188. Simple Recipe for Cattle Production with Bruce Shanks

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Grazing Grass Podcast sharing Regenerative Ag Stories

Grazing Grass

194 episodes

1 week ago

The Grazing Grass Podcast features insights and stories of regenerative farming, specifically emphasizing grass-based livestock management. Our mission is to foster a community where grass farmers can share knowledge and experiences with one another. We delve into their transition to these practices, explore the ins and outs of their operations, and then move into the "Over Grazing" segment, which addresses specific challenges and learning opportunities. The episode rounds off with the "Famous Four" questions, designed to extract valuable wisdom and advice. Join us to gain practical tips and inspiration from the pioneers of regenerative grass farming. This is the podcast for you if you are trying to answer: What are regenerative farm practices? How to be grassfed? How do I graze other species of livestock? What's are ways to improve pasture and lower costs? What to sell direct to the consumer?

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188. Simple Recipe for Cattle Production with Bruce Shanks

Grazing Grass Podcast sharing Regenerative Ag Stories

1 hour 16 minutes

1 month ago

188. Simple Recipe for Cattle Production with Bruce Shanks

Bruce shares his journey from managing sheep and goats to building a South Poll seedstock operation, the pivotal experiences that shaped his philosophy, and how he balances practicality with profitability. He also reflects on the importance of family, community, and keeping options open in an unpredictable business.

In this episode, we cover:

Bruce’s background in agriculture and how he ended up in Bell, Missouri
Transitioning from sheep and goats to a South Poll-centered cattle operation
Lessons learned from Burke Teichert and the Rex Ranch about low-input grazing systems
Why docility and adaptability matter in South Poll cattle
Running sheep and cattle together, and the challenges of small ruminants
How Bruce markets lambs and develops bulls with his customers in mind
The role of lease land in his operation
Advice for beginners: walk before you run and never say never in grazing

Whether you’re a grazier looking to simplify your system, or just curious about the South Poll breed, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and real-world experience.

Bruce doesn’t overcomplicate things—his success comes from sticking to the basics. His “simple recipe” offers a refreshing reminder that profitability often comes from focus, discipline, and letting cattle prove themselves in the environment they’re meant for. If you’re thinking about South Polls, sheep, or just streamlining your grazing operation, Bruce’s story will give you ideas and encouragement.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Sassafras Valley Ranch
Greg Judy’s No Risk Ranching (first book)
How to Think Like a Grazier by Greg Judy
South Poll Grass Cattle Association

Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture.
South Poll Field Day & Sale

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Original Music by Louis Palfrey