In this episode of the Grazing Grass Podcast, we hear from Marque Renshaw of Peace in the Valley Farms in West Plains, Missouri. Marque shares her journey into rotational grazing and the lessons she and her husband Ryan have learned transitioning their operation to focus on sheep. From challenging beginnings—managing animals post-house fire and learning by doing with sale barn ewes—to building a resilient and thoughtful grazing system, Marque's story is both raw and inspiring. Her passion for helping others shines through, especially in her efforts to foster a positive online community and mentor other graziers.
Topics Covered
- Transitioning from horses and cattle to a sheep-focused operation
- Mistakes and hard lessons from buying sale barn sheep
- Learning what true rotational grazing is (and what it isn’t)
- How a house fire catalyzed a new farming chapter
- The importance of fencing and learning to love hotwire
- Finding and building a relationship with a sheep-savvy vet
- Daily grazing rotations and pasture management
- Building supportive and judgment-free communities for graziers
- Educating oneself through podcasts, grazing schools, and mentorship
- The role of women and generational legacy in agriculture
Why You Should Listen
If you're managing sheep or considering them for your operation, Marque's journey is full of relatable struggles, practical insights, and hard-earned wisdom. Her transparency about missteps and breakthroughs offers a refreshing and motivating perspective—especially if you're navigating your first years in regenerative grazing.
Resources Mentioned
- Peace in the Valley Farms
- Grazing Grass Community (Facebook)
- Grazing Sheep podcast (with Tom and Cam)
- Vet Caitlyn from Gainesville, Missouri