
HOW TO RAISE BEEF CATTLE FOR BEGINNERS (w/ Karl Ebel)
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Karl Ebel had no farming background, bought exhausted go-back land, and built one of the most intentional regenerative ranches I've ever seen… right down the road from me! In this episode, we talk about rehabilitating depleted land, the importance of grass-based genetics, pairing the right livestock to your resource, and answer your questions on starting small, guardian dogs vs. donkeys, running cows and sheep together, winter feeding strategies, knowing your WHY, and more. If you want to farm smarter, not harder and actually see the numbers work out, you don't want to miss this conversation.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Getting started in cattle even if you think you can’t afford it
04:15 The process of rehabilitating the land and becoming profitable
10:21 How livestock quality impacts sustainability and profitability
15:36 Pairing the right type of livestock with the land you currently have
17:06 A discussion on marketing strategies and considering your own capacity
20:08 Answering your questions: how many cattle to start with, grain finishing, keeping pastures clear of forest encroachment, guardian dogs vs. donkeys
27:14 Weaning calves to minimize stress, running cows and sheep in the same pasture,
34:25 Using outside resources for consultation and economic support
37:20 Karl’s strategy for feeding his herd over winter without hay
38:49 Questions on calving season, electric fencing management, starting a flock of sheep on small acreage
44:36 The importance of knowing your WHY behind farming
RESOURCES MENTIONED
Check out Karl’s preferred agricultural resources:
- National Resources Conservation Service
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