Regenerative Insights with Steve Kenyon & Carolyn Nation

In this episode we're flipping the script as host Steve Kenyon of Greener Pastures Ranching leads a special Wednesday Night Networking conversation featuring Carolyn Nation, co-owner of The Stockman Grass Farmer magazine. This wide-ranging discussion explores the history of the iconic publication, the legacy of Alan Nation, the evolution of regenerative grazing education, and the real-world challenges of custom grazing and landowner relationships today.

The episode offers a candid look at how WNN began during COVID, why it continues to thrive in its sixth season, and how informal, producer-led learning is shaping the regenerative agriculture community across North America. Steve and Carolyn blend storytelling, history, business insights, and practical advice for graziers navigating today’s changing land access and livestock markets.

Carolyn shares the remarkable story behind SGF — from Alan’s early journalism days to the pivotal New Zealand trip that transformed the magazine into the leading voice of grass-based agriculture. Steve expands on his own journey with SGF, his experiences as a custom grazier, and the human relationship dynamics that make or break grazing enterprises.

🔑 Key Points Covered:

1. The Roots of the Wednesday Night Networking Series
   How WNN began during COVID, why it has lasted six seasons, and the unique peer-to-peer learning format that keeps producers coming back.

2. The Origin Story of The Stockman Grass Farmer
   How a trip to New Zealand and one farmer’s comment about being a “grass farmer” dramatically reshaped the magazine’s mission.

3. Alan Nation’s Legacy
   Reflections on Alan’s journalism career, his influential books, his global impact on grazing thought, and how SGF continues to share his insights through “Alan’s Obs.”

4. The Evolution of SGF’s Education Platform
   From print to events like “The Gathering,” to digital content, podcasts, and business schools co-led by Steve and Joel Salatin.

5. Realities of Custom Grazing
   The importance of the Animal Keepers Act in Canada, navigating difficult customer and landowner personalities, and why reliability matters more than the highest-paying clients.

6. Land Ownership & Leasing Challenges
   How generational transitions complicate grazing arrangements and strategies for working with landowners unfamiliar with agriculture.

7. Economics of Land Leasing & Grazing Rates
   Why lease rates vary so drastically, what drives market shifts, and why maintaining long-term relationships often outweighs raising prices.

8. Supporting the Regenerative Community
   Carolyn’s invitation for producers to contribute articles and share their experiences for the benefit of the wider grazing community.

🌱 Actionable Insights:

1. Build relationships intentionally — the people you work with matter as much as the land or livestock.

2. Protect your operation legally with tools like the Animal Keepers Act or liens when appropriate.

3. Focus on reliable customers and landowners rather than chasing the highest price.

4. Share your story — real-world grazing experience helps strengthen the entire community.

5. Leverage education and peer networks like WNN for continuous learning and support.

📌 For more insights and resources — including SGF courses, digital content, magazines, and our latest specials — visit: 👉 stockmangrassfarmer.digital

👉 Tune in on your favorite podcast app to The Stockman Grassfarmer Podcast for more real-world grazing wisdom from the leaders shaping today’s regenerative movement.