e123. Sustainable Ranching Through Regenerative Practices with Matthew Menke

e123. Sustainable Ranching Through Regenerative Practices with Matthew Menke

Author: Grazing Grass July 3, 2024 Duration: 1:05:08

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Matthew, a sixth-generation farmer and rancher from Waller County, Texas, who shares his family's agricultural journey that began in 1847. We discuss Matthew's diverse operations, including horse-quality square bale production and cattle grazing, and the invaluable support of his family, particularly his sisters. Matthew's educational background in animal science from Texas A&M initially led him to a career in preconditioning and input sales, but a transformative encounter with horse trainer Martin Black inspired him to adopt regenerative grazing practices.

Listen in as we explore the challenges and successes Matthew experienced while transitioning his family ranch to regenerative agriculture. From the initial complexities and costs of traditional fencing to the revolutionary use of electric fencing, Matthew's journey highlights the influence of industry experts and the importance of adaptive management strategies. Key changes, such as shifting the calving season and embracing principles of stockmanship, have significantly enhanced cattle management and ranch productivity.

Discover the benefits of low-input system livestock management, including the integration of heat-tolerant breeds and the strategic use of apple cider vinegar to improve digestion during winter grazing. Matthew shares his insights on custom grazing, weed utilization, and the importance of consistent grazing plans. Wrapping up, we discuss practical tools and resources that have supported Matthew's journey, offering valuable takeaways for anyone interested in regenerative grazing practices.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Menke Farm and Ranch Inc

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Kencove Farm Fence



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
170. Building a Bison Empire in Oklahoma with Dusty Baker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:52
Dusty Baker of Cross Timbers Bison joins us on the Grazing Grass Podcast to share his journey from city life to raising bison full time in Sulphur, Oklahoma. With a background in wildlife ecology and a deep appreciation…
169.  Moving Across the Country with Nick Jackson and Sarah Mahan [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:16
Nick Jackson and Sarah Mahan recently embarked on a transformative journey from Atkinson, Maine, to Healy, Kansas, to pursue regenerative agriculture. Their passion for soil health and sustainable farming practices led t…
166. Grazing Sheep with Big Tom Perkins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:58
Big Tom Perkins is a seasoned farmer who has successfully navigated the challenging transition from cattle to sheep farming. With his extensive experience at Con-O-Creek Farm in western Pennsylvania, he has become a beac…
165. Silvopasture: Getting Trees Started Right with Austin Unruh [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:56
In this episode , we feature Austin Unruh, the founder of Trees for Graziers. Austin's journey into the world of silvopasture and agroforestry began in 2017 when he started planting trees along streams to improve water q…
164.   Splitting the Farm to Evolve with Becky Szarzynski [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:26:41
Becky Szarzynski is a pioneering farmer in the field of sustainable farming and regenerative agriculture. With her independent venture, Ember Cattle Company, based in Fairfield, Virginia, Becky has transformed her family…
163. The Intersection of Military and Agriculture with Eric Czaja [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:18:49
Eric Chaya is a visionary in the realm of sustainable agriculture and military synergy. Originating from Wisconsin, Eric's journey has taken him from a traditional dairy-rich environment to pioneering innovative agricult…
162. The Art of Meat Processing and Electric Fences with Ross McGarva [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:40
Ross McGarva is a seasoned rancher with deep roots in the agricultural world. His family has been involved in ranching since 1918, and Ross himself has embarked on a remarkable journey across the United States, managing…