In Episode 19 of Dirt and Bull, we meet Tyler Tobald—a fifth-generation farmer from north-central Kansas who’s proving that regenerative agriculture isn’t just good for the land, it’s smart business. From bassoon performance major to boots-on-the-ground farm innovator, Tyler has taken a curious, science-driven approach to rebuilding his soil health, cattle systems, and crop rotation. The result? Better economics, healthier animals, and less time behind the wheel.

Tyler didn’t just ease into regenerative farming—he dove in headfirst. After years of struggling with wheat-on-wheat rotations, cheatgrass, and shatter cane, Tyler flipped the script. He restructured the entire crop rotation around cover crops, not the other way around. It took trial, error, and a few skeptical looks from neighbors, but when his cows came out healthier and the milo hit record yields, the results spoke for themselves. As Tyler puts it, “You're not saving the world if you're going bankrupt,” so every change he made had to pay off.

That same mindset carried over into livestock management. After injuries, bad weather, and outdated infrastructure pushed his family to the brink, Tyler took charge—literally building a new cattle handling system out of salvaged material and later, designing a modern, off-grid facility. With sorting systems that one person can manage and pens based on Temple Grandin’s research, he’s saving time, reducing stress on animals, and improving productivity. And yes—he prototyped the design with Legos.

What sets Tyler apart isn’t just his willingness to experiment, but his long-game vision. He’s reduced nitrogen inputs, rebuilt organic matter, increased water retention, and slashed feed costs by 80%—all without government subsidies. His advice to fellow farmers? Start small. “Everyone has an 8- to 12-acre patch they hate. Start there. If 12 acres bankrupts you, you’ve got bigger problems.” Practical, honest, and inspiring, this episode is a blueprint for what’s possible when tradition meets tenacity.