221 | Grazing Cattle in Vermont: Can a Southern Breed Thrive Up North?

What happens when a producer in the heart of dairy country decides to build a grass-based beef herd? In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, Cal visits with John Smith from northern Vermont.

John shares how his family farm moved out of dairying decades ago, how his career in dairy co-ops shaped his perspective, and how a desire to raise his own food led him back to livestock ownership. After trying multiple breeds, John found the fit he was looking for in South Poll cattle.

They discuss restoring worn-out pastures through grazing management, adapting southern cattle genetics to Vermont winters, raising pigs in wooded systems, and building a future seedstock herd for the Northeast.

This episode is full of practical lessons on persistence, genetics, pasture recovery, and finding livestock that match your goals and environment.

Topics Covered:

•  Growing up connected to a former dairy farm 
•  Working in the dairy industry and helping producers 
•  Returning home to raise food for the family 
•  Leasing family ground and restoring poor pasture 
•  Why South Poll cattle stood out 
•  Adapting cattle to harsh Vermont winters 
•  Multi-move grazing and tighter paddock management 
•  Using cattle to rebuild soil fertility 
•  Raising feeder pigs in woodland systems 
•  Building a seedstock future for New England producers 

Resources Mentioned:

• Greg Judy
•  South Poll cattle breeders and community 
• Grazing conferences and producer networks 

Find Out More:

• Wandering Brook Farms | https://www.wanderingbrookfarm.com

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Until next episode, keep on grazing.

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Original Music by Louis Palfrey