175. Adapting Grazing and Breeding to Harsh Environments with Doug Badcock

175. Adapting Grazing and Breeding to Harsh Environments with Doug Badcock

Author: Grazing Grass June 18, 2025 Duration: 54:16

In this episode, we head to Zambia to talk with Doug Badcock of Green Lid Enterprises. Doug shares his journey from managing a diverse crop and livestock farm to developing a passion for grazing and livestock management. Situated just miles from the Congo border, Doug discusses the realities of ranching in Zambia’s unique environment—from tropical grasses and fires to high-density grazing and breeding Boran and Angoni cattle. His openness about trial, error, and continual improvement makes this a valuable conversation for graziers everywhere.

Topics Covered:

  • Transitioning from conventional to regenerative grazing
  • Grazing livestock near the Congo border
  • Using electric fencing in remote areas
  • Managing forage through fire and seasonal rainfall
  • Adjusting calving and breeding seasons
  • Adapting cattle breed selection to local conditions
  • High-density grazing: when it works and when it hurts
  • Forage management with bananas and corn stalks
  • Differences between Boran, Sussex, Angoni, and other African breeds
  • Using line breeding and natural selection in herd development


Doug Badcock brings a unique perspective to the Grazing Grass Podcast from his farm in Zambia. His willingness to share both successes and challenges—from learning to manage tropical forage to selecting the right breeds for his environment—makes this episode a global look at regenerative grazing principles. Whether you farm in Oklahoma or Africa, you’ll find inspiration and insight in Doug’s honest storytelling and deep curiosity for continual improvement.

Resources Mentioned:
Green Lid Enterprises Facebook & YouTube:
https://youtube.com/@green_lid_enterprises?si=elTGbGeGCylwOuSN
https://www.facebook.com/share/192BW7WRNN/
https://www.instagram.com/green_lid_enterprises?igsh=b2V5OHAwMmk0eG1o
Johan Zietsman's book Man, Cattle and Veld
Calvin Birioti's YouTube video featuring Doug’s farm

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond
GBT Angus

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast


Chapters



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

Upcoming Grazing Events

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture
Grassroots Carbon
Apr 22-24 3 Springs Utah

Grazing Grass Links
Website
Community (on Facebook)

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

Grazing Grass Podcast | Rotational Grazing, Soil Health & Profitable Livestock Farming
Podcast Episodes
e139. From Homestead to Thriving Ranch with Eileen Napier [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:20
Join us as we welcome Eileen Napier of Ramstead Ranch, who shares her remarkable journey from humble beginnings on a two-acre property in Washington to establishing a thriving 240-acre regenerative livestock operation. E…
e138. Innovative Paths in Regenerative Agriculture with Farmer Angus [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:11
Join us as we explore the transformative journey of Angus McIntosh, a former London stockbroker turned regenerative agriculture practitioner in South Africa. Angus shares his compelling story of transitioning from the co…
e137. Grazing and Irrigated Pasture with Tyler and Justin Waddington [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:24
Join us as we welcome Tyler and Justin to the Grazing Grass Podcast, where we explore the multi-generational farming legacy of their family in Yakima Valley, Washington. We kick off by discussing how their father began t…
e136. Creating Connections Through Ag Stories with Ashlynn Jones [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:42
Join us as we welcome Ashlynn Jones from Southeast Iowa, who shares her inspiring journey into cattle farming. Starting with her early experiences in 4-H and showing cattle at national shows, Ashlynn gives us an inside l…
e135. Revitalizing the Land with South Poll Cattle with Dakota Blanks [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:40
Join us as we explore the fascinating journey of Dakota Blanks, a farmer from Appomattox, Virginia, who transitioned from a tobacco family background to grass-based livestock production. Dakota shares his experiences wit…
e134. Starting at Ground Zero with Anthony Horvath [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:35
Join us as we welcome Anthony Horvath from Michigan to share his journey of starting and managing a small-scale farm while balancing full-time off-farm work. Anthony's story begins from ground zero, where he utilized eco…
e132. Quality of Life Matters with Bryan Phipps [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:38
Join us for an insightful episode where we welcome Bryan from Brusett, Montana, who shares his compelling journey of taking over his family ranch at a young age after his father's passing. Bryan discusses the pivotal tra…