The high demand for beef continues, and consumers are seeking a high-quality product. Beef producers have been answering that call, as is evident in the upward trend of beef quality grades, specifically Prime and Choice. Paul Dykstra, with Certified Angus Beef, joins to discuss the shifting dynamics of quality grades and what they mean for today’s cattle producers. Paul offers insights into market trends and the factors driving demand for premium beef. He explores how this directs both seedstock and commercial cattle producers’ breeding decisions.   

Although Missouri isn’t known for being the home of vineyards and wineries, Windy Wine Company and KK Farms Red Angus are shaking up the narrative. Ken Keesaman and his son Kody operate a Red Angus herd, selling bulls locally and around the country, while Ken’s son Kraig used his culinary passion to begin a winery, incorporating various fruits and grapes that work well in Missouri's climate. Kraig’s creativity led him to develop unique flavors of wine, like Peanut Butter and Jelly. Ken, Kraig and Kody talk about working daily with family and, even though head butting happens from time to time, they wouldn’t change the opportunity they have to keep the land in the family. The Keesamans found a way to marry marketing their bulls, their beef and their wine.

The climate, forage species and desired cattle type vary greatly for these three producers who are 2025 ESAP Regional Winners. Mike Wilson, Whispering Hills Farm in Kentucky; Jack Smith, Smith Family Farms in Iowa; and Logan Pribbeno, Wine Glass Ranch in Nebraska, are on the show talking about the partnerships, programs and mentors that have shaped the way they raise and market cattle and how they take care of their natural resources. They explored the innovative techniques they implement, identified which ones were mistakes and which proved to be successful. Each of these operations were recognized for their dedication to finding the most effective ways to care for the land and grow profitable cattle. ESAP is generously sponsored by NRCS, Corteva Agriscience, and USFWS.

Whether it’s migrating birds, elk and deer, large predators or invasive species, these three cattlemen have spent decades adapting their management plans to coexist and promote the health of wildlife along with their cattle. Gregory Gardner, G&G Livestock & Cathey Cattle Co.; Mark Overstreet, M&D Overstreet Ranch; and Bob McCan, McFadden Ranch dive into which plant and animal species have been a challenge for them and which have benefited the sustainability and profitability of their operations. These 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award Regional winners share real stories of overcoming challenges and finding opportunity on their ranches. ESAP is generously supported by NRCS, Corteva Agriscience and USFWS.

Matt Makens returns to the show to talk about weather patterns that changed from his spring outlook and created unexpected moisture in different regions of the country this spring and summer. He also discusses his Cattle Comfort Index, a tool he is developing to help cattle feeders and cow-calf producers to manage heat stress on cattle and give producers better opportunity to prepare. In addition, Matt explores the history of the New World screwworm and explains what temperatures and environments NWS thrives in. Plus, hear from our partners Rabo AgriFinance and Ritchie.                   Clip from Holes (2003), Walt Disney Pictures — “I’m tired of this, Grandpa!” Clip from Reno 911!, Comedy Central — “New Boot Goofin’.”

On this episode, host Lane Nordlund visits with Dr. Rick Machen, Executive Director of the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management, and graduate Garrett Stribling. They share the Institute’s mission of preparing future ranching leaders, the value of advanced training in ranch management, and how KRIRM’s legacy is shaping the next generation of cattlemen and women. #KingRanchInstitute #RanchManagement #Cattlemen #FutureOfRanching #AgLeadership #BeefIndustry #CattlemensCall #CattlePodcast #NCBA #LaneNordlund #RanchingLife #AgPodcast  

Cattle producers know what it’s like to push through pain to get the job done, finish chores, feed and take care of their family. And Rachel O’Grady has personal experience with overcoming extreme pain to pursue her goals. Now she helps rural farmers, ranchers and rodeo athletes to heal and find pain relief without surgery or endless appointments. Rachel shares her story of overcoming a paralyzing disability and how that shaped her business, MSK Guide based out of Arizona, where she finds solutions for ranchers and farmers to continue working and earning a living, doing what they love. This episode is sponsored by MSK Guide (www.mskguide.com).  

With the recent passing of the One Big Beautiful Bill, NCBA CEO Colin Woodall and Senior Vice President Ethan Lane dive into the important pieces of this bill for cattle producers including tax provisions. They examine Congress’s work on disaster relief programs and wildfire management as well as NCBA’s work defending public land grazing. With producer profitability always top of mind, NCBA’s Washington, D.C., team has had a busy year and is continuing to advocate on behalf of cattle producers on a variety of issues. 

The New World screwworm has become a topic of discussion amongst cattle producers in the last few months as the pest has moved into Mexico. NCBA, state affiliates and USDA have partnered, working to prepare for this potential threat. In this episode, host Lane Nordlund sits down with NCBA CEO Colin Woodall and Texas & Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association First Vice President Stephen Diebel to discuss the issue as it stands today.

Larry and Ellie Primeaux, first-generation cattle farmers in Mississippi, balance full-time careers with raising Angus and Brangus cattle. Larry, a dedicated game warden and K-9 handler with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, brings his deep knowledge of local wildlife to their cattle operation. Ellie, a passionate 5th-grade teacher, integrates agriculture into the classroom, educating the next generation about farming and rural life. Larry and Ellie offer real-life insights into modern cattle farming plus the challenges and rewards of starting from scratch. They discuss how Larry’s law enforcement and military career often take him away from the farm for long stretches, but how fulfilling it is to serve their community and country. Larry and Ellie have taken advantage of opportunities for beginning producers and see value in meeting peers in the industry and furthering their education.  

Brett Chedzoy of Angus Glen Farms in Watkins Glen, New York, shares how his family built a successful grass-fed cow-calf operation practicing agroforestry and silvopasture. As the 2024 ESAP Region I award winner, Brett discusses sustainable grazing, managing 100 paddocks across 500 acres, and using cattle to improve both land and legacy. From Argentina to upstate New York, their story displays stewardship, family, and forward thinking. The Environmental Stewardship Award Program is sponsored by USDA NRCS, Corteva Agriscience, and USFWS.

Accuracy is important to move the industry in the right direction and cattle size and frame have changed significantly, but the yield grading system hasn’t changed since the 1960s to match them. We need new technology and new grading algorithms to accurately measure carcass data and return profit to the producer. Professor Ty Lawrence with West Texas A&M University and James Henderson with the Bradley 3 Ranch in Texas join us to talk about the changes coming to red meat yield. https://www.stockmanshipandstewardship.org/

Gina Tran grew up in Orlando, Florida, without any agriculture experience or family connection. However, her introduction to agriculture in the FFA classroom transformed the trajectory of her thinking and education. Gina went on to earn an animal science degree from the University of Florida and work on numerous large ranches in Florida and Texas where she learned to rope, ride and so much more. Her passion for cattle farmers and ranchers led her to co-host a podcast, Herding Her Story, to share the challenges and beauty of the beef industry and has been a guide for her future career path. Learn more at herding-her-story.blubrry.net.

Minnesota cattle farmers Rachel Gray and her son Nick Grundmeier share about their unique heifer development program. Little Timber Farms has come a long way since its dairy farming days, and now their innovative practices include seeding with drone technology, rotational grazing, bore water, and bale grazing in addition to their genetic advancements. Rachel, her father, and her son Nick have made decisions that maximize the profitability and longevity of the business and the land. They are proud to represent Minnesota as the 2024 Region III Environmental Stewardship Award Program winner, sponsored by USDA NRCS, Corteva Agriscience, and USFWS.  

We are breaking down what farmers and ranchers need to do to prepare for an emergency on their operation – whether it’s a flood, a wildfire, an equipment accident or a foreign animal disease outbreak J.J. Goicoechea and Kip Wills are on the show giving advice ranging from how to prepare for a helicopter to land on your operation for a medical emergency to who should be the first points of contact when something unexpected happens. They give practical steps to prepare for the worst while hoping for the best.

Tune into a practical discussion between veterinarians and nutritionists delivering practical perspectives on optimizing feedlot performance through combined recommendations. This conversation with TELUS Agriculture’s Drs. Kee Jim, Matt May, and Breck Hunsaker covers critical market challenges, strategic calf procurement decisions, and the transformative role of data analytics in modern feedlot operations. The experts also explore the future of branded beef programs and the evolving relationship between commercial cattle producers and feedlots. This episode offers valuable insights for feedlot operators, cattle producers and industry professionals navigating today's complex market dynamics while preparing for future opportunities in beef production. Learn more about TELUS Agriculture at www.telus.com/agriculture.

Barb Downey and Joe Carpenter with Downey Ranch were honored as the 2024 Environmental Stewardship Award National winners. Hear how their family navigates transition planning with their two daughters, how they initiated rotational grazing and bale grazing, and their experience with GPS collars on their cattle. Through experimenting with different practices, Downey Ranch has found ways to save on input costs and time while dramatically increasing their forage’s nutrients and organic matter. The ESAP Program is generously sponsored by USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Corteva and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

We are diving into different verification programs and what opportunities are available for cattle producers. Cattle producer Nancy Jackson, DVM, of Southern Cross Farm, Clint Berry with Superior Livestock, and John Saunders, CEO of IMI Global and Where Food Comes From, talk through the importance of producers telling their stories and how tranparency impacts the entire supply chain. Saunders shares how these programs offer marketing avenues and are driven heavily by the consumer. This show is brought to you by IMI Global and Where Food Comes From, learn more at www.imiglobal.com.

Beef cattle farmers and ranchers are preparing for spring 2025 and all that comes with it — calving and planting. Meteorologist Matt Makens once again joins the podcast to highlight the weather challenges in the months ahead, namely dry conditions in many western parts of the country. As beef producers evaluate their ability to retain heifers and build up their herd numbers, much of those decisions are reliant on moisture, so listen in to hear Matt’s thoughts and advice to producers. Plus, we chat with our friends at Farm Credit to hear why creating a relationship with your ag lender is important and what you can do to establish that long-term business partnership that will sustain your operation in the good times and the bad. Learn more at farmcredit.com .

Buck Wehrbein has decades of experience feeding cattle, learning and growing from great mentors, and participating in NCBA leadership. Buck and his wife, Sandy, talk about their experiences living in Texas, raising a family on a feedyard and their decision to return to Nebraska. Buck shares what he sees as challenges for the year ahead and where he sees opportunities for young producers brave enough to take risks and engage with the industry. Hear from Buck as he begins his journey as NCBA President.   #NCBAPresident #NCBA #CattleCon #Mentorship #CattleMarkets #CattleFeeding #Leadership