Nic De Castro takes us on an extraordinary journey from his roots in Southern California to the vast landscapes of the Rocky Mountain West. As an avid hunter and fisherman, Nic turned his passion into a groundbreaking venture with LandTrust, a platform revolutionizing access to private lands for outdoor enthusiasts. In our latest episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, we unearth the challenges and triumphs behind LandTrust's mission to balance business with tradition, creating a harmonious connection between landowners and adventurers across 42 states and over a million acres.

The conversation delves into LandTrust's innovative approach to land use, offering novel opportunities for multi-generational farm and ranch families. By providing flexible and profitable ways to monetize their land, the platform supports agritourism and land management through personalized experiences like crawfish harvesting. We tackle the complexities of modernizing rural communities while preserving their essence, underscoring how landowners maintain control and foster deeper connections with the public in a world increasingly interested in food production. Nic's insights reveal the potential to reinvigorate these communities by enticing younger generations back to the family farm.

Listeners will also gain an understanding of the safety and security measures integral to LandTrust's success. Through features like ID verification, insurance, and agritourism liability protections, we explore how the platform ensures trust and transparency between landowners and guests. Open communication is championed, with unique tools like "field notes" enabling real-time updates and interactions, making LandTrust akin to an Airbnb for outdoor experiences. Join us as we uncover the transformative power of this platform in reshaping how we think about land access and the vibrant possibilities it holds for the future of rural America.

Links Mentioned in the Episode

LandTrust

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Kencove Farm Fence

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Join us on an exciting journey as we welcome back Taylor Moyer, who has transitioned from a successful NASCAR career to full-time farming. Over the past 18 months, Taylor has embraced the challenges and rewards of regenerative farming, leaving the racetrack after the last race in Phoenix to pursue his passion for agriculture. Taylor shares insights into the complexities of understanding cattle carrying capacity, the unique advantages and challenges of farming in the Southeast, and the high land prices near population centers. With a focus on the ongoing learning process, Taylor offers a glimpse into balancing new ventures while navigating the practicalities and aspirations of regenerative agriculture.

In our conversation, Taylor discusses his innovative approach to strategic cattle management, exploring how doing things differently from neighboring farms has led to both growth opportunities and challenges. With a focus on spring calving herds in a region dominated by fall breeders, Taylor emphasizes the importance of strategic breeding decisions and optimizing breeding windows while balancing economic considerations. He highlights the transformation of undervalued cows into valuable assets and the role of a dedicated business team and external advisors in ensuring sustainable growth and profitability.

We also explore the benefits of the Land Trust initiative, which offers farm owners a valuable tool for facilitating outdoor recreation and connecting people to the land. Taylor shares his experiences using the Land Trust platform, which allows landowners to list their land for activities like hunting, fishing, and photography. With a flexible business model, landowners can set their own prices and benefit from an 80/20 revenue share. The platform ensures security with a robust verification process and complimentary insurance for landowners. Taylor reflects on the joy and satisfaction landowners experience by sharing their land with interested visitors, creating fulfilling connections and fostering appreciation for agricultural life.

Links Mentioned in the Episode

Land Trust
Ridgeview Land and Cattle

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond
Kencove Farm Fence

Grazing Grass Links

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Unlock the secrets to regenerative farming success with Cedric Shannon from Weathertop Farm in Virginia. Listen as Cedric recounts transforming 54 acres of potential housing development land into a thriving regenerative livestock operation. Inspired by Joel Salatin, Cedric shares how he and his wife, Sarah, started their farm journey with limited resources, beginning with chickens and hogs, and progressively integrating cattle and sheep. Through continuous learning and building a supportive community, Cedric offers insights into overcoming challenges and achieving sustainable farming success.

Explore the nuances of raising rabbits and chickens for profit as Cedric shares his experiences and insights. Discover the logistical challenges and rewarding solutions like hoop houses for rabbit hutches and the innovative use of rabbit manure to enhance poultry productivity. Cedric discusses the market dynamics and cultural preferences for rabbit meat, providing a thoughtful reflection on the balance between passion and practicality in small-scale farming. From family farming growth to the legacy of their operation, hear about the reinvestment in skills development and how their farm internship program has paved paths for aspiring regenerative farmers.

Cedric guides us through holistic grazing management and flexible farm infrastructure strategies that are vital for thriving with limited capital. Learn about the benefits of rotational grazing and how different livestock species can synergistically enrich soil nutrients, creating a sustainable farming ecosystem. Practical advice on managing farm operations—like using electric netting over permanent fencing and the importance of movable structures—highlights the resourcefulness required to succeed in agriculture. With Cedric's insights, start your farming journey with creativity and adaptability, and become part of the sustainable farming community.

Links Mentioned in the Episode

Weathertop Farm

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond
Kencove Farm Fence

Grazing Grass Links

Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
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Resources (Coming Soon)
Community (on Facebook)