In this episode, we talk with Cal Hardidge, a regenerative farmer and host of the 'Grazing Grass' podcast. We delve into the principles and practices of grass-based livestock management, focusing on topics such as rotational grazing, the benefits of diverse livestock, and the importance of soil health. Cal also shares insights from his own farming journey, detailing his transition from conventional to regenerative agriculture, and offers practical advice for homesteaders and farmers with smaller acreages. We also discuss the benefits and challenges of integrating different livestock species, as well as the potential advantages of using practices like chicken tractoring and managing woodland areas with goats and pigs. This episode is packed with valuable information for anyone interested in improving pasture management and transitioning to more sustainable farming techniques.

This is episode 105 of the Homesteading for Beginners podcast with Mona Weathers.

Cal's Info:

Website: https://grazinggrass.com

Podcast: Grazing Grass Podcast

Mona's Info:

Free Homesteading for Beginners Checklist:

https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/checklist/

Homesteading for Beginners workbook:

https://healthyhomesteading.com/workbook

Shop Homesteading Supplies on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/shop/farmer_mona

101 Homestead Income Ideas List:

https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/homesteadincome

Homestead Income Plan Group (FACEBOOK):

https://www.facebook.com/groups/homesteadincomeplan

Mona's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/farmer_mona/

Homesteading for Beginners YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@homesteadingforbeginners

00:00 Introduction to Our Special Guest: Cal Hardidge
01:22 Cal's Journey into Regenerative Farming
05:25 Understanding Regenerative Agriculture
09:33 Benefits of Rotational Grazing
11:13 Diversity in Livestock for Better Pasture Management
15:57 Integrating Chickens and Managing Wooded Areas
21:10 Choosing the Right Grasses and Hay Management
30:08 Debating the Use of Chemicals in Hay
30:59 Managing Thistles and Spot Spraying
31:39 Concerns About Grazon and Manure
34:11 Rotational Grazing on Small Acreage
36:13 Setting Up Electric Fencing for Grazing
37:19 Daily vs. Weekly Rotations
46:07 Misconceptions About Regenerative Agriculture
51:55 Choosing the Right Cattle Breed
56:53 Conclusion and Contact Information

In this episode I dive into 25 practical ways to kickstart your homesteading journey, even if you have little to no land. From gardening on apartment balconies to learning animal husbandry without owning animals, I cover a variety of essential skills. I also discuss composting, preserving food, foraging, bread making, herbalism, and much more. I share my experiences and provide valuable tips on how to become more self-sufficient and sustainable.

Are ready to start your homesteading journey but you're not sure exactly how to begin? The Beginner Homesteader's Starter Kit will take you through the steps you need to start your journey off on the right foot so that you can prevent homesteader burnout.

This starter kit is on sale until June 30th 2024. Get 35% off by using the code: HOMESTEADSTART

https://www.homesteadincomeplan.com/homesteadstart

Watch this episode on YouTube and please don't forget to subscribe to my channel:

https://youtu.be/Jht3vntO0mQ

Episdodes mentioned in this episode:

Gardening:

Ep.96 Turn Your Black Thumb Green with These Tips: https://sites.libsyn.com/422132/096-turn-your-gardening-black-thumb-green-with-these-tips

Ep. 82 Organic Gardening with Jessica Gaige: https://sites.libsyn.com/422132/082-organic-gardening-for-beginners-with-jessica-gaige

Composting:

Ep. 26 Worm Farming : https://sites.libsyn.com/422132/026-homestead-income-series-worm-farming

Preserving Food:

Ep. 49 - Melissa K. Norris on the 9 Food Preservation Methods: https://sites.libsyn.com/422132/049-melissa-k-norris-on-the-9-food-preservation-methods

Bee Keeping:

Ep. 92- Natural Bee Keeping with Adam & Leslie Martin : https://sites.libsyn.com/422132/092-homesteading-community-natural-beekeeping-with-adam-leslie-martin-of-beekept

Natural Dyeing: Jessica Unsell 🌿 Color Seeker (@wild_fire_water_) • Instagram photos and videos

Home Health Care:

Ep. 98. Homesteader Health with Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Amber Belt

https://sites.libsyn.com/422132/098-homesteader-health-with-naturopathic-physician-dr-amber-belt

Microgreens:

Ep. 77 Growing Microgreens with Laura Patterson

https://www.homesteadincomeplan.com/blog/microgreensbusiness

Homeschooling:

Ep. 63 Homesteading and Homeschooling with Cody Hanner

https://sites.libsyn.com/422132/063-homeschooling-homesteading-with-kody-hanner-part-1

Permaculture:

Ep. 52 What is Permaculture and How Can It Help You?

https://sites.libsyn.com/422132/052-what-is-permaculture-how-can-it-help-you

00:00 Introduction to Homesteading for Beginners
00:15 Starting Your Homesteading Journey with Little to No Land
01:24 Gardening: The Foundation of Homesteading
02:32 Composting and Vermicomposting
03:28 Preserving and Seed Saving
05:18 Animal Husbandry: Caring for Livestock
07:12 Kitchen Skills: Bread, Cheese, and Cooking from Scratch
08:38 Foraging, Hunting, and Fishing
10:01 Herbalism and Soap Making
11:19 Welding, Carpentry, and Beekeeping
12:56 Budgeting, Natural Dyeing, and Aquaponics
15:04 Home Health Care and Butchery
16:31 Growing Fodder and Microgreens
17:43 Homeschooling and Woodworking
19:10 Permaculture Design and Conclusion

In this episode of the 'Homesteading for Beginners' podcast, I emphasize the importance of celebrating small wins to remain motivated and achieve long-term goals. I share personal stories from my homesteading and gardening journey, illustrating how celebrating incremental progress has been crucial in my 20+year experience. I also offer practical tips for maintaining a positive mindset and discuss the broader impacts of this mentality on homesteading and life.

Are ready to start your homesteading journey but you're not sure exactly how to begin? The Beginner Homesteader's Starter Kit will take you through the steps you need to start your journey off on the right foot so that you can prevent homesteader burnout.

This starter kit is on sale until June 30th 2024. Get 35% off by using the code: HOMESTEADSTART

https://www.homesteadincomeplan.com/homesteadstart

Watch this episode on YouTube and please don't forget to subscribe to my channel:

https://youtu.be/7AdZfLsMh6M

101 Homestead Income Ideas List:

https://www.healthyhomesteading.com/homesteadincome

Homestead Income Plan Group (FACEBOOK):

https://www.facebook.com/groups/homesteadincomeplan

Shop Homesteading Books and Supplies: https://www.amazon.com/shop/farmer_mona

Mona's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/farmer_mona/

Homesteading for Beginners YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@homesteadingforbeginners