Cattlemen's Call Podcast

The feedlot industry is a critical cog in the cattle supply chain, and it has to be flexible and able to adapt to challenges that emerge. TELUS Agriculture team members Kee Jim, DVM; Matt Quinn, BSc, MSc, PhD; and Calvin Booker, DVM, MVetSc chat with us today about factors like technology, research, data and more when it comes to the feedlot sector of our industry. They also discuss future innovations to support production and increase efficiency. Sponsored by: https://www.telus.com/agcg

Newly elected NCBA President Mark Eisele and his family own and operate the King Ranch in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Mark transitioned into management and ownership of the King Ranch in a unique way. Hear Mark's story and learn why it has shaped his goals for the industry, especially for young leaders in the cattle industry, as he takes leadership of NCBA. #cattle #ranching #familyfarm #rancher #cattleranch

El Niño has already passed its peak according to meteorologist Matt Makens. Joining the podcast again, Matt shares what producers can expect as we shift back toward a La Niña later this year. He also dives into weather tools like phone apps, historical data and more.

Beef and protein play a vital role in a runner's training plan, or any athlete's. Father and son Tom and Jacob Fanning are runners on Oklahoma's Team Beef and share their love for exercise as well as how they share the nutritional benefits of beef as they compete in races. Hear how their overlapping passions for running and beef make a great combination.

NCBA CEO Colin Woodall sits down once again with Lane to dissect what happened for the cattle industry in 2023, looking at the Farm Bill, WOTUS, and other policy. Hear as they discuss what opportunities lie ahead for producers and what an election year is going to mean for important policy priorities for cattlemen and women. Plus, Rabo AgriFinance Senior Beef Analyst shares about beef supplies and market prices heading into the new year.

California cattlemen and working cattle dog breeder and trainer, Bill Dale shares how he grew up using dogs on the ranch. Learn how he got started training dogs and how man's best friend can also be man's best ranch hand.

The holidays are here, so Lane sat down with Don Rea and Greg Kimmel of The Meat Board, a specialty butcher shop in Fort Worth, Texas, to ask them what the holiday rush is like for a butcher shop. The Meat Board has a store front near the historic stockyards where they sell cuts of beef and lunch specials, and they have ties to their product with Don being a beef producer himself.

Oklahoma sisters and veterans, Erica Boyer and Roxane Mock, give us a glimpse into their lives of being active in the Armed Forces and the beef industry. Erica and Roxane talk about how they balance Beacon Hill Ranch, their military and civilian careers. They open up about the hard things they have seen in service and how this has transferred into their lives as cattle producers.

Animal husbandry can make or break your profitability. Pre-conditioning is a key step in ensuring calves maintain their health during weaning. Joining our conversation today to share their tips on how you can get one step ahead with your calves this fall are Dr. Brett Terhaar, Dr. T. Robin Falkner and Dr. M. Wayne Ayers with Elanco Animal Health. To learn more about how to maximize calf profitability this fall, talk to your Elanco representative or visit https://farmanimal.elanco.com/us/OneStepAhead

Lane Nordlund talks with Sierra Jepsen, founder of Butcher Solutions, LLC, who is revolutionizing the meat processing industry through accessible meat science education. Discover cutting-edge techniques, industry trends, and best practices to empower processors of all sizes to excel in their craft. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, tune in to stay ahead of the curve and shape the future of meat processing.

Grimmius Cattle Co., a family-run calf-feeding and seedstock operation in Central California, employs nearly 800 people. Austin Flores, Chief Operating Officer, shares how the company grew from 100 to 800 employees and what they prioritize for training opportunities, benefits, and overall company culture. Tune in to hear the challenges he's faced along the way and how the company acquired skilled, hardworking employees without outsourcing recruitment.

Raising cattle is a business, and nobody knows that better than Pete Bonds and his three daughters. Pete shares what it was like to take over the ranch at 18 and create a prosperous business strategy. Two of his daughters, Missy and April, join to talk about their Non-Hormone Treated Cattle program and raising American Quarter Horses. The family-run Bonds Ranch has evolved and adapted over the years but has always put family first.

Consumers' trust in the handling and food safety of our products is crucial to furthering the profitability of the U.S. cattle industry. The National Beef Quality Audit, completed every 5 years, is a way to monitor the quality of beef going into grocery stores. When it began in 1991, issues like injection site lesions, foreign objects in the muscle, and animal mobility were prevalent. Today, through producer efforts, these issues have improved. But other challenges have arisen. Consumers want traceability with their food and to know the livestock were handled well. Hear from Dr. Keith Belk and Michaela Clowser on the most recent audit.

NCBA officers Todd Wilkinson, Mark Eisele, and Buck Wehrbein visit with Lane at the annual Summer Business Meeting about the grassroots policy. Whether it's the Farm Bill, cell-cultured protein products, or grazing regulations, cattlemen and women gathered in San Diego to voice their opinions and help determine how NCBA will address these challenges in the coming year. Like Wilkinson said, “I have never been involved in an organization that has as big of an impact as NCBA does.”

Joined again by Meteorologist Matt Makens, he explains how El Niño is affecting different regions of the country. Extreme weather patterns aren't going away, they're just shifting gears. From flooding this spring to extreme heat waves across the country, what's next for 2023? This podcast is sponsored by AgRisk Advisors and WSR Insurance.

Paul Dykstra with Certified Angus Beef joins us to dive into what is happening with cattle prices and inventory this year, and explain what he expects to come in the future. He gives tips on how you, as a producer, can use market information to your advantage.

Kacy Atkinson is a Wyoming cattle producer and creator of the 10 Miles Past Nowhere blog and social media. She describes what it is like to live miles outside the nearest town. She also shares her personal story of turning loss into an open door for conversations about transition planning to ensure their family doesn't lose their ranch that began in the 1880s.

Young Cattlemen's Conference provides young leaders with a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of the industry, from production to the consumer. Montana rancher Jake Feddes YCC Chair and North Dakota rancher Calli Thorne share more on the 9-day trip that took 71 producers across the nation.

Our guest, Lettie McKinney, is nothing if not busy! She joins us while she is in the tractor, planting cotton. Lettie and her father manage their family farm and run MC- Meat Co., a direct-to-consumer beef business that Lettie started. From experimenting with growing cotton, to opening a wedding venue on her property, Lettie has added multiple revenue streams to the operation so it can succeed in the future!

Whether it be cybercrime, cattle rustling, or illegal imports, cattle producers are being protected by people like Special Ranger Scott Williamson and Captain Justin Smith. Hear about what types of crime are becoming more popular in agriculture and the cattle industry and what different states are doing to protect their producers, as well as what simple steps you can take to protect yourself.

Jordan O'Neill, a beef cattle nutritionist, joins the conversation today to share what she has seen on her own operation and with her customers as drought impacts cattle numbers and cattle nutrition across the country. New technologies have opened doors to reducing feed waste and increasing feed efficiency. Jordan has advice for all types of producers to improve their cattle feeding techniques.

The Mannix Brothers Ranch in Helmville, Montana, can't be described as just a cattle ranch. They also manage timber, a direct-to-consumer grass-finished beef program, and most recently, a restaurant. With a large family operation, diversification was inevitable, yet the long-held ideals of conservation and work ethic haven't ceased. David and Randy Mannix join the podcast to explain the evolution of the operation.

Texas cattlemen and father and son, Donnell and Tucker Brown of RA Brown Ranch, a historic ranch in Throckmorten where they raise commercial and purebred cattle as well as registered Quarter horses. The Brown family is an exceptional example of generational transfer and creating opportunity for each new generation that wants to be a part of the ranch. When family operations wonder if they need to adapt to survive, as Tucker put it, “You don't have to change, but you do have to compete with those who do.”

Cattle producers across the country deal with predators that are listed as “endangered” or “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. Whether those are panthers in the Southeast or mountain lions in the West, these predators are killing livestock, and producers are often limited in their ability to protect their animals and receive compensation for losses. We sit down with guests from California, Colorado, Wisconsin and Washington, D.C., to discuss what NCBA and states are doing to protect producers.

We are back with Meteorologist Matt Makens to discuss the shifting weather patterns we are seeing in the U.S. during the start of 2023. Matt and Lane discuss the potential for cattle producers in the West to finally see some relief in their ongoing drought. Is this a sign of a transition from La Niña to El Niño? Matt also gives a regional forecast for all parts of the U.S. to help producers manage risk for the year. This podcast was brought to you in partnership with AgRisk and WSR Insurance.

Todd Wilkinson, newly elected NCBA president, shares what it means to him to be surrounded by family when he took the helm at the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. Todd discusses the challenges he and his family have faced, and he sees many operations facing, when it comes to transferring the farm or ranch to the next generation, dealing with those awkward conversations amongst family members. In addition, he explains what his issues he will prioritize as he leads NCBA this year.

The largest and leading beef cattle association in the U.S., the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, is celebrating its 125th anniversary. Past Presidents Jo Ann Smith, the first female president, and Craig Uden join to share what has changed throughout the past decades. Where was the cattle industry 50 years ago? Where is it headed in the next 50 years? We cover it all in this conversation!

Kristin Torres and Thad Larson of NCBA join Lane to give you all the details about the 2023 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. Hear what meetings they recommend you participate in and learn more about the most exciting events, including the Friday night concert. Plus, hear what star will be joining producers for the Opening General Session.

Being in the cattle business means you need to be mindful of the environment and your economic viability. The way data is collected on operations today looks dramatically different than it did 50 or even 15 years ago with new technology held literally in your fingertips. But it can be daunting to look at this data and determine what is useful to ensure that generations after you can ranch. Lane spoke with a local Wyoming rancher and a data expert to talk about the best way to start and how to use data in a variety of ways.

Some farmers and ranchers are beginning to test the waters of virtual fencing with their cattle, especially those in rough, rugged country. Montana rancher Leo Barthelmess describes the way virtual fencing technology has changed his operation and given him more knowledge about his herd.

Take a page out of the Grinch's book and carve up the roast beef this holiday season. Steve Wald and Alex Reitz, masterminds of NCBA's Culinary Center, look at trending holiday beef dishes and reflect on popular recipes of the past. If you're looking for a new recipe to impress your guests this season or are just looking for a way to spice up a timeless, traditional recipe, tune in to this episode for tips from the experts themselves.

A good glass of wine pairs well with a steak dinner. But wine grapes might also pair well with your cattle herd. Avenales Ranch in San Luis Obispo, California, is a family-run ranch that has been in California for more than 140 years. Steve Sinton and his son Daniel speak with us about the ranch's diverse business model which includes grapes, organic and grassfed beef, commercial cattle, and a hunting club. Hear how they decided to branch out into new ventures and the trials and success they have seen.

We are joined by NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane and NCBA member and campaign consultant David Watts to take a deep dive into the 2022 midterm elections. Nothing is final yet, but Ethan and David discuss how the Senate and House will likely look for the next two years and how this will affect cattle producers on issues like the 2023 Farm Bill, cattle markets, trade and more. They examine which state races had surprising results and, of those elected, who will be allies to cattle producers moving forward.

The U.S. beef supply and cattle population is the safest in the world, but that doesn't mean we are immune to what is happening outside our borders. Foreign animal diseases, specifically Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), could have drastic impacts on our industry. Dr. Julia Herman is on the show to talk about preventative measures, the Secure Beef Supply Plan, and her personal experience seeing FMD up close.

How do you hire in today's job market? The long-term viability of U.S. cattle production is largely dependent on our workforce, and it is important for employers to know what their employees value to retain quality and skilled staff. Nick Jorgensen, South Dakota cattle producer, and Dr. Russell Plaschka, with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, discuss what is causing a labor shortage, how it provides a challenge to cattlemen and women, and what opportunities employers can use to their advantage. They also examine what will entice young hires to come back to the farm or ranch and how to maintain a sustainable workforce.

Jonathon Black, a young West Virginia cattle farmer, balances an off-farm job with raising commercial cattle. While his family has experience in farming, he has ventured off into production agriculture on his own. His passion for the industry has led him to advocate on behalf of beef production. Raising cattle is not for the faint of heart, and Lane and Jonathon talk about the challenge being a young, new producer presents and how he is overcoming those hurdles.

Cryptocurrency isn't very new anymore. But it could be new to cattle and food production. Jaclyn Wilson, with Flying Diamond Beef, tells us about her trail using Non-Fungible Tokens to monitor and track a group of steers. How could this technology impact production and provided added value to you? Listen in to find out.

The elected leaders of the cattle industry, NCBA President Don Schiefelbein, President-Elect Todd Wilkinson, and Vice President Mark Eisele, talk with Lane about grassroots policy being shaped at the Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting. These three cattlemen share what their year of service has looked like, the topics most important to cattle producers right now, and what we can expect from Washington, D.C., in the next six months.

Kendall Whatley, Kendra Orozco and Terryn Drieling all share their experiences and love for the cattle industry through different avenues. Whether it be through photography or owning a small business, these ladies use their outlets to tell consumers about the benefits of beef and highlight the responsible practices of cattlemen and women. Kendall, Kendra and Terryn were ambassadors for the 2022 Cattle Industry Convention, giving them the chance to encourage their peers to attend the top cattle event of the year.

Cattlemen and women know what it means to live in harmony with the land, the wildlife, and the livestock. And no one knows it better than the Environmental Stewardship Award Winners. 2021 Region IV (Texas) and Region VI (Utah) ESAP winners share the history of their family operations and how they have overcome obstacles to ensure they can continue to do what they love – raise cattle.

The National Corn Growers Association and National Cattlemen's Beef Association are committed partners on education and conservation. Cattle feed is one of the largest uses of corn byproducts, and like U.S. cattle producers, corn growers prioritize caring for the land and reducing their footprint. Hear from Troy Schneider, cattle rancher and farmer, and NCBA President Don Schiefelbein to hear the unique advantages of the corn and cattle combination.

Fourth-generation Iowa cattle farmer Kellie Lasack shares the “real side of farming” with consumers and producers alike on social media and through her blog. Lasack shares why it's important for cattle producers to live their best lives through an appreciation for agriculture and the rural lifestyle.

Clinicians Curt Pate and Ron Gill have decades of experience between them on how to safely handle livestock and create environments for proper animal handling. Curt and Ron share important tips that can improve the way you handle your cattle and can increase consumers' trust. Hear about the upcoming Stockmanship and Stewardship tours that you can attend and see Curt and Ron present live demonstrations.

John Fargher grew up on an expansive cattle and sheep ranch in South Australia, and he knows the importance of having a proper calf management plan. Steve Wooten, 2020 ESAP Winner from Colorado, can sympathize with the severe drought and wildfires Fargher has seen in Australia. These two cattle ranchers join Lane to discuss why tools and technology have dramatically improved their operations. With AgriWebb's technology, preparing and managing all dimensions of raising cattle – from calf management to conservation – are made much simpler.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It's not easy to talk about, but we need to. Stress is common amongst farmers and ranchers due to price uncertainty, weather, rising input costs and more. Kate Downes with New York Farm Net and Maggie Hanna with Colorado Cattlemen's Ag Land Trust tell us why farmers and ranchers are driven to depression, drug addiction and suicide, and they share signs that you or someone you love is struggling. There are resources across the country for rural mental health assistance, and we hope you will take advantage of them.

In these unprecedented times, there are many factors that you can't control – like weather and markets. So why wouldn't you take advantage of the things you can control? Horn flies are a key insert of concern for cattle on pasture. Central Life Sciences representative Paul Kropp gives advice on how to manage these pests and describes how you can mitigate losses in the process. Take control of your herd's health and minimize any horn fly problems you may have.

During the 2022 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, Staci, Macey and Emma Hurst joined us to discuss what it looks like to be a woman-owned and run cattle operation. Macey and Emma, along with their mother, Staci, run a registered Black Angus herd in Missouri and sell their beef direct-to-consumer. These ladies also have a heart for the blue and gold FFA jackets. Listen to their unique story and perspective on the cattle industry.

Weather conditions have created a variety of obstacles for cattle producers in the last year. Ongoing drought has left grazing lands vulnerable to weed infestations. It's critical for producers to stay ahead of weed troubles early in the season, so resources go to nutritionally valuable forages. We are joined by Will Hatler, field scientist with Corteva Agriscience, as we discuss management strategies to help land recover from drought and other challenges producers may face this year.

Cattlemen and women have been conserving and stewarding the land for decades. They know the importance of leaving the land better than they found it so it can be passed on to their children and grandchildren. Lane Nordlund visits with 2021 Region V (Montana), III (Iowa), and VII (South Dakota) Environmental Stewardship Award Program winners as they describe what sustainability looks like on their operations, and the challenges each of them face in different parts of the country. Each of these families know it is crucial to be a part of the conversation and voice of sustainable, long-lasting agriculture.

NCBA, as a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, provides training and resources for consumers and producers alike to become strong advocates for the beef industry through the Masters of Beef Advocacy program. We sit down with Paul Dybedahl and Chandler Mulvaney from NCBA to discuss the opportunities of the MBA and to share an exciting new program – the Trailblazers. Markie Hagerman, 2022 Advocate of the Year, shares her journey to influence and encourages others to share their story!

The Federation of State Beef Councils, on behalf of the Beef Checkoff, has once again partnered with the Daytona International Speedway to sponsor the 41st season-opening race for the NASCAR Xfinity Series - the Beef. It's What's For Dinner.® 300. NASCAR Xfinity Series driver, Jeb Burton, joins us ahead of the big race to talk about continuing his father and uncle's racing legacy, and the impact family tradition has on him, much like many cattle ranchers across the country can relate to.