Grazing Grass Podcast sharing Regenerative Ag Stories

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195. South Poll Field Day Special: Real Ranchers, Real Results

/ 02:01:58/E195
In this special in-person episode recorded at the South Poll Field Day, Cal sits down with some of the biggest names connected to the South Poll breed and regenerative grazing movement — Teddy Gentry, Greg Judy, Ralph & Jerry Voss, Steve Freeman, and Nathan Hahn.

You’ll hear the story of how the South Poll breed was created, the philosophy behind it, and how it continues to thrive on real-world farms. From developing heat-tolerant genetics and maintaining fertility in tough environments to direct-to-consumer beef and breeding program strategies, this episode captures a living snapshot of regenerative cattle culture in action.

Guests include:
  • 🧬 Teddy Gentry — Founder of the South Poll breed, sharing its origin, composite makeup, and the importance of fertility, longevity, and line breeding for efficiency.
  • 🌱 Greg Judy — Missouri grazier explaining how South Polls transformed his operation, reduced inputs, and made it possible to quit his off-farm job.
  • 👩‍🌾 Ralph & Jerry Voss — Longtime breeders whose herd and friendship with Greg Judy led to some of the most influential South Poll genetics today.
  • 🐄 Steve Freeman — Missouri cattleman with over 40 years of experience, describing how South Polls helped him achieve 95% conception rates and a truly profitable grass-only system.
  • 🥩 Nathan Hahn — Kentucky farmer finishing and selling beef direct-to-consumer, detailing how South Polls fit perfectly into a low-input, grass-finished operation.
Why You Should Listen
Whether you raise South Polls or not, this episode is packed with wisdom about:
  • Selecting for fertility and longevity over size or EPDs.
  • Building a profitable cow herd that thrives on grass alone.
  • Breeding and marketing strategies for grass-fed genetics.
  • The real-world economics and mindset shifts behind regenerative ranching.
  • How smaller, calmer, efficient cattle can make you money — and peace of mind.
It’s part history lesson, part grazing masterclass, and a celebration of the community driving the South Poll breed forward.

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

Visit our Sponsors:
Noble Research Institute

Creators and Guests

Cal Hardage
Host
Cal Hardage
195. South Poll Field Day Special: Real Ranchers, Real Results

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