Practically Ranching

Marci Penner has served as executive director of Kansas Sampler Foundation since the formation of the 501c3. She has a unique perspective of Kansas having been to every one of the 627 incorporated cities several times for guidebook research. Having a reason to observe, have conversations, and note common issues and differences led to the PowerUp Movement (empowerment of those 21-39 who are rural by choice) and the access to resources and topics for the Big Rural Brainstorm and We Kan! Conference. With the opportunity to do guidebook programs and speak at conferences, Marci enjoys the continual journey around the state. She thrives on matching those seeking guidance with resources and to bringing together Good Thinkers who use collective brilliance to move rural communities forward.A graduate and double-sport letter-winner at the University of Kansas, Marci received her Master's degree in Counseling and Guidance from the University of Wisconsin. She spent five years as an elementary guidance counselor in the Philadelphia area. She's happy to be home on the family farm near Inman where the offices of the Kansas Sampler Foundation are located. Marci is dedicated to helping Kansans see Kansas with new eyes and to keeping our communities alive and thriving.Kansas Sampler Foundation | Pursuing Everyone's Love for Kansas978 Arapaho RoadInman, KS 67546620.960.0552marci@kansassampler.org

Logan Thompson is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist of Sustainable Livestock Feeding at Kansas State University.He grew up on a registered Hereford ranch in central Texas which instilled a passion to improve the sustainability of beef production by developing practical solutions for producers. Logan started his bachelor's degree at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, TX prior to completing his degree at Texas Tech University in 2015. Following this he earned a Masters in beef sustainability at Oklahoma State University in 2017 and a PhD in ruminant nutrition at Michigan State University in 2021. Prior to joining Kansas State University in August of 2022, he served as a post-doctoral fellow at Colorado State University.Logan's predominate research interest is in measuring greenhouse gas emissions in grazing systems and how grazing management impacts ecosystem function. Of particular interest in how the soil-plant-animal interrelationships are manipulated by management decisions. Additionally, his research examines how management decisions influence nutrient utilization within and across production systems. Logan's wife, Rachel, is also a science nerd and is a Senior Scientist in Ingredient Solutions R&D at MGP Ingredients in Atchison, KS.Past Podcast references:https://www.buzzsprout.com/1995747/episodes/14850913https://www.buzzsprout.com/1995747/episodes/14176506https://www.buzzsprout.com/1995747/episodes/12989654https://www.buzzsprout.com/1995747/episodes/11378191Links:Frontiers | Is Climate Neutral possible for the U.S. beef and dairy sectors?

Rich Porter owns and operates Porter Cattle Company, a grazing and backgrounding operation, located north of Emporia, Kansas. He receives around 7,000 head of three-weight, high-risk calves from the southeast annually and grows them to roughly 800 pounds.Rich holds degrees in chemical engineering, business and law, but for the last five decades, he has been a student of agriculture. His knowledge and ingenuity in the areas of beef production, conservation and management are an inspiration for many.RIch was recently honored with the Livestock and Meat Industry Council's 2025 Stockman of the Year award during their annual Stockmen's Dinner in Manhattan, KS.

Ed Greiman is General Manager of Upper Iowa Beef, a mid-sized beef processing plant located in Lime Springs, Iowa.He was born and raised as a typical farm kid in rural Iowa, went to college at Iowa State University, and has had significant experience in nearly all segments of the beef industry supply chain.NOTE: This episode was recorded in early February 2025, so some of the references to political landscape and economics may sound a bit dated.Home - Upper Iowa Beef | Upper Iowa Beef

Bill Rishel and his wife, Barb, live near North Platte, Nebraska. Born and raised in Pennsylvania, he has always had a passion for Angus cattle and beef cattle improvement. Bill will be honored in November with induction into the Saddle & Sirloin Portrait Gallery, and an in-depth synopsis of Bill's industry accomplishments may be found in this article:Bill Rishel To Be Honored with 2025 Saddle & Sirloin Portrai

Don Schiefelbein is President of Schiefelbein Farms, a large seedstock operation near Kimball, MN. He is the past-president of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association and the American Angus Association.In this episode, Don outlines his family's business structure and efforts to sustain their family business for generations. He also shares his hopes and vision for the beef industry leadership in the National Cattlemen's Beef Association.Links:Grappling with the Family Farm - Sports Illustrated Vault | SI.comschiefelbeinfarms.com

Dale Brisby is the self-proclaimed greatest bull rider who ever lived. You may know him from the popular Dale Brisby YouTube channel, the Rodeo Time YouTube channel, and other social media platforms. He also has a Netflix original series How to Be a Cowboy. In addition to his rodeo apparel line, he's a bona fide rancher, cowboy, and rodeo rider who proudly lives the life 24/7. Follow the World's Greatest Bull Rider on Instagram.Links:www.rodeotime.com

Bill Bowman works with Method Genetics, LLC, in St. Joseph, MO. Through the years, Bill has worked in a variety of roles within the Angus breed, from the production to association levels. In this episode, we talk about the early days of multi-trait indexes, the move to genomic-enhanced EPDs, how commercial producers can benefit from the use of indexes; and finally, a few trends that Bill envisions as the beef industry moves into the next decade or two.https://youtu.be/uEf7iJRWvSUhttps://www.methodgenetics.com/

Sam Hands and his family own and operate Triangle H, a diversified cow-calf, farming and feeding operation near Garden City, KS.Sam and daughter, Marisa Kleysteuber, provide the management and leadership for this progressive, quality-focused beef operation.In this episode, Sam shares some of his outlooks on employee management, working with the younger generation; plus the lessons he has learned from his time at Kansas State University, the military and just careful observation of what motivates people to do their best.And, of course, we talk quality beef production, challenges to farming and ranching in southwest Kansas and other production-related issues.

Amy Perrier is a Christian, Physical Therapist, Mother to five children...and a ranch wife. In this episode, she discusses the challenges, rewards and learnings that she has gathered over the past two+ decades of trying to balance all of these duties.We talk spousal communication, generational transitions, Retirement (or lack thereof) and community leadership. Like the one I did with Ava last January, we recorded this on Bluetooth in the truck, so get ready for a little road noise and a few pauses as we navigate the byways of south central Missouri while recording our discussion.It's real, raw and hopefully relatable for a lot of you. We pray that you all have a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!

Matt takes a solo flight in this episode as he highlights the sires of this year's sale bulls and then gives an overview of the Dalebanks Practical. Profitable. Genetics. breeding philosophy.52nd Annual Bull SaleNovember 23, 2024NW of Eureka, KSmattperrier@dalebanks.comwww.dalebanks.com

Dr. Dale R. Woerner, Professor and Cargill Endowed Professor, Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Texas Tech University, is an academic professional and meat and food industry consultant. Dr. Woerner earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in Animal Science, Meat and Food Industry Management from Texas Tech University in 2003 and 2005, respectively, and earned his Ph.D. in Animal Science/Meat Science from Colorado State University in 2009.  He served on the faculty at Colorado State University for 9 years, and recently joined the faculty at Texas Tech University in an endowed chair position. He has conducted more that 12 million dollars in industry funded research and has published more than 300 scholarly works. Dale has served as a member of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association's Beef Innovations Group, has served as the president of the AMSA Intercollegiate Meat Coaches Association, serves as chairman of the National 4-H Meat Judging Advisory Committee,  and is a member of the American Meat Science Association Board of Directors.  In 2013, Dale was selected by Vance Publishing as a “40 Under 40” honoree as a young leader in the agricultural industry contributing to the 2050 challenge, the challenge of feeding 9 billion people by 2050. Also, Dale was named one of the Top Ten Industry Leaders for 2014 by Cattle Business as a “Difference Maker”, was recognized along with his wife Wendy in 2014 by Texas Tech as Horizon Award Recipients, in 2015 he received the American Meat Science Associations Achievement Award, in 2018 was recognized by the American Society of Animal Sciences with the Early Career Achievement Award, and, was recognized in 2018 as a Distinguished Alumni by the TTU College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Also, in 2018, Dr. Woerner was selected by the American Meat Science Association membership to be the chairman of the Reciprocal Meat Conference, the premier meat science conference in North America. Most recently, he was awarded the North American Meat Institute's 2018 Harry L. Rudnick Educator's Award.dale.woerner@ttu.edu

Bradley Wolter is a relative newcomer to the beef business, but has certainly been a student of the industry since his move from a successful career in the swine industry.In this episode, we talk about his tenure with Maschhoffs, one of the largest family-owned pork producers in the United States. We talk about data collection, management strategy, operational efficiency and the major differences between pork and beef production systems and cultures.Bradley and his family now own and operate Windy Hill Meadows, an Angus seedstock and consumer-focused beef business in Aviston, IL.

Kara Lee is Director of Producer Engagement for the Certified Angus Beef Program. A native of Indiana, she now resides in northeast Kansas.On the episode, we highlight the many speakers and information shared at the 2024 Feeding Quality Forum, held in Dodge City, KS, last month.Slides and further information may be found at:www.feedingqualityforum.com

Dr. David Lalman is a professor and Extension Beef Cattle Specialist at Oklahoma State University. Dr. Lalman holds the Harrington Endowed Chair with split extension and research appointment. He works primarily in the beef cattle industry focused on cow/calf and stocker cattle production. His extension and applied research program includes beef cattle nutrition and management with emphasis on beef cattle grazing and genetic by environment interactions in beef production systems. His program goals are to provide producers with information and decision tools to facilitate production system profitability, improve cow herd efficiency and to improve product quality. At Oklahoma State, Dr. Lalman serves as the Animal Science Extension Program Coordinator and the supervisor for the Range Cow Research Center.Identifying-Forage-Efficient-Cows-Lalman-BIF-2024-1.pdf (beefimprovement.org)david.lalman@okstate.edu

Tyler Florence has hosted shows on Food Network, Discovery and several other networks for nearly three decades. He owns restaurants in California, Hawaii and cut his teeth in kitchens in South Carolina. He's a chef, a businessman, a creative mind, an amazingly nice guy and he LOVES beef and the families who raise it.Miller & Lux (millerandluxrestaurant.com)

Josh Mueller and Charly Cummings both work with Superior Livestock Auction.Josh and his wife, Macey, also operate Eldorado Livestock Auction, plus farm and ranch with their family near Halstead, KS.Charly is an auctioneer, real estate agent, and partners on his family's diversified hay and livestock operation near Yates Center, KS.On this episode, we cover decisions that producers should consider when they decide how best to merchandise their calves and yearlings this fall. We cover some market trends and even get into the need for producers to join their industry organizations to help make better decisions and represent all producers.El Dorado Livestock Auction, Inc.Superior Livestock Auction – The leader in Livestock Marketing

Kevin Ochsner was born and raised on an irrigated farm and registered cattle operation in Fort Collins, Colo. He attended Colorado State University and graduated with a bachelor's degree in agribusiness. During his undergraduate studies, Kevin was a member of the CSU livestock judging team earning high individual honors at the National Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Contest and was actively involved in FFA, serving as a National FFA Officer in 1987-88. In 1997, Kevin earned his master's in management from the Krannert School of Business at Purdue University.Kevin spent more than two decades working for the Indianapolis-based consulting firm Agri Business Group before founding his own consulting practice, Agcellerate, LLC. Over the past 24 years, he has had the privilege of providing strategic planning, marketing consulting, sales/management training and keynote speaking services to some of the country's largest animal health, crop protection, seed, feed and farm machinery companies.Today, Kevin, his wife Julie and their three children, Caitlyn, Ashlyn and Collin, make their home in the small agricultural community of Kersey, Colo., 60 miles northeast of Denver. In addition to his consulting and TV hosting responsibilities, Kevin manages his family operation consisting of 130 head of registered Limousin and Lim-Flex cows together with irrigated corn, alfalfa and grass hay along the South Platte River. In addition to marketing bulls to commercial cow-calf operations, Kevin's family also operates Ochsner Tenderlean Beef, a small branded beef company that markets beef directly to consumers along the Front Range of Colorado. 

This was a live audio recording from last March at South by Southwest in Austin, TX.SXSW is an annual festival that celebrates the convergence of various fields and genres. This panel consisted of host, Tyler Florence, world-renowned chef and Food Network Star, Dr. Temple Grandin, Animal Behaviorist from Colorado State University, Harris Heckelman, CEO of Chef's Warehouse and Matt Perrier, Eureka, KS.www.sxsw.com

Andy Bishop is a cow-calf producer from Bardstown, KY.  He also serves as a loan officer at their local bank. In addition, he currently serves as Chair of the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board.Cattlemen's Beef Board | Beef Checkoff

Don Close is Terrain's Chief Research & Analytics Officer. Don's prior experience includes his work as a senior animal protein analyst at Rabobank, and as a market director for the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, where he worked on all economic and market-sensitive policy issues for cattle feeders in Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico. In his three decades of professional experience, Don has been a licensed commodity broker, handled risk management and pricing for large cattle operations, managed a grain procurement program, and published market updates and outlooks for cattle and hogs. Don has conducted research on a wide range of topics including confinement cow/calf operations, dairy-beef crossbreeds, and development in international trade. Don earned his BS in agricultural economics from West Texas A&M.www.terrainag.comdclose@terrainag.com

Dr. Temple Grandin is a professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. She is a livestock industry consultant, offering advice on animal behavior. She is also an autism spokesperson and advocate.www.grandin.com

Lance Zimmerman is the Senior Beef Analyst for Rabobank. Prior to joining Rabo, he has worked for the Certified Angus Beef Program and Cattlefax. He holds a BS in Ag Communications and an MS in Ag Economics from Kansas State University.To access both the summary and complete report we discuss, go to:Rebuilding with resiliency is a necessity for the US beef supply chain (rabobank.com)Contact:Lance Zimmerman (rabobank.com)

Miles Theurer coordinates research projects for Veterinary Research and Consulting Services, LLC, a practice comprised of 12 veterinarians who specialize in feedlot production medicine and research across the high plains region. Miles grew up on a family farm and cow/calf operation in south central Kansas. He did a dual DVM/Ph.D. program at Kansas State University. miles@vrcsllc.com

Stan Bevers worked for nearly 3 decades as an extension economist with Texas A&M University. He has also served as a professional consultant on hundreds of ranches from New Mexico to Montana.He helped develop the Beef Cow-Calf SPA (Standardized Performance Analysis) program and uses Key Performance Indicators and accounting fundamentals to help various sized ranches increase profitability by improving their ability to make marketing and purchasing decisions. www.ranchkpi.comstan@ranchkpi.com940.886.7601

Dr. Phil Bass is an Associate Professor of Meat Science at the University of Idaho. He applies industry experience to teach, advise students and others involved in the Pacific Northwest meat production and processing community; conducts applied research in meat quality with emphasis in beef.We cover human nutrition, beef cattle genetics, livestock selection, value-based marketing, politics, Economics, Animal ID, Exports, public land use, beef promotional efforts, restaurant wait staff training…and THEN we finally touch on the meat science topics of carcass weight, extra ribs, higher USDA grading standards and, yes…portion size of steaks today, as this episode's title so aptly implies. Links:MeatsPad Podcast: MeatsPad - Learn about the Meat IndustryIt's Not a Cow book by Phil Bass PhD (thriftbooks.com)pbass@uidaho.edu

Ava Perrier is a Junior at Kansas State University, majoring in Animal Science with a Communications option. She is originally from Eureka, KS, and yes...she is Amy and my firstborn.At KSU, she has judged on the Intercollegiate Meats Team, served as VP of Finance for Sigma Kappa sorority and continues to be involved in various campus groups and organizations.Her perspective about agriculture, college and life in general is an interesting one, as she connects the dots between her youth, education and future life in the "real world." 

Dr. Brad White is Director of the KSU Beef Cattle Institute a Professor of Production Medicine and Host of the BCI Cattle Chat podcast.He wears a lot of hats, but in this week's episode, we'll explore collaborative work that he has recently been doing in the area of Bovine Heart Disease.Called by a variety of names (non-infectious heart disease, bovine, congestive heart failure, mechanical heart failure, high altitude disease, brisket disease, AIP and others), it continues to be the topic of many industry discussions...especially in the feeding segment. Phone: 785-532-5700E-mail: bwhite@vet.k-state.edu

Randy Blach came to CattleFax in 1981 and served as Director of Market Analysis for 15 years. He was promoted to CEO in January of 2001, a role that he continues to serve in today.  During his tenure, the company has enjoyed significant growth and has continues to lead the industry with timely market information, in-depth analysis and forecasts on cattle, protein and grain markets in the United States and globally. Blach has been a keynote speaker at thousands of cattle, beef and related business meetings, seminars and conventions.A Colorado native, Randy Blach and his family remain actively involved in the cattle business and farming. He was raised on his family's ranch in Yuma, Colorado and graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in animal science. Blach received the Honor Alumni award from its College of Agricultural Sciences in 2004 and the Livestock Leader Award in 2011. In 2016, he was awarded the Industry Leadership Award through the Cattle Feeders Hall of Fame.Randy and his wife Karen have been married for 33 years. She is a retired school teacher. Their son, Ty, plays for the San Francisco Giants baseball team, and daughter, Haylee, attends Creighton University in Omaha and competes in soccer. Randy and his family enjoy spending time together at sporting events and at the ranch in eastern Coloradowww.cattlefax.comArticle from Industry Achievement Award - The Cattle Market Teacher - CAB Cattle

Dr. Frank Mitloehner is a professor and air quality specialist in cooperative extension in the Department of Animal Science at UC Davis. He shares his knowledge and research, both domestically and abroad, with students, scientists, farmers and ranchers, policy makers, and the public at large. Frank is also director of the CLEAR Center, which has two cores – research and communications. The CLEAR Center brings clarity to the intersection of animal agriculture and the environment, helping our global community understand the environmental and human health impacts of livestock, so we can make informed decisions about the foods we eat and while reducing environmental impacts.https://twitter.com/GHGGurufmmitloehner@ucdavis.eduCATTLEMEN'S CONVERSATION | DR. FRANK MITLOEHNER | SEASON 2 EPISODE 1  Cattlemen's Congress (cattlemenscongress.com)Cattle and Land Use: The Differences between Arable Land and Marginal Land and How Cattle Use Each | CLEAR Center (ucdavis.edu)GWP* — a better way of measuring methane and how it impacts global temperatures | CLEAR Center (ucdavis.edu)Organic vs. Conventional: How do Dairy and Beef Production Systems Impact Food Quality, the Environment, and Social Perceptions? | CLEAR Center (ucdavis.edu) 

A bit different episode, as Matt will give a summary of the sires in their upcoming bull sale.

Dr. Ted Schroeder is a Professor of Economics at Kansas State University. His research on livestock marketing and price analysis provides information and direction for the livestock and grain industries. This research focuses on improving commodity market efficiency by investigating price discovery methods, improving market coordinating mechanisms, and applied risk management. Schroeder also teaches courses in marketing and risk management.Links:Cattle Contract Library: Cattle Contracts Library Pilot Program | Agricultural Marketing Service (usda.gov)General Ag Market and Econ info: AgManager.info | AgManager.info

Joe Goggins is an auctioneer, livestock market owner, commercial cow-calf producer, yearling operator and seedstock producer near Billings, MT. His family has a long history as a passionate advocate for beef producers. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Livestock Marketing Association and has served in a variety of leadership roles in beef producer organizations.Angus Conversation Podcast link: Episodes | Angus JournalWebsites:www.lmaweb.comwww.vermillionranch.comwww.publicauctionyards.com

Dr. Tera Barnhardt is a Veterinarian from Johnson City, Kansas. She consults with various feedyards, large cow-calf producers and dairies in southwest Kansas. She is a mother of three, and she and her husband are also involved in other businesses in the region. Plus, she is a tremendous advocate for the beef industry, appearing on various national news shows to help consumers better understand modern beef production methods and beef producers' dedication to a safe, wholesome food supply.

Tucker Stewart is the Senior Agricultural Policy Advisor for U.S. Senator Roger Marshall.Raised on his family's farm and ranch, Mid-Continent Farms, near Washington, KS, he strives to share the story of production agriculture with all those around him, whether at work or play.Links:Advocacy for Agriculture, The Show Circuit, https://bit.ly/SCAdvocacyForAgEpisode #35, Practically Ranching, Gregg Doud, Building the Coalition

Joe Kovanda is Chief Development and Strategy Officer for Compass Ag Solutions. After a successful career with Bartlett Cattle Co and Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, he now lives on his family farm near Columbus, MT.Joe specializes in helping beef producers manage price risk with a suite of tools, including Livestock Risk Protection (LRP).Links:www.compassagsolutions.comjoe@compassagsolutions.com970-372-0482

Diana Rodgers is a registered dietitian from Concord, Mass. She has authored three books, most notably, “The Sacred Cow.” She hosts the Sustainable Dish podcast, plus she founded the Global Food Justice Alliance. This Alliance has quite a mission statement: to advocate for the right of all people to choose nutrient-dense foods such as meat, milk, and eggs, which are critical for nutritious, environmentally sustainable, and equitable food systems that can sustain both human life and the planet.Global Food Justice AllianceSacred CowPodcasts Archive - Sustainable DishEat Like a Sustainavore (thinkific.com)

Kelly Tastove is the Operations and Donor Relations Manager with Symphony in the Flint Hills, a non-profit organization that  heightens appreciation and knowledge of the Flint Hills tallgrass prairie.Each June, the Symphony brings more than 5000 people into a pasture in Kansas and provides one of the most picturesque settings for a symphony that you'll ever witness. www.symphonyintheflinthills.org

Chelsea Good is the Vice President of Government and Industry Affairs and Legal for the Livestock Marketing Association. She lives and works in the Kansas City area and represents beef producers in a myriad of avenues. Raised in a generations-long family dedicated to beef industry progress and leadership, Chelsea takes every opportunity possible to educate folks about today's beef industry. 

Lee Borck is Chairman of Innovative Livestock Services, Inc. and Chairman of the Beef Marketing Group Cooperative.  He's a past president of Cattle-Fax and the Kansas Livestock Association and has served on the Cattlemen's Beef Board and the National Cattlemen's Association. A graduate of Ag Econ at Kansas State University, Lee is a huge supporter of his alma mater and has served in various volunteer capacities within KSU.Raised in Marshall County, Kansas, he spent much of his adult life in the Great Bend area and now calls Manhattan, KS, home.www.ilsbeef.com

Dr. Dan Thomson is a professor in the College of Animal Science at Iowa State University. He produces Doc Talk on RFD-TV and online. He is also a partner in Production Animal Consultation. Dr. Dan also works with various segments in the beef industry to help connect the dots and foster what he terms a "One Beef Concept."www.doctalktv.comwww.pacdvms.com

Gregg Doud is Chief Economist for Aimpoint Research. He served for three years as the Chief Ag Negotiator for the U. S. Trade Representative. He has also worked in Ag Policy in our nation's capitol for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association, U.S. Wheat Associates and the Commodity Markets Council. A native of Mankato, KS, Gregg now lives in Edgewater, MD.www.aimpointresearch.com

Doug Spencer is the State Grazing Specialist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. He's based in Kansas, and his mission is to help ranchers and land managers maintain grasslands throughout his area and even across the high plains. While he works in a myriad of areas, his passion is native rangeland preservation. He lists several links to help range managers have the best data and info to help in this effort. douglas.spencer@usda.govRangeland Analysis Platform (RAP): https://rangelands.app/rap/ RAP Production Explorer: https://rangelands.app/production-explorer/Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW): https://www.wlfw.org/landscapes/great-plains/ Vulnerability Guide for Woody Plant Encroachment: https://www.wlfw.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/E-1054WoodyEncroachment.pdf Yield Gap Info: https://www.wlfw.org/yieldgap/Flint Hills - 14th most intact grassland: https://conbio.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/csp2.626 

Tom Perrier is President and majority owner of Dalebanks Angus. He's been a servant leader in nearly every community and agricultural organization in his home of Eureka, Kansas. Most importantly, he's been a great husband, dad and grandfather to his family. This week, his family is being honored by the Livestock and Meat Industry Council as their 2023 Stockman of the Year. I sat down with Dad last January to record this podcast and it was posted immediately prior to the award, presented in Manhattan, KS, on March 2, 2023.www.dalebanks.com

Casey Niemann is founder of AgriSync, a customer-service platform for ticketing and remote support built specifically for ag businesses and equipment dealers. Casey, his wife Tammy, and their children reside in Des Moines, IA. Both of them served as FFA State Officers while at Kansas State University, and both have continued to provide exemplary leadership within the agribusiness segment.

Tom Black is manager of Reynolds Cattle Co. Well into his 80's, he has forgotten more about cattle production than most know today. In an age when loyalty to a company or ranch is fleeting, he has worked for the same family in the panhandle of Texas for 64 years.He's soft-spoken and polite, but after eight decades living off the land in some of the harshest environments in the U.S, his toughness and tenacity are evident. The Reynolds family is a stalwart of Texas ranching, and Mr. Black has been with them through thick and thin. Their story is a great one, and Tom touches on some of the high points during this epidsode.

Callahan Grund is the Executive Director of US Cattle Trace, a private, not-for-profit corporation made up of representatives from all beef industry segments with the mission of securely maintaining and managing data collected for disease traceability.We talk the recent history of cattle identification, technologies used and applicable uses for ID in the U.S. beef industry. www.uscattletrace.orgOther podcasts mentioned during the episode:https://theangusconversation.buzzsprout.com/2029894/11702471https://ksubci.org/?powerpress_pinw=5438-podcast

Jacqueline Leffler is a worker. She's also a thinker.  And a competitor.When you throw in her father, Bill, and grandfather, Jackie, who had business cards listing their contact info alongside the slogan, "Leffler Farms, Inc...Where Agriculture is a Profession," it's a recipe for success. In addition to farming alongside her dad and grandpa, Jacquelyne has started a direct-to-consumer beef business, Leffler Prime Performance, that helps her add value to their family's stocker/backgrounder and cattle feeding business.In addition, she coaches athletes competing in track and field throwing events. She's also been part of various programs to help tell farmers' story to our consumers, one of which is "A Farmer's Journey." Links are below.www.facebook.com/LefflerPrimePerformance/A Farmer's Journey: FieldView™ Documentary Series (climate.com)

Cheramie Viator is a lifelong beef producer. She was raised on a family farm in Louisiana, has worked for some of the nation's largest ranches and now hangs her hat near Houston, TX, as she balances her day job with Westway Feeds while managing her family's cowherd and putting on youth cattle clinics in her free time.Throughout her career in the beef industry, Cheramie has found ways to promote junior programs and inspire those around her to best tell cow-calf producers' story to consumers and all segments within our industry.

Joe Urban is a chef, entrepreneur and currently is the Director for the Greenville County Schools Food and Nutrition Services, a public K-12 school district with 77,700 students located in Greenville, SC.He leads a team of 750 employees to prepare delicious, nutritious food for students each day.  He strives to get a little better today than he was yesterday. Best of all, he's a fan of high-quality beef and Certified Angus Beef, and he does all he can to keep it in his recipes often.School Food Rocks - Home(3) Greenville County Schools Food and Nutrition Services | Greenville SC | Facebook

Dr. Glynn Tonsor is an Ag Economist at Kansas State University. He focuses on beef/cattle and pork/swine demand and supply decision-making tools and information. His broader interests cover aspects throughout the meat supply chain ranging from production level supply issues to end-user consumer demand issues.Links:AgManager.infogtonsor@ksu.edu