186. A Recipe, Not a Prescription: Grazing Insights from the Ozarks with Bob and Ann Demerath

Ann and Bob share their journey from Nebraska crop and cattle farming to building a regenerative grazing operation in the Ozarks. They discuss the challenges of starting over, investing in infrastructure like tire tanks and fencing, and adapting their herd with South Poll genetics to fit their environment. Their story highlights resilience, stewardship, and the pursuit of nutrient-dense beef and healthier soils.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Transition from conventional farming in Nebraska to management-intensive grazing in Missouri
• Daily moves, portable watering systems, and eventually installing 28 tire tanks
• Experiences with cattle breeds including Black Angus, Braford, Corriente, and South Poll crosses
• Marketing steers through private sales, meat business, and occasional sale barns
• Nutrient-density testing of their beef, showing omega ratios close to wild salmon
• Soil health improvements, bird diversity surveys, and ecosystem changes on their ranch
• Lessons learned about rest periods, stewardship, and adapting grazing as a “recipe, not a prescription”
• Future plans as they balance ranch work, family, and personal goals

Why listen to this episode:
Ann and Bob bring decades of hands-on experience, showing how management, not just genetics or land, drives success. From portable waters to garlic salt minerals, they share practical insights any grazier can apply. Their emphasis on stewardship, learning, and resilience will inspire both beginners and seasoned graziers alike.

Resources mentioned:

• Stockman Grass Farmer
• Man, Cattle and Veld
• Top of the Ozarks grazing group
• Redmond Agriculture minerals
• Clear Spring Ranch – clearspringranch.com
• Five Five Coyote Meat Business – fivefivecoyote.com

Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based Genetics

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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

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Original Music by Louis Palfrey