Progressive Cattle Podcast

In this episode of the Progressive Cattle Podcast, Ted and Elizabeth join the show to unpack key management strategies for today's beef producers. From the benefits of value-added programs to cow size and forage demand, the conversation offers practical insights for optimizing herd performance. The discussion also dives into the importance of water quality—especially during drought—and the surprising costs of horn flies. Whether you're evaluating inputs or planning for the season ahead, this episode is full of timely, actionable takeaways. This episode is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition.

Abby speaks with T.R. Lansford, Texas Animal Health Commission, about the threat of New World screwworm and the closure of the border to live cattle imports from Mexico. Tyrell talks with Dawn Hnatow from Cattle Up Stockmanship about reducing stress on livestock and workers through better communication with those animals. And the Progressive Cattle crew tell branding and fence building stories.

Derrell Peel of Oklahoma State University talks with David Cooper about beef supplies and global trade in 2025 in this episode of the Progressive Cattle Podcast. Mandy Carr Johnson of NCBA shares demand initiatives and Beef Checkoff programs with Abby George. And the podcast team discusses all the beef David had on a recent death-defying cruise to Mexico. 

Catch up with the Progressive Cattle Podcast interviews in the April issue with Greg Hanes, of the Cattlemen's Beef Board on its checkoff spending, and Return on Investment study benefits; and Patrick de Haan a fossil fuel analyst with GasBuddy on summer gas blends, trade tariffs, and diesel prices this summer.

Spring calving brings new life to the farm—but also brings unpredictable weather. One day, it's warm and sunny. The next, a cold front moves in, bringing rain, snow or mud. These swings can create major stress for young calves, affecting their health and growth. For producers, that means staying vigilant—starting with gut health to strengthen immunity. In this episode, Paul Nuttelman, Midwest sales representative with DBC Ag Products, shares what he sees on farms and why proactive gut health and immune support can be the foundation for growing strong, healthy calves that command premium prices. Here is the episode breakdown: ~1:00 – Paul introduces himself~1:51 – How Paul helps farmers in his role~3:03 – Calving season challenges~4:12 – Steps to prepare for calving success~5:08 – Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics~6:10 – Key ingredients when choosing a calf product~7:10 – What sets Last Stand apart~7:40 – Shifting away from antibiotics~9:05 – Day-one protocols~9:49 – Beyond day one~10:44 – Favorite success story~13:54 – One piece of advice~14:40 – Where to learn more This episode is sponsored by DBC Ag Products.

In the final NCBA 2025 episode, the editorial team shares a sneak peek of the March issue, and Carrie Veselka visits with Jared Knock of AgSpire, about beef supply chain sustainability and helping operations make improvements from the ground up. David Cooper and Dan Halstrom, president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, discuss the current state of beef exports and what lies ahead for global market conditions.

Once again, the crew checks in from CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio. Join us as we visit with NCBA's Kaitlynn Glover about some of the most pressing D.C. issues impacting the cattle industry; talk risk management in the current beef market with Rabobank's Lance Zimmerman; and learn more about the science of beef yield with John Stika from Certified Angus Beef.

Join the editors from San Antonio as they visit with Angus Gidley-Baird a senior analyst at Rabobank about Australia's recent herd liquidation and rebuild; Dennis Laycraft and Tyler Fulton from the Canadian Cattle Association on the U.S.-Canada-Mexico tariff standoff; and Justin Hossfeld, national sales manager at Envu Range and Pasture, on grazing management technology tools.

The team discusses everything from TikTok politics to Valentine's Day candy. Meanwhile, Tyrell chats with Alltech's Bryan Sanderson about the cattle cycle and how producers of all scopes and sizes will decide how and when the national cow herd will start its upswing. Finally, Tyrell talks to Erik Kalsta with Western Landowners Alliance about how producers can manage their herds profitably in the presence of wild neighbors such as wolves, grizzlies and elk.

In this episode, editors discuss possible impacts of tariffs, Chad Ross of Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association explains Canadian beef production, and Dan Putnam explains how water resources remain a challenge for alfalfa farmers in California.

Craig Piggott, CEO of Halter, tells the story of the largest virtual fencing company in the world. Halter passed the 250,000 collar mark in 2024 and is quickly positioning itself as a new, unique opportunity for U.S. ranchers interested in getting the most from their pastures. Craig talks about how he and Halter got started, what makes them unique and their vision to be an integral part of the success and sustainability of U.S. ranches. This episode is sponsored by Halter. Halter was founded in 2016 with a mission to enable producers to be more productive and sustainable. It's one of the fastest growing ag-tech companies globally, and the largest virtual fencing provider in the world with more than 250,000 cattle in New Zealand, Australia and the U.S. wearing the Halter collar. Halter delivers effortless grazing to U.S. ranchers, providing 24/7 visibility into where their cattle are and how they are grazing. There is no need for ranchers to spend hours gathering cattle or working to build, repair or move fences, because now they can effortlessly manage pastures and move cattle with Halter in minutes through the Halter app on their phone.

Join the Progressive Cattle editors in a discussion about the candidates for USDA secretary, and a follow-up discussion on Trump's named pick for the position. Scott Wright, director of the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence at University of Saskatchewan, visits with David and Tyrell about the facility's research and mission in beef production. And listen in as editors share some special memories of Christmas morning work chores growing up on the ranch.

Tyrell sits down with John R. Erickson, author of the beloved Hank the Cowdog book series, for a meandering and insightful conversation about the animals we live and work with, recovering after wildfires, and educating the public about livestock agriculture. Then David, Carrie, Paul and Fredric debate the merits of including vegetables in your Thanksgiving dinner.

Join Kristin Torres, Executive Director of Meetings & Events at the National Cattlemen's Beef Association as she discusses CattleCon 2025 and the meetings and events that make up the premier industry event. CattleCon 2025 will take place in San Antonio, Texas, February 4-6, 2025. This episode is sponsored by National Cattlemen's Beef Association.

In this Progressive Cattle Podcast episode, David visits with Kent Bacus, Vice President of Governmental Affairs for the National Beef Cattle Association at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference about trade negotiations with Canada, and Tyrell visits with Charley Martinez with the University of Tennessee about a study using AI and tracking eye movement to gauge interest in what genetic information producers are looking at in bull sale catalogs. Also, the podcast crew shares their favorite Halloween costumes and experiences.

Join the whole Progressive Cattle crew – David, Paul, Tyrell, Carrie and Abby - as they enjoy the Cassia County Fair in Southern Idaho. They speak with Ryan Udy about the experiences of being a junior exhibitor at the county fair and all the fun that comes with it. Abby interviews Elliott Dennis, from University of Nebraska - Lincoln, as they compare the cattle market in 2024 vs. 2014 and discuss how producers can make the decision to cull, maintain or expand this fall.

Tyrell visits with Mark Thallman from the USDA's Meat Animal Research Center about the merits and drawbacks of implementing terminal crossbreeding systems. Then, the Noble Research Institute's Josh Gaskamp joins Carrie to chat about how educational opportunities for producers to better their land for long-term profitability. Finally, join the gang as they discuss the joys of county fair season, weigh in on what tattoo Paul should get (and where), and debate the viewing value of various Olympic sports.

Texas A&M professor David P. Anderson visits with David Cooper to review how many operations in the beef livestock industry have been lost or consolidated in the most recent USDA Census report. And to preview the Progressive Cattle 2024 Beef Statistics poster that went out to readers, the editor crew tests their knowledge of beef production and cattle inventories in the U.S. and worldwide. Listen in to see how you fare against the so-called experts.

Join hosts Tyrell Marchant, Paul Marchant and Abby George on this episode of the Progressive Cattle podcast where you'll not only hear Paul's charming New York accent and how he became a pioneer in the cattle business, but also a discussion on bull turn-out and the differences around the country. Tyrell interviews Frank Mitloehner, from UC Davis, as they talk about sustainability and the industry's relationship with the public when it comes to these issues. Additionally, Carrie discusses all things mental health and resources available for farmers and ranchers with Jessica Cabrera of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

For the first time, we welcome Progressive Forage's Joy Hendrix to the podcast studio, as she visits with Katie Raver from Rock River Laboratory for a regional analysis of forage quality and what to keep in mind for the 2024 growing season. Then Tyrell and Elanco's Frank White discuss the results of a recent study analyzing the benefits of monensin products in a cow-calf setting. Finally, don't miss out on an absolutely riveting conversation on the perils of importing exotic wildlife testicles from overseas.

The podcast team is back in the studio for two interviews you don't want to miss. Lee Leachman of Leachman Cattle Co. shares with Tyrell his insight on genetic profit data that has been a foundation for his seedstock herd. And David visits with David Anderson, Texas A&M ag economist, on beef demand index strength in 2024, and profit goals with today's high cattle prices.

Calves are the future, regardless of your performance goals. Calf health, beginning on day one, plays a significant role in growth and development. Raising calves isn't always easy – requiring special care and attention to detail. In this episode, David Mathes with DBC Ag Products, shares his tips for raising healthy, fast-growing calves. David discusses how to stay in front of calf health with proactive calf care. Here is the episode breakdown: 0:42 – David introduces himself3:05 – Favorite part of working with beef ranchers5:10 – One thing you see overlooked with calves6:16 – Biggest challenges he sees on farms9:30 – Managing the many variables of calf raising13:30 – Uncovering hidden calf costs14:50 – Calf health and future performance18:00 – Antibiotics requiring veterinarian prescriptions19:25 – Advice for calf raisers20:40 – Where to learn more This episode is sponsored by DBC Ag Products.

In the third and final segment of our coverage from the NCBA national convention, the team previews the March issue of Progressive Cattle. Abby visits with Elanco's Wayne Ayers about improving conception rates with the proper vaccine strategy. Then Tyrell sits down with Mark McCully to discuss the American Angus Association's Industry Insights survey and what benefits that data can have for American producers. Finally, Carrie talks with veterinarian Brandon Treichler about developing a crisis management plan and how that can protect ranches and the people who make them so special.

Welcome to the second of three episodes of our coverage of NCBA 2024. In this episode, Tyrell Marchant visits with Jeff Heldt, Beef Technical Lead with Selko USA, discussing if your inputs doing what you think they are when it comes to nutrition and feed expenses. Carrie Veselka discusses research conducted by Don Close, Chief Research and Analytics Officer with Terrain, on topics surrounding population demographics as it relates to growing the U.S. beef demand and market. Lastly, Abby George talks with Kimberly Vonnahme, Zoetis, about developmental programing and the cow's health effect on their calf.

Welcome to the first of three episodes of our coverage of NCBA 2024. In this episode, Carrie Veselka visits with Rob Cook, president of the National Grazing Lands Coalition on strategies to improve grazing, Abby George discusses the impact and management of BVDV with George Perry of Texas A&M University, and Tyrell Marchant talks prenatal cattle nutrition with Ted Perry from Purina Animal Nutrition.

Progressive Cattle editor Tyrell Marchant visits with Ken Odde from Kansas State University about his work on the newly formed Genetic Merit Pricing Task Force and how he thinks genetic data will impact how cattle are bought, sold and raised in the future. Then, Tyrell sits down with Justin Derner from USDA-ARS at the Range Beef Cow Symposium to discuss what producers can do to make sure their pasture is doing everything it can for their cattle, and vice versa. Finally, David, Carrie, Abby and Tyrell preview the February issue of Progressive Cattle and share their recipes for fighting off the winter blues. 

In this podcast episode, Progressive Cattle editor Carrie Veselka speaks with Kara Lee, Director of Producer Engagement at Certified Angus Beef, to discuss direct to consumer marketing and the CBA Ranch to Table program. Editor Abby George meets up with Russ Daly, South Dakota State University Extension Veterinarian, at Range Beef Cow Symposium to talk about herd health planning and steps producers can take to protect their cow herd. Also, don't miss a preview of the January issue, celebrate winter solstice with Paul, David and Abby, and hear where a few members of the Progressive Cattle team hope to travel to in 2024.

In this podcast episode, we sat down with Dr. Chris Reinhardt with Zinpro to discuss the importance of trace mineral nutrition to optimize cattle health and performance. Keeping cattle healthy and performing to their full potential is key to ensure productivity and profitability in your herd. Learn how partnering with Zinpro will help improve profitability and set your herd up for success for generations to come. This episode is sponsored by Zinpro. Zinpro® is committed to the longevity and success of cattle operations. With the most knowledgeable team and more than 50 years of working within the beef nutrition space, we are delivering nutrition solutions that equip producers to reach higher levels of performance and profitability with their cattle.

David and Paul visit with Dr. Ron DeHaven, former chief veterinarian and administrator at the USDA-Animal Plant Health Inspection Service, to look back on 20 years since the first case of BSE back in December 2003. If now's the season when you and the family enjoy Christmas movies, be sure to join the entire Progressive Cattle Podcast team in a cinema rating discussion about the best and worst in Christmas movies.

In this podcast episode, Managing Editor David Cooper sits down with Jay Theiler, executive vice president of AgriBeef, and discusses the opening of a new packing plant in Jerome, Idaho, and the supply and demand dynamics that make or break a packing plant. Also, catch a preview of the November issue, and find out what the podcast crew considers must-haves for Thanksgiving dinner. What are your ride-or-die Thanksgiving favorites?

The October podcast goes to Denver, Colorado, for the Red Angus annual conference where David Cooper interviews Rick Funston and Jordan Shockley. Funston, a reproductive physiologist with University of Nebraska-Lincoln, explains numerous factors toward efficiency in repro rates, heifer selection and reproductive success. Shockley, an ag economist with University of Kentucky, highlights what's the spin on carbon credit sell-offs, and how livestock producers should be prepared (and careful) when approached about selling them. And don't miss the discussion by Paul, Tyrell, David and Carrie about the good, the bad and the ugly of Halloween candy.

Carrie Veselka visits with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Ag Economist David Anderson and Rick Machen with the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management at the 2023 Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course. Dr. Anderson gives a brief outlook of what's ahead in the beef and cattle markets in the near future, and Carrie and Dr. Machen explore the major points of a panel discussion he participated in along with Donnell Brown of RA Brown Ranch, Austin Brown of Brown Ranches, Shalene McNeil with NCBA and Ron Gill as moderator – all focused on the question, “What will the cattle industry look like in 40 years?”

In this episode, Zoetis's Dylan Preston and producer Andrea Severtson-Flemming discuss the benefits of genetic testing on commercial operations. David Cooper also talks with UNL-Lincoln ranch management specialist Aaron Berger on systems management and also the value of heifers for an operation. Then, the team discusses Tyrell's trip to the BIF Symposium in Calgary and concludes with a recap of their Independence Day celebrations, including ... wait, this can't be right ... porcupine races?

On this episode of the podcast sponsored by Zinpro, join David, Carrie, Paul and Allyson for a preview of the July issue of Progressive Cattle and the annual beef statistics poster. David tests the podcast team on just how well they know U.S. and global beef statistics. Also, Cassidy Woolsey interviews management guru Don Tyler on the principles of emotional intelligence in working with your teams. Tyrell Marchant also visits with Larry Johnson about the costs you can expect this year in feed shipping.

In this episode, Clay Burtrum, a commercial cow-calf producer in Oklahoma, shares his experience with a two-year virtual fencing project with Oklahoma State University. He discusses everything from price, ease of use, and current challenges. Lastly, Elliott Dennis, an economist at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, discusses today's high cattle prices and how, when adjusted for inflation, the prices have not surpassed the 2013-2015 levels. And new Progressive Cattle intern Allyson Dalton introduces herself to the podcast team. You won't want to miss it!

As a cattle nutritionist, Ted Perry talks to people every day – like cattle owners with real-time problems – and translates the research into real help. Prior to joining Purina more than 23 years ago, Perry earned his master's degree in animal science from Penn State University, then worked in research at Cornell University. This episode is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition LLC. Purina Animal Nutrition LLC is a national organization serving producers, animal owners and their families through more than 4,700 local cooperatives, independent dealers and other large retailers throughout the United States. Driven to unlock the greatest potential in every animal, the company is an industry-leading innovator offering a valued portfolio of complete feeds, supplements, premixes, ingredients and specialty technologies for the livestock and lifestyle animal markets.

In this episode, Tyrell and Ron Scott of Purina Animal Nutrition talk about the need for adapting nutrition guidelines as average cow size grows. Carrie also visits with Mary-Thomas Hart, Chief Counsel, Government Affairs for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association about the current state of the Waters of the U.S. rules and where that leaves cattle producers. David, Tyrell and Carrie also discuss the recent BLM announcement about public land use.

Starting in June 2023, antibiotics will no longer be available for purchase at your local farm store. Hear from Dr. Dan Thomson at Iowa State University as he discusses this regulatory change and how producers can obtain antibiotics going forward. And later, Dr. Brad Johnson at Texas Tech University dives into the label changes for reimplanting cattle under the same FDA issued guidance. You'll also hear David, Paul, Tyrell and Carrie's thoughts on these changes, as well as David's recent open house tour with True West Beef and more.

In the gripping finale of our 2023 NCBA coverage, Bridgette Readel of Rural Minds discusses mental health resources in rural America; the University of Tennessee's Troy Rowan gives producers advice on developing a bull-buying game plan; and Dave Weaber from Terrain talks through ways the industry can rebuild the national cow herd after drought. David, Carrie, Cassidy and Tyrell also preview the March issue of Progressive Cattle and bid adieu to the convention until next year.

In the second of three podcasts, David and Carrie visit with more guests at the NCBA Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans. Among the interviews are Chance A. Farmer of Selko nutrition discussing proper distribution of mineral feeders in grazing pastures; a discussion with Los Angeles County rancher Mike Williams on the challenges, dynamics and decision-making going into grazing near urban Los Angeles; and a review of how exports are shaping up in 2023 with U.S. Meat Export Federation CEO Dan Halstrom.

In the first of three podcast episodes, Tyrell, Carrie and Cassidy sit down with guests at the NCBA Cattle Industry Convention in New Orleans. Interviews include a discussion with David Lust of West Texas University regarding a unique project to improve quality and yield; a look at grazing management technologies with Enriched Ag's Billy Cook; and an overview of what to expect in the cattle markets this year with CattleFax CEO Randy Blach. You don't want to miss it!

In this episode, David, Paul, Tyrell and Carrie discuss China's population decline, the price of eggs and, just for good measure, the weather (see Paul's column for full details.) Tyrell visits with Rachel Frost with Montana State University, and Andrew Bardwell, manager of LF Ranch in Augusta, Montana, about the university's ranch management program that includes internship opportunities to give students some real-world experience in operating a ranch before joining the workforce. Carrie also interviews veterinarian Tony Hawkins to take a look at calving season from a vet's point of view.

In this episode, two guests weigh in on what's ahead for agriculture in the new year. Redd Summit Advisor's Ross Bronson addresses ways producers can leverage the decline in cattle inventory, and CoBank's Brian Earnest discusses recessionary fears, rising interest rates and more. Later, David, Paul and Tyrell chat about one of TikTok's latest crazes and their predictions (or hopes) for what will bounce back in price this year.

In this episode, editor Carrie Veselka discusses budgeting tips and financial habits for the new year with DeDe Jones from Texas A&M University. Also, Carrie, David Cooper, Cassidy Woolsey, and Paul and Tyrell Marchant preview the December issue of Progressive Cattle and duke out the best and worst Christmas songs of all time. Special thanks to Sarah Hernandez and podcast producer Ray Merritt for their assistance in narrowing down the many, many candidates. Did your favorite song make the cut? Listen and follow to find out.

In this episode, Paul visits with Dave Nichols, an emeritus professor at Kansas State University about his experiences as a livestock judge and educator, discussing opportunities to bridge the gap between agriculture and consumers. David also visits with K-State ag economist Ted Schroeder about the changing elements in the cattle markets, and the potential pitfalls of mandating cash cattle markets. David, Paul and Carrie also share a preview of the November issue, and share what they're grateful for this Thanksgiving season.

David, Carrie and Tyrell provide a rundown of AgProud.com, the new ag supersite that is now Progressive Cattle's home. Then Tyrell checks in from the National Red Angus Convention in Kalispell, Montana. Red Angus Association of America CEO Tom Brink shares details of a survey of the feeder cattle industry that indicates producers are looking to move past skin-deep methods of cattle evaluation. RAAA commercial marketing specialist Nolan Woodruff also weighs in with the latest data for hosting a successful bull sale. The episode concludes with a riveting conversation about the spaces occupied in American culture by plant-based meat and the British royal family.

In this episode, two guests from the great state of Texas join Tyrell. Ag attorney Kyle Weldon discusses open range and fence laws, and Texas A&M's Jason Banta weighs in on cow-calf nutrition. Carrie, Paul and David discuss county fairs and the recession, then debate the merits of the Top Gun franchise.

In this episode, Cassidy Woolsey visits with Rosslyn Biggs from Oklahoma State University about the shortage of veterinarians in rural areas and some of the challenges graduating vet students face in today's climate of inflation, job demand and crushing student debt. Biggs also shares some details about Oklahoma State's networking and mentoring program for vet students and established veterinarians. Carrie, Tyrell and Paul talk about their plans for summer and some summertime traditions including fair season and, at least for residents of Council, Idaho, porcupine racing.

David visits with University of Nebraska-Lincoln's ag economist Elliott Dennis on the values that can be captured through flexible grazing leases based on land output, fed cattle prices or other factors. David, Paul and Tyrell discuss heat waves in the Midwest, and Paul shares details about his visit to a new packing facility with Intermountain Packing in Idaho Falls, Idaho.

This month's guest is Jason Medows, creator and host of the Ag State of Mind podcast. He visits with Cassidy about mental health in agriculture and how producers can be proactive, ways to better deal with some of the stresses that come with job, and how to help children and teens. You'll also want to stay tuned for his rule of 2 and rule of 5. Then, hear from our newest Progressive Cattle team member, Tyrell Marchant, as he, David and Paul discuss cow herd liquidation and the most memorable Father's Day gifts. To listen to the Ag State of Mind podcast and find other mental health resources, visit https://agstateofmind.com/

In this episode, David and Carrie visit with meteorologist Matt Makens about what Mother Nature has in store for producers this year. All indications point to a La Nina-leaning neutral year for weather, which means the drought in the West will persist, and that the timing of precipitation will be critical for crop farmers this year, especially the Corn Belt. Makens also goes into more detail on how weather patterns are analyzed and forecasts are made. Also, Carrie, Paul and production editor Sarah Hernandez share their favorite – or least favorite – things about springtime. To read more weather reports from Matt Makens, visit makensweather.com.