Working Ranch Radio Show

On this episode of the Working Ranch Radio Show, we explore the fast-growing role of drone technology in ranching. From weed and invasive species control to fly management and even feed delivery in rugged country.  Kelley Wittenberg (Central UAS Technologies)is our guest as we discuss how drones are becoming a practical tool on the ranch. Then later, meteorologist Don Day joins us with his Fall and Winter Outlook, including the potential for colder temperatures east of the Rockies and the possibility of bigger winter storms ahead.

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Weaning is one of the most stressful times in a calf’s life — where health, nutrition, and management all collide. In this episode, we dig into how producers can minimize stress, choose the right methods for their operation, and build a robust health program that keeps calves thriving long after weaning. Dr. Ron Lemenager with Purdue University is my guest as we discuss the Keys to Successful Weaning.

#workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Allflex #RioMax #ManSaver #Gelbvieh #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #weaning #weaningstress #calfhealth #herdmanagement #cowcalf #cattlenutrition #beefproducers

How much is Heat Stress really costing your operation? It might be more than you think — and it’s not just about weight loss or conception rates. Dr. Michelle Calvo-Lorenzo with Elanco Animal Health joins us to talk about why heat stress is a problem, what the science says about its effect on both herd health and profitability, and what steps you can take to mitigate it.

Plus a conversation with Ted Perry(Purina) about mitigating stress in calves at weaning.

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State and county fairs have long been a bridge between rural and urban. But as our society drifts further from production agriculture, that bridge is under pressure — financially, culturally, and politically. From rising costs to volunteer burnout, lack of participation to being a political football… So how do we refocus? How do we, in the ag industry, protect these events that tell our story. Today, Jeremy Parsons from the Iowa State Fair and Taylor Pulfer with the State Fair of Texas join me as we discuss… What’s the future of our county and state fair? And what’s our role i...

It was a record-breaking "Week in the Rockies Sale" that delivered big numbers.  But what does it all mean for us heading into the second half of the year?  Superior Livestock’s Clint Berry is back with us as we unpack the results of the sale. We’ll cover everything from market fundamentals and program calf sales… to weaning decisions and delivery timing. We’ll also hit on heifer prices, signs of retention, and what Clint calls the “best buy” in the cattle market right now. What can we take away from the Week in the Rockies Sale? Find out on this ep...

The cattle market is at an all-time high which probably means for most of us we are seeing a pretty healthy profit this year.  So, the question is, how should we strategically use the profit? Dallas Mount (Ranch Management Consultants) returns as we work through this question… starting first at debt.  Then we'll work through the desire for business growth, cash flow, investing in yourself, benchmarks, and managing your business with principles versus emotion. It’s not just about your profit… it’s what you do with it!

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Today we dive into what it really takes to keep America free and strong: a food system that supports family farms and ranches—because a country that can feed itself stands independent. I’m joined by Amanda Radke—rancher, author, speaker and podcaster —who shares powerful insights on protecting private property rights, revitalizing rural America, and uniting as cattle producers. Keeping American Fed and Free on Today’s Episode of the Working Ranch Radio Show.

#workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #lowstress #k-line #RioMax #ManSaver #Gelbvieh #TankToad #BidonBeef #freenation #foodnation

Today we look at some very basic management practices that data shows will increase the value of your calves when you go to market them.  The values has been derived from data through a partnership between Superior Livestock, Kansas State University, and Merck Animal Health.  So today Dr. Chris Thomsen with Merck joins us as he walks us through the data.  From breeding management to calfhood management, that also includes looking at the ROI on Precondition... what about Weaning? And what about the four things that DOESN’T affect the value of your calves?  Tune in to find out what th...

Dawn Hnatow (Cattle Up Stockmanship) joins us as we discuss Stockmanship.  What it is and what it isn’t.  The three areas where you and I as ranchers would see benefits to our operation: Economics, Production, & Life.  Dave Voth (Integrated Grazing Management) also joins us as we continue deeper into the conversation and work through the conflict many think about… is it worth my time? Which leads to the next thought… But I don’t have the “magic” like Bud Williams. Plus, information about an upcoming Stockmanship School and Ranching For Profit Workshop.

Click Here: Information for Stockmanship Sc...

Dr. Allen Williams (Understanding Ag and Regenified LLC)is back with us today as he walks us through several things that can increase productivity and profitability through your grazing management. From the initial management in the early part of the grazing season, to the rule of Compounding, rule of Disruption, a great discussion on weeds and we'll conclude with a practice that is quite simple, but we rarely practice that ties the entire discussion together. Grab your pen and paper because grazing school is now in session… and this one you don’t want to miss.

Show Note...

Today on the Working Ranch Radio Show we are covering three things. First Dr. Rick Machen with the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management joins us as we discuss some exciting modifications they’ve made to their Master’s Program in Ranch Management… especially for those current college students that will be getting an undergraduate degree with aspirations of a Master’s Degree in Ranch Management. Plus they have a Wildlife Management Seminar coming up in August for those interested in adding that type of enterprise to your operation.  And while I have Rick on the line, I want to get his...

The Common Ground Summit… a meeting of 40 people across the country.  These 40 represented various segments of the cattle industry. These 40 were comprised of what some might say would be small non-influential family operations to large influential registered operations, family feed yards, or sale barn owners.  If these 40 where a herd of cows… the term Heinz 57 comes to mind. But their purpose was simple.  Find common ground and unanimous consent on some industry issues in hopes of starting the ball rolling. The group came up with 6 issues that they all unanimously agreed on.  So today, Renee Carrico and Joe Fischer… two of the...

Bovine Congestive Heart Failure. For me I’ve always assumed it was the same as High Altitude Disease or Brisket Disease, but in our cattle industry today where we see a push for performance and high growth, we are seeing it manifest itself at a point in time that is extremely costly to the feeder... right before slaughter. Dr. Kirk Ramsey and Dr. Paige Pratte with Neogen join me today as we discuss the concern of Bovine Congestive Heart Failure in our cattle industry.  What is it.  Where are we seeing it?  And what do cow/calf producers need to un...

The story of the Maude Family in Western South Dakota took center stage this past week as criminal charges against Charles and Heather Maude were dropped over a land issue in what many are saying was a rogue US Forest Service agent bringing charges of land theft over 25 acres of ground that have been fenced into the deeded ground for over 70 years. Today, Rachel Gabel, spokesperson for the Maude Family, returns as our guest as we talk about what’s happened in the past 14 months.  Why was it falling on deaf ears in the previous administration, what’s next for Ch...

On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your Quality of Life (QOL) right now?  Today Allan Crockett returns as our guest as we rip the band aid off the question that may be bouncing off the walls of your mind, "Is this the Quality of Life that I want going forward? We take a three-leg'd approach as we start with looking at how we can generate "Time and Money" in one area of a QOL, then we discuss "Relationships" as a second leg and is our dedication to the business a higher priority than our relationships, and w...

Virtual Fencing. It’s a topic that spurs intrigue for many of us, but often from a distance. Whether it’s the newness of the technology or the cost to implement.  Today Matt Vermeesch with Nofence, joins as we explore the technology as a whole.  Additionally, we’ll hear from Idaho rancher Tyson Coles with his perspective as a user. So, what are the factors to contemplate when considering an investment in virtual fencing? It’s truly an emerging technology that has very practical usefulness to a rancher and are we at a point where the Ends justify the means? 

Managing a ranch in today’s industry is different that it was for the previous generations... and it continues to change.  So, what are the skills a manager needs on today’s ranch?  Rick Machen with the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management is my guest as he shares with us three umbrella areas that are critical for Ranch Managers. If you have aspirations of being a ranch manager, either for your family ranch or someone else; your currently in a management position; or an owner, today’s show will provide you with some tremendous insight. 

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Losing calves during pregnancy may not be a big factor in your operation, but it’s still a loss and it does affect your bottom line. So today Chloe Collins (University of Missouri Extension) walks us through what can cause Gestational Pregnancy Loss during the Early Embryonic phase of the first 45 days to the fetal period from 45 days to birth. Plus, ways to mitigate those losses in both our young cows and older cows. It may not seem like a real problem in your cow herd, but maybe just understanding it a little better could increase your calf crop by 1...

Like it or not, AI Technology is here and today we continue in our discussion  with Mackenzie Burnett (Ambrook). Topics like how it could be used… for example to start the ball rolling on things like estate planning, enterprise analysis, or business negotiations.  But then we also head down a line of questions about things like the morality of AI technology and is it safe? But AI is not a silver bullet. While it may serve as a great assistant for some tasks, in ranching, human intervention in many things are still going to be required. So what do we d...

AI Technology… and I’m not talking Artificial Insemination.  I’m talking about tools like ChatGPT.  It has quickly risen to the surface in our vocabulary but what about our understanding of it? Today Mackenzie Burnett (Ambrook) returns as our guest as she walks through what it is, why it has suddenly come to the forefront, how it’s being used, and how could you and I as ranchers use it.  Does AI Technology give you cause to concern, or do it is opportunity? AI Technology in Ranching is the topic. A show dedicated to the curious, the believers, the doubter...

When it comes to bull selection, before you even look at a bull or look at all the numbers… there are some questions you must ask yourself.  Dr. Saulo Zoca (University of Tennessee) walks us through some of these critical questions.  Then, we must understand that first and foremost, this bull needs to stay healthy and breed cows. Finally we start looking at numbers, keeping in mind that at the end of the day, is it really about how much you paid for the bull or that he's going to bring you a return on your investment.  Are We Askin...

It’s our Annual Market & Weather Outlook Show for the coming year! We start first with the Cattle Markets as Clint Berry (Superior Livestock & @HossTheBeefGuy) and I discuss the factors playing into our market for the next couple of years as well as the CattleFax market forecast prices from Fat Cattle down to bawlin’ calves. Plus, we'll discuss "just how long the market stays up, price protecting, and beef demand.

Then Meteorologist Don Day will join us to discuss the weather outlook for the year and we’ll wrap our weather discussion on 20- & 30-year weather patterns.

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Today we conclude my conversation with Allan Savory.  It’s a deeper dive into what Holistic Management really looks like… and what it isn’t.  And, if it crosses your mind about creating a future or legacy for your family or ranch operation you will find our conversation extremely valuable.  Also does Holistic Management work with the principle of running your ranch like a business?
This is the conclusion part of my conversation with Allan, and it is absolutely packed with pearls of wisdom.

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Today we continue with Part 2 of my conversation with Allan Savory.  He is a firm believer that livestock MUST be a part of reversing what he fills is a threat to mankind… that being desertification.  Today our conversation leads us down the road of talking about climate change.  It is a topic that ranchers often feel they have to be defensive due to environmental groups placing blame on agriculture.  But what is Allan Savory's view on climate change and fossil fuels.  Then we'll start down the road in the conversation of understanding what truly is the meaning of Holistic Manageme...

My guest today is none other than Allan Savory.  A man who once despised livestock and now a fierce believer in the role of livestock to our planet. Today we hear the back story of what fuels his life’s work and passion for helping ranchers through Holistic Management. Through his beliefs and stances on land management, climate change, and other issues, he’s managed to frustrate both the extreme environmentalists as well as some in our ranching community.  So, if your good with status quo thinking, this show isn’t for you. But if you want to be challeng...

From the conversations at the coffee shop to the sale barn café, there’s FOUR questions just kind of hanging out there in the air… and I can guarantee you’ve probably engaged with someone recently over one or more of these questions.  Today Dr.  Kenny Burdine (University of Kentucky) joins me as he identifies FOUR questions that the 2025 Cattle Market will need to answer.

Plus, Jeremy Martin & Travis Chrismas with Stockmen's Source Beef Bulls on to visit about their upcoming sale Feb 1.

#workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Gelbvieh #Vigortone #Limousin...

From what started as a group of ranchers believing that they needed to be more than just “price takers” in the cattle business to an elaborate idea of building multi-million dollar packing plant.  Trey Wasserburger (TDAngus) returns as our guest to update us on the progress of Sustainable Beef LLC. It is now less than 3 months from the doors opening on the newest packing facility of this size.  We’ll talk about the things that have changed since they broke ground like inflation, cattle numbers, and the higher markets.  Plus, a discussion on their collaboration with partners from farm to plate…...

Sale Day… that day we all look forward to every year… but often manage the least for it.  Brett Crosby (Custom Ag Solutions) and Dave Voth (Good Grazing Makes Cent$) join me today as we discuss the costs to our business when we don’t provide adequate time nor have the proper information of potential future market prices before us as we make management decisions that affect the marketing of our livestock that will garner the highest net return. So to gather that future price information, Brett will share with us about Beef Basis, a tool that will forecast calf pr...

Wally Olson (Ranching.fyi) joins us today as we talk about some of the principles and thoughts he has regarding the current cattle market and cycle.  He’ll explain his “Cow Bell” curve as a tool to find the undervalued and overvalued animal in your herd and why many Cow/Calf operations are a break-even business. We’ll also talk about the difference between building wealth versus profit in the cow business and what you should be doing with your business during this high tide in the market.

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Today we reveal the top four show (subjects) of 2024... and after you hear them, I think you will agree why these where the top shows of the year.  So listen as we start at #4 and conclude with the #1 show of 2024!

#workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #cowpunchercoffee #TankToad #BarnOwl #Zoetis #Inherit #NewGenerationFeeds #SmartLIC #CalfCatcher #TopShows #estate #cattlemarket #calfprices #bredmarket #bulls #OSU #EstateTax #Adaptivegrazing #MarkJohnson

We continue with our count down of the top show of 2024.  Today we feature the shows ranked at #8 and work down to #5.  From Utilizing the FREE Nutrients from our Cows to Product of USA Labeling.  And what is the Canary in the Coal Mine when it comes to your animal's health and longevity?  And end up with our #5 shows covers a topic about Dairy Cattle... really? 

#workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #cowpunchercoffee #TankToad #BarnOwl #Zoetis #Inherit #NewGenerationFeeds #SmartLIC #CalfCatcher #TopShows #COOL #animalID #balegrazing #BeefDairy #Lameness #truthinlabeling

We are counting down the top show of 2024.  Today we feature the shows ranked at #12 and work down to #9.  From Grazing to Controversial Vaccine, to the State of Kansas and NextGen Ranchers.  Just in case you missed them, tune in as we play back parts of the interviews from the top shows of the year. 

#workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #cowpunchercoffee #TankToad #BarnOwl #Zoetis #Inherit #NewGenerationFeeds #SmartLIC #CalfCatcher #TopShows #Kansas #mRNAVaccine #NextGen #Grazing

While none of us are eager to pay any more to Uncle Sam than we need to, proper tax planning is crucial so your year-end decisions are proactive rather than reactive. Jordan Steele, with Ranch Management Consultants walks use through effective year end planning and strategy. We’ll go through five areas to understand in your ranch business that will help you strategically keep cash in the business yet satisfy your tax obligation.  Plus, a quick discussion with Jordan on Accounting Software. And while we are at it, I’ll bring Adam Sweet with the accounting firm EideBailly to learn a...

With the election in the rearview mirror and nearly all of President-Elect Trumps major cabinet picks announced, we sit down with Jess Peterson (USCA) who’s been advocating on behalf of cattlemen in Washington DC for many years and get his perspective.  We'll discuss the picks for Secretary of Agriculture, Interior, as well as RFK at HHS.  However, there are some other cabinet selections that we need to be aware of. Then we’ll dive into ranch and livestock issues and what their futures look like with a Republican Trifecta.  Topics like the Farm Bill, Trade and Tariffs, Animal ID Mand...

If you’re of the Next Generation with plans of taking over the family ranch OR you have goals of having your own ranch someday (First Gen Rancher) stop and listen to this episode. And, if you are of the current generation that owns or is managing the ranch… stop and listen to this episode. Generational Transition and/or First-Generation ranchers are huge issues that our industry struggles with.  Today Allan Crockett talks about what is vital if there is going to be any chance for a successful transition or successful startup.  From changing your mindset, to integrity, to unders...

Winter feeding costs take a lot of profit away from your ranch and often we find ourselves working for the cow. So, what are some alternatives? Dr. Bart Lardner from the University of Saskatchewan discusses what they have found in their research on Bale Grazing, Swath Grazing and Crop Residual Grazing.  While these are not new concepts and you might be saying, "that can’t work in our operation". Well, here’s a quote I heard a long time ago, “Can’t never did anything”. As we discuss these alternative grazing practices, you’re going to hear some very practical and...

Starting with a Clean Slate… I’m sure at some point that has crossed your mind.  Whether it’s with your ranch business or even your personal life.  Things feel cluttered, disorganized, over whelming, or stuck in a rut… and in many cases, not all, it starts with profitability.  So today Allan Crockett returns as our guest as he walks us through what we can do to “Reset”.  A conversation that will target nearly every one of us in Ranching.  For those so busy that life has lost its luster, to those stuck in a rut or feeling as though the busine...

It's called the "Silent Thief of Productivity"... we’re talking about Johne’s Disease.  A disease that is highly contagious and fatal, because there is no cure for it.  For most of us we assume it’s a disease that you see in the dairy industry, but now, we are starting to see it showing up in the beef herd. Dr. Susanne Hickley (Neogen) is back as my guest as we discuss what causes it Johne's Disease, the four stages, what kind of testing is available, what can we do to manage against it, and why it is considered to be th...

Dr. Kelley Neuhold returns as our guest as we discuss why you would consider adding crude protein to your cow’s diet… from maintaining a healthy body condition score to calving, to getting the most out of your low-cost feed sources. We'll also discuss one of the most commonly used protein sources, Urea.  Why it’s used and some of the misconceptions about Urea.  Plus, we'll also discuss other high protein options that can be used in your feed options.  And what is the cheapest thing we can get us the furthest in your nutritional plan? If you think this is a...

Adding ZINC can reduce the impacts of muscle disease in cattle.  Muscle Fatigue, which can be a precursor to animals not getting up and eating, thus leading to added stress, which leads to sickness.  Dr. Stephanie Hansen, with Iowa State University (link to press release) has been leading the latest research on benefits of added zinc into the diet of the cattle. Today will review the results of two studies they have done that focuses on added zinc supplementation both after transportation and prior to transportation.  We’ll discuss the optimal level, how you can add it, and the cost. ...