In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, esteemed cattle consultant Steve Campbell shares his remarkable journey from a stocker cattle manager to a leading figure in grass-finished beef production. Following a life-altering leg injury in 1999, Steve's career took a transformative path as he embraced regenerative practices, heavily influenced by the Stockman Grass Farmer magazine. His expertise in optimizing grass and mineral content has led to groundbreaking methods for disease prevention, such as eliminating pink eye and foot rot. Steve's commitment to sustainable cattle management, along with his innovative approach to genetic and epigenetic cattle selection, makes this episode a treasure trove of insights for those interested in elevating cattle development.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Selecting cattle for grass efficiency
• Genetic and epigenetic cattle selection
• Selecting bulls for cattle improvement
• Assessing cattle fertility and indicators
• Grazing management and cattle selection

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about sustainable cattle management and regenerative agriculture. Steve Campbell's profound insights into strategic breeding, disease prevention, and the optimization of grass and mineral content provide invaluable knowledge for both seasoned grazers and newcomers. By listening, you'll gain practical tips and tools to enhance your cattle management practices and improve meat quality while addressing challenges such as fertility and udder quality. Don't miss the opportunity to learn from a true pioneer in the field.

Links Mentioned in the Episode
Tailor Made Cattle

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2025 Manderley Farms Grazing Conference

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Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction
• (00:28) - Meet Steve Campbell: Background and Early Life
• (04:29) - Transition to Grass Finishing
• (07:19) - Learning and Implementing Rotational Grazing
• (20:28) - Selecting Efficient Cattle for Grass
• (33:56) - Exploring Dairy Cow Ownership
• (34:24) - Selecting the Right Bull for Your Herd
• (35:22) - Understanding Bull and Cow Anatomy
• (38:04) - Calving Ease and Gestation Insights
• (38:58) - The Importance of Bull Shoulders
• (42:54) - Epigenetics and Herd Improvement
• (43:50) - Environmental Adaptation of Cows
• (48:13) - Indicators of Fertility in Bulls and Cows
• (55:11) - Famous Four Questions
• (01:04:16) - Conclusion and Resources

Join us on a journey to Emory, Texas, as we explore the innovative multi-species ranching operation at Legends Cattle Company with our guests, Thomas and Emily. Thomas shares how their family-run ranch has expanded over five generations, evolving from a traditional cattle farm into a diverse ecosystem that includes sheep, pigs, and chickens, all managed through grass finishing. Emily, hailing from a beach town in California, talks about her vital role in marketing and sales for their Born and Raised brand, which sells directly to consumers. Together, they offer insights into their sustainable grazing techniques and how they are adapting to the varied needs of their livestock while improving land management.

In an intriguing segment, Thomas and Emily recount their unexpected paths into the world of ranching and livestock marketing. Despite starting as a city boy, Thomas landed a marketing role at Morning Rains Ranch and found a new connection with nature, which now helps him understand and respect animals. Emily, inspired by her grandfather's ranch and her involvement with the FFA, shares her journey from a love of animals in high school to a rewarding career in agriculture. Their stories underscore how past experiences and chance moments can lead to unexpected career paths in the ranching world.

We also discuss the Garrett family's evolution from traditional cattle farming to a leading seed stock producer focused on genetics and production. The conversation highlights their commitment to regenerative practices, such as rotational grazing, and the integration of multiple proteins like chicken, pork, and lamb. Thomas and Emily reveal the logistics behind their direct-to-consumer sales, offering a glimpse into their meat bundle options and customer preferences. From sustainable practices to local sourcing and small batch processing, this episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone interested in diversified livestock operations and the benefits of grass-finishing livestock for optimal nutrition.

Links Mentioned in the Episode
Born & Raised

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond
2025 Manderley Farms Grazing Conference

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

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

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction to Today's Show
• (00:23) - Meet Thomas and Emily
• (01:01) - History of Legends Cattle Company
• (01:21) - Emily's Journey into Livestock Management
• (01:57) - Thomas' Role in Marketing
• (02:24) - Podcast and Community Announcements
• (03:54) - Daily Farm Operations
• (04:31) - Listener Engagement and Support
• (05:53) - Thomas' Marketing Journey
• (07:55) - Emily's Background and Passion for Livestock
• (12:25) - Expanding the Ranch Operations
• (21:10) - Sheep Breeding and Challenges
• (26:15) - Adding Pork to the Ranch
• (30:24) - Introducing Chickens to the Ranch
• (34:16) - Overgrazing and Grass-Based Finishing
• (34:19) - Optimizing Herd Nutrition with Redmond Minerals
• (35:39) - Grass Finishing Techniques and Forage Management
• (37:57) - Chicken Finishing Practices
• (41:49) - Pig Finishing and Diet Management
• (43:26) - Sheep Finishing and Breeding Programs
• (45:06) - Cattle Finishing and Pasture Management
• (46:12) - Processing and Packaging Strategies
• (49:18) - Customer Preferences and Marketing Strategies
• (51:14) - Subscription Bundles and Delivery Services
• (57:50) - Challenges and Requests in Meat Production
• (01:01:26) - Famous Four Questions and Closing Remarks

Travel with us from the vast plains of South Dakota to the sunny landscapes of Florida as we explore the transformative journey of Stephanie Anderson, a passionate advocate for regenerative agriculture. Discover how her upbringing on a traditional cattle ranch shaped her views and fueled her latest literary endeavor, "From the Ground Up: The Women Revolutionizing Regenerative Agriculture." Stephanie's insights into her family's unique grazing practices, combined with her generous offer of book copies, invite our Grazing Grass community to rethink conventional farming and embrace sustainable practices.

Unpacking the challenges faced by first-generation college students, we shine a light on the expectations from small-town life and the potential for meaningful careers within agriculture and beyond. Personal anecdotes paint a vivid picture of the stark contrasts and humorous realities of rural life versus broader societal norms. By highlighting the resilience of individuals like Stephanie, who ventured from traditional backgrounds into diverse fields, we emphasize the importance of sustainable agriculture as a viable and rewarding career path in today's economic climate.

The episode also delves into the broader impacts of regenerative practices on both personal and societal levels. From the pioneering work of farmers like Gabe Brown to the critical role of women and BIPOC individuals in reshaping our food systems, our discussion underscores the inclusivity and adaptability required in this movement. As we navigate through stories of innovative practices such as regenerative grazing and nutritious sprouting, Stephanie’s passion and perspective offer a beacon of hope for a sustainable agricultural future, encouraging listeners to consider how these practices can fortify our food systems in uncertain times.

Links Mentioned in the Episode
Stephanie Anderson's Writings

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond
2025 Manderley Farms Grazing Conference

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

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

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction to Stephanie Anderson
• (00:17) - Fast Five with Stephanie
• (00:56) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast
• (01:30) - Ranch Management Courses Announcement
• (02:26) - Farm Update: Bale Grazing and Lambing Season
• (04:22) - Grazing Grass Community on Facebook
• (05:01) - Stephanie's Early Ranching Experiences
• (08:21) - Pursuing an English Major and Writing Career
• (15:14) - Stephanie's Writing Journey and Regenerative Practices
• (21:37) - Impact of Regenerative Practices on Family Ranch
• (22:58) - Challenges of Transitioning to Regenerative Agriculture
• (24:50) - Inspiration Behind 'From the Ground Up'
• (28:48) - Inclusive Practices in Regenerative Agriculture
• (30:15) - The Importance of Storytelling in Farming
• (31:01) - Challenges and Opportunities for Young Farmers
• (32:31) - Transitioning Farmland to the Next Generation
• (34:21) - Economic Stability Through Regenerative Practices
• (35:20) - Introducing Stephanie's Book
• (36:49) - Diverse Regenerative Practices Across the U.S.
• (44:44) - The Role of Fire in Land Management
• (47:59) - Innovative Grazing Techniques and Diversification
• (52:06) - Stephanie's Future Writing Projects
• (53:34) - The Famous Four Questions
• (01:01:07) - Conclusion and Listener Resources