, and structural soundness should take priority over production-focused traits. Limitations of EPDs & Genomics:Single-trait selection tools can narrow gene pools and overlook real-world performance in forage-based systems. Lessons from the Dairy Industry:Overemphasis on production traits has led to reduced fertility, shorter lifespans, and increased health issues. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Shift herd moves to early-to-mid afternoon to align with peak plant sugars. Graze at mid- to late-stage forage maturity to improve epigenetic expression. Monitor dry matter intake and avoid overgrazing beyond 50% removal. Use BRIX awareness to guide paddock entry timing. Prioritize longevity, fertility, and adaptability in breeding decisions. Reduce reliance on EPDs and focus on whole-animal performance. Expand pedigree evaluation to include multiple generations and management context. Improve soil biology and plant diversity to enhance genetic expression naturally. 📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to visit us here for our latest specials and exclusive offers: link 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover how better grazing and smarter selection can unlock the full potential of your livestock—starting from the soil up.

In this episode, Stan Parsons delivers a hard-hitting analysis of the modern livestock business model, challenging producers to rethink how they measure success and profitability. The episode explores the difference between financial survival and true economic viability, emphasizing that many ranches operate with positive cash flow while failing to cover the real costs of land, labor, capital, and overhead. Stan reframes ranching as a business first, urging producers to move away from production-focused thinking and toward disciplined economic management. Through practical examples and clear benchmarks, this episode highlights the key drivers of profitability—and the costly habits that hold operations back. 🔑 Key Points Covered: Financial vs. Economic Reality:Many operations generate cash flow but fail to achieve true profitability when full costs are accounted for. The Fragility of the Livestock Industry:A large portion of producers rely on land appreciation, off-farm income, or inherited assets rather than cattle profits. Why “Produce More” Doesn’t Work:Increased production often leads to higher input costs, canceling out any financial gains. Understanding Gross Margin:Profitability hinges on gross margin per cow—not total production output. The True Cost of Overhead:Labor, machinery, and equipment are often treated as fixed—but are actually controllable expenses. Winter Calving Challenges:Calving during low-forage periods increases feed costs, labor demands, and operational stress. The Hidden Cost of Hay:Hay production and feeding significantly reduce profitability due to machinery, labor, and input expenses. Labor Efficiency and Scale:Low cows-per-person ratios reduce viability, with larger herd groupings offering a path to improved efficiency. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Conduct a full economic analysis including land, labor, capital, and overhead costs. Calculate gross margin per cow and identify key cost drivers. Evaluate calving season to better align with forage availability. Assess the true cost and necessity of hay production and feeding. Identify opportunities to reduce machinery and labor overhead. Increase cows-per-person productivity through simplified systems. Prioritize business planning, budgeting, and marketing decisions. Use a grazing chart to align labor, forage, and cash flow throughout the year. 📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to visit us here for our latest specials and exclusive offers 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover practical strategies to take control of your ranch and build a more profitable future.

In this episode, Allen Williams shares the powerful story of how a historic ice storm devastated his regenerative farm in Mississippi and the lessons that emerged from the experience. The conversation explores the realities of managing livestock through extreme weather, the importance of preparedness, and the resilience required to keep a farm operating when infrastructure fails. Allen also reflects on the deeper meaning of community support, faith, and the role regenerative agriculture can play in helping landscapes better withstand climate extremes. Through hardship and recovery, this episode highlights both the vulnerability and the strength of modern regenerative farming systems. 🔑 Key Points Covered: A Historic Ice StormOver three inches of ice accumulated across Allen’s farm, bringing down trees, power lines, and infrastructure while trapping the family on the farm for days. Caring for Livestock Without Power or WaterWith electricity and water systems down, livestock had to be watered manually by breaking ice on ponds and hauling water by hand. Protecting Pastured PoultryPortable poultry houses had to be constantly cleared of ice to prevent structural collapse and protect thousands of birds. Operating a Farm with Only Two PeopleWith roads blocked and employees unable to reach the farm, Allen and his son handled all daily livestock care and emergency response alone. Community Support in Times of CrisisFarmers, neighbors, and supporters from around the world offered help, supplies, and encouragement during the recovery. Preparing for the UnexpectedThe experience reinforced the importance of having more generators, fuel, equipment, and contingency plans than you think you’ll need. Why Regenerative Agriculture MattersAllen emphasizes that landscape-scale regenerative practices can help moderate extreme weather patterns and build long-term resilience. Training the Next GenerationInspired by the experience, Allen shares plans for launching a Regenerative University to train the next generation of regenerative farmers and educators. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Prepare for storms beyond what forecasts predict. Maintain backup power systems, fuel reserves, and emergency equipment. Evaluate infrastructure designs to withstand extreme weather events. Build strong relationships within your local agricultural community. Support education efforts that expand regenerative agriculture knowledge. 📌 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 discover practical grazing and farm management lessons straight from the pasture.

This special episode marks Episode 100 of The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast, and to celebrate the milestone we’re launching a three-part series featuring one of the most influential voices in regenerative agriculture, Joel Salatin. In Part 1 of this series, Joel lays the foundation for understanding why direct marketing is such a powerful strategy for modern farm businesses. Drawing from decades of experience building a successful direct-market farm, he explains how farmers can stabilize income, capture more of the food dollar, and create resilient businesses by expanding beyond production into processing, marketing, and distribution. Joel also explores the mental barriers many farmers face when it comes to marketing — from fear of rejection to discomfort with self-promotion — and why separating marketing strategy from sales execution can help farms grow more effectively. This episode sets the stage for the rest of the series by introducing the key principles that guide successful direct-market farm enterprises. 🔑 Key Points Covered: Why Direct Marketing Creates StabilityMost farms earn income only from production, which is heavily influenced by weather, pests, disease, and market volatility. By capturing value in processing, marketing, and distribution, farms can build more stable revenue streams. Capturing the “Middleman” MarginInstead of complaining about middlemen, Joel argues that farmers should become the middleman by participating in more stages of the food chain. Rebuilding Local Food CommerceDirect marketing reconnects farmers and customers, reviving historically normal local food systems while strengthening community relationships. Marketing vs. SalesJoel explains the important difference between the two: marketing is the strategy, while sales is the execution that flows from that strategy. Overcoming Farmer Mindset BarriersMany farmers resist marketing due to fear of rejection, discomfort with self-promotion, or peer pressure. Recognizing these barriers is key to overcoming them. The Goal of Two IncomesJoel emphasizes that truly resilient farm businesses should aim to support at least two salaries, reducing risk and building long-term sustainability. Prototype Before You ScaleInstead of asking “How big can this be?”, Joel encourages farmers to ask “How small can it be?” when testing new ideas. Building a Strong Customer BaseIt’s often easier to grow a business by increasing spending from existing customers rather than constantly chasing new ones. 🌱 Actionable Insights: Expand your farm’s revenue beyond production whenever possible. Develop a clear marketing strategy before focusing on sales tactics. Start small when testing new business ideas or enterprises. Build strong relationships with loyal customers and increase their lifetime value. Focus on creating a farm business that can support more than one income. This episode is Part 1 of a three-part series, where Joel begins unpacking the principles behind successful direct marketing and farm business resilience. 📌 Episode 100 Special:To celebrate our 100th episode, we’re offering listeners a special opportunity to go deeper into the principles discussed in this series. Get the entire The Grazier's Marketing School for just $37. The three-part podcast series you’re hearing now makes up the first module of the full course, where Joel Salatin walks through the foundations of building a profitable direct-market farm. 👉 Click here to learn more. 👉 Tune in with your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast and discover practical insights from leaders in regenerative agriculture. 🌱 Here’s to the next 100 episodes!