What lengths would you go to learn the knowledge needed to teach the next generation of shepherds? How could sheep hides allow your grazing business to stay afloat? Are there any benefits to having a mixed herd of goats and sheep?
In this episode of The Goat Grazing Podcast, Cole Bush from Shepherdess Land and Livestock details her travels overseas to learn from shepherds so that she can be the very best teacher for the next generation of shepherds. She also discusses the role sheep hides played in enabling her to establish her grazing business during the COVID-19 pandemic and explains why having a mixed herd of goats and sheep is so important.
Find her @
Instagram: @bcbshepherdess, @Shepherdess.land.and.livestock
Facebook: Shepherdess Land & Livestock Co
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Goat Grazing and Cole Bush
01:55 The Journey of Shepherdess Land and Livestock
01:57 Factors Influencing Job Pricing
50:31 Evaluating Job Complexity and Costs
53:00 Seasonal Pricing Strategies
55:27 Understanding Operational Costs
57:59 The H2A Program Explained
59:39 Logistics of Herders and Their Work Environment
01:03:22 The Grazing School of the West
01:07:08 Shepherdess Holistic Hides and Diversifying Income
01:22:16 Future Aspirations and Advice for Newcomers
How would you herd goats on a remote job where you can't take your trailers? Is there a way that goat grazing can help mitigate allergies? What goat and sheep breeds are the best suited for the job?
Listen to this episode of the Goat Grazing Podcast to learn how Amanita Berto, with Horned Locust Goat Scaping, and New Mexico Film Animals, operates an off-grid grazing operation using horses, dogs, and pure ingenuity to make New Mexico a better place.
Find her on Facebook @Horned Locust Remediation
and on Instagram @horned_locust_goatscaping
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Goat Grazing and Guest Introduction
02:44 Amanita's Journey in Goatscaping
05:07 The Business of Goat Grazing
07:24 Innovative Grazing Techniques
09:04 Managing Allergies and Environmental Impact
10:59 The Intersection of Goats and Film
13:29 The Benefits of Multi-Species Grazing
13:58 Diverse Grazing: Goats and Sheep Dynamics
16:35 Revenue Streams: From Grazing to Value-Added Products
19:20 Solar Grazing: Sustainable Practices in Renewable Energy
19:25 Insurance and Year-Round Grazing Management
20:46 Navigating Plant Toxicity: Grazing Safety
21:50 Future of Goatscaping: Education and Environmental Impact
23:17 Advice for Newcomers: The Realities of Animal Husbandry
In this episode of windshield time, Max shares some unfortunate news about one of the foundational government jobs that allows his goat grazing business to survive, and explains the importance of having backup jobs lined up to mitigate the risk of instances like this.
What are the benefits of solar grazing? How can agrovoltaics allow farmers to benefit from solar power farms? How can solar farms benefit from hiring graziers? What are some challenges that come with solar grazing?
In this episode, listen to Jess Gray as she answers all these questions. As a solar grazier and a member of the American Solar Grazing Association, she is uniquely qualified to shine light on this new and growing industry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Goat Grazing Podcast
01:07 Exploring Solar Grazing with Jess Gray
01:55 The Concept of Solar Grazing
04:53 Understanding Agrivoltaics
08:38 The Role of the American Solar Grazing Association
11:45 Navigating Relationships with Solar Companies
15:28 Communication and Education on Solar Sites
19:37 The Corporate-Farming Interface
24:38 Barriers to Entry in Solar Grazing
28:04 Financial Aspects of Solar Grazing
31:09 Day-to-Day Operations in Solar Grazing
33:30 Navigating Challenges in Solar Grazing
38:30 Innovative Grazing Techniques and Site Management
43:22 The Future of Grazing Technology
46:30 Sheep Breeds and Genetic Management
49:21 The Role of Livestock Guardian Dogs
55:57 Diversifying Revenue Streams in Sheep Farming
01:00:31 Overcoming Barriers in Solar Grazing
01:02:12 The Sheep Empire Podcast and Community Engagement
01:04:20 Podcast Intro Video.mp4
In this episode of Windshield time, Max talks about how he is still able to graze in New Mexico despite the majority of the weeds being toxic.
What lengths would you go to to help prevent future devastation if your city in California suffered from the worst wildfire in its history? Would you buy hundreds of goats and start your own goat grazing company? Would you become a certified type one fire fighter to gain the proper knowledge to best help your customers?
In this episode of The Goat Grazing Podcast, listen and learn why Michael Leicht with Ventura Brush Goats decided to get into goat grazing, why he wants to keep adding more goats to his operation, and what he has learned so that he can best help his customers protect their homes from future fires.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Goat Grazing and Fire Mitigation
02:21 The Birth of Ventura Brush Goats
06:15 Impact of Recent Fires on Grazing Practices
08:49 Home Hardening and Defensible Space
11:49 Integrating Goats into Fire Prevention Strategies
18:06 Community Response During Wildfires
20:24 The Current State of Goat Grazing in California
23:59 Clientele and Market Dynamics
25:44 The Evolution of Targeted Grazing Awareness
29:29 The Future of Fire Mitigation and Grazing Practices
32:45 Operational Logistics of Ventura Brush Goats
42:02 Balancing Sheep and Goats in Grazing Operations
44:24 Managing Herds: Logistics and Challenges
45:58 Labor and the H2A Program: A Lifeline for Agriculture
49:51 Navigating Political and Economic Challenges in Grazing
52:16 The Role of Shepherds and Their Dogs
56:03 Innovative Grazing Techniques and Community Initiatives
01:03:04 Vineyard Grazing: A Sustainable Solution
01:07:12 Creating a Fire-Resilient Community in Ojai
01:10:37 Lessons from the Field: A Shepherd's Story
01:13:28 Advice for Aspiring Grazers
01:16:35 Podcast Intro Video.mp4
In this episode of windshield time, Max shares why he will no longer do overnight grazing on July 5th. Not grazing on July 4th is already one of the rules of his operation because the goats do not respond well to fireworks, but recent events taught him why he should extend that rule to July 5th.
What would it take to convince you to leave a job in corporate America and become a full-time goat grazier? How does keeping goats in a trailer at night work? If you have no land to keep goats, is there any way to start a goat grazing business?
In this episode of the Goat Grazing Podcast, Jennifer Zietler with Let's Goat Buffalo, answers these questions. She explains what inspired her to pursue goat grazing and how she managed to run her business despite her living situation. Additionally, she sheds light on the methods she uses to house her goats and explains why she chooses to trailer them at night.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Goat Grazing Podcast
01:29 Meet Jennifer Zeitler: A Goat Grazing Pioneer
02:49 The Journey from Beekeeping to Goat Grazing
06:49 The Viral Success of Goat Grazing Projects
10:45 Building a Goat Herd: From Borrowed Goats to a Community
13:49 Open Farms: A Space for Community and Healing
15:25 Transitioning from Corporate Life to Goat Grazing
18:19 The Value of Small-Scale Goat Grazing
21:56 Current Goat Herd and Grazing Practices
24:03 Goals of Goat Grazing Projects
26:32 Managing Poison Ivy and Other Irritants
28:22 Understanding Reactions and Business Dynamics
31:07 Managing Seasonal Work and Income Challenges
35:00 A Day in the Life of a Grazer
39:26 Innovative Grazing Practices and Community Engagement
43:21 Navigating Grazing Seasons and Job Pricing
47:27 Veterinary Care and Goat Management
51:34 Utilizing Local Resources for Goat Farming
52:34 Pricing Strategies for Grazing Services
55:15 Understanding Job Suitability for Goats
57:46 Assessing Plant Toxicity and Forage Density
01:00:42 Navigating Public Safety and Accessibility
01:03:27 Lessons from Entrepreneurial Experiences
01:07:24 The Future of Goat Grazing and Care Farming
01:19:26 Podcast Intro Video.mp4
In this episode of Windshield Time, Max discusses that new graziers need to understand that they are offering a service and must charge accordingly. There are many unseen costs that pop up in this business, such as replacing flat tires, and graziers must really get serious about factoring those costs into their pricing.
How does a woman, born to a cattle rancher, end up being oneof the pioneers of goat grazing in the United States? What would you do if you lost 350 goats in a single night to an ice storm? Do goats eat toxic vegetation? Can a grazing operation be successful if it is completely nomadic?
In this episode of the Goat Grazing Podcast, Lani Malmbergof Goat Green LLC and the Goatapelli Foundation, answers all of these questions. From how she came to be a goat grazier despite her upbringing, how she handledthe loss of her goats and insured it never happens again, and how she grazes 365 days a year in a completely nomadic goat grazing operation.
You can find her websites at: https://goatapellifoundation.org/ https://goatseatweeds.com/ on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/goatgreenllc/and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/p/Goat-Green-LLC-100063781426693/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Goat Grazing Podcast
01:16 Lonnie Malmberg's Journey to Goat Grazing
06:34 Transition from Cattle Ranching to Goat Herding
12:10 The Growth of Goat Green LLC
17:33 Understanding Goat Grazing Services
20:58 The Lifespan and Work of Goats
21:26 The Art of Goat Herding and Fire Mitigation
23:53 Understanding Acreage and Forage Management
26:22 Bidding and Pricing Strategies in Goat Grazing
29:55 Unique Challenges in Urban Grazing Projects
32:06 Winter Management and Goat Care
38:54 The Nomadic Lifestyle of a Goat Herder
43:29 The GoToPelly Foundation: Educating Future Goat Farmers
48:34 Winter Challenges and Professional Services
48:58 Building a Sustainable Business with Goats
50:02 Training Structure and Seasonal Learning
51:47 Success Stories from the Program
53:17 Health and Management of Goats
54:37 Goats and Poisonous Plants: A Unique Relationship
56:18 The Role of Dogs in Goat Herding
56:46 Challenges with Livestock Guardian Animals
59:17 Predators and Their Impact on Goat Herds
01:01:49 Challenges in Scaling the Business
01:02:09 The Story of Zippy: A Beloved Border Collie
01:08:39 Spiritual Connections and Animal Relationships
01:10:25 Podcast Intro Video.mp4
In this episode of Windshield Time, Max discusses how one missed detail on a goat grazing job almost resulted in a massive tragedy. He tells the story of how 250 goats escaped their pen on a job right next to a busy road and emphasizes that it is of utmost importance that graziers always do their due diligence so they can avoid situations like this.
Aaron Steele is a goat grazing entrepreneur from Iowa whoruns an affiliate program called Goats On The Go, focusing on educating and supporting new goat graziers.
How does a new goat grazier turn into a goat grazing educator? What benefits do the members of the Goats On The Go affiliate program get? What is his book about? What creative ways might goat graziers stack their enterprises to increase business profitability?
In today’s episode, Steele answers these questions. He shares the story of how he went from a beginning goat grazier to an educator and facilitator at Goats On The Go. He explains how members benefit from being part of the Goats On The Go community and discusses his book, which contains lessons on how goat graziers can make their business more profitable.
Find him at: goatsonthego.com farmdogpodcast.com goatsforgood.com
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Goat Grazing and Entrepreneurship
01:37 Understanding Goats on the Go
03:45 Affiliate Program vs. Franchise
05:52 Finding Local Affiliates
07:11 Becoming an Affiliate: The Process
08:50 Training and Community Support
12:07 Training Structure and Content
14:22 Equipment Recommendations and Discounts
15:29 Profile of Affiliates
18:06 Supporting New Affiliates
20:16 Business Fundamentals for Affiliates
23:17 Pricing Strategies for Goat Grazing
28:39 Identifying and Finding Customers
33:24 Building Value in Affiliate Programs
37:05 The Importance of Community and Brand
40:59 Innovative Business Models in Goat Grazing
48:24 The Concept of Enterprise Stacking
53:07 Exploring Solar Grazing Opportunities
57:08 The Role of Dogs in Grazing Operations
01:01:32 Future Directions for Goats on the Go
In this episode of Windshield Time, Max discusses the importance of observation, top of mind awareness, and social media in business. He shares personal experiences and insights on how these elements can lead to opportunities and success, particularly in the context of goat grazing and vegetation management.
Andree Soares is a former 27-year NICU nurse turned big-time goat and sheep grazier preventing wildfires in Northern California.
Would you quit a stable job as a NICU nurse and bet your future on prescribed grazing? Does California use prescribed grazing to combat wildfires like the one that devastated LA earlier this year? How many shepherds, guardian dogs, and border collies does it take to manage over 10,000 goats and sheep?
In today’s episode, Soares answers all these questions and more. She explains why she made such a drastic career shift, how Star Creek Land Stewards work tirelessly to mitigate fire risk and potentially save the lives of school children, and what it takes to make their massive operation function efficiently.
Takeaways
Star Creek Land Stewards focuses on fire fuel reduction.
Andre's family has a long history in the sheep business.
The business has grown to manage over 10,000 animals.
Grazing can effectively manage vegetation and reduce fire risk.
Mixed herds of goats and sheep optimize grazing efficiency.
Fire management strategies are crucial in California.
Labor challenges are significant in the grazing industry.
Pricing strategies depend on logistics and access to sites.
Animal husbandry is key to successful grazing operations.
Sustainable practices are essential for the future of wild lands
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to The Goat Grazing Podcast
00:54 Overview of Star Creek Land Stewards
02:17 Andree Soares' Journey to Goat Grazing
06:04 Transition from Nursing to Grazing Business
12:24 Fire Management and Grazing
14:32 California's Growing Interest in Grazing for Fire Prevention
19:50 Creating Defensible Space with Grazing
22:23 Logistics of Managing Large Herds
25:18 Project Management and Client Relations
27:26 Management Roles
34:52 Understanding Bidding Processes in Grazing Services
37:42 Is This Free Feed?
38:59 Is This Agriculture?
40:12 Insurance For Goat Grazing Business
41:53 Labor Challenges in the Grazing Industry
44:06 Legislative Impacts on Agricultural Labor
47:54 Navigating Rising Input Costs
50:48 The Future of Guest Worker Programs
52:16 What Breeds Are You Running
53:23 Value Added Products
54:06 Numbers Of Goats vs. Sheep
54:14 New Chapter
56:20 Parasite Control and Hoof Trimming
59:21 Challenges and Anecdotes in Grazing Operations
59:28 New Chapter 2
01:00:42 Best Piece Of Advice For New Graziers
01:02:09 Closing
I review my conversation with Adam Ledvina as shares his journey from starting with a few goats to managing over a thousand goats, emphasizing the significance of operational efficiency, land management strategies, and the challenges of using livestock guardian dogs. In this review, I talk about why I think Adam is so successful and relate to how I do similar things in my business. The discussion also covers pricing strategies and the need for flexibility in business operations.
Keywords
goat management, livestock, genetics, land management, logistics, farming, goat breeding, conservation, business strategies, risk management
Takeaways
The importance of genetics in breeding resilient goats.
Logistics play a crucial role in managing multiple herds.
Starting with a solid herd is essential for success.
Risk management is vital when considering livestock guardian dogs.
Diversifying revenue streams can enhance business stability.
Effective land management requires understanding client needs.
Fencing logistics are critical for goat movement and health.
Pricing strategies must account for various operational costs.
Flexibility in business operations is key to adapting to challenges.
Building a strong foundational herd is an investment in the future.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Goat Grazing Podcast
00:50 Recap of Adam Ladvina's Insights
01:21 Top Five Success Factors in Goatscaping
01:55 Adam Ladvina's Business Model and Background
03:27 Innovative Practices in Goatscaping
04:16 The Foundation of Success: The Three Ions
04:35 Herd Selection: The Key to Unique Business
05:06 Building a Business from Scratch: Adam's Journey
05:23 New Chapter
07:18 The Journey to Finding the Right Goat Breed
08:56 Building a Resilient and Productive Herd
10:29 Investing in Quality: The Cost of Good Goats
12:20 The Importance of Herd Selection
12:26 Customer Service as a Key to Success
13:02 Meat Production and Market Dynamics
13:02 Creating Management Plans for Clients
13:47 The Importance of Customer Service in Land Management
15:07 Tailoring Solutions to Individual Needs
16:27 Offering Alternatives and Subcontracting Solutions
16:44 Understanding the Service-Based Business
17:00 The Controversial Success Without Dogs
17:53 New Chapter 2
20:23 Risk Management in Livestock Business
22:33 The Role of Herding Dogs in Goat Farming
23:09 Challenges and Controversies in Goat Management
23:09 Gathering the Goats: Training and Techniques
24:23 New Chapter 3
27:00 Setting Up Grazing Operations
28:02 The Importance of Constant Analysis
29:41 Mastering Logistics for Success
29:47 Diversifying Revenue Streams
29:57 The Importance of Quality Goat Herds
30:52 Revenue Streams from Goat Farming
31:40 Leveraging Knowledge and Experience
32:00 Goats as a Business Model
32:43 Diversifying Revenue Streams
33:08 New Chapter 4
36:25 Capering
Find Adam @https://www.facebook.com/IowaKikoGoats/ and https://www.facebook.com/BlueCollarGoatscaping/
Adam Ledvina is a superhuman goat grazier conserving land in Iowa with over 1000 goats.
If you had 1000 grazing goats, could you manage them all by yourself? What sort of fencing solutions would you use? Are livestock guardian dogs necessary to protect them from predators?
In today’s episode, expect to learn how Ledvina manages his goats, often spread out across 12 different locations all over Iowa, as the sole employee of his company; how he implements both electric net fencing and a fenceless system; and why he chose to forgo guardian dogs entirely after hearing two horror stories from other graziers.
Find Adam @https://www.facebook.com/IowaKikoGoats/ and https://www.facebook.com/BlueCollarGoatscaping/
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Goat Grazing and Adam Ledvina
01:35 Understanding Blue Collar Goatscaping and Iowa Kiko Goats
03:31 Adam's Journey into Goat Farming
03:31 How Adam Got Into Goatscaping
08:04 The Idea Of Using Goats For Invasive Plant Management
11:17 Starting Small: Adam's Initial Herd
13:25 The Evolution of Adam's Business Model
14:32 Meat Production and Market Dynamics
16:30 Logistics of Managing Multiple Herds
20:29 Customer Base and Client Relationships
22:25 Convincing Landowners of Goat Benefits
27:38 Creating Management Plans for Clients
29:36 Setting Up Grazing Operations
34:29 Challenges Of Guardian Dongs in Goat Management
40:01 Gathering the Goats: Training and Techniques
42:32 Scaling Up: Acreage and Job Bidding
47:20 Pricing Strategies: Understanding Costs and Risks
48:57 Urban Challenges: Virtual Fence System
52:03 Innovations in Grazing: The Virtual Fence System
53:42 Economic Viability: Assessing the Cost of Virtual Fencing
58:00 Training Goats: Adapting to New Technologies
01:00:37 Fencing Solutions: Hard Panels vs. Electric Fencing
01:03:16 Bale Grazing: Feeding and Soil Health Benefits
01:09:35 Mentorship in Goatscaping: Guiding New Entrants
01:12:24 Challenges in Goatscaping: Balancing Work and Growth
01:14:49 Value of Service: Why Charge for Grazing?
01:16:07 Connecting with Adam: How to Reach Out
01:17:38 Podcast Intro Video.mp4