199. Soil-First Grazing and Earned Efficiency with Rachel Bouressa

Rachel Bouressa of Bouressa Family Farm joins us from central Wisconsin, where she’s a fifth-generation farmer and second-generation grazier managing 120 acres with a soil-first mindset. After returning home following a barn fire, she rebuilt her operation using perennial forages, diverse annuals, and a willingness to experiment. Today she’s deeply involved with Grassworks, Wisconsin Farmers Union, NRCS conservation planning, women-in-conservation mentoring, and the Upper Fox Wolf Demonstration Farm Network—all while running a thriving direct-to-consumer beef business.Topics Covered in This EpisodeRebuilding the family farm after a barn fire and starting with just 15 acresDeveloping a soil-first grazing philosophy and “earned efficiency”Working closely with NRCS and building strong planner–farmer relationshipsConverting row-crop ground back to pasture using rye, diverse cool-season mixes, and sorghum-SudanChoosing cattle genetics: British White Parks, Devons, and Murray GreysDirect-to-consumer beef sales and transitioning to Barn2DoorExtending the grazing season toward ChristmasAudubon Bird-Friendly certification and creating habitat valueWhy You Should ListenIf you’re looking for a grounded, real-world example of what soil-first grazing looks like in practice, Rachel brings hard-earned wisdom, humility, and a spirit of experimentation. Her story is full of practical insights—from pasture renovation to breed selection to extending the grazing season—and she offers a refreshingly honest look at the challenges and rewards of growing a regenerative, community-connected grazing operation.Resources MentionedGrassworks ConferenceNRCS grazing resourcesAudubon Conservation Ranching ProgramWendell Berry — Unsettling of America, The Gift of Good LandFred Provenza — Nourishment 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