Bruce shares his journey from managing sheep and goats to building a South Poll seedstock operation, the pivotal experiences that shaped his philosophy, and how he balances practicality with profitability. He also reflects on the importance of family, community, and keeping options open in an unpredictable business.

In this episode, we cover:

• Bruce’s background in agriculture and how he ended up in Bell, Missouri
• Transitioning from sheep and goats to a South Poll-centered cattle operation
• Lessons learned from Burke Teichert and the Rex Ranch about low-input grazing systems
• Why docility and adaptability matter in South Poll cattle
• Running sheep and cattle together, and the challenges of small ruminants
• How Bruce markets lambs and develops bulls with his customers in mind
• The role of lease land in his operation
• Advice for beginners: walk before you run and never say never in grazing

Whether you’re a grazier looking to simplify your system, or just curious about the South Poll breed, this episode is packed with practical wisdom and real-world experience.

Bruce doesn’t overcomplicate things—his success comes from sticking to the basics. His “simple recipe” offers a refreshing reminder that profitability often comes from focus, discipline, and letting cattle prove themselves in the environment they’re meant for. If you’re thinking about South Polls, sheep, or just streamlining your grazing operation, Bruce’s story will give you ideas and encouragement.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Sassafras Valley Ranch
• Greg Judy’s No Risk Ranching (first book)
• How to Think Like a Grazier by Greg Judy
• South Poll Grass Cattle Association

Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture.
South Poll Field Day & Sale

Grazing Grass Links
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Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Josh shares his journey as a sixth-generation grazier managing South Poll cattle, woodland-raised pork, and pasture poultry with his father. He grew up immersed in rotational grazing from the late 1990s, giving him a unique second-generation perspective on regenerative practices. Josh explains how their family transitioned from commercial breeds to South Polls in 2006, seeing immediate differences in heat tolerance, fly resistance, and docility. Today, they run a registered South Poll herd and market animals both as seed stock and direct-to-consumer beef.

Key topics covered:

• Growing up in a regenerative grazing family and partnering with his dad on the farm.
• Transition to South Poll cattle and why they thrive in North Carolina’s hot, humid fescue environment.
• Breeding philosophy with split spring and fall calving seasons.
• Benefits of docility, adaptability, and calving ease in their herd.
• Seed stock marketing and demand for South Poll cattle.
• Building a direct-to-consumer beef business with online sales, pickup locations, and limited home delivery.
• Diversifying with woodland-raised pork and pasture poultry for both soil and business benefits.
• Balancing scaling the farm with off-farm work, including lessons from his Chamber of Commerce role.
• Advice for beginners: focus, clarity, and starting with quality animals or strong customer relationships.

This episode highlights the long-term benefits of sticking with regenerative grazing across generations and offers a candid look at building both seed stock and direct-to-consumer businesses. Josh’s experience with South Poll cattle provides valuable insights for anyone considering heat-tolerant, grass-efficient breeds.

Resources mentioned:

• Harris Home Place Farm: harrishomeplacefarm.com

• Facebook & Instagram: Harris Homeplace Farm
• South Poll Grass Cattle Association: southpoll.com
• The End of Craving by Mark Schatzker
• Steak by Mark Schatzker

Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture.
South Poll Field Day & Sale

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast

Original Music by Louis Palfrey

Ann and Bob share their journey from Nebraska crop and cattle farming to building a regenerative grazing operation in the Ozarks. They discuss the challenges of starting over, investing in infrastructure like tire tanks and fencing, and adapting their herd with South Poll genetics to fit their environment. Their story highlights resilience, stewardship, and the pursuit of nutrient-dense beef and healthier soils.

Topics covered in this episode:

• Transition from conventional farming in Nebraska to management-intensive grazing in Missouri
• Daily moves, portable watering systems, and eventually installing 28 tire tanks
• Experiences with cattle breeds including Black Angus, Braford, Corriente, and South Poll crosses
• Marketing steers through private sales, meat business, and occasional sale barns
• Nutrient-density testing of their beef, showing omega ratios close to wild salmon
• Soil health improvements, bird diversity surveys, and ecosystem changes on their ranch
• Lessons learned about rest periods, stewardship, and adapting grazing as a “recipe, not a prescription”
• Future plans as they balance ranch work, family, and personal goals

Why listen to this episode:
Ann and Bob bring decades of hands-on experience, showing how management, not just genetics or land, drives success. From portable waters to garlic salt minerals, they share practical insights any grazier can apply. Their emphasis on stewardship, learning, and resilience will inspire both beginners and seasoned graziers alike.

Resources mentioned:

• Stockman Grass Farmer
• Man, Cattle and Veld
• Top of the Ozarks grazing group
• Redmond Agriculture minerals
• Clear Spring Ranch – clearspringranch.com
• Five Five Coyote Meat Business – fivefivecoyote.com

Looking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based Genetics

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Redmond Agriculture.
South Poll Field Day & Sale

Grazing Grass Links
New Listener Resource Guide

Provide feedback for the podcast
Website
Insiders
Resources
Community (on Facebook)
Check out the Apiary Chronicles Podcast