Travel with us from the vast plains of South Dakota to the sunny landscapes of Florida as we explore the transformative journey of Stephanie Anderson, a passionate advocate for regenerative agriculture. Discover how her upbringing on a traditional cattle ranch shaped her views and fueled her latest literary endeavor, "From the Ground Up: The Women Revolutionizing Regenerative Agriculture." Stephanie's insights into her family's unique grazing practices, combined with her generous offer of book copies, invite our Grazing Grass community to rethink conventional farming and embrace sustainable practices.

Unpacking the challenges faced by first-generation college students, we shine a light on the expectations from small-town life and the potential for meaningful careers within agriculture and beyond. Personal anecdotes paint a vivid picture of the stark contrasts and humorous realities of rural life versus broader societal norms. By highlighting the resilience of individuals like Stephanie, who ventured from traditional backgrounds into diverse fields, we emphasize the importance of sustainable agriculture as a viable and rewarding career path in today's economic climate.

The episode also delves into the broader impacts of regenerative practices on both personal and societal levels. From the pioneering work of farmers like Gabe Brown to the critical role of women and BIPOC individuals in reshaping our food systems, our discussion underscores the inclusivity and adaptability required in this movement. As we navigate through stories of innovative practices such as regenerative grazing and nutritious sprouting, Stephanie’s passion and perspective offer a beacon of hope for a sustainable agricultural future, encouraging listeners to consider how these practices can fortify our food systems in uncertain times.

Links Mentioned in the Episode
Stephanie Anderson's Writings

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Noble Research Institute
Redmond
2025 Manderley Farms Grazing Conference

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

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Website
Insiders
Resources (Coming Soon)
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Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction to Stephanie Anderson
• (00:17) - Fast Five with Stephanie
• (00:56) - Welcome to the Grazing Grass Podcast
• (01:30) - Ranch Management Courses Announcement
• (02:26) - Farm Update: Bale Grazing and Lambing Season
• (04:22) - Grazing Grass Community on Facebook
• (05:01) - Stephanie's Early Ranching Experiences
• (08:21) - Pursuing an English Major and Writing Career
• (15:14) - Stephanie's Writing Journey and Regenerative Practices
• (21:37) - Impact of Regenerative Practices on Family Ranch
• (22:58) - Challenges of Transitioning to Regenerative Agriculture
• (24:50) - Inspiration Behind 'From the Ground Up'
• (28:48) - Inclusive Practices in Regenerative Agriculture
• (30:15) - The Importance of Storytelling in Farming
• (31:01) - Challenges and Opportunities for Young Farmers
• (32:31) - Transitioning Farmland to the Next Generation
• (34:21) - Economic Stability Through Regenerative Practices
• (35:20) - Introducing Stephanie's Book
• (36:49) - Diverse Regenerative Practices Across the U.S.
• (44:44) - The Role of Fire in Land Management
• (47:59) - Innovative Grazing Techniques and Diversification
• (52:06) - Stephanie's Future Writing Projects
• (53:34) - The Famous Four Questions
• (01:01:07) - Conclusion and Listener Resources

Unlock the secrets to successful farm stacking and low-maintenance beekeeping as we share the inspiring journey of Adam Martin from B Strong Homestead in Cologa, Tennessee. Adam transitioned from city life to homesteading during the pandemic, adapting to the challenges and joys of raising dairy cows and embracing regenerative farming practices. From tackling a lack of electricity with a 12-volt milking system to utilizing bale grazing for winter pasture management, Adam provides practical insights and valuable lessons learned along the way.

Adam's story doesn't stop with cattle. His passion for sustainable living stretches into the world of beekeeping—a journey fueled by a lifelong love for honey. Discover how Adam moved from traditional methods to a more natural, minimalist approach, focusing on techniques like swarm trapping and the use of horizontal hives. This approach not only enhances insulation but also minimizes disturbances during inspections, allowing bees to thrive with minimal human intervention. Adam's experiences demonstrate how beekeeping can be a rewarding complement to any homestead.

Rounding out this enlightening episode, we delve into the broader benefits that honeybees bring to rural properties, enhancing garden and pasture growth through superior pollination. For those eager to try their hand at stacking enterprises, Adam shares a wealth of resources and practical tips, from must-read books to essential tools. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or just beginning your homesteading adventure, Adam's insights and recommendations will inspire you to embrace imperfection and take a hands-on approach to farm life and beekeeping.

Links Mentioned in the Episode
Bee Kept

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond
2025 Manderley Farms Grazing Conference

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources (Coming Soon)
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction to Stacking Enterprises
• (01:00) - Meet Adam Martin and Be Strong Homestead
• (01:55) - Winter Grazing and Farm Practices
• (02:07) - Podcast Introduction and Beekeeping Teaser
• (02:41) - Noble Profitability Essentials Course
• (04:01) - Winter Farm Activities and Manure Management
• (05:25) - Dairy Cows and Homesteading Journey
• (10:14) - Challenges and Lessons in Dairy Farming
• (13:40) - Bull Management and Breeding Decisions
• (17:05) - Utilizing Milk on the Homestead
• (20:39) - The Appeal of Beekeeping
• (23:09) - Starting with Bees and Swarm Trapping
• (29:04) - Natural Beekeeping Practices
• (33:53) - The Importance of Local Honey
• (35:17) - Embracing Regenerative Farming
• (37:05) - The Shift to Horizontal Hives
• (39:12) - Benefits of Horizontal Hives
• (45:37) - Overgrazing and Bee Integration
• (49:26) - Low Maintenance Beekeeping
• (52:51) - Setting Up Swarm Traps
• (01:02:59) - Famous Four Questions
• (01:08:52) - Conclusion and Resources

Jared Sorensen, a passionate rancher and steward, shares his captivating journey through the world of ranching, revealing the unique challenges and triumphs of managing Secret Pass Livestock in northeastern Nevada. Growing up as the youngest of ten siblings, Jared chose a path less traveled, embracing hands-on experience over formal education. His time at Deseret Ranch in Florida taught him invaluable lessons in efficient cattle management and stewardship, fueling his desire for entrepreneurial ownership and legacy-building. Listen as Jared recounts how these formative experiences have shaped his approach to ranching and influenced the nurturing of an entrepreneurial spirit in his nine children.

The episode also delves into the cutting-edge realm of virtual fencing technology. We explore the challenges Jared faced over the past six months as he integrated this innovation into his ranching practices. Despite the technical hurdles and occasional setbacks, Jared remains optimistic about the potential of virtual fencing to revolutionize land management and enhance carbon sequestration. His journey is a testament to resilience and adaptability, underscoring the importance of profitability and sustainability in agriculture. Together, we discuss how these innovations align with holistic ranching practices and the biblical perspective of stewardship.

Finally, we highlight the educational initiatives of AgStewart, Jared's education and coaching company dedicated to helping family-owned farms thrive. From one-on-one guidance to virtual summits, AgStewart connects a global community of farmers and ranchers, providing essential education and accountability to achieve profitability, land regeneration, and sustainable business practices. As we wrap up, we invite listeners to join the growing regenerative agriculture community and embrace a lifestyle that values mental and emotional well-being, sustainable success, and meaningful relationships.

Links Mentioned in the Episode
The Profitable Regeneration Summit

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute
Redmond
2025 Manderley Farms Grazing Conference

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources (Coming Soon)
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Chapters

• (00:00) - Introduction and Overview
• (00:10) - Fast Five with Jared Sorenson
• (03:31) - Jared's Background and Early Life
• (06:38) - Transition to Cattle Ranching
• (17:43) - Direct Marketing and Business Strategies
• (20:36) - Virtual Fencing Challenges
• (27:25) - Stewardship and Profitable Ranching
• (32:37) - Addressing Stress and Relationships in Agriculture
• (33:06) - Ecological and Financial Health in Farming
• (33:56) - The Role of Financial Institutions in Supporting Regenerative Practices
• (36:55) - The Importance of Mental Health in Agriculture
• (41:54) - Holistic Management and Mentorship
• (47:09) - Introduction to AgSteward and Its Mission
• (50:01) - Virtual Summits and Community Building
• (55:23) - Famous Four Questions and Closing Remarks