Working Ranch Radio Show

Coming off the Video Royale sale in Winnemucca, where does the cattle market stand as we head toward the fall calf run? This week, Superior Livestock’s Trent Stewart looks at what the summer sales are telling us, what buyers are paying for, and how weight, delivery date and rising feed costs could impact marketing decisions. Plus, why he says this market is still “defying gravity” and why 2028 may be the year to watch.

#WorkingRanchRadioShow #CattleMarket #CattlePrices #BeefCattle #CowCalf #FeederCattle #SuperiorLivestock #VideoRoyale #CattleMarketing #Ranching #BeefIndustry #LivestockMarketing

Should today's record cattle market change the way you make culling decisions? This week, Texas A&M's  Dr. Ron Gill discusses which culling principles should never change, where the current market may justify a different approach, and the traits that lead to a more profitable, longer-lasting cow herd. Plus, in a lightning round of real-world scenarios, Dr. Gill weighs in on which cows stay, which ones go, and why.

Also, Don Day explains why this El Niño may have more in common with weather patterns from the 1950s than more recent El Niño events—and what...

Data centers are becoming a bigger part of the conversation across rural America, but what do they actually mean for the communities where they're built? Tony Pipa with the Brooking Institution is our guest as we discuss what's driving the rapid growth in data centers, the opportunities they may bring, and the legitimate concerns surrounding water, power, land, jobs and long-term economic impacts. We also look at what rural communities should be asking before making decisions that could shape their future for decades.

#DataCenters #RuralAmerica #ArtificialIntelligence #RuralDevelopment #Agriculture #Ranching #Energy #WaterResources #EconomicDevelopment #WorkingRanchRadioShow

Has the cattle market found its new normal? Superior Livestock representative Clint Berry joins us to discuss what the recent Week in the Rockies sale is telling us, why he remains bullish on the long-term outlook for the beef industry, and what producers should be thinking about as they prepare to market this year's calf crop.

Plus, Purina beef nutritionist Dr. Elizabeth Belew shares practical strategies to help position your herd for next year's success, and meteorologist Don Day has your long-range weather forecast.

#WorkingRanchRadio #WorkingRanchMagazine #CattleMarket #BeefIndustry #SuperiorLivestock #WeekInTheRockies #CowCalf #CattleProducers #Ranching #LivestockMarketing #RiskManagement...

As summer progresses, forage quality can begin to decline long before the pasture looks like it's running out. That subtle change can impact intake, digestion, weight gain, body condition, and ultimately your bottom line. Oklahoma State University professor Dr. David Lalman joins us to discuss when late-summer protein supplementation makes economic sense, which classes of cattle stand to benefit the most, and how producers can evaluate whether the return on investment is worth the added input. Whether you're dealing with drought or simply managing maturing forage, this conversation offers practical insights to help you make more informed grazing and...

Screwworm has dominated headlines across the cattle industry, but what happens after the initial crisis? Jared Wareham (Horizon Venture Management) and Chelsea Good (Good & Associates) join us to examine where the industry stands today—from the economic impact of a closed Mexican border and changing cattle markets to the latest technology being deployed to combat screwworm. We also explore the longer-term implications that may emerge from today's response, including shifts in beef production, processing, and global competition that could influence the U.S. cattle industry for years to come.

#WorkingRanchRadio #WorkingRanchMagazine #Screwworm #CattleIndustry #BeefIndustry #CowCalf #CattleMarkets #BeefProduction #Li...

The first major summer video auction is in the books, and the results from Superior Livestock Auction's Corn Belt Classic are providing an early look at where the calf market may be headed this fall. Bailey Ballou joins us to discuss the fundamentals continuing to support historically strong cattle prices, what buyers are rewarding in today's market, and how health programs, genetics, and demand are influencing premiums. Plus, we break down the sale region by region across the country to see where the strongest markets emerged and what those results could mean for your operation.

#WorkingRanchRadio #WorkingRanchMagazine...

Technology is changing ranching—but only if it leads to better decisions. This week, Shane White of Ceres Tag discusses wearable livestock technology and how data on feed efficiency, fertility, and grazing behavior may reshape cattle management. Then Gabe Wight of HerdAdvisor joins us to tackle one of ranching's biggest challenges: getting records entered and using them to improve marketing, culling, breeding, and profitability. Two technologies. One goal: helping ranchers make better decisions.

#WorkingRanchRadio #ranching #cattle #cowcalf #livestock #agtech #precisionlivestock #cattlemanagement #grazingmanagement #ranchmanagement #beefproduction #agriculture

A historic amount of American farm and ranch land is changing hands—and for many families, the biggest challenge isn't the legal paperwork. It's having the conversations that need to happen before the paperwork is ever signed. Today, land transition strategist Sonja Howle joins us to discuss the growing wave of agricultural land transitions, why so many families find themselves unprepared, and how understanding your family's values and vision for the land can shape better decisions for future generations.

Plus, later in the show, why one cattle nutrition expert with Lallemand Animal Nutrition says, “yeast is not yeast...

If you had an extra $50,000 to invest into your ranch today… what’s the smartest way to use it?

In part two of this special roundtable discussion, Zach Hopson, Dallas Mount, and Paul Foster discuss the worst ways to spend money, when equipment actually makes sense, paying down debt versus keeping cash available, and how ranchers are beginning to use AI and technology to improve decision-making, grazing management, and overall business efficiency. A practical conversation about deploying capital, managing risk, and building a stronger ranch business while cattle markets remain strong.

Plus, a conversation on the f...

If you had $50,000 to invest into your operation today… where would it go?  Today is part 1 of a 2-part conversation with three ranchers from different operations answer the exact same question. Zach Hopson from East Texas, Dallas Mount from Eastern Wyoming, and Paul Foster from Northern Wyoming each bring a different perspective shaped by their own environments, business structures, land access, risk tolerance, and long-term goals. From cattle trading and infrastructure development… to water projects, labor efficiency, diversification, working capital, and preparing the next generation… this conversation becomes much bigger than simply “how to spend $50,000.” It’s a practical, honest discussi...

Cattle markets are strong… but are producers truly managing risk, margins, and marketing decisions — or simply reacting to the market around them?

This week Abby Greiman of Ever.Ag joins us for a practical conversation on cattle marketing, breakevens, risk management, and why surviving cattle cycles often isn’t about swinging for the fences. We discuss understanding your costs, putting a marketing plan in place, and utilizing tools that can help protect operations when markets eventually turn.

#workingranchmagazine #WorkingRanchRadio #ranchlife #ranching #cattle #livestock #beef #cowcalf #cattlemarketing #riskmanagement #cattlemarkets #beefproduction #ranchprofitability #cattleproducers #agriculture #LRP #livestockriskprotection #EverAg #market...

Today we take a closer look at the mission behind the Noble Research Institute and what it means for the future of ranching in the United States. Steven Rhines, CEO and President of the Noble Research Institute, joins us to share the history of the organization, the vision that shaped it in the 1940s, and how that work continues today through a focus on soil health, grazing management, and keeping ranchers on the land. We discuss the challenges facing U.S. grazing lands, the loss of producers, and why the conversation has shifted from growth to preservation.

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Today we take a closer look at Eminent Domain and what it means for landowners. Tiffany Dowell Lashmet, agricultural law specialist with Texas A&M University, joins us to walk through the basics of eminent domain, where the authority comes from, some of the common truths and misconceptions, and the practical steps landowners should—and shouldn’t—take if they find themselves facing it.

Plus, as we head into fly season, we shift gears to a challenge every producer deals with—horn flies. How much are they really costing your operation, and why does timing matter when it comes...

Kentucky 31 fescue—for some it’s tolerated, for others it’s hated. This week, Dr. Harley Naumann with the University of Missouri joins us to talk about how to manage Kentucky 31 fescue and make it work in a year-round grazing system. From avoiding toxicity to stocking rate, forage diversity, and matching cattle to available feed, the focus is on building a system that works—not just for ranchers in the fescue belt, but for operations everywhere. Plus, we look at the latest data on preconditioning calves and where it’s adding value in today’s market.

#workingranchmagazine #WorkingRanch...

What does it look like to shift irrigated pivot ground from crop production to grazing livestock? On today’s episode, Race King with the Matador Ranch joins us to share how their operation approached that transition. With over 20 years of experience, we discuss what led them to explore grazing under pivots, the steps they took to implement it, and the results they’ve seen over time. From labor and infrastructure to soil health and long-term economics, we explore whether this approach can work in other parts of the country—and how it performs across different market conditions. Plus, we take a...

What do you do when farming no longer pencils out? Today, South Dakota rancher Troy Hadrick (Hadrick Ranch) joins us to talk about transitioning from dryland crop farming to a cattle-focused operation. We discuss what drove that shift, how direct-to-consumer beef sales created new opportunity, and what it really takes—from water and infrastructure to working with the right partners—to make a transition like this work on the ground.

Plus, we look at the new pheromone-based product called, CattleZen, designed to help reduce stress in calves during key management periods.

#workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #cattle #beef...

Why do calves often crash about three weeks after weaning or shipping?  Today Dr. Blaine Ellison of Applied Bio Technologies, Inc joins us to explain the 21-day cortisol surge in cattle — a stress response that can suppress immune function, shut down weight gain, and increase sickness risk.

In this episode we discuss:

• Why cattle often stall out during the first 21–28 days after stress
• The evolutionary biology behind the cortisol surge
• How the immune system shifts metabolism during stress
• Management decisions that may unintentionally make the problem worse
• What producers might consider doing differentl...

Embryo transfer has long promised accelerated genetic progress, but with pregnancy rates sitting around 42%, producers are forced to ask hard questions about cost, risk, and return on investment. In this episode Cara Wells, founder and CEO of Emgenisys, shares how artificial intelligence is being used to analyze embryo viability before transfer. By capturing a brief video through a microscope and applying machine learning, embryologists can now receive a pregnancy probability score — helping improve decision-making, increase pregnancy rates, and better utilize valuable recipient females. Ag Tech Strategist Jarred Wareham explains why this may be one of the first truly practical appl...

What will 2026 bring — and how much hinges on the timing of El Niño? Meteorologist Don Day joins us for our Extended Weather Outlook as we look at the remainder of winter, the setup for spring moisture, and what a building — but potentially “Goldilocks” — El Niño could mean for summer grass, storm tracks, and monsoon development. From snowpack concerns to regional precipitation trends, we walk through what producers across the country should be watching in the months ahead.

Plus, technology that promises to change how cow-calf producers measure feed intake, reproductive efficiency, and stocking rate decisions — all through a w...

Clint Berry (Superior Livestock) joins us for our annual Cattle Market Outlook following the latest projections presented at Cattle Industry Convention by CattleFax. As we head into 2026, we evaluate where we are in the cattle cycle — have we truly stopped liquidation, or simply slowed it? We discuss heifer retention trends and projected prices across the board, including fed steers, 550-weight calves, cull cows, bred females, and the strengthening bull market. We also examine the impact of the Mexico border closure on supply and industry infrastructure, along with the strong consumer demand that continues to support beef prices despite historically ti...

This week we’re joined by University of Kentucky livestock economist Dr. Kenny Burdine for a timely conversation that starts with cow size and weaning weights — and quickly moves into the bigger picture of efficiency, consistency, and profitability in the cow-calf business. We discuss how mature cow size ties back to real costs, why consistency in the calf crop matters more than many producers realize, and how marketing dynamics like lot size can add — or leave — money on the table. We’ll also take a look at current market signals, herd retention, competing meats, and what ranchers should be thinking a...

Today we sit down with Nebraska rancher John Maddux of Maddux Cattle Company to talk about business decisions that often matter most — and are sometimes the hardest to make. John shares how a disciplined financial mindset has shaped their operation over generations, including how they evaluate cows as assets, balance emotion with economics, and make long-term decisions designed to keep the ranch viable. We also dig into replacement strategy, heifer development, and how managing appreciation and depreciation in the cow herd plays into overall profitability. It’s a thoughtful conversation on ranch management, financial focus, and what it takes to b...

Are we leaving money on the table with our breeding decisions? This week Wyoming rancher Jared Boardman (Wishbone Simmental) joins us for a business-minded conversation on cattle genetics and breeding decisions in today’s market. We step back and take a hard look at how many commercial producers select genetics based on the small percentage of replacement heifers they keep each year, while the majority of the calf crop is sold. Jared explains why that approach can leave money on the table and how thinking in terms of output, inputs, and profit can reshape breeding strategies. We also discuss te...

We kick off 2026 with a forward-looking conversation on where the cattle industry is headed and how ranchers can position themselves for the year ahead. My guest is Jared Wareham, (website: Horizon Venture Management) a beef industry, ag-tech consultant and Southern Colorado rancher.  We discuss cattle markets, herd rebuilding, cost of capital, and what may be holding expansion back — without simply rehashing the same talking points. Instead, we focus on the factors influencing real-world decisions at the ranch level and how we, as producers, can think about managing risk, operations, and long-term profitability as we plan for 2026.

#workingranchmagazine #ranc...

This week we wrap up our two-part countdown of the Top Shows of 2025, highlighting the four conversations that stood out above the rest. These episodes focused on the fundamentals that shape real-world decisions on the ranch — from reexamining the true cost and scale of making hay, to revisiting key cattle market questions and what actually played out over the year. We also revisit a rare, multi-part discussion that challenged long-held beliefs about land, livestock, and stewardship, along with a practical framework for buying and selling cattle in a high-priced market. Together, these shows reflect the kind of thinking that he...

This week on the Working Ranch Radio Show, we kick off a two-part countdown of the Top Shows of 2025, highlighting some of the most meaningful conversations from the past year. In Part 1, we revisit shows ranked number eight through number five — discussions that challenged how we think about grazing management, calving-season decisions, long-term commitment in the cattle business, and what it takes to keep ranching viable amid labor, time, and generational pressures.  

Links to Shows:

#8: Ep 216: Tips for Successful Su Shows mmer Grazing w/ Dr. Allen Williams

#7: Ep 230: Rethinking Your Calving Window

#6...

As we start to wrap up the year, business coach and author Allan Crockett joins us to talk through something every producer is facing right now: noise. Whether it’s politics, market swings, social media, or industry in-fighting, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and drift off center. Allan breaks down how to separate what we can control from what we can’t, how our mindset and daily habits shape our decisions, and why unprocessed fear is often at the root of negativity. Together we look at practical ways to reset, think clearly, and step into 2026 with intention and focus...

In Part 2 of our in-depth look at virtual fencing, Justin continues the conversation with Theo Beaumont of Halter and Dallas Mount with Ranch Management Consultants to focus on how this technology performs in real-world ranching conditions. Theo explains what ranchers can expect when it comes to training cattle and managing different types of terrain, while Dallas adds perspective on carrying capacity, gross margins, and the economics that matter when evaluating whether virtual fencing fits an operation. If you’re considering this technology or simply curious how it’s being used across the West, this episode offers practical insight from two p...

We’re taking a straightforward look at virtual fencing — not as a sales pitch, but as an honest conversation about what the technology actually does, how it works on real ranches, and where it may or may not fit. We are joined by Theo Beaumont from Halter and Dallas Mount with Ranch Management Consultants to explore the practical side of this rapidly evolving tool and what producers should be thinking about as technology continues to reshape our industry. Then we shift gears with Paige Weiler from Ambrook to talk about year-end bookkeeping, reducing redundancy in your process, and making sure...

The conversation around herd rebuilding has been brewing all year — but is it actually happening? Senior Beef Industry Analyst Lance Zimmerman with Rabo Research (Rabobank) joins me to break down what the data really says about heifer retention and the pace of this rebuild. We’ll look at how recent market disruptions and global trade chatter have shaped producer confidence, what the numbers reveal about the strength of the cow herd, and how long this upcycle could last. Then, we’ll wrap with a bit of Mark Twain wisdom that reminds us to stay humble and intentional as we plan f...

Earlier this year, Dr. Kenny Burdine from the University of Kentucky joined us to outline four key cattle-market questions for 2025. Now, as we close out the year, we circle back to see what’s been answered — from heifer retention and slaughter weights to competing proteins, trade, and tariffs. Then we shift gears to a question every rancher faces: whether to buy replacements or develop your own. Dr. Burdine walks us through the economics behind that decision and why using today’s strong market wisely can set the stage for the next decade of ranch profitability.

Later, Dr. Elizab...

From cattle expansion to succession planning and the future of the beef business — this week we dig into the big picture of where our industry stands. Industry consultant Dr. Nevil Speer is our guest as we discuss what current cow numbers are telling us, why some producers may be choosing to retire, and how a lack of succession planning continues to erode family ranches across the country. And in the midst of it all, Speer reminds us why there’s still plenty of reason for optimism — and why there’s never been a better time to be in the cattle bu...

When’s the right time to calve — and what’s it really costing you? Dr. Bob Larson with Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine joins us to talk through five key questions every rancher should ask when setting their calving window. From matching forage and labor to feed efficiency, to tightening up that calving period and improving breed-up rates — we dig into how timing affects everything from profitability to cow performance. Because in the end, it’s not just about raising calves… it’s about managing cows, costs, and profitability.

#workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef...

Estate Planning... a big issue our family ranches must deal with but often avoided or do it incorrectly in trying to save money.  This only creates bigger problems after Mom and Dad have passed.   Attorney Dal Houston joins us today as we discuss topics like trusts versus a will.  The difference between a revocable trust and an irrevocable trust, practical information on LLC’s, plus much more.  You might be thinking this is a show Mom and Dad need to listen to, but if you ranch in any way, shape, or size, no matter your age… I’d advise you to liste...

Ranching is changing — and the future may depend on how we adapt. Today we visit with Chip Kemp with 701X to explore how technology is enhancing tradition. From the million-dollar impact of monitoring livestock, to tackling labor shortages and overhead costs, to the bigger question of keeping the family brand on the gate for the next generation — this conversation digs into why precision agriculture may be the key to doing more with less and building a sustainable future in ranching.

#workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Allflex #Neogen #IngentyBeef #Gelbvieh #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #701x #prec...

On this episode of the Working Ranch Radio Show, we visit with Colorado rancher Tim Bedell, a recipient of the state’s Seal of Climate Literacy. Tim shares how his ambassadorship for ranching and involvement in FFA are bridging the gap between generations as climate and environmental conversations grow more complex. Later, we’ll shift from climate to cattle care—discussing strategies to get stressed cattle back on feed and water quickly upon arrival with my guests from TechMix.

#workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #RioMax #ManSaver #Gelbvieh #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #Bovaligh #TechMix #ColoradoRanching #SealOf...

On this episode of the Working Ranch Radio Show, Dr. Carson Roberts from the University of Missouri lays out Ten Reasons You Should Quit Making Hay. From the skyrocketing cost of equipment to the hidden toll on soil health, we’ll explore why it may be time to take a hard look at haying and what it means for your bottom line. We’ll also touch on issues like oversupply, labor challenges, and winter-feeding strategies — all with profitability in mind.

And while we’re thinking profits, we’ll visit with Trevor Greenfield of Rio Nutrition on how ranchers c...

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.

#workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #cattle #livestock #beef #cowcalf #cattlehealth #ranchprofits #dayweather #w...

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