177. How Tango Holsteins Embraces Regenerative Dairy Without the Buzzwords with Tom Otton

177. How Tango Holsteins Embraces Regenerative Dairy Without the Buzzwords with Tom Otton

Author: Grazing Grass July 2, 2025 Duration: 1:03:34

Tom Otton joins us from the far south coast of Australia to share his journey from growing up on a beef farm to operating a grazing-based dairy with his family. Tom discusses the evolution of his practices, including a heavy focus on multi-species pastures, no-till methods, and regenerative grazing—long before he even knew the word “regenerative.” He shares thoughtful insights on cow genetics, virtual fencing, and the challenges of balancing tradition with innovation, especially in the context of Australia’s extreme weather and regulatory environment.

  • Transition from beef farming to dairy during Australia’s millennium drought
  • Grazing-based dairy practices with multi-species pastures
  • Implementing high-density rotation with 2–4 shifts per day
  • Adoption and legality of virtual fencing in Australia
  • Using sexed semen and beef crosses for herd improvement and profitability
  • Winter planting of cereal and forage blends; native summer grass systems
  • Infrastructure layout with laneways, river watering, and no indoor housing
  • Honest insights on power costs, robotic milkers, and future tech
  • Personal reflections on footwear, decision-making, and doing what works for you

 Tom’s down-to-earth approach to grazing-based dairying in a region with both drought and flood extremes offers valuable perspective for anyone in livestock. Whether you're intrigued by virtual fencing, cow genetics, or just love hearing how others adapt regenerative principles across the globe, Tom delivers a mix of practical know-how and big-picture thinking.


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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
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