Join us for an engaging exploration of regenerative grazing with McKinley Smoot and Mitch Dumpke of Three Springs Landing Cattle. Mitch, transitioning from a tech background to regenerative agriculture, shares his insights alongside McKinley, who brings a lifetime of ranching experience and holistic management. Discover the dynamics of their collaborative venture, including the challenges and learning experiences faced in starting their grass-finishing cattle and pastured chicken operation in Utah. Despite some technical issues with Mitch's audio, McKinley provides invaluable perspectives on their practices, complemented by updates on our own farm and exciting upcoming changes to the podcast.

Listen in as Mitch recounts his journey from veganism to embracing a more holistic approach to meat consumption. This transformation is fueled by an understanding of nutritional value and ethical meat production practices. We explore the significance of connecting with food sources, contrasting fast food with sustainably raised livestock, and discuss the impact of agro-tourism in fostering deeper consumer-farmer relationships. The partnership of Mitch, James, and McKinley brings together diverse perspectives—environmental, nutritional, and more—showcasing their shared dedication to sustainable agriculture.

The future of sustainable agriculture takes center stage as we navigate the challenges of profitability in farming, particularly amid rising land values and development pressures. Discover the creative solutions employed by McKinley and Mitch, from using Joel Salatin's methods to innovative electric fencing, all underscoring the potential for sustainable practices to thrive. The conversation sheds light on their perseverance in building a sustainable business model, emphasizing the importance of community support, adaptability, and a commitment to transparency. As they strive to maintain financial viability and ecological balance, the narrative highlights the collaborative efforts in holistic ranch management and the continuous journey of learning and improvement.

Links Mentioned in the Episode
3 Springs Land & Livestock

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Noble Research Institute
Redmond
Kencove Farm Fence

Grazing Grass Links
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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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Noble Research Institute
Redmond
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

LandTrust
Ridgeview Land and Cattle

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond
Kencove Farm Fence

Grazing Grass Links

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