The Goat Grazing Podcast

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.livestockFacebook: Shepherdess Land & Livestock CoChapters:00:00 Introduction to Goat Grazing and Cole Bush01:55 The Journey of Shepherdess Land and Livestock01:57 Factors Influencing Job Pricing50:31 Evaluating Job Complexity and Costs53:00 Seasonal Pricing Strategies55:27 Understanding Operational Costs57:59 The H2A Program Explained59:39 Logistics of Herders and Their Work Environment01:03:22 The Grazing School of the West01:07:08 Shepherdess Holistic Hides and Diversifying Income01:22:16 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 Remediationand on Instagram @horned_locust_goatscapingChapters00:00 Introduction to Goat Grazing and Guest Introduction02:44 Amanita's Journey in Goatscaping05:07 The Business of Goat Grazing07:24 Innovative Grazing Techniques09:04 Managing Allergies and Environmental Impact10:59 The Intersection of Goats and Film13:29 The Benefits of Multi-Species Grazing13:58 Diverse Grazing: Goats and Sheep Dynamics16:35 Revenue Streams: From Grazing to Value-Added Products19:20 Solar Grazing: Sustainable Practices in Renewable Energy19:25 Insurance and Year-Round Grazing Management20:46 Navigating Plant Toxicity: Grazing Safety21:50 Future of Goatscaping: Education and Environmental Impact23:17 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. https://grayslambscaping.com/jess-gray/ Facebook @Gray's LAMBscapingInstagram @grayslambscapingChapters00:00 Introduction to Goat Grazing Podcast01:07 Exploring Solar Grazing with Jess Gray01:55 The Concept of Solar Grazing04:53 Understanding Agrivoltaics08:38 The Role of the American Solar Grazing Association11:45 Navigating Relationships with Solar Companies15:28 Communication and Education on Solar Sites19:37 The Corporate-Farming Interface24:38 Barriers to Entry in Solar Grazing28:04 Financial Aspects of Solar Grazing31:09 Day-to-Day Operations in Solar Grazing33:30 Navigating Challenges in Solar Grazing38:30 Innovative Grazing Techniques and Site Management43:22 The Future of Grazing Technology46:30 Sheep Breeds and Genetic Management49:21 The Role of Livestock Guardian Dogs55:57 Diversifying Revenue Streams in Sheep Farming01:00:31 Overcoming Barriers in Solar Grazing01:02:12 The Sheep Empire Podcast and Community Engagement01:04:20 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Goat Grazing and Fire Mitigation02:21 The Birth of Ventura Brush Goats06:15 Impact of Recent Fires on Grazing Practices08:49 Home Hardening and Defensible Space11:49 Integrating Goats into Fire Prevention Strategies18:06 Community Response During Wildfires20:24 The Current State of Goat Grazing in California23:59 Clientele and Market Dynamics25:44 The Evolution of Targeted Grazing Awareness29:29 The Future of Fire Mitigation and Grazing Practices32:45 Operational Logistics of Ventura Brush Goats42:02 Balancing Sheep and Goats in Grazing Operations44:24 Managing Herds: Logistics and Challenges45:58 Labor and the H2A Program: A Lifeline for Agriculture49:51 Navigating Political and Economic Challenges in Grazing52:16 The Role of Shepherds and Their Dogs56:03 Innovative Grazing Techniques and Community Initiatives01:03:04 Vineyard Grazing: A Sustainable Solution01:07:12 Creating a Fire-Resilient Community in Ojai01:10:37 Lessons from the Field: A Shepherd's Story01:13:28 Advice for Aspiring Grazers01:16:35 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. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Goat Grazing Podcast01:29 Meet Jennifer Zeitler: A Goat Grazing Pioneer02:49 The Journey from Beekeeping to Goat Grazing06:49 The Viral Success of Goat Grazing Projects10:45 Building a Goat Herd: From Borrowed Goats to a Community13:49 Open Farms: A Space for Community and Healing15:25 Transitioning from Corporate Life to Goat Grazing18:19 The Value of Small-Scale Goat Grazing21:56 Current Goat Herd and Grazing Practices24:03 Goals of Goat Grazing Projects26:32 Managing Poison Ivy and Other Irritants28:22 Understanding Reactions and Business Dynamics31:07 Managing Seasonal Work and Income Challenges35:00 A Day in the Life of a Grazer39:26 Innovative Grazing Practices and Community Engagement43:21 Navigating Grazing Seasons and Job Pricing47:27 Veterinary Care and Goat Management51:34 Utilizing Local Resources for Goat Farming52:34 Pricing Strategies for Grazing Services55:15 Understanding Job Suitability for Goats57:46 Assessing Plant Toxicity and Forage Density01:00:42 Navigating Public Safety and Accessibility01:03:27 Lessons from Entrepreneurial Experiences01:07:24 The Future of Goat Grazing and Care Farming01:19:26 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/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Goat Grazing Podcast01:16 Lonnie Malmberg's Journey to Goat Grazing06:34 Transition from Cattle Ranching to Goat Herding12:10 The Growth of Goat Green LLC17:33 Understanding Goat Grazing Services20:58 The Lifespan and Work of Goats21:26 The Art of Goat Herding and Fire Mitigation23:53 Understanding Acreage and Forage Management26:22 Bidding and Pricing Strategies in Goat Grazing29:55 Unique Challenges in Urban Grazing Projects32:06 Winter Management and Goat Care38:54 The Nomadic Lifestyle of a Goat Herder43:29 The GoToPelly Foundation: Educating Future Goat Farmers48:34 Winter Challenges and Professional Services48:58 Building a Sustainable Business with Goats50:02 Training Structure and Seasonal Learning51:47 Success Stories from the Program53:17 Health and Management of Goats54:37 Goats and Poisonous Plants: A Unique Relationship56:18 The Role of Dogs in Goat Herding56:46 Challenges with Livestock Guardian Animals59:17 Predators and Their Impact on Goat Herds01:01:49 Challenges in Scaling the Business01:02:09 The Story of Zippy: A Beloved Border Collie01:08:39 Spiritual Connections and Animal Relationships01:10:25 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.comChapters00:00 Introduction to Goat Grazing and Entrepreneurship01:37 Understanding Goats on the Go03:45 Affiliate Program vs. Franchise05:52 Finding Local Affiliates07:11 Becoming an Affiliate: The Process08:50 Training and Community Support12:07 Training Structure and Content14:22 Equipment Recommendations and Discounts15:29 Profile of Affiliates18:06 Supporting New Affiliates20:16 Business Fundamentals for Affiliates23:17 Pricing Strategies for Goat Grazing28:39 Identifying and Finding Customers33:24 Building Value in Affiliate Programs37:05 The Importance of Community and Brand40:59 Innovative Business Models in Goat Grazing48:24 The Concept of Enterprise Stacking53:07 Exploring Solar Grazing Opportunities57:08 The Role of Dogs in Grazing Operations01:01:32 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. TakeawaysStar 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 landsChapters00:00 Introduction to The Goat Grazing Podcast00:54 Overview of Star Creek Land Stewards02:17 Andree Soares' Journey to Goat Grazing06:04 Transition from Nursing to Grazing Business12:24 Fire Management and Grazing14:32 California's Growing Interest in Grazing for Fire Prevention19:50 Creating Defensible Space with Grazing22:23 Logistics of Managing Large Herds25:18 Project Management and Client Relations27:26 Management Roles34:52 Understanding Bidding Processes in Grazing Services37:42 Is This Free Feed?38:59 Is This Agriculture?40:12 Insurance For Goat Grazing Business41:53 Labor Challenges in the Grazing Industry44:06 Legislative Impacts on Agricultural Labor47:54 Navigating Rising Input Costs50:48 The Future of Guest Worker Programs52:16 What Breeds Are You Running53:23 Value Added Products54:06 Numbers Of Goats vs. Sheep54:14 New Chapter56:20 Parasite Control and Hoof Trimming59:21 Challenges and Anecdotes in Grazing Operations59:28 New Chapter 201:00:42 Best Piece Of Advice For New Graziers01:02:09 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.Keywordsgoat management, livestock, genetics, land management, logistics, farming, goat breeding, conservation, business strategies, risk managementTakeawaysThe 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Goat Grazing Podcast00:50 Recap of Adam Ladvina's Insights01:21 Top Five Success Factors in Goatscaping01:55 Adam Ladvina's Business Model and Background03:27 Innovative Practices in Goatscaping04:16 The Foundation of Success: The Three Ions04:35 Herd Selection: The Key to Unique Business05:06 Building a Business from Scratch: Adam's Journey05:23 New Chapter07:18 The Journey to Finding the Right Goat Breed08:56 Building a Resilient and Productive Herd10:29 Investing in Quality: The Cost of Good Goats12:20 The Importance of Herd Selection12:26 Customer Service as a Key to Success13:02 Meat Production and Market Dynamics13:02 Creating Management Plans for Clients13:47 The Importance of Customer Service in Land Management15:07 Tailoring Solutions to Individual Needs16:27 Offering Alternatives and Subcontracting Solutions16:44 Understanding the Service-Based Business17:00 The Controversial Success Without Dogs17:53 New Chapter 220:23 Risk Management in Livestock Business22:33 The Role of Herding Dogs in Goat Farming23:09 Challenges and Controversies in Goat Management23:09 Gathering the Goats: Training and Techniques24:23 New Chapter 327:00 Setting Up Grazing Operations28:02 The Importance of Constant Analysis29:41 Mastering Logistics for Success29:47 Diversifying Revenue Streams29:57 The Importance of Quality Goat Herds30:52 Revenue Streams from Goat Farming31:40 Leveraging Knowledge and Experience32:00 Goats as a Business Model32:43 Diversifying Revenue Streams33:08 New Chapter 436:25 CaperingFind 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/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Goat Grazing and Adam Ledvina01:35 Understanding Blue Collar Goatscaping and Iowa Kiko Goats03:31 Adam's Journey into Goat Farming03:31 How Adam Got Into Goatscaping08:04 The Idea Of Using Goats For Invasive Plant Management11:17 Starting Small: Adam's Initial Herd13:25 The Evolution of Adam's Business Model14:32 Meat Production and Market Dynamics16:30 Logistics of Managing Multiple Herds20:29 Customer Base and Client Relationships22:25 Convincing Landowners of Goat Benefits27:38 Creating Management Plans for Clients29:36 Setting Up Grazing Operations34:29 Challenges Of Guardian Dongs in Goat Management40:01 Gathering the Goats: Training and Techniques42:32 Scaling Up: Acreage and Job Bidding47:20 Pricing Strategies: Understanding Costs and Risks48:57 Urban Challenges: Virtual Fence System52:03 Innovations in Grazing: The Virtual Fence System53:42 Economic Viability: Assessing the Cost of Virtual Fencing58:00 Training Goats: Adapting to New Technologies01:00:37 Fencing Solutions: Hard Panels vs. Electric Fencing01:03:16 Bale Grazing: Feeding and Soil Health Benefits01:09:35 Mentorship in Goatscaping: Guiding New Entrants01:12:24 Challenges in Goatscaping: Balancing Work and Growth01:14:49 Value of Service: Why Charge for Grazing?01:16:07 Connecting with Adam: How to Reach Out01:17:38 Podcast Intro Video.mp4