About this episode
In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal visits with Wyatt Jones of Happy Meadow Farm in Pisgah, Alabama. Wyatt shares his family’s journey from military life to building a thriving grass-based farm, raising beef and dairy cattle, Katahdin sheep, and poultry. Starting in 2021, Wyatt and his wife dove headfirst into regenerative agriculture, learning through mentors, books, and hands-on trial and error. Their story is full of determination, grit, and a willingness to embrace challenges in pursuit of a farming life.Topics covered include:Starting Happy Meadow Farm with limited experience but big visionBuying land at auction and the unexpected blessings that came with itEarly challenges with fencing, livestock health, and learning to rotate animalsUsing blueberries and eggs as initial cash crops to build community connectionsTransitioning from Longhorns and Corriente cattle into South Polls and eventually FleckviehExperiences with sheep, including parasite management and copper issuesExpanding into raw milk sales through herd shares and building a loyal customer baseWyatt’s shift from the fire department to full-time farmingThe potential of Fleckvieh dairy cattle for grass-based systemsPlanting diverse forages and cover crops to support livestock health and productivityThis episode is perfect for anyone starting their regenerative journey, especially those considering multi-species grazing or exploring dairy opportunities beyond Jerseys. Wyatt’s story highlights the power of persistence, community support, and the courage to “just start.”Resources mentioned in this episode:For the Love of Soil by Nicole MastersGrass Productivity by André VoisinDairy Farming the Beautiful Way by Adam KlausHappy Meadow Farm on FacebookLooking for Livestock that thrive on grass? Check out Grass Based GeneticsVisit our Sponsors:Noble Research InstituteRedmond AgricultureGrazing Grass LinksNew Listener Resource GuideProvide feedback for the podcastWebsiteInsidersResourcesCommunity (on Facebook)Check out the Apiary Chronicles PodcastChapters(00:00) - Introduction and Fast Fi
