195. South Poll Field Day Special: Real Ranchers, Real Results

In this special in-person episode recorded at the South Poll Field Day, Cal sits down with some of the biggest names connected to the South Poll breed and regenerative grazing movement — Teddy Gentry, Greg Judy, Ralph & Jerry Voss, Steve Freeman, and Nathan Hahn.You’ll hear the story of how the South Poll breed was created, the philosophy behind it, and how it continues to thrive on real-world farms. From developing heat-tolerant genetics and maintaining fertility in tough environments to direct-to-consumer beef and breeding program strategies, this episode captures a living snapshot of regenerative cattle culture in action.Guests include:🧬 Teddy Gentry — Founder of the South Poll breed, sharing its origin, composite makeup, and the importance of fertility, longevity, and line breeding for efficiency.🌱 Greg Judy — Missouri grazier explaining how South Polls transformed his operation, reduced inputs, and made it possible to quit his off-farm job.👩‍🌾 Ralph & Jerry Voss — Longtime breeders whose herd and friendship with Greg Judy led to some of the most influential South Poll genetics today.🐄 Steve Freeman — Missouri cattleman with over 40 years of experience, describing how South Polls helped him achieve 95% conception rates and a truly profitable grass-only system.🥩 Nathan Hahn — Kentucky farmer finishing and selling beef direct-to-consumer, detailing how South Polls fit perfectly into a low-input, grass-finished operation.Why You Should ListenWhether you raise South Polls or not, this episode is packed with wisdom about:Selecting for fertility and longevity over size or EPDs.Building a profitable cow herd that thrives on grass alone.Breeding and marketing strategies for grass-fed genetics.The real-world economics and mindset shifts behind regenerative ranching.How smaller, calmer, efficient cattle can make you money — and peace of mind.It’s part history lesson, part grazing masterclass, and a celebration of the community driving the South Poll breed forward.Resources MentionedSouth Poll Grass Cattle AssociationGreg Judy – Green Pastures FarmVoss South PollsUnity FarmsLooking 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