157. The Art of Breeding Grass-fed Cattle with Steve Campbell

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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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

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
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Original Music by Louis Palfrey