167. Ranching with Family and Utilizing Public Grazing Lands with Karson Rippstein

167. Ranching with Family and Utilizing Public Grazing Lands with Karson Rippstein

Author: Grazing Grass April 23, 2025 Duration: 1:26:48
Grazing Grass Podcast | Rotational Grazing, Soil Health & Profitable Livestock Farming
ScienceNatural

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

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GBT Angus

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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


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Apr 22-24 3 Springs Utah

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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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