Working Cows

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The Working Cows podcast gives you something to think about as you seek to maximize the effectiveness of your cattle operation and the joy your family receives from this lifestyle.

Working Cows

Mud Butte, SD


    • Jun 23, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 53m AVG DURATION
    • 615 EPISODES

    4.9 from 346 ratings Listeners of Working Cows that love the show mention: grazing, thank you god bless, livestock, ranching, cattle, cows, clay, farming, animals, david, interviewing, well done, industry, resource, lots, keep up the good work, appreciate, hearing, conversation, questions.


    Ivy Insights

    The Working Cows podcast is a diverse and interesting podcast that covers a wide range of topics within the agriculture industry. As someone involved in agriculture with my own small ranch, I have found this podcast to be incredibly insightful and thought-provoking. One particular episode that stood out to me was the one featuring Dylan, as his insights and stories about working with his 7-month-old Border Collie were truly fascinating. The host, Clay, does an exceptional job of engaging with his guests and keeping the conversation lively.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the variety of guests that Clay brings on. From ranchers to industry experts, each guest offers a unique perspective and wealth of knowledge. I especially enjoyed episodes with Steve Campbell, Dallas Mount, and Wally Olson, as they provided valuable insights into various aspects of agriculture. Additionally, Clay is not afraid to delve into controversial subjects and explore different viewpoints within the industry. This adds depth and authenticity to the discussions.

    While there are many positives to The Working Cows podcast, one aspect that could be improved upon is the frequency of technical and financial tidbits. While there are episodes that touch on these topics, it would be beneficial to have more dedicated episodes focused on production and financial aspects of farming. However, this is a minor criticism in an otherwise outstanding podcast.

    In conclusion, The Working Cows podcast has been a game-changer for me in terms of my understanding and approach to agriculture. Clay's ability to bring together knowledgeable guests and engage in meaningful conversations makes this podcast stand out in the industry. Whether you're involved in farming or simply interested in learning more about it, I highly recommend giving this podcast a listen.



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    Latest episodes from Working Cows

    How Dung Beetles Help Make Use of Cow Poop

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 59:54


    Cow poop is an ecosystem unto itself. There are many insects and other organisms living in a dung pat that can help us to make use of the nutrients excreted out of the back end of a cow. Dr. Ryan Schmid shares with me what he has seen work well as far as taking advantage of the helpful insects and mitigating the impact of those that can become pests if the system gets out of balance.Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag!Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today!Sponsor:Ranch RightSD Grassland Coalition Grazing SchoolRelevant Links:Ecdysis.bioCow Patty Critter w/ Dr. Kevin Floate on Wednesday Night Networking

    How People Help You Escape the Entrepreneurial Trap (WCP 441)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025 52:47


    You will go farther with people than you can go by yourself. To succeed with people you will need to build different skills than it takes to manage grass, money, and livestock. Josh Kerpan is seeking to equip ranchers with the skills they need to manage their people well.Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today!Sponsor:Ranch RightSea-90 Ocean MineralsRelevant Links:KZNSolutions.caJosh's Previous Episode:Ep. 407 Josh Kerpan – The Necessary Pieces for Leaders to Replaces Themselves

    Beef Genetics That Help Fight Global Hunger (WCP 440)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025 62:48


    America is a global leader in agriculture. Our influence has an incredibly broad reach. The problem with that is most places around the world don't have the infrastructure and supply chains to support feeding cattle like we do in America. The result is that many places around the world that have used American beef genetics (Taurus and Indicus) now routinely have 40% calf crops with most females only producing a calf every two to three years. Grant Vassberg is working to change that by finding and platforming producers in these countries that have largely stayed the course and continued to raise cattle the way their ancestors did. He does this through his company Bos Sires. He joins me again today to discuss the growth of this company since it's recent launch.Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today!Sponsor:UnderstandingAg.com

    How AMP Grazing Drives Profitability Even in the Midwest (WCP 439)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025 69:13


    The Midwest can be a difficult place to graze for a host of reasons. The competitiveness of the cash rent market, parasite load, mud, forage quality, and many other issues face those seeking to profitably graze in this region. Today we are joined by John Hays and Jeremy Sweeten of Understanding Ag to discuss their...

    How Agritourism Helps the Profitability of Taylor Moyer’s Ranch (WCP 438)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025 52:51


    As Taylor Moyer and his wife have sought to bootstrap their ranch operation they have had to think outside the box from an enterprise mix perspective, marketing perspective, and as it pertains to the potential sources of revenue the ranch can produce. This has led them to many capitalize on many different opportunities including custom...

    How Tariffs and Supply Management are Impacting One Canadian Dairy Farmer (WCP 437)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 58:44


    Supply management may not line up with free market principles, but the fruits of it to this point have been positive for Sean Smith and his family. These strategies have helped the to remain profitable at a scale a family can manage. They have also freed them up to experiment with some more regenerative practices....

    How Farmers and Ranchers Fix Water Quality Issues (WCP 436)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 46:23


    We are facing water quality and quantity issues across a broad swath of the agricultural landscape. This impacts not only our rural communities, but also those in cities and towns downstream from our operations. Brian Dougherty and Eric Fuchs join me today to discuss the simple methods agriculturalists can use to improve their land's ability...

    How Dalton Darnell Learned to Deal with Psoriatic Arthritis (WCP 435)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 13, 2025 58:02


    In this world we will have trouble. We will experience pain, suffering, loss, and difficulty. How do we do that well? What role does faith play in helping us to successfully navigate these challenges. Dalton Darnell of 3:10 Ranch Life shares about his experience in dealing with Psoriatic Arthritis. We discuss the role of community,...

    Capitalizing on the Wildlife Diversity that is Attracted by Regenerative Agriculture (WCP 434)

    Play Episode Listen Later May 5, 2025 58:44


    As we progress down the regenerative journey we will see many changes on the landscape. Not the least of which is the diversity of wildlife that will be attracted to our operations. Jeremy Sweeten and Kent Solberg join me to discuss the ways to create spaces for wildlife as well as strategies for capitalizing on...

    From NFL Data and Analytics to Profitable Maternal Cowherd (WCP 433)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 28, 2025 59:03


    Tyson Langland started his career with a data and analytics firm that worked with NFL football teams. When he decided to come back to the family farm and take over the cowherd, he brought that expertise with him. He achieved some goals regarding maternal traits early on, but that left him wanting more in the...

    The Massive Opportunity Presented by Managing US Military Installations Regeneratively (WCP 432)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 59:02


    The US Military has millions of acres within the US Border. In addition, they have the opportunity to impact many more acres outside of the United States by assisting those around US Military installations abroad to bring their management into alignment with regenerative principles. Maj. Eric Czaja is working to see this happen starting here...

    How Matt Stone Found His Ideal Customer (WCP 431)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 45:07


    Your ideal customer is looking for what you are selling when you are selling it. They are willing to pay more because you have what they are demanding when the supply is lowest. Knowing your ideal customer isn't just for direct-to-consumer business. In fact, Matt Stone of Dakota Growth joined me to discuss how Cow/Calf...

    Dr. Allen Williams Shares His Keys to Successful Grass-Finishing (WCP 430)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 73:29


    If we are going to grass-finish our animals, we should do it excellently. There are many pieces to accomplishing this. It is possible in almost all latitudes and longitudes. Today, Dr. Allen Williams shares with us what he has learned about grass-finishing in nearly 30 years of doing it. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding...

    The First Step to Managing What Matters (WCP 429)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 14, 2025 58:24


    If we aren't measuring what matters we can't manage it. First, we need to decide what we are trying to accomplish and then start measuring the data that correlates to that goal so that we can make good decisions for profitable businesses. Eric Jasinski of Ambrook helps us think about how we can get started...

    How Principles Keep You From Getting Left Behind by Chasing Fads (WCP 428)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2025 52:53


    Principles are powerful tools that can help us to avoid the temptation to follow the crowd and ranch like everyone else. Today we talk to Bart Carmichael and Pat Guptill about their new venture together, Principled Land Managers. We discuss both of their histories with regenerative agriculture as well as how they work to foster...

    Burke Teichert on His Five Essentials of Successful Ranch Managers (WCP 427)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2025 82:59


    Burke Teichert has a long track record of success in managing profitable ranches. Over that time, he has noticed some commonalities among successful ranch managers. He has boiled it down to Five Essentials. Today we discuss these 5 Essentials and how to apply them in a way that all resources under management are on a...

    Robust Solutions to Infrastructure Necessities (WCP 426)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 60:07


    Neil Thorsteinson of Range Ward and Powerflex Supply joined me to discuss his journey into regenerative ranching as well as his work with Range Ward over the years. We discuss Powerflex Supply's Rancher Success Program, the history of the companies, as well as the versatility of these systems. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag!...

    Lessons Learned After Capturing Over 100 Life Stories (WCP 425)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 50:07


    It won't be long until everyone living was born after a time when electricity was ubiquitous in it's availability. How does that fact change our society? Vance Crowe, of Legacy Interviews, joined me to discuss how this project has impacted him as well as some of the common lessons people share with him as he...

    Predicting Exceptional Beef Tenderness with 100% Accuracy through this Genetic Marker (WCP 424)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 46:48


    A positive beef eating experience depends on more than flavor and marbling. Frank Hendrix has discovered the genetic marker that is 100% accurate in predicting exceptionally tender beef. We discuss his journey into this discovery as well as the bottom line of profitability related to finding animals that display this marker. Thanks to our Studio...

    The Skills Necessary to Profitably Run Goats (WCP 423)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 71:21


    Goats are notoriously difficult to contain. Daniel Magalsky joins me to discuss the tools and skills necessary to keep goats in as well as ensure their success as a family unit. We also discuss how goats continue to be more profitable than cow/calf enterprises even in our current market conditions. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor,...

    High-Density Sheep Grazing that Drives Soil Health (WCP 422)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 24, 2025 60:51


    Sheep like “weeds.” They will eat them first. This makes them a great tool for improving all kinds of landscapes, including forage crops. Matt Goble, a sixth-generation sheepman from Utah, joins me to discuss the different strategies he and his family employ to make their wool sheep a very profitable enterprise. Thanks to our Studio...

    Applying the Six Principles of Soil Health in Our Gardens (WCP 421)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 38:57


    Are we consistently applying the Six Principles of Soil Health to all of our acres? Even our gardens? Marni Thompson of Understanding Ag joins me to discuss the lessons she has learned in applying these principles in her garden. We discuss the challenges, best practices, and the role of compost in the success of this...

    How Horses Fit into a Regenerative Grazing Business (WCP 420)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 44:46


    Horses are severe grazers. They are capable of causing almost unparalleled damage in a pasture. Meg Greski joined me to discuss the lessons she has learned in developing a horse grazing business that is regenerative and profitable. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today! Sponsor: PowerflexSupply.com...

    Profitable Marketing of Bulls and Other Ranch Products (WCP 419)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 59:21


    It's easy to focus on the various pieces of our marketing strategy to the point that we forget to actually sell the products we are marketing. Karoline Bohannan, of the KRose Company, joined me to discuss the things to pay attention to as we seek to get the word out about our ranch and rural...

    Profitable Marketing of Bulls and Other Ranch Products (WCP 419)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025


    It's easy to focus on the various pieces of our marketing strategy to the point that we forget to actually sell the products we are marketing. Karoline Bohannan, of the KRose Company, joined me to discuss the things to pay attention to as we seek to get the word out about our ranch and rural...

    Natural Substitutes for Agronomic Applications that Drive Soil Health (WCP 418)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2025 43:10


    As we seek to bridge the gap toward a redesign of our agricultural systems natural options are going to be the best option for a host of reasons. Lynn Hoover of Ocean Blue Agronomics joins me to discuss the role of sea salt in balancing nutrients, activating soil biology, and connecting plants with the nutrients...

    Drones to the Rescue! (WCP 417)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 10, 2025 53:00


    Drones continue to improve in efficiency and cost. They are proving useful across agriculture and reducing waste and over application of chemicals. Preston Cave shares some of his experiences using drones in different agricultural applications. We also talk about him joining a team of heroes that help delivered relief to victims of Hurricane Helene in...

    Sound Money’s Role in Fixing America’s Broken Rural Economies (WCP 416)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 8, 2025 74:22


    Is regenerative agriculture enough to fix America's broken rural economies? Can we simply soil health our way out of the mess that the has been created by inflation and the printing of money? Joel Hollingsworth says “no.” While soil health and regenerative agriculture are crucial without sound money we are going to struggle to get...

    Profitable Winter-Feeding Strategies that Move the Needle (WCP 415)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 47:40


    Managing winter feed costs can boost profitability as reliably as almost any other change we can make. Stefan Bouw, of Edie Creek Angus, joined me once again to discuss some of the different strategies they have implemented over the years to manage labor costs and boost animal performance through his harsh Canadian winters. Thanks to...

    Redesigning Our Nutrient Management for Soil Health (WCP 414)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 3, 2025 54:49


    Brian Dougherty of Understanding Ag joins me once again. This time to discuss how we can become more adaptable with our nutrient management. Rather than following the conventional 4R approach of right source, right rate, right time, right place we look at the 6P approach where we let the 6 Principles of Soil Health guide...

    Will Winter on The A to Z of Apple Cider Vinegar (WCP 413)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 61:29


    Will Winter joins me once again. This time we are focused on the A to Z of Apple Cider Vinegar. What purpose does it fill in a livestock operation? Why the source matters? As well as some practical considerations for how we use it on our operations. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head...

    A Homeopathic Approach to Calving Season (WCP 412)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 43:19


    Calving season can be a stressful time for cattle and cattlemen alike. Ellen Bench joins me once again to talk about a different approach to helping calving season go more smoothly and less stressfully for everyone involved. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book your consultation today! Sponsor: KRose...

    Changing Our Mindset to Help Facilitate Regenerative Agriculture (WCP 411)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 51:05


    Our mindset determines what we are willing to entertain as an option. Being willing to wean ourselves off of conventional approaches to agriculture and experiment with regenerative agriculture is no different. Luke Jones, Consultant with Understanding Ag, joins me to discuss the process he has seen work well in helping people change their mindset and...

    Applying the Six Principles of Soil Health in Orchards (WCP 410)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 17, 2025 54:45


    If we are going to regenerate our food system we must also work on regenerating fruit and nut crops generally grown in orchards. Much of the conventional wisdom in the orchard industry is stacked against the application of the Six Principles of Soil Health. Chuck Schembre, Soil Health Consultant with Understanding Ag, joined me to...

    Planning for Profitable Market Transaction (WCP 409)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 12, 2025 44:07


    Marketing is a big lever for the average ranch. How do we push on that lever with the right information at the right time to help us make profitable market transactions? Nelson Koehn developed his Value of Gain website to help people do just that. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to...

    Leadership According to Jesus (WCP 408)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 28:15


    In this episode I share a talk I gave during a breakout session at the recent South Dakota Grassland Coalition annual conference. I take a look at a few passages from the New Testament Book of Matthew and consider the implications for how we handle leadership. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over...

    The Necessary Pieces for Leaders to Replace Themselves (WCP 407)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 53:26


    Good leaders direct their organizations toward success. Great leaders replace themselves with leaders better than they are. Josh Kerpan has been on a journey to replace himself. He and his team have accomplished that. Today on the Working Cows podcast we discuss the importance of Purpose, Processes, and People to escape the entrepreneurial trap. Thanks...

    Managing the Unseen Before it Becomes Visible (WCP 406)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2025 49:59


    How do leaders shape the future of the resources with which they have been entrusted? What does it take to avoid catastrophe and maximize positive results? In a word, intentionality. We have to continue making small regular investments in our resources to ensure long-term success. In this episode I share a keynote I gave to...

    How Sheep Improve Soil Health and Profitability (WCP 405)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 53:28


    Many places around the country talk about sheep being the mortgage lifters. South Central Kansas is no different. Ryan and Kelsey Keeling have been on a journey to transition the ranch they manage to a higher percentage of grazing days allotted to sheep. They joined me to discuss how they are sharing this journey on...

    Gabe Brown and Dr. Allen Williams on Fixing America’s Broken Rural Economies (WCP 404)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2025 64:42


    In part two of a discussion on where we stand in American agriculture Gabe Brown and Dr. Allen Williams joined me to discuss what we can do to revive rural America economically speaking. We discuss the role of regenerative agriculture in accomplishing this goal as well as the causes of the hollowing out of rural...

    Developing Easy-Keeping Cattle for Maximum Profitability (WCP 403)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 46:50


    Wineglass Ranch has been on a mission for many years to develop easy-keeping cattle. They have sought to do this by developing heifers that get bred year after year, developing bulls that add heterosis, and maintain a low frame score cow that can graze 365 days per year. Cow boss TJ Ellicott joined me to...

    Gabe Brown and Dr. Allen Williams on Fixing America’s Broken Water Cycle (WCP 402)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 6, 2025 56:26


    What is the State of Agriculture in 2025 in America? How do we substantively make a difference in 2025 in American Agriculture? Gabe Brown and Dr. Allen Williams join me to discuss their understanding of where we are in agriculture and how we make real progress in a regenerative direction. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor,...

    How Body Language Affects What People Hear with Joshua and Tara Dukart (WCP 401)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 30, 2024 66:33


    Over 90% of our communication is non-verbal. From body language, to tone, to mirror neurons it's less about what we said and more about how we said it including our posture while saying. Guests Joshua and Tara Dukart help me take a deep dive on all things communication. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag!...

    How Joel Salatin Develops Leaders Ready to Thrive at Polyface Farms (WCP 400)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2024


    The Great Wealth Transfer is coming. What are Joel Salatin and Polyface Farms doing to prepare leaders to thrive? Among other things they are training them to run attractive businesses, fostering a culture of innovation, and teaching their employees how to complain. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to book...

    Ep. 399 – Jared Luhman – Investing in Real Estate

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2024 50:12


    Jared Luhman, host of the newly rebranded Ranching Returns podcast, joined me to discuss his strategy of investing in real estate. We also discuss his favorite resources and lessons learned. We get the discussion started by talking about his recent rebrand. The conversation turns to real estate investing as Jared discusses lessons learned through the...

    Ep. 398 – John Hays – Marketing Pastured Proteins

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2024 68:09


    John Hays, a consultant with Understanding Ag, joined me to discuss the journey he and his family have been on to diversify and market the products raised on their farm. We discuss the necessary education, connections, and infrastructure to succeed in direct marketing pastured proteins. We also discuss his ability to compete for leases in...

    Ep. 397 – Eric Fuchs – Walking the Regenerative Path

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 2, 2024 49:52


    Eric Fuchs, a consultant with Understanding Ag, joined me to talk about the journey they have been on at his farm to get to more diversity. We talk about the role the Six Principles played in this journey as well as some of the things he had to unlearn from his previous education in grazing...

    Ep. 396 – Jonathan and Stefan Bouw – A Journey into Grass-Based Genetics

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 25, 2024 58:53


    Jonathan and Stefan Bouw of Howrey Angus and Edie Creek Angus joined me to discuss the journey they have been on to find grass-based genetics. We discuss the steps they have taken from genetics developed to thrive in the feedlot to genetics developed to thrive on grass. We also discuss the process of taking over...

    Ep. 395 – Grant Vassberg – Finding Fertile Cattle

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 18, 2024 71:29


    Grant Vassberg, of Bos Sires and Kallion Farms, joined me to discuss the journey he has been on to develop a cooperative for producers looking to source fertile cattle. We discuss what makes a fertile cow as well as the heritability of fertility. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over to UnderstandingAg.com to...

    Ep. 394 – Kent Donica – Learning Market Lessons

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 12, 2024 62:53


    Kent Donica, a consultant with Understanding Ag, joined me once again to discuss the lessons he has learned from his career as a Sell/Buy Marketer. We discuss the importance of discipline, the roll of fear and greed, as well as things he will never do again. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag! Head over...

    Ep. 393 – John Kempf – Making America Healthy Again

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 4, 2024 51:51


    John Kempf, Host of the Regenerative Agriculture Podcast, joined me to discuss his perspective on what it is going to take to regenerate and relocalize America's food system. We discuss success stories he has seen as well as the opportunities presented by the challenges of our current infrastructure. Thanks to our Studio Sponsor, Understanding Ag!...

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