AoR 169: Peter Ballerstedt on Metabolic Dysfunction - Opportunities for Eaters and Graziers

Malnutrition should be defined as any diet that results in metabolic derangement. Few Americans suffer from lack of access to calories. But we are unhealthy, with metabolic and chronic diseases increasing steadily. These are true statements, but how we should respond to them individually and societally is controversial. Peter Ballerstedt ("Sodfather of the Ruminati”) earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Georgia and his doctorate at the University of Kentucky. He was the forage extension specialist at Oregon State University from 1986 to 1992. He worked in the forage seed industry from 2011 until 2023. He is a member of several national and international scientific societies, participates in related global initiatives, and is a Past-President of the American Forage and Grassland Council. Peter’s personal experience has led him to re-examine human diet and health. What he has learned doesn’t agree with the advice given for the past several decades. Peter is an advocate for ruminant animal agriculture and the essential role of animal source foods in the human diet. He strives to build bridges between producers, consumers, and researchers across a wide variety of scientific disciplines – increasing awareness of metabolic health and ruminant animal agriculture’s essential role in social, economic, and ecological sustainability. Peter has spoken at many different events in the US and internationally. Many of his presentations are available on YouTube. Peter and Nancy live in western Oregon (northwestern USA) with their three dogs, Conor, Noni, and Iris. The Art of Range Podcast is supported by the Idaho Rangeland Resources Commission; Vence, a subsidiary of Merck Animal Health; and the Western Extension Risk Management Education Center. Go to the episode page at for a transcript of this interview and links to resources mentioned in the episode.

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AoR 169: Peter Ballerstedt on Metabolic Dysfunction - Opportunities for Eaters and Graziers is an episode from The Art of Range by Art of Range.

This episode is 01:15:55 long.

This episode was published on Oct 30, 2025.

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