185. Hair, Grass, and Virtual Fences with Todd Barkley

Todd Barkley of Barkley Ranch in Southeast Montana joins us to share his journey as a fourth-generation rancher balancing education, cattle, and regenerative practices. Todd talks about building his cow herd through AI, crossbreeding with Herefords, and now introducing Galloway genetics for winter hardiness and fly resistance. He also dives deep into cover crops, soil health, and the powerful role of epigenetics in shaping cattle for the environment. A major highlight is his firsthand experience with Gallagher’s eShepherd virtual fencing system and how it’s changing the way he manages pastures and labor on his ranch.

We cover topics including:

• Todd’s return to ranching after pursuing a teaching degree
• How CRP programs shaped his family’s operation
• Building his cow herd with Angus, Hereford, and now Galloway genetics
• Challenges of managing cattle in a 9–12 inch rainfall environment
• The role of cover crops and organic matter in regenerative systems
• Why epigenetics matters in cattle selection
• Using eShepherd virtual fencing for labor savings and improved grazing management
• Balancing innovation with practical ranching realities

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about how virtual fencing works on a real ranch, or for producers considering breed selection to better match cattle to their environment. Todd’s perspective shows how combining tradition, experimentation, and technology can strengthen both the land and the herd.

Resources & Mentions:

• Johan Zietsman’s Man, Cattle and Veld
• Montana Grazing Lands Coalition
• Gallagher eShepherd Virtual Fencing
• NRCS and regenerative ag leaders: Gabe Brown, Neil Dennis, Jerry Doan, Allen Williams

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Original Music by Louis Palfrey