Regenerative Ranching and Breeding Award-Winning Beef

Join the Soil Sisters in Stonewall, Texas, for this conversation with Michael Klein, a sixth-generation Gillespie County Texan and owner/steward of Windy Bar Ranch. The discussion covers the ranch's transition to Black Angus cattle, regen ag in ranching, strategies for success, and the journey from wholesale to direct-to-consumer beef sales. Michael shares insights into his farming practices, genetic testing for cattle, rotational grazing, and how he avoids commercial fertilizers on his land and big pharma drugs in his cattle. The conversation also touches on local beef processing and the significance of voting with your dollars by supporting local farmers and ranchers.Connect with Michael Klein: @windybarbeef | Get on the waiting list to purchase Windy Bar Beef at windybarbeef.com | Learn more about Windy Bar Ranch at windybarranch.comTIME STAMPS:00:00 Welcome to the Soil Sisters Podcast00:12 Introduction to Windy Bar Ranch01:21 Starting with Black Angus05:54 Direct to Consumer Beef Sales09:22 Genetic Testing and Marbling13:32 Sustainable Feeding Practices15:53 Cover Crops and Fertilization26:04 Challenges and Advice for New Farmers28:37 Ranch Tours and Learning Experiences29:24 The Meater App: A Game Changer for Grilling30:29 Concerns About Texas Farm and Ranch Land30:37 The Importance of Water Management32:07 The Battle Against Cedar Trees36:15 The Disconnect Between Food Sources and Consumers37:45 The Role of Black Angus in Quality Beef38:06 The Power of Record Keeping in Ranching39:44 Engaging with Customers and Social Media45:20 Challenges with Government Regulations48:47 The Beef Packing Industry's Impact on Ranchers49:50 Local Beef Processors and Dry Aging52:02 The Benefits of Corn in Beef Feed54:03 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 💚 MEET & SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS 💚✨ Tejas Tonic - The official beverage of the TX Soil Sisters ✨Serving up creative spirits for creative spirits. The hemp for this blissful bevvy is organically farmed in the Texas Hill Country. Enjoy 15% off Tejas Tonic w/ code: SISTERS. | Socialize with @drinktejastonic on IG.⚡️ B&P Electric - The Soil Sisters Podcast is powered by B&P Electric ⚡️Whether you’re building, remodeling, installing low-voltage landscape lighting, or in need of an inspection. B&P is your central Texas electrical contractor. | Socialize with @b_pelectric on IG🔥 FireHawk Bioherbicide - FireHawk is a fast acting, non-selective contact herbicide that controls many common broadleaf and grassy weeds.From gardens and homesteads to vineyards and regenerative farms, FireHawk can be used for careful spot treatments around crops, landscapes, and non crop areas. And now FireHawk is available in super concentrate giving growers flexible high performance weed control that mixes easily with water. Learn more at firehawkbioherbicide.com and use code: soilsisters15 to save 15% on your purchase.---------------------------------Engage with TX Soil Sisters on IG: @soilsisterspodcast and on X: @TXSoilSistersSubmit Guest or Show Ideas and Sponsorship Inquiries: txsoilsisters.co Ways to Support The Soil Sisters PodcastIf you enjoyed this conversation, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend interested in regenerative agriculture, ranching, local food systems, or starting their own farm journey.Your support helps us continue bringing real stories and practical lessons from the people regenerating land and communities across the country. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.