Riki Kremers joins us from Kremers Ranch in Lance Creek, Wyoming, where she and her family manage 8,000 acres of rough, arid country with Angus-cross cattle, horses, and meat goats. Together with her husband and daughter, Riki has transitioned their operation from traditional set-stock grazing to a powerful combination of Instinctive Migratory Grazing (IMG) and Planned Migratory Grazing (PMG), doubling their stocking rate and reducing feed inputs. With over 20 miles of water pipeline and an impressive track record of adapting to extreme environments, Riki shares hard-earned lessons on stockmanship, infrastructure, and letting nature lead the way.

Topics Covered

• History and evolution of Kremers Ranch
• Transition from February to June calving
• Building water infrastructure and pasture layout
• Challenges with temporary fencing in brittle environments
• Transitioning to IMG and how it rebooted herd behavior
• Role of stockmanship and learning from Bob Kin and Ian Mitchell-Innes
• Managing yearlings separately for summer and winter forage balance
• Creating and using "insurance pastures"
• Shifts in forage species and pasture recovery times
• Integrating horses and four-wheelers into cattle management

Why You Should Listen

If you're grazing in a brittle or arid environment—or frustrated with conventional rotational systems—Riki’s experience will resonate. She candidly walks us through her family’s grazing journey, showing how thoughtful stockmanship and intentional planning can unlock natural herd behavior and healthier land. Whether you’re looking to reduce feed, improve forage diversity, or double your stocking rate without burning out your pastures, this episode offers actionable wisdom grounded in real-world success.

Resources Mentioned

• Instinctive Migratory Grazing School
• Riki Kremers on Facebook
• Bob Kinford on the Grazing Grass Podcast
• Bob Kinford – Instinctive Migratory Grazing

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Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

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Website
Insiders
Resources (Coming Soon)
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Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction and Fast Five with Riki Kramer
• (01:26) - History and Evolution of Kramer's Ranch
• (02:07) - Grazing Techniques and Challenges
• (04:57) - Record Keeping and Ranch Management
• (09:20) - Transition to Instinctive Migratory Grazing (IMG)
• (18:08) - Implementing and Refining IMG
• (33:07) - Stockmanship and Herd Behavior
• (40:26) - Understanding Animal Communication
• (40:38) - Four-Wheeler vs. Horseback Communication
• (42:00) - Benefits of IMG Grazing in Arid Environments
• (43:12) - Forage Quality and Species Changes
• (45:14) - Managing Cow Herds and Yearlings
• (50:50) - Insurance Pastures: A Safety Net for Grazing
• (56:10) - Upcoming Grazing School Details
• (01:03:42) - Famous Four Questions
• (01:14:56) - Conclusion and Takeaways

In this episode, we chat with Cherrie Nolden of Wonder Acres Farm, located in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. Cherrie shares her extensive experience with multi-species grazing, highlighting her innovative approaches to adaptive grazing management and pasture improvement. She discusses how she manages her Norwegian Fjord horses, sheep, goats, and livestock guardian dogs, emphasizing genetic selection for natural parasite resistance and efficient grazing practices. Cherrie also covers fencing strategies, transitioning horses from dry lots to rotational grazing, and maintaining healthy pastures through careful management.

Topics discussed:

• Adaptive and rotational grazing strategies
• Grazing management for horses, sheep, and goats
• Genetic selection for parasite resistance
• Multi-species grazing benefits
• Using electro-net fencing effectively
• Designing and utilizing grazing lanes
• Sustainable pasture improvement techniques

Whether you're managing horses, sheep, goats, or all of the above, Cherrie's insights will inspire you to optimize your grazing practices and improve your farm's overall productivity and sustainability.

Resources mentioned:

• Wonder Acres Farm on Facebook
• Wonder Acres Farm website
• Won Der Fjords on Facebook

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)
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Chapters

In this episode, we chat with Alex from Chucktown Acres, a regenerative farm based in Charleston, South Carolina. Alex shares his transformation from suburban musician and Bible college student to full-time regenerative farmer. His journey includes a pivotal internship at Polyface Farms and eventually taking over an existing farm operation in coastal South Carolina. Alex now manages a thriving multi-species livestock operation and also teaches marketing to other farmers.

Topics Covered

• Alex’s health awakening and discovery of real food
• The shift from Bible college to aspiring farmer
• Securing a highly competitive internship at Polyface Farms
• What life and work were like at Polyface
• Starting and rebranding Chucktown Acres
• Raising grass-fed beef, Berkshire hogs, broilers, laying hens, turkeys, and more
• Adjusting practices for regional predator pressure in South Carolina
• Using and recommending Kiwi Tech posts and Gallagher reels
• Building a direct-to-consumer business with Barn2Door and weekly email marketing
• Offering internships for local youth interested in sustainable ag
• Navigating social media and customer communication
• Equipment preferences and gear talk (O’Brien vs. Kiwi Tech)

Whether you’re just starting your regenerative journey or looking to refine your marketing and multi-species operation, Alex’s story is a valuable one. He didn’t grow up farming and didn’t inherit land—but he found a way through passion, grit, and practical action. His take on internships, rebranding, and building customer relationships through authentic marketing is inspiring and actionable. Plus, there’s plenty of great gear talk for graziers who love comparing reels and posts.

Resources Mentioned

• Polyface Farms
• Books & Authors:
  • Folks, This Ain’t Normal by Joel Salatin
  • Dirt to Soil by Gabe Brown
  • Works by Greg Judy, Alan Savory, Will Harris
• Barn2Door – eCommerce for farmers
• Redmond Agriculture
• Noble Research Institute Courses
• Kiwi Tech Posts – Available at Ken Cove
• Gallagher reels, O’Brien posts, and other fencing gear

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

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction and Quickfire Questions
• (01:58) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast
• (03:36) - Alex's Journey to Farming
• (05:15) - Discovering the World of Health Food
• (06:56) - From Bible College to Farming Aspirations
• (15:57) - Internship at Polyface Farms
• (42:06) - Starting Chucktown Acres
• (45:17) - Starting the Farming Journey
• (45:56) - A Fortunate Break
• (46:59) - Taking Over the Farm
• (48:33) - Rebranding and Relocating
• (49:50) - Challenges and Adaptations
• (53:30) - Marketing and Sales Strategies
• (57:29) - Social Media and Marketing Challenges
• (59:49) - Advice for New Farmers
• (01:12:05) - The Importance of Farmer's Markets
• (01:14:19) - Famous Four Questions
• (01:19:52) - Final Thoughts and Resources

Dusty Baker of Cross Timbers Bison joins us on the Grazing Grass Podcast to share his journey from city life to raising bison full time in Sulphur, Oklahoma. With a background in wildlife ecology and a deep appreciation for the nearby Chickasaw National Recreation Area, Dusty took the leap into bison ranching during the pandemic, starting out on an old dairy farm. Since then, he’s poured his passion into building a thriving herd and managing his land with regenerative practices that benefit both the soil and the animals.

In this episode, we dig into:

• Dusty’s transition from city life to bison ranching
• How he adapted a former dairy into a working bison operation
• The challenges of fencing and handling these powerful animals
• His approach to regenerative grazing and land stewardship
• Thoughts on bison genetics and today’s bison meat market
• Lessons learned from experimenting with multi-species grazing
• Straightforward advice for anyone looking to get into bison ranching

If you’re curious about bison, regenerative grazing, or just love hearing a good ranching story, you won’t want to miss this one. Dusty’s experience offers practical tips and a real-world look at the ups and downs of raising these incredible animals.

Links Mentioned in the Episode

Cross Timbers Bison Ranch
Cross Timbers Bison on YouTube
This is Oklahoma Podcast with Dusty Baker

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
• (00:23) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast
• (02:01) - Farm Updates and Teeter Farm Tech Gates
• (03:06) - Web Tinkering and Community Projects
• (05:24) - Interview with Dusty Baker Begins
• (05:47) - Dusty's Journey with Bison
• (16:57) - Challenges and Learnings in Bison Farming
• (21:59) - Transition to Full-Time Farming During COVID
• (29:29) - Starting a YouTube Channel
• (35:25) - Regenerative Practices on a Bison Ranch
• (45:05) - Transition to Overgrazing
• (45:59) - Redmond Agriculture Ad
• (46:56) - Getting Started with Bison
• (47:49) - Fencing and Keeping Bison Happy
• (50:25) - Bison Genetics and Breeding
• (57:32) - Bison Meat Market and Business
• (01:00:21) - Challenges with Multi-Species Grazing
• (01:11:34) - Cooking Bison Meat
• (01:14:00) - Famous Four Questions
• (01:25:48) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Nick Jackson and Sarah Mahan recently embarked on a transformative journey from Atkinson, Maine, to Healy, Kansas, to pursue regenerative agriculture. Their passion for soil health and sustainable farming practices led them to transition from market gardening to livestock farming. With backgrounds in organic agriculture and compost production, they have drawn inspiration from influential thinkers like Alan Savory to enhance their approach to farming. Their story is not just about agriculture but also about personal growth, community support, and family dynamics as they navigate their new life in Kansas.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Introduction to regenerative agriculture and Nick and Sarah's background
• Transition from market gardening to livestock farming
• Influence of thinkers like Alan Savory on their practices
• Historical and ecological evolution of agriculture in Maine
• Challenges and emotional aspects of relocating from Maine to Kansas
• Managing livestock in a new environment and adapting to local conditions
• Experiences with flash floods and community support
• Insights into grazing strategies and sustainable farming techniques
• Family dynamics and working with loved ones in a farming context

Listeners should tune in to this podcast episode to gain a comprehensive understanding of regenerative agriculture through the real-life experiences of Nick and Sarah. Their journey is both inspiring and educational, offering practical insights into sustainable farming practices and the resilience required to adapt to new environments. Whether you're an established farmer or someone new to the field, their story provides valuable lessons in managing cash flow, embracing change, and maintaining a sustainable lifestyle. The episode also offers a rich tapestry of historical and ecological perspectives, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of agriculture, sustainability, and personal growth.

Links Mentioned in the Episode

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
• (00:50) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast
• (01:25) - Noble Research Institute Courses
• (02:28) - Starting the Regenerative Journey
• (06:01) - Transitioning to Livestock
• (08:34) - Challenges and Strategies in Farming
• (17:15) - Maine's Agricultural Landscape
• (25:57) - Moving to Kansas: A New Beginning
• (42:37) - Airbnb Adventures and Meeting Greg
• (43:59) - Selling Everything and Moving to Kansas
• (45:37) - Challenges and Changes in Kansas
• (48:45) - Custom Grazing and Scaling Up
• (52:15) - Managing Sheep and Steers
• (01:04:47) - Favorite Resources and Tools
• (01:09:51) - Working with Family and Final Thoughts

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 Ripp 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