Finding the Grazing Sweet Spot with Tom Krawiec

In this episode, Carolyn Nation interviews regenerative grazing expert Tom Krawiec, who brings decades of experience in custom grazing, ranch management, and holistic livestock care. Now managing the grazing operations for the Pine Haven Hutterite Colony’s farm-to-plate beef program, Tom shares practical insights that blend data-driven planning with deep ecological awareness.

Tom discusses his unconventional journey into agriculture, emphasizing how a passion for grass—not cows—led him to discover the power of regenerative systems. The conversation dives into actionable strategies for winter feeding, achieving optimal grazing density, and avoiding common pitfalls in cattle management, especially during sensitive periods like calving.

🔑 Key Points Covered:

1. Grazing at the ‘Sweet Spot’: Why timing your grazing just before grasses enter their reproductive phase unlocks maximum nutritional and regrowth value.

2. The Wave Technique: A unique low-stress cattle movement approach that works especially well during calving season.

3. Swath Grazing Strategies: How polycultures and careful planning allow herds to graze well into Alberta's harsh winters.

4. Reaching the Tipping Point: Tom identifies 175 stock days per acre as a regenerative milestone, sharing tools and techniques to get there.

5. Holistic Planning with Grazing Charts: How using visual, season-long grazing plans can keep you ahead of problems and help hit forage and soil goals.

🌱 Actionable Insights:

1. Monitor your forage growth stages and graze right before the reproductive phase for maximum return.

2. Use swath grazing and bale grazing to extend the grazing season without sacrificing soil health.

3. Set a goal to reach 175 stock days per acre — the “tipping point” where regenerative systems start to thrive.

4. Plan your grazing season with charts to visualize paddock recovery times and animal pressure.

5. Keep ground cover and soil health at the center of your decisions — the real foundation of productive pastures.

📌 For more insights and resources, be sure to visit us here for our latest specials and exclusive offers: [SGF Store Link]