e126. Four Principles for Grazing Infrastructure with Ben Glassen

e126. Four Principles for Grazing Infrastructure with Ben Glassen

Author: Grazing Grass July 24, 2024 Duration: 1:13:42

Join us on an enriching journey with Ben Glasson of Glasson Farms and Good Place Abattoir as we explore the multifaceted world of regenerative livestock production and grazing on Vancouver Island. Ben shares his unique experiences and insights, from the logistical challenges of farming on an island to his innovative grazing practices. Listen in as we discuss the significance of scale and infrastructure, particularly for those working on leased properties, and uncover the interconnectedness of grazing management, ecological health, and community sustainability.

We also delve into the role of educational resources in the regenerative agriculture journey. Ben discusses the profound influence of Wendell Berry's "The Unsettling of America" and the convenience of learning through audiobooks while managing farm tasks. Our conversation covers practical aspects such as starting small with backyard quail tractors, expanding to larger livestock, and using spreadsheets to ensure viability. Additionally, we explore the intense daily life of a farmer deeply passionate about regenerative agriculture, from managing multiple livestock to participating in farmers markets and even hosting a local radio show.

Further, we uncover innovative techniques for managing chicken and turkey tractors on a suburban farm, the concept of forest pork, and the benefits of raising pigs in forested areas. Ben shares his approach to small-scale vertical integration and processing, including a herd share program and building a poultry processing facility. We conclude with valuable advice for aspiring farmers, emphasizing the importance of scalable approaches and community relationships. This episode is packed with insights and practical tips for anyone interested in sustainable farming and livestock management.

Links Mentioned in the Episode:
Glassen Farms
The Good Place Abattoir

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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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