Episode 138: Regenerative Grazing and Cattle Breeding with Del Ficke

Del Ficke has revolutionized cattle breeding and soil regeneration practices during his decades of ranching. Del is the fourth generation to manage his family operation, Ficke Cattle Company, in Pleasant Hill, Nebraska, which was established in the late 1860s. He has carried on its legacy with a focus on sustainability and profitability. In 2015, he trademarked the Grazemaster breed, a composite of multiple breeds tailored for grazing efficiency and minimal reliance on external inputs. Del is also a founding member of the Graze Master Group which provides consulting services for farms and ranches, focusing on sustainable practices, optimizing resources, and fostering long-term profitability
Del's journey began in conventional farming, but his experiences led him to question traditional methods that heavily relied on chemical inputs and intensive machinery. Transitioning to regenerative practices, he eliminated silage chopping and chemical fertilization, opting instead for rotational grazing and natural herd health management.
In this episode, John and Del discuss:
Developing the Grazemaster breed to thrive on specific forage types and grazing systems Why Del transitioned from conventional farming to regenerative practices Implementing rotational grazing and prairie rehabilitation to restore native grasses Prioritizing natural selection for cattle traits such as calving ease and resilience Advocating for a mindset shift in agriculture, urging producers to question traditional practices and embrace innovation The interconnectedness of livestock, soil health, and community The economic and environmental benefits of regenerative practices Additional ResourcesTo learn more about Del Ficke and Ficke Cattle Company, please visit: www.fickecattl...
To learn more about the Graze Masters Group, please visit: www.grazemaste...
About John KempfJohn Kempf is the founder of Advancing Eco Agriculture (AEA). A top expert in biological and regenerative farming, John founded AEA in 2006 to help fellow farmers by providing the education, tools, and strategies that will have a global effect on the food supply and those who grow it.
Through intense study and the knowledge gleaned from many industry leaders, John is building a comprehensive systems-based approach to plant nutrition - a system solidly based on the sciences of plant physiology, mineral nutrition, and soil microbiology.
Support For This Show & Helping You GrowSince 2006, AEA has been on a mission to help growers become more resilient, efficient, and profitable with regenerative agriculture.
AEA works directly with growers to apply its unique line of liquid mineral crop nutrition products and biological inoculants. Informed by cutting-edge plant and soil data-gathering techniques, AEA’s science-based programs empower farm operations to meet the crop quality markers that matter the most.
AEA has created real and lasting change on millions of acres with its products and data-driven services by working hand-in-hand with growers to produce healthier soil, stronger crops, and higher profits.
Beyond working on the ground with growers, AEA leads in regenerative agriculture media and education, producing and distributing the popular and highly-regarded Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, inspiring webinars, and other educational content that serve as go-to resources for growers worldwide.
Learn more about AEA’s regenerative programs and products: www.advancinge...

[@michaelevrard1584]

Amazing, as usually with you guys!!

[@austinwebdev]

Thanks for all the amazing information u always give out. Ur awesome

[@johnwackerle7112]

Thank you John

[@richardheinen1126]

Great show!!!

[@charlespaynter8987]

Direct drilling was practised in UK cereal growing during the 1970's using Bettinson disc drills. In those days crop residues were clear burnt leaving nothing but bare soil & ash. This allowed direct drills to operate effectively. However after a few years, the build up of ash residues reduced the efficacy of blackgrass herbicides and brome and black grass became a problem so the practice lost its popularity. The final nail in the coffin was when straw burning was banned which forced most into ploughing & multiple tillage operations with deep tines, discs large, tractors etc. Guess who was making the real money out farming after that?🤔

[@vivalaleta]

👂🦾👁🦿🦴🧊🥏♟️

[@vivalaleta]

Comments for the algorithm. I'm no farmer.

[@MelonsandMaters]

I can't wait for the day when Americans finally decide to not give the attorneys, bankers, insurance companies and the police who make it all possible, their last sandwich because they know their betters deserve to eat first.

[@DocSiders]

Im seeing SOMETHING REALLY BIG IN HUMAN HEALTH that will involve Ranching. Long story Short: I developed nasty food sensitivities and went on a Carnivore "Elimination Diet" (Beef has none of the toxins found in OR on plants). I got my answer quickly on the Food Sensitivity (it was Wheat...Even Organic Wheat). BUT... I also had about a dozen OTHER HEALTH PROBLEMS. I'm getting Old (72) & just assumed that was it. AND... Being on the Low Carb Carnivore Diet for several months... HAS CURED EVERY ONE OF THESE HEALTH ISSUES: • INCURABLE Type 2 Diabetes...was CURED (no Medications needed) • Weight (30 pounds lost without any Hunger) • Killer Migraines of 50 years are GONE • Hypertension GONE • Insomnia 95% GONE • Arthritis in Knee & Shoulder & Hands is GONE • GI Inflammatory Episodes GONE • Fibromyalgia (Wheat was the Trigger) GONE • Brain Fog Episodes 95% GONE • Neck "Grinding" & Pain GONE • High Triglycerides Dropped in Half • Low HDL ~ Doubled • [Triglycerides/HDL] Ratio improved >400% • Hunger rare now (2 Meals a day.... NO FOOD BINGES) • Muscular strength up and recovery after Resistance Training is only 1 to 2 days... down from 3 to 4 days for recovery. • Chronic low-grade Cystitis & Pelvic Floor inflammation is fading away (~90% GONE) Expensive Medical Treatments & Medications did almost NOTHING for ALL THESE ISSUES Eating Just Beef, Butter, Eggs, &Bscon... Cured or Controlled ALL of My Health Problems.. LOOK AT some of the CARNIVORE & Keto Diet Videos (KZbin Videos) AND you'll see Many 100's of STORIES just like mine. Many Stories even include Cancer Cures. Pasture Fed Beef is a Critical Ingredient in many of these Stories. RFK Jr is aware of this Phenomenon. (He fried his Thanksgiving Turkey.... IN BEEF TALLOW). Demand for GOOD TASTING PASTURED BEEF could Skyrocket. Multi-Species Forage is KEY .... TO FLAVOR & To Nutritional Content. Eating mostly Beef.... Cures most people with7th