105. Pasture Management 101 with Cal Hardage

105. Pasture Management 101 with Cal Hardage

Author: Mona Weathers July 11, 2024 Duration: 58:30
Homesteading for Beginners
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In this episode, we talk with Cal Hardidge, a regenerative farmer and host of the 'Grazing Grass' podcast. We delve into the principles and practices of grass-based livestock management, focusing on topics such as rotational grazing, the benefits of diverse livestock, and the importance of soil health. Cal also shares insights from his own farming journey, detailing his transition from conventional to regenerative agriculture, and offers practical advice for homesteaders and farmers with smaller acreages. We also discuss the benefits and challenges of integrating different livestock species, as well as the potential advantages of using practices like chicken tractoring and managing woodland areas with goats and pigs. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone interested in improving pasture management and transitioning to more sustainable farming techniques.

This is episode 105 of the Homesteading for Beginners podcast with Mona Weathers.

Cal's Info:

Website: https://grazinggrass.com

Podcast: Grazing Grass Podcast

Mona's Info:

Free Homesteading for Beginners Checklist:

https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/checklist/

Homesteading for Beginners workbook:

https://healthyhomesteading.com/workbook

Shop Homesteading Supplies on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/farmer_mona

101 Homestead Income Ideas List:

https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/homesteadincome

Homestead Income Plan Group (FACEBOOK):

https://www.facebook.com/groups/homesteadincomeplan

Mona's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/farmer_mona/

Homesteading for Beginners YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@homesteadingforbeginners

 

00:00 Introduction to Our Special Guest: Cal Hardidge
01:22 Cal's Journey into Regenerative Farming
05:25 Understanding Regenerative Agriculture
09:33 Benefits of Rotational Grazing
11:13 Diversity in Livestock for Better Pasture Management
15:57 Integrating Chickens and Managing Wooded Areas
21:10 Choosing the Right Grasses and Hay Management
30:08 Debating the Use of Chemicals in Hay
30:59 Managing Thistles and Spot Spraying
31:39 Concerns About Grazon and Manure
34:11 Rotational Grazing on Small Acreage
36:13 Setting Up Electric Fencing for Grazing
37:19 Daily vs. Weekly Rotations
46:07 Misconceptions About Regenerative Agriculture
51:55 Choosing the Right Cattle Breed
56:53 Conclusion and Contact Information


Mona Weathers hosts Homesteading for Beginners, a practical guide for anyone feeling the pull toward a more self-sufficient life but unsure where to start. This isn't about achieving perfection or moving off-grid overnight; it's about building capability and confidence step by step. Drawing from two decades of personal experience, Mona acts as a steady mentor, blending hard-won lessons from her own journey with actionable advice you can apply right now. You'll hear about establishing a productive garden, managing home projects, and integrating homesteading principles into a modern lifestyle without becoming overwhelmed. The focus is always on a healthy, sustainable approach that benefits you, your family, and your local community. Each episode of this podcast feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend who remembers what it's like to be a beginner, offering clarity on foundational skills while helping you cultivate the right mindset for the long haul. It’s a resource for turning aspiration into action, naturally covering the realities-both challenges and joys-of creating a homestead that truly works for you.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 121

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