The Business of Grazing by Steve Kenyon

In this episode, Steve Kenyon shares how he built a profitable custom grazing business without owning land or livestock. Drawing from decades of experience with Greener Pastures Ranching in Alberta, Steve offers an honest and practical look at how regenerative graziers can succeed by keeping costs low, building strong relationships, and managing risk.

The episode explores the mindset and strategies that allow producers to thrive in a low-overhead system—and emphasizes that biology, ecology, and economics must all work in sync.

Steve explains how he grazes over 1,000 animals annually on leased land, approaches grazing management with simplicity, and uses custom grazing contracts to minimize capital outlay.

🔑 Key Points Covered:

1. Low-Overhead Grazing Systems: Why owning land or cattle isn’t necessary—and how to build a business anyway.

2. Custom Grazing Contracts: The benefits and responsibilities of grazing other people’s animals.

3. Risk Management: How Steve limits exposure and focuses on the variables he can control.

4. Biological Foundations: Applying nature’s principles to grazing systems that regenerate land and profit.

5. Working with Landowners: The value of win-win partnerships and effective communication.

🌱 Actionable Insights:

1. Focus on increasing profit, not just revenue—especially in volatile markets.

2. Build simple systems that reduce risk and increase adaptability.

3. Let the biology of the land guide your grazing decisions, not just spreadsheets.

📌 For more insights and resources visit us at: www.stockmangrassfarmer.digital