e1. Introducing the Grazing Grass Podcast and Myself

In this very first episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, host Cal Hardage shares the story behind the show, his background in farming, and the vision for building a community of graziers who want to maximize forage production through better management. Cal reflects on his upbringing on a dairy and beef operation, his lifelong learning in the world of grass farming, and his current practices on 240 acres in Oklahoma raising cattle, sheep, and goats using regenerative rotational grazing.

Listeners will learn why Cal created the podcast, what to expect from future episodes, and how to connect with others through the Grazing Grass Community. He also answers the original version of the Famous Four questions, sharing his favorite grazing books, top tools on the farm, and where listeners can learn more about his work.

Topics Covered

• Why Cal launched the Grazing Grass Podcast
• The need for a dedicated grass-farming focused podcast
• Cal’s background—from dairy to beef to sheep & goats
• The evolution of his grazing practices
• Current rotational grazing approach across 240 acres
• Forage species on his farm (Bermuda, fescue, clover mixes, lespedeza, Johnson grass)
• Fence setups and rotational challenges
• Using technology, electric fence, and daily vs weekly moves
• Performance impacts of weekly moves
• The origin of the Famous Four questions
• Cal’s favorite books, tools, and community resources

Why You Should Listen
This episode sets the tone for everything the Grazing Grass Podcast is about: practical grazing knowledge, farmer-to-farmer learning, and real-world insights from someone working to improve forage and livestock production. It’s an honest, down-to-earth introduction that helps listeners connect with Cal’s story and the mission behind the podcast.

Resources Mentioned

• No-Risk Ranching by Greg Judy
• Comeback Farms by Greg Judy
• The Stockman Grass Farmer
• Hedge Apple Acres — https://hedgeappleacres.com
• Grazing Grass Community — https://grazinggrass.com

Need genetics that perform on forage?
Take a look at Grass Based Genetics—a directory of livestock bred to thrive on grass.

Helpful Grazing Grass Links:
• Website (Episodes, Resources & More)
• Join the Grazing Grass Community on Facebook

Original music by Louis Palfrey.

Looking for grass-based breeders?
 Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory.

Upcoming Grazing Events

• Regenerative Agriculture Deep Dive: 3 Day Holistic Managment - Kamas, UT, April 22-24, 2026.  https://3springsutah.com
• Noble Land Essentials - Ardmore, OK, May 12-13, 2026. https://noble.org

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture
Grassroots Carbon
Apr 22-24 3 Springs Utah

Grazing Grass Links
Website
Community (on Facebook)

Original Music by Louis Palfrey