e2. Multiple Species Grass-Finished for Direct Marketing

Jonathan Kilpatrick manages Bent Tree Farms—a 780-acre, multi-species, grass-based operation producing beef, lamb, and pastured poultry. In this episode, Jonathan shares what he’s learned managing a complex, regenerative system in the challenging rainfall patterns of southeastern Oklahoma. We dig into forages, stockpiling strategies, multi-species management, finishing beef on grass, and the practical realities of running a farm largely solo.You’ll hear how Jonathan has shifted from drilling annuals to managing a rich perennial polyculture, why he now treats clover like a key ally, the challenges and rewards of keeping cattle and sheep together, and the detailed strategies he uses to stretch stockpile through winter while minimizing hay.If you want real-world insight from someone doing the work day in and day out—this is a great conversation.Topics CoveredOperation overview and forages on Bent Tree FarmsMoving away from drilled annuals toward perennial managementWhy 2024 was the “Clover Year”Hay feeding strategies (rolling vs rings)Stockpiling fescue and stretching winter forageUsing leader-follower and daily moves for finishing beefRunning sheep and cattle together (and why the guardian dogs complicate it)Managing fencing for multi-species grazingLambing management and annual cycleGrazing for energy vs grazing for landscapingJonathan’s lessons on performance, residuals, and leaving more behindWhy You Should ListenJonathan brings a practical, grounded, and honest view into what it takes to manage a regenerative grazing operation in real life—not theory. His reflections on animal performance, forage diversity, stockpile strategies, and multi-species grazing offer tools you can use today. Grass finishers, sheep producers, and anyone thinking about expanding their grazing toolbox will take away something valuable.Resources MentionedKick the Hay Habit — Jim GerrishBent Tree Farms — https://benttreefarmsok.comBent Tree Farms on Instagram & Facebook (benttreefarmsok) 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