Working Cows - Regenerative Ranching to Maximize Profitability and Soil Health

Good leaders direct their organizations toward success. Great leaders replace themselves with leaders better than they are. Josh Kerpan has been on a journey to replace himself. He and his team have accomplished that. Today on the Working Cows podcast we discuss the importance of Purpose, Processes, and People to escape the entrepreneurial trap. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today! Sponsor: Ranch Right Wineglass Ranch Relevant Links: KZNSolutions.ca Kerpan Farms

How do leaders shape the future of the resources with which they have been entrusted? What does it take to avoid catastrophe and maximize positive results? In a word, intentionality. We have to continue making small regular investments in our resources to ensure long-term success. In this episode I share a keynote I gave to the gathering at the 2024 South Dakota Grassland Coalition Annual Conference. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today! Sponsor: Wine Glass Ranch Remedi Animal Solutions Relevant Links: Ogallala Livestock Ep. 368 Ellen Bench – Homeopathic Livestock Health Ep. 371 Ellen Bench – Implementing Homeopathic Livestock Health

Many places around the country talk about sheep being the mortgage lifters. South Central Kansas is no different. Ryan and Kelsey Keeling have been on a journey to transition the ranch they manage to a higher percentage of grazing days allotted to sheep. They joined me to discuss how they are sharing this journey on Kelsey’s new podcast “Feed the Sheep” as well as the advantages and challenges of this process. We also talk about some of the strategies they have been employing to maximize the unique ways sheep impact soil health. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today! Sponsor: Grassland Management School Ranch Right Relevant Links: Balanced Ruminant Grazers on YouTube

In part two of a discussion on where we stand in American agriculture Gabe Brown and Dr. Allen Williams joined me to discuss what we can do to revive rural America economically speaking. We discuss the role of regenerative agriculture in accomplishing this goal as well as the causes of the hollowing out of rural America. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today! Sponsor: UnderstandingAg.com Attend a Soil Health Academy in 2025 Related Episode: Ep. 402 Gabe Brown and Dr. Allen Williams – Fixing America’s Broken Water Cycle

Wineglass Ranch has been on a mission for many years to develop easy-keeping cattle. They have sought to do this by developing heifers that get bred year after year, developing bulls that add heterosis, and maintain a low frame score cow that can graze 365 days per year. Cow boss TJ Ellicott joined me to discuss the process of accomplishing this mission as well as how you can get these cattle into your herd. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today! Sponsor: Ranch Right Wineglass Ranch Relevant Links: Ogallala Livestock

What is the State of Agriculture in 2025 in America? How do we substantively make a difference in 2025 in American Agriculture? Gabe Brown and Dr. Allen Williams join me to discuss their understanding of where we are in agriculture and how we make real progress in a regenerative direction. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today! Sponsor: UnderstandingAg.com Attend a Soil Health Academy in 2025

Over 90% of our communication is non-verbal. From body language, to tone, to mirror neurons it’s less about what we said and more about how we said it including our posture while saying. Guests Joshua and Tara Dukart help me take a deep dive on all things communication. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today! Sponsor: Farming Without the Bank Relevant Links: SeekFirstRanch.com/Leadership Eastern Montana Regenerative Ag Group Communication Workshop

Joel Salatin, a pioneer in regenerative agriculture at Polyface Farms, shares insights on preparing the next generation of farmers. He discusses the upcoming Great Wealth Transfer and the need for effective leadership development in agriculture. Salatin emphasizes fostering a culture of innovation, creating attractive business models, and empowering young leaders through mentorship. He also highlights the importance of assuming positive intent in communication to enhance teamwork and reduce conflict in farming operations.

Jared Luhman, host of the newly rebranded Ranching Returns podcast, joined me to discuss his strategy of investing in real estate. We also discuss his favorite resources and lessons learned. We get the discussion started by talking about his recent rebrand. The conversation turns to real estate investing as Jared discusses lessons learned through the podcast. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today! Sponsor: Farming Without the Bank Relevant Links: Real Estate Investing with Coach Carson

John Hays, a consultant with Understanding Ag, joined me to discuss the journey he and his family have been on to diversify and market the products raised on their farm. We discuss the necessary education, connections, and infrastructure to succeed in direct marketing pastured proteins. We also discuss his ability to compete for leases in a context dominated by corn and soy bean operations. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today! Sponsor: UnderstandingAg.com Course Mentioned: Business Made Simple