157. The Art of Breeding Grass-fed Cattle with Steve Campbell

157. The Art of Breeding Grass-fed Cattle with Steve Campbell

Author: Grazing Grass February 12, 2025 Duration: 1:05:19
Grazing Grass Podcast | Rotational Grazing, Soil Health & Profitable Livestock Farming
ScienceNatural

In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, esteemed cattle consultant Steve Campbell shares his remarkable journey from a stocker cattle manager to a leading figure in grass-finished beef production. Following a life-altering leg injury in 1999, Steve's career took a transformative path as he embraced regenerative practices, heavily influenced by the Stockman Grass Farmer magazine. His expertise in optimizing grass and mineral content has led to groundbreaking methods for disease prevention, such as eliminating pink eye and foot rot. Steve's commitment to sustainable cattle management, along with his innovative approach to genetic and epigenetic cattle selection, makes this episode a treasure trove of insights for those interested in elevating cattle development.


Topics covered in this episode:

  • Selecting cattle for grass efficiency
  • Genetic and epigenetic cattle selection
  • Selecting bulls for cattle improvement
  • Assessing cattle fertility and indicators
  • Grazing management and cattle selection

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainable cattle management and regenerative agriculture. Steve Campbell's profound insights into strategic breeding, disease prevention, and the optimization of grass and mineral content provide invaluable knowledge for both seasoned grazers and newcomers. By listening, you'll gain practical tips and tools to enhance your cattle management practices and improve meat quality while addressing challenges such as fertility and udder quality. Don't miss the opportunity to learn from a true pioneer in the field.

Links Mentioned in the Episode
Tailor Made Cattle

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Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Chapters

  • (00:00) - Introduction
  • (00:28) - Meet Steve Campbell: Background and Early Life
  • (04:29) - Transition to Grass Finishing
  • (07:19) - Learning and Implementing Rotational Grazing
  • (20:28) - Selecting Efficient Cattle for Grass
  • (33:56) - Exploring Dairy Cow Ownership
  • (34:24) - Selecting the Right Bull for Your Herd
  • (35:22) - Understanding Bull and Cow Anatomy
  • (38:04) - Calving Ease and Gestation Insights
  • (38:58) - The Importance of Bull Shoulders
  • (42:54) - Epigenetics and Herd Improvement
  • (43:50) - Environmental Adaptation of Cows
  • (48:13) - Indicators of Fertility in Bulls and Cows
  • (55:11) - Famous Four Questions
  • (01:04:16) - Conclusion and Resources


Looking for grass-based breeders?
 Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory.

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Original Music by Louis Palfrey


There’s a quiet revolution happening in the fields and pastures, one that ties the health of the soil directly to the health of a farm’s bottom line. Grazing Grass Podcast | Rotational Grazing, Soil Health & Profitable Livestock Farming is a part of that conversation, sitting down with the men and women who are putting regenerative principles into daily practice. Hosted by Grazing Grass, each episode feels like a candid chat across a fence line, moving beyond theory into the tangible details of managing livestock on grass. You’ll hear farmers recount their own journeys-what prompted their shift in thinking, the logistical hurdles of changing their operation, and the outcomes they’ve witnessed in their land and ledger books. A recurring segment called "Over Grazing" digs into the specific problems and hard-won lessons that come with this way of farming. This isn’t just a science or nature podcast; it’s a practical resource built on shared experience, aiming to strengthen a community where knowledge about profitable, grass-based systems is passed along openly. Tune in for honest stories that get to the root of what it means to work with the land.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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Grazing Grass Podcast | Rotational Grazing, Soil Health & Profitable Livestock Farming
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