105. Pasture Management 101 with Cal Hardage

In this episode, we talk with Cal Hardidge, a regenerative farmer and host of the 'Grazing Grass' podcast. We delve into the principles and practices of grass-based livestock management, focusing on topics such as rotational grazing, the benefits of diverse livestock, and the importance of soil health. Cal also shares insights from his own farming journey, detailing his transition from conventional to regenerative agriculture, and offers practical advice for homesteaders and farmers with smaller acreages. We also discuss the benefits and challenges of integrating different livestock species, as well as the potential advantages of using practices like chicken tractoring and managing woodland areas with goats and pigs. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone interested in improving pasture management and transitioning to more sustainable farming techniques. This is episode 105 of the Homesteading for Beginners podcast with Mona Weathers. Cal's Info: Website: https://grazinggrass.com Podcast: Grazing Grass Podcast Mona's Info: Free Homesteading for Beginners Checklist: https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/checklist/ Homesteading for Beginners workbook: https://healthyhomesteading.com/workbook Shop Homesteading Supplies on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/farmer_mona 101 Homestead Income Ideas List: https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/homesteadincome Homestead Income Plan Group (FACEBOOK): https://www.facebook.com/groups/homesteadincomeplan Mona's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farmer_mona/ Homesteading for Beginners YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@homesteadingforbeginners   00:00 Introduction to Our Special Guest: Cal Hardidge 01:22 Cal's Journey into Regenerative Farming 05:25 Understanding Regenerative Agriculture 09:33 Benefits of Rotational Grazing 11:13 Diversity in Livestock for Better Pasture Management 15:57 Integrating Chickens and Managing Wooded Areas 21:10 Choosing the Right Grasses and Hay Management 30:08 Debating the Use of Chemicals in Hay 30:59 Managing Thistles and Spot Spraying 31:39 Concerns About Grazon and Manure 34:11 Rotational Grazing on Small Acreage 36:13 Setting Up Electric Fencing for Grazing 37:19 Daily vs. Weekly Rotations 46:07 Misconceptions About Regenerative Agriculture 51:55 Choosing the Right Cattle Breed 56:53 Conclusion and Contact Information