Greg gives you his steps to starting your own successful grazing operation.

[@DustyRidgeFarms]

Greg you probably won’t see this since this video is almost three months old now. But thank you for this message. You inspired me to start my farm. This is my first winter grazing cattle & sheep. Winter can take a toll on a farmer. I’m working night shift to make a living while I build my farm business. Only seeing my animals in the early morning or twilight makes you question yourself quite a bit. I needed to hear the positive messages, I know spring is almost here and I’ve fed minimal hay due to your teaching. Thank you. I’m 30 years old and by 40 I want to be successful enough to quit my town job.

[@gregjudyregenerativerancher]

That is so awesome what your doing. Sounds like a carbon copy of my past history. I started leasing land at age 40 and was able to quit my town job at age 50. I can remember the winter periods very well, dark when you went to work, dark when you got off work. I learned to work with a rechargeable coon hunting light. It was a game changer. You’ve got to have passion and want it more than anything in the world. You will persevere forward in the tough times with passion and a written goal. You can absolutely do this, thanks for sharing your story!

[@appalachianjack99]

Greg, I am 24 and head first into my first winter as a grazier. I needed this message more than you could ever know. I have 15 goats and 15 hair sheep, and I can say that your advice is why I am at this point, and next year, it is why I will be even further along. God bless and thanks for all you do

[@gregjudyregenerativerancher]

All the best to you sir in your grazing enterprise! At 24 years of age and already have animals and learning, you will be amazed where you can end up 10 years from now. Great job!!

[@quest4knowledge768]

You can and will do it. Don't stop.

[@ezekielreed3589]

Same here brother! 22 with 30 goats and hair sheep, I've been doing prescribed grazing services with them. Hoping to work with a larger cattle farm soon and control their brush. Been watching Greg Judy for almost 6 years , glad to see other young fellows making it! We are the future

[@appalachianjack99]

@@ezekielreed3589 yes we are! Where are you from? I’m in Western North Carolina

[@ezekielreed3589]

@@appalachianjack99southwest virginia!

[@godricfamilyfarm]

This "movement" back to farming is important. Whatever people want to call it, let's learn and do it correctly. It matters ❤

[@runjogwalk]

This is one of the most inspirational videos ever listen to on KZbin for the past 10 years.... Greg Judy stay on that soapbox more😊

[@MichaelGregaGreatGateFarms]

God bless you Greg. That helped me today more than you can imagine

[@gregjudyregenerativerancher]

Glad to be of help!

[@godricfamilyfarm]

Thanks Greg for showing people a positive pathway forward.

[@mitchell9782]

Greg, I'm 34, I live in a big city as a nurse and I am very excited to make changes to my life in the next year. Changes to get on land and begin a new path into regenerative ag and cattle grazing. I just started No Risk Ranching as well as $alad Bar Beef. Thank you for all the knowledge and encouragement!

[@danielmaclean8932]

Thank you Greg! It’s 14° here this morning and I needed to hear this!

[@adamsisler]

Thanks for the encouragement and positive attitude Greg. Attitude is everything.

[@davidwinstanley2831]

Thank you Mr Judy for all your generous advice over these many years.

[@tckingfish]

I appreciate to positivity, Greg! Live a life of abundance!

[@brucemattes5015]

*Super heavy-duty tarps, steel tent stakes, 550 paracord, and old lead sash weights (or their equivalent) will protect anything from the elements that truly requires such protection. The cost of the least expensive barn will purchase a lot of livestock, water tanks, valves, hoses, fencing materials, a mineral feeder, minerals, hay, and a bale unroller.*

[@charleswalters5284]

A Greg Judy bale unroller

[@emilmoldovan1789]

You are totally right,many farmers invested their money in building barns, but livestock doesn't care about,making your operation profitable depends on your management.. i love the last video you kicked their butt 😅

[@naomiviviers8481]

Thanks Uncle Greg. Just started with two sheep here in South Africa.

[@mojoe6796]

Stock theft is a major problem in South Africa.

[@Anarchyacresfarmstead]

I feel like you are speaking directly to me. We are buying new property that doesn’t have a barn anymore, we need a new tractor, fencing, water etc. you’re words of experience helps a ton.

[@charleswalters5284]

Why do you need a new tractor?

[@Anarchyacresfarmstead]

@@charleswalters5284 I don’t really, but we have discussed it.

[@theroberts9978]

Thanks Greg for the message. I watch a lot of your videos (I got timeless 4 strand up because of you right now) but this one might be the best!

[@kathyhoward3961]

The only reason I have barns on this farm was my grandmother milked and she had a great setup, after she got older she went into the milk program quit milking started beef cattle she did the grazing as you do now back when she milked. She worked hard for what she had along with the tobacco they paid off their farms. Today I do the beef cattle and the grazing like you do is so much simpler for me. I can move the cattle around by myself and I like it better. The barns I lease out to other farmers for their crops tobacco so I still have cash flow from them too. When she died I inherited the farm and the cattle that were on it. I had lived with her my life and learned a lot . But I have learned a lot from you to , Thank you

[@jeaniepartridge6701]

Greg hearing your story when we were visiting encouraged Scott and me we made some mistakes but we are working out of them.

[@geoffreyclarke9700]

I totally agree with everything you said, Greg. Also last time, you were on a rant about spraying. I also get upset over here with people doing stupid things. God bless you.

[@gregjudyregenerativerancher]

I definitely kicked a hornets nest with that last video!!

[@rainturtle5956]

Please explain why Crossbow herbicide (at unlabeled rates) and diesel fuel is ok when used by you and your tree cutting .

[@gregjudyregenerativerancher]

@rainturtle5956 I just did a search to see how many pounds of chemicals are being sprayed in the US on farm crops. Turns out it is 1 billion pounds. I’m painting an autumn olive stump the size of my thumb with Crossbow. I am not feeding those tree stumps to a customer either. Kinda of ain’t no comparison, but your right, it is a chemical. I’m putting down about 2 quarts if I cut for 4-6 hours.

[@thatguy2105]

One thing I wish you would say along with not needing a barn, is that if you do not have a barn, you have to make sure you calve in warm weather.

[@theroberts9978]

Greg’s said that in umpteen videos, but get your point for this one specifically.

[@gregjudyregenerativerancher]

There is no reason to calve anytime else if you want to have a quality of life for yourself and your animals!!

[@leelindsay5618]

The soldier fly chicken feed is one of the most interesting "free feed" options if people are starting out with birds to recover crop land.

[@mikeob9502]

Thanks, Greg, for the tough love and sage advice.

[@ScottKeeports]

Well said. You are a testament to your craft. In a word...you have something most do not...GRIT. Thanks again for your encouraging words.

[@marvinbaier3627]

Thanks for the video! I think a lot of people need to hear this. Don’t need a barn or building to get started. You need the right type of animals, fence, and water comes first. I was watching this video while my wife was in the same room and she said you are also motivational speaker too.

[@rosalieroku3818]

Beautifully and sincerely spoken. Thank you. ❤

[@davemi00]

Property, Perimeter Fence, Water, Paddock Fencing, Livestock. Good Planning. God bless you.

[@RA-zl6iw]

Thanks for the message Greg. I'm following your plan.

[@BruceClithero]

There are 3 barns and a machinery shed that are mostly empty at the farm I'm at right now. The animals are miles away in the pasture.

[@littlemogocreek]

"The best way to make money is not to spend it". Very wise words and they don't just apply to farm life people.

[@PanamaLiveGoodonaFarm]

Positive thoughts always although i have moved too. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@fernandonerva7754]

Amazing teaching Greg, thanks a lot! Brazil, south part, temperate climate. Less bills, more money to invest right, same thinks down here.

[@gregjudyregenerativerancher]

You got it! All the best to you in Brazil!

[@rogercansler3709]

Preach on. I am about 100 mi to your southwest and we are of a similar mind. Perimeter fencing, cattle are expensive keep them at home, Brush control, that brush is steeling sunlight, moisture and nutrients from your forage. Lime, it cheaper than fertilizer and frees up nutrients that may already be present but tied up due to pH issues. Good variety of forage. I know in my area fescue is king, but that a variety of grasses, legumes gives a more consistent yield of forage than a fescue mono-culture. Manage you pasturing practices. Don't eat it into the ground then wonder why its not coming back especially during these dry seasons we have seen lately. We are still rotating our padocks even following this summers drought and still managed enough hay to meet our requirements for this winter. Newest equipment is from the late 70s but it does the same jobs that the new greens across the fence does , but paid for. Also still in business.

[@gregjudyregenerativerancher]

Good job sir!!

[@wherewildthingsroam3836]

Hi Greg! Thanks for this video and message. Can you do a video on how you developed and grew you customer base? Also one on how you choose which animals to sell vs keep as breedstock? Thanks again. Merry Christmas!

[@petereldracher5660]

I could not believe how hardy my sheep are. We have a run down shed I can put them in if it gets too crazy or if my lambing time ends up being off. But they were out all last winter in some nasty weather and didn't even notice. My neighbor wants to get sheep big scale and he has a pole barn but we're going to use that for what needs to be inside, not animals!

[@alterityregenerativeranchi7947]

Wise words thank you Greg

[@GlennW-d3c]

I’ve been following along behind Greg for last few years and I am from Ky and little slow here to catch on but not leaving enough grass in field before rotating out has been my biggest mistake consistently. Time number of head has to match up with what’s left to come back. I need to leave more of the factory. Ky Doc

[@french-canadianfarmer5049]

Great talk Greg!

[@jessebaker1883]

Thank you Greg appreciate the talk.

[@marcdipaolo5142]

I love this video. Thank you Greg!!

[@markrodrigue9503]

At 13:12 I screamed yes your right nobody can stop me if I get out my own way

[@tylerjanski978]

What advice if any would you change for a grazier in the northern Midwest where snowfall and winter run for 4-5 months a year?

[@joelbittner1746]

Greg, thank you! Do you have a video that talks about going from bare cropland to forage?

[@littleneedlesfarm6387]

That's exactly what I'm interested in. I've got a bare field that we'll be converting to pasture and I'd love to see Greg's advice.

[@markpiersall9815]

Get a soil test and get it limed. Get grasses established first, before adding legumes like clover. Silvopasture is better than pasture so see what works in your area. Also consider installing a Screech Owl nest box on the property to eliminate rodents hosts for ticks and pit viper attractants.

[@jessesalvage5488]

I guess you might be right, I don't need a barn. But I moved my farm from California where I didn't have a barn and a barn was not needed. Now I'm in the Northeast! This human being sure would like a barn 😅

[@twc9000]

We really do live in lala land in the U.S. We have it so easy compared to most other parts of the world... at least for now.

[@yeldesi9449]

well stated! thanks for speaking truth into the insanity.

[@brianhoxworth3881]

Boy..hay prices are threw the roof this year. I saw some Missouri farmers are paying up to $100 for a large bale. When our farm was hay, we would get almost 200 bales each year off 30+ acres, on 2 cuttings. I'm really not that far from you in Southern Illinois.

[@michaelhines2055]

Greg,do you need a coral and /or head catcher for a small , 10 acre, grazing operation?

[@TopnotchitTX]

If you have mostly pasture without trees, what do you recommend for shade for sheep in north texas. Something portable to move between paddocks? Heat and sun can get intense

[@Marilou-g5t]

Great advice!

[@RustyMeadowsHomestead]

Good advise. Thank you

[@McCoyFamilyFarm]

At what temp and conditions do you think a windbreak is necessary?

[@chivociso3887]

Can you explain to us how you manage the business side in regards to taxes/irs. Why you go the non LLC route?

[@SolarSolaceFarms]

Thanks Greg! Did you get into the South Poll breed before or after you quit your town job?

[@gregjudyregenerativerancher]

Before I quit my job.

[@chhivhounghuy2511]

Thank you

[@chhivhounghuy2511]

I’m practicing your method in Cambodia

[@DaleSchwanke]

Amen about debt and depreciate assets. I was that person too!

[@DaleSchwanke]

Depreciable

[@ctsmith580]

Good Morning.

[@LtColDaddy71]

Over the years, they have had programs for infrastructure that were under 1% interest and partial reimbursement with a grant. They have other uses once you have fulfilled the requirement time of using it for livestock. I do actually use my barns. A couple of years ago we brought in 10 pots of balling early weaned units from the drought stricken Great Plains. I needed a barn for them. Getting them out on pasture was work. In ‘21, we rescued a lot of hogs before they could be euthanized and composted. Speaking of compost, we’re currently using our structures for commercial compost production. I’ve had my sawmill set up and cut timber in them. Don’t do it unless you have money to burn is sound advice, and maybe even then you shouldn’t. Another pitfall is being too good at figuring out ways to utilize land to make money, and quality of life can go down hill really fast.

[@Honeybeemom3]

What would you recommend to overseed before getting livestock? I have the forage but I'd like to improve it as best I can first.

[@Beverlyshillbillyhomestead]

Most of my land is wooded. Would you start with pigs as you’re clearing your land to build pasture or just wait until you get the land cleared before you do anything?

[@Beverlyshillbillyhomestead]

We’ve got 27 acres.

[@fergushenderson1273]

Hi Greig I’m in the uk. I only have 65 acres and have over 70 head of a range of ages. To maintain stocking rate I mob graze and build stock pile to get me to Christmas and then house for C75 days. Land is scarce and expensive in the South East.I often wonder if I eased up on stocking rate and kept them out all year would be more profitable. Question is how much land do you require for each cow calf pair and yearling? Hypothetical question: if you put land in at 200 dollars per acre would you do things differently?

[@gregjudyregenerativerancher]

It is advantageous to keep animals out on the land 365 days of the year. Once you lock animals up in a barn, animal health plummets. There is nothing that you can do that will replace sunlight which gives you excellent health for your group of animals. Humans came up with a crazy idea that when it’s winter time animals belong in a barn, that is not a very smart thing to do. Keeping the animals on a rotation around your farm. You’re spreading fertilizer animal impact you’re staying ahead of the parasites. With proper grazing management, you can have winter grass to graze all through the non-growing season, but it does take Grazing Management. I know in certain parts of the country. It is illegal to keep animals out in the pasture in the winter time. This is crazy we have let towns people make rules for the farmers to adhere to, and they don’t have a clue.

[@jvin248]

Along with Barns and Tractors .. that fancy Pickup Truck payment is many a farmer downfall. Keep expenses low when bootstrapping into a new operation.

[@gregjudyregenerativerancher]

Absolutely correct.

[@Lstractorman]

How much does a lease cost approximately? How many cows do you run per acre to be successful rotating daily as you describe?

[@BrandonWaldner-h6f]

What grass mix would you recommend me planning? Coming from north-west Missouri

[@DaleSchwanke]

They don't even need a Bbarn when it's 40below folks! Just some trees for shelter.

[@shwa8157]

It's pretty liberating when you realize you don't need to dump a ton of money into a big ol barn just to start farming livestock!

[@guyhickson7332]

How do you keep your hay dry?

[@ronaldharmon9891]

Hi Greg, can you spread Horse manure on a field even though the horses may have been given Ivermectin, how long would that stay in the soil🤔 (I posted this on another video there were 3 replies but I couldn't read them) THANK YOU.

[@paulcallicoat7597]

First of all I'm sure Greg has little interest in horse manure but here's what I know about it.I would never spread it on fields without composting it because the weed seed doesn't die in the gut of a horse.When you compost that manure you need to monitor that compost and turn it when it reaches 170 degs. F because that is the temp the weed seeds die. When your pile no longer is showing much heat above ambient you can safely use it. To address your question on wormers: Cornell University waste managment institute in 2011 published a study of how much ivermectin was present after composting horse/cow manure for 24 days. Look it up on line. It gives a lot more information that I can in this space. To sum up what the conclusion was: It is safe to spread the composted manure with little impact on worms and helpful soil bacteria.

[@ronaldharmon9891]

I'm sure Greg doesn't have any 'personal' interest in Cow Manure but he has the opinion I"m interested in. I do however appreciate your thoughts.@@paulcallicoat7597

[@mithall4198]

Don't worry about Ivermectin because it's a miracle drug. It cures the coof and early studies show it has positive effects on cancer. You could probably stand a good deworming, yourself.

[@lewchaney2138]

Greg, What is the coldest your cattle are ever exposed to overnight? I’m hoping to start cattle ranching near Winnemucca Nevada, and I believe that area will often fall well below freezing in the winter. I’m curious if cold like that will necessitate shelter during very deep freezes. Any thoughts you can share on this question is appreciated…

[@gregjudyregenerativerancher]

We have hit 40 below with wind chill. I like to make sure our livestock have access to cedar groves or deep draws in this type of weather.

[@charleswalters5284]

-20° F i think that's the coldest it gets, but very rarely

[@ddp1621]

Hi Greg thank you so much for the truth! The first thing thing the farmers do in South Africa is buying a brand new pickup truck and then they think they are a farmer!🤣😂

[@jwv7522]

Therapy, farmer style!

[@whitman_9945]

What about in Canada where the snow height can reach 5 ft and higher with prolonged periods of extreme cold? Can you really run cows in snow that deep and leave them out there with no shelter and make it work? I am interested in trying you model here in canada, but i am not sure i can make it work when the snow is really deep and it's -10 deg Celsius for like a month or more. Can cows get around and eat in snow that deep? I mean the electric fence will be under snow. One year it got cold enough to freeze the water in my whole town, and our water pipes were 7 ft under ground. They had to replace several big main valves that burst and once some of the towns underground feed pipes froze, they had the rest of the town to leave a tap running, essentially the whole town left their taps on and it lasted for a couple weeks.

[@littleneedlesfarm6387]

I'm in Minnesota and I feel your concern. Snow for half the year and I just think even a small barn can be beneficial. I don't want to dig everything out from under a pile of snow every week! He doesn't live where there is this kind of snow impact. I DO know there is a guy here in MN, George Heller, who grazes his herd year round. Idk what his equipment and hay storage looks like tho.

[@gregjudyregenerativerancher]

George does not have buildings for his livestock. He does have some timber areas for windbreaks

[@markpiersall9815]

At some point one might consider swapping Cattle for Bison or Musk Ox.

[@markrodrigue9503]

How you don’t have 1 million subs I don’t get it

[@rodolpheROGER]

Hi, dear ! I am Rodolphe ROGER from France, retired now in North Carolina, following you since... A long time ago! In France! Just to play devil's advocate the only benefit that some farmers in Europe got from their barns, were their ROOFS! You guess why?!?! To install solar panels, and collect solar energy!?! Two solutions: the solar company does it all and you got a FREE barn(s)... Or you invest yourself! In French Brittany, close to Rennes capital city, not the sunniest place of France, a farmer did that even just before retiring, his ewes, his 🌽 on no tilling, regenerative soils principles, even managing a methaniser gas station on the farm, the New Holland tractor 🚜 functional motor on methane gas ⛽! Full independant on any energy and with pasture grasses and vegetable proteins from the farm, a strategic move... He now rents the farm! Just some ideas, I don't know if there is any programs like that in the States, it seems to me like a good help for the general power grid all over! Merry Xmas time and happy New year to you both and your folks family and crew!

[@wallacewimmer5191]

😊

[@ddp1621]

Greg how can I contact you please? Thank you

[@markpiersall9815]

The link to his farm in Boone County Missouri is in the description.

[@chivociso3887]

Greg can you please give us ordinary people who do not have your fame to market our grass-fed animals advise on different aproaches to sell our animals?

[@SamWereb]

First.

[@jeffwann5736]

Back then $8 could actually buy something at least..😂

[@binyominribiat8394]

Thank you