22 | Logan Karcher, Burnt Hill Cattle Company

Logan Karcher is the owner and operator of Burnt Hill Cattle Company in southern Illinois, where he raises grass-fed beef, hair sheep, pasture pork, and poultry using regenerative grazing principles. Logan shares his journey from conventional agriculture and rodeo stock to intensive grazing, hair sheep, and diversified enterprises that fit both the land and his goals. His story highlights how education, experimentation, and observation shaped an operation focused on soil health, profitability, and simplicity.In this episode, we explore:Logan’s transition from bucking bulls and feed-based systems to regenerative grazingHow college, mentors, and grazing schools influenced his management decisionsWhy hair sheep became a key enterprise on limited acreageRunning cattle and sheep together with single-strand polywireSheep economics compared to cow-calf on small farmsClearing wooded ground using sheep instead of equipmentLessons learned about fencing, water systems, and infrastructureCover crops, grazing on cropland, and working with conventional row-crop farmersWhy low-input livestock systems matter for long-term resilienceWhy This Episode Matters This episode offers a clear, real-world look at how regenerative grazing works on a small, mixed operation. Logan’s experience shows how stacking enterprises, matching livestock to the land, and staying curious can dramatically improve both profitability and quality of life. For anyone managing limited acreage or considering sheep, this conversation provides practical insight without hype.Resources MentionedNo-Risk Ranching by Greg JudyStockman Grass Farmer magazineGrazing schools and Soil Health Academy eventsUnderstanding Ag programsFind Out MoreBurnt Hill Cattle Company on FacebookFar Away Farms and Arena (operation Logan manages) 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