193. Building Intentional Farms from Neglected Land with Stan Oller

Stan and his wife began farming in 2021 after adopting four children and realizing they wanted to raise them with meaningful work and stewardship. Starting with neglected, junk-filled land, they’ve built a regenerative, multi-species farm from scratch—learning through Greg Judy, Joel Salatin, and hands-on mistakes.Topics CoveredMoving from western Kansas to Arkansas and starting a farm from nothingAdopting four children and using the farm as a teaching toolRestoring neglected land and hauling off 340 tiresEarly livestock: 11 heifers → sheep → pigs → broilersGrant funding from Illinois River Watershed for water lines and fencingPivoting from South Poll beef to a sheep-focused enterpriseLeader-follower grazing with cattle and hair sheepUsing C-90 salt, garlic, and apple cider vinegar for mineral programsDirect-marketing lamb, pork, and chicken through GrazeCartAdding pigs to utilize 30 acres of woods and reduce ticksLaunching on-farm poultry processing (non-GMO, soy-free feed)Stewardship mindset and educational outreach via Harvest Hosts & farm visitsFuture plans: farrow-to-finish Hereford pigs, possible Dexter cows for raw milk, on-farm events, and intentional growthStan’s story is a realistic look at starting late, learning fast, and doing it intentionally. From adoption to regenerative restoration, he shows how faith, family, and stewardship intersect on a small Arkansas farm. Whether you’re reclaiming abused land or diversifying your livestock, his experience offers encouragement and practical takeaways.Resources MentionedIntentional FarmsGreg Judy Grazing SchoolJoel Salatin videosThe Stockman Grass FarmerGrazeCart e-commerce platformIllinois River Watershed Alliance grantsLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass?  Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture.Grazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastOriginal Music by Louis Palfrey Looking for grass-based breeders? Explore the Grass Based Genetics directory.Visit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond Agriculture Grassroots CarbonGrazing Grass LinksWebsiteCommunity (on Facebook)Original Music by Louis Palfrey