This visit began at Austin Bailey’s grandparents’ house, where banana bread and coffee were waiting and they had kindly offered us a place to film our interviews.
We were there to spend the day with Austin and his family, hear their Monil story, and see how they manage their cattle. By the time we left, we’d met three generations, eaten some of the best burgers we’ve ever had, and discovered that the family dog had strong opinions about drones.
Five Generations of Farming
Glen Bailey, Austin’s grandfather, purchased the farm from his great-uncle in 1972. Austin now represents the fifth generation, and hearing from different members of the family gave us a sense of how much history sits behind the operation.
The Baileys have practiced rotational grazing for more than twenty years. They described managing around twenty-four paddocks, using temporary cross-fencing, and a side-by-side to move cattle regularly. They also graze cover crops, making use of forage beyond their permanent pastures to extend the grazing season.
They already knew the value of giving cattle fresh pasture and allowing grazed areas to recover. What interested us was hearing how Monil had changed the work involved in putting that approach into practice, from adjusting pasture boundaries to dividing up cover crop fields without moving temporary fences.
Brock, Austin’s dad, was initially questioning the cost and value of virtual fencing. His perspective, alongside Austin’s enthusiasm, helped us understand what convinced them to try it and what they’ve experienced since.
For us, having time to ask questions and hear those individual experiences is a valuable part of these visits. Each person remembers different details, and one story often prompts another.
We also brought out the drone to capture footage above Glen’s house, much to the disapproval of his dog, Hudson, who nearly took it down. Thankfully, the drone survived, and Hudson gave us all a good laugh.
Lunch straight from the Bailey Beef Co. herd
After the interviews, we headed to Austin’s house for lunch: beef burgers and ribeye steaks from their own herd. We’re still talking about those burgers. Some of the best we’ve ever had.
The family sells beef locally, so sitting down together to enjoy what they produce was a special part of the day. We’d spent the morning hearing about the work behind the operation and lunch gave us a chance to appreciate the result.
Visiting the herd with Monil collars
After lunch, we headed out to see the cattle. Austin walked us through his grazing approach and the crops he grows, including milo, triticale, and turnips. He explained how they fit into his plans for forage, soil health, and keeping cattle grazing for longer.
This was where the morning’s conversations came together. We could see the land he was describing, ask about particular areas, and film for the customer story.
Depending on pasture conditions, Austin now moves cattle as frequently as every twelve hours. He showed us how Monil virtual fences give him more flexibility to divide grazing areas and make adjustments without moving temporary fences each time.
We also heard how the practical demands of fencing had previously limited what was possible. Seeing those challenges through Austin’s eyes helped us understand the decisions behind each grazing move.
Cattle, a full-time job, and family life
Alongside managing the cows, Austin works full-time and has three daughters with his wife.
Between work, basketball, showing animals, and family activities, there is plenty to fit into the week. Austin estimates that Monil saves him around an hour a day, particularly on travel and moving temporary fences.
Hearing about his routine helped put that hour into perspective. It gives him more flexibility to keep up with grazing plans alongside everything else he has going on.
Thank you to Glen, Brock, Austin, and the whole Bailey family for making time for us and making the day so enjoyable. And to Hudson: we’ll give you a little more warning before the next drone flight.
Stay tuned for the Bailey Beef Co. story.
Whether you're running cattle before and after work, managing a herd away from home, or trying to keep up with fence moves around your other responsibilities, Monil makes it possible to manage grazing boundaries directly from your phone.
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