American Cattlemen Podcast

When Chris Earl and John Wessel came up with the idea for Genetic Allies, they recognized something pretty simple: there is value in bringing good Angus breeders together.

Not just to sell cattle, but to share genetics, knowledge, and fellowship with others who have the same passion for the Angus business. 

The producers involved are accomplished cattlemen with their own programs, their own breeding philosophies, and their own ideas about where they want to take their cattle. Genetic Allies gives them an opportunity to bring some of their best genetics together, learn from one another, a...

Because a complete herd dispersal is about more than selling cattle.

For anyone who has spent a lifetime building a cattle operation, there is history tied up in those cows. You remember where the cow families started. You remember the matings that worked—and probably a few that didn't. You remember the cattle that helped move the program forward. 

And somewhere along the way, most of us probably begin assuming that somebody in the next generation will pick it up and keep going.

Sometimes they do.

Sometimes they don't.

Tha...

The Black Hills will provide the backdrop for the 2026 South Dakota Angus Tour, set for September 15–17. Over three days, attendees will have the opportunity to visit Angus operations, see high-quality cattle and spend time with the breeders and families behind these programs. 

This year’s tour will give cattlemen an up-close look at Angus operations throughout the Black Hills region. Each stop offers an opportunity to see how different producers approach breeding, management and the development of Angus cattle suited to their individual operations.

For seedstock and commercial producers alike, tours such as this provide a cha...

One of the things I enjoy most about this business is the people you get to know along the way. 

I've known Jeremy Leister for quite a while, and I always enjoy the opportunity to catch up and talk cattle with him. Jeremy manages Pollard Farms in Waukomis, Oklahoma, and when you start talking about the Pollard program, it doesn't take long before the conversation gets back to one thing - the cow families. 

That seems especially appropriate as Pollard Farms prepares for its annual female production sale on September 19. 

Most Angus producers are...

The American Wagyu Association is preparing to welcome producers from across the country to its 2026 Annual General Meeting, Conference and Tour, scheduled for September 9-12 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with an optional Post-Conference Tour on September 13-14.

While the annual conference serves as the Association's official business meeting, this year's event reflects something much larger—the continued evolution of the American Wagyu industry.

Under the theme "Born to Be Prime," attendees will explore topics that are shaping the future of premium beef production. Educational sessions will cover genetics, DNA technology, selection indexes, artificial intelligence, camera gr...

There is something to be said for developing cattle in the same kind of environment where you expect them to perform. That philosophy has been at the heart of Rhoades Ranch in Cambria, California, since the program began in 2006. 

Rhoades Ranch develops its cattle in rough country that asks them to travel, stay sound, and prove their ability to perform. The goal is straightforward: produce bulls with the durability and athleticism to cover country and reach cows while combining those practical traits with strong phenotype and a balanced EPD package.

The result is a powerful s...

Bovine respiratory disease remains one of the cattle industry’s most persistent and costly health challenges. Despite decades of vaccines, treatments, and management practices, BRD rates have not declined—and some reports suggest mortality is increasing. In this episode of the American Cattleman Podcast, host Dustin Hector sits down with Dr. Bob Gentry of MedGene to examine why respiratory disease continues to demand producers’ attention and how emerging tools may help them respond more effectively. 

With 45 years of veterinary experience spanning mixed-animal practice, cattle reproduction, technical service, and animal health innovation, Dr. Gentry brings a practical perspective to the...

Female sales are easy to describe with numbers. This many open heifers. This many bred females. This many pregnancies and embryo packages. But numbers alone do not explain what has made the Next Generation Foundation Female Sale last for 28 years. That story is about cattle, but it is also about people. It is about consignors willing to offer their best, buyers willing to trust the program, and a sale team that stays involved long after the final lot leaves the ring. 

I recently visited with Nick Dwyer of Dwyer Cattle Services about the 2026 sale, set for Sunday, A...

Welcome back to Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Today, join hosts Kaid Panek and Dr. Shynia Peterman as they sit down with Dr. Ryan Fairbairn, DVM, of Trans Ova Genetics to explore the rapidly evolving world of bovine embryo transfer and Cattle Genetics.

Dr. Fairbairn shares how his upbringing on a small Angus cow-calf operation in Pennsylvania inspired his interest in reproductive physiology and biotechnology. After graduating from Purdue University’s veterinary school in 2015, he joined Trans Ova Genetics, where he now serves as professional services manager for the Western re...

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the Director of Business Development for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Dr. Wayne Ayers, Senior Beef Cattle Technical Consultant with Elanco Animal Health, for an informative discussion on Bovine Congestive Heart Failure (BCHF), also known as bovine pulmonary hypertension or right-sided heart failure. As the disease continues to affect cattle at both high and low elevations, Dr. Ayers explains why producers across the country should become familiar with its causes, symptoms, and risk factors. 

Drawing from decades of veterinary experience i...

One of the highlights of the Big Texas Event, hosted jointly by the Texas Wagyu Association and Australian Wagyu Association, is the opportunity to reconnect with some of the industry’s most progressive breeders. Among them is Emily Searle of Old Three Wagyu, a Texas-based operation known for elite Fullblood Wagyu genetics, premium beef production, and a strong commitment to producer education. During the event, Searle sat down with American Cattlemen to discuss the growth of Old Three Wagyu, the opportunities Wagyu genetics create for commercial producers, and the lessons learned from the ranch’s first production sale. 

Sea...

At the Big Texas Event in Fort Worth, hosted in partnership by the Texas Wagyu Association and the Australian Wagyu Association, American Cattlemen had the opportunity to sit down with one of the most unique guests of the conference: Gregg Brazzell of Spring Street Farms in Louisiana. Brazzell came to the Wagyu business with a story unlike most cattle producers. Before building his Louisiana farm and beef program, he spent decades in the film industry as a stuntman, stunt coordinator, and second unit director. 

Brazzell has worked in the stunt industry for more than 46 years. His path b...

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the director of business development for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Kyle Peters, the General Manager and President of Linn Post & Pipe. In this episode, Kyle and Dustin sit down to discuss the company's rich history, commitment to innovation, and its continued impact on the cattle industry. Growing up in the family business, Kyle shares how his early experiences sweeping shop floors and working in manufacturing helped shape his appreciation for craftsmanship, hard work, and the importance of serving agricultural communities. 

As Wagyu breeders, seedstock producers, and beef industry leaders gathered for the Big Texas Event hosted by the Texas Wagyu Association and Australian Wagyu Association, one topic repeatedly surfaced: how genetics can improve beef quality and profitability. During the event, American Cattlemen sat down with Kenny Landgraf of Landgraf Ranch, a respected Wagyu producer known for his analytical approach to cattle breeding and genomic selection. Landgraf shared his journey into the cattle industry, his focus on elite Wagyu genetics, and why commercial cattle producers should pay attention to the opportunities Wagyu genetics can bring to their operations. Unlike many...

During the Texas Wagyu Association and Australian Wagyu Association Conference in Fort Worth, industry leaders gathered for educational seminars, networking, and preparation for the highly anticipated Texas Wagyu Sale. Among them was Kim Howard of Black Jack Ranch, a progressive Mississippi-based Wagyu operation focused on premium beef production and seedstock development. Located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Black Jack Ranch manages approximately 600 head of cattle and calves 180 to 200 calves annually. Howard described the operation as an “80/20 program,” with 80% focused on beef production and 20% dedicated to seedstock genetics. 

The ranch harvests between 10 and 12 cattle monthly and operates a succe...

In this episode of the American Cattleman Podcast, host Kaid Panek welcomes Cam Spackman of KeyLix for an in-depth discussion on one of the most overlooked yet critical components of a successful cow-calf operation: mineral supplementation. As calving season comes to a close and producers shift their focus toward breeding season, Kaid and Cam explore how the right nutrition program can improve body condition, increase conception rates, and ultimately boost profitability. 

Cam explains the science behind chelated (organic) trace minerals and why their higher absorption rates make them more effective than traditional inorganic mineral sources. By helping c...

In this episode of Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health, hosts Kaid Panek and Dr. Shania Peterman, DVM, welcome Dr. Bob Gentry, DVM, Technical Services Veterinarian with MedGene, for an in-depth discussion on two emerging and economically significant cattle diseases: bovine theileriosis and anaplasmosis. As tick populations expand across the United States, understanding these diseases has become increasingly important for cattle producers looking to protect herd health and minimize production losses.

Dr. Gentry explains the differences between anaplasmosis, a bacterial disease that has long been established throughout much of the country, and bovine theileriosis, an...

For more than a century, Stellpflug Cattle Company has remained committed to producing practical, profitable cattle that work for commercial producers across the country. That commitment continues today as Andy Stellpflug and his family prepare for the Second Annual Hereford and Angus Female Sale, scheduled for July 24, 2026, at the ranch near Guernsey, Wyoming.

On a recent episode of Genetics & The Gavel, I had the opportunity to visit with Andy Stellpflug about the operation's history, breeding philosophy, and the impressive lineup of females being offered this summer. 

Founded in 1913 by Frank and Rebecca Stellpflug, Stellpflug Cattle C...

One of the realities of ranching is that water never takes a day off. Whether you’re running cattle in the Texas Panhandle, the deserts of the Southwest, or the rolling hills of the Southeast, maintaining reliable water systems is one of the most important responsibilities in livestock production. While attending the Big Texas Event in Fort Worth, I had the opportunity to visit with Matthew Jesko of RanchBot, a company that is helping producers take much of the uncertainty out of water management through remote monitoring technology. Jesko serves as a Business Development Manager for RanchBot and covers mu...

While attending the Texas Wagyu Association and Australian Wagyu Association International Conference in Fort Worth, I had the opportunity to sit down with Ray Thomas Sr. and Ray Thomas Jr. of Santos Patronos. Their story is one built around family, faith, hard work, and a willingness to take a different path when opportunity presented itself. Ray Thomas Sr. has spent nearly four decades as an attorney, but cattle have always been part of his life. He grew up near cattle along the border in Presidio, Texas, and eventually found his way back to ranching. After purchasing a ranch near...

While attending the 2026 Big Texas Event in Fort Worth, I had the opportunity to visit with Paul Rogers, founder of Herd Yard, a growing online platform designed to help cattle producers connect with serious buyers and sellers across the country. 

Paul’s background is a little different than many folks in the cattle business. He did not grow up in the cattle industry. Instead, he spent years working in video production and with technology startups, including time in California’s internet and startup space. That experience gave him a unique perspective when he and his wife moved into...

While attending the recent Texas Wagyu Association event in Fort Worth, Texas, I had the opportunity to sit down with Cade Nichols, President of the American Wagyu Association and owner of Nichols Ranching. We covered a lot of ground during our conversation, from commercial cattle production and Wagyu genetics to the future of the breed and the opportunities available for cattle producers looking to add value to their operations. 

One thing I appreciate about Cade is that he comes at the business from a commercial cattleman’s perspective. His family background is rooted in commercial cattle production, and...

One of the great things about attending cattle industry events is the opportunity to spend time with the people helping shape the future of their breed and their industry. During the 2026 Big Texas Event in Fort Worth, Texas, I had the opportunity to sit down with Bryan Milburn, President of the Texas Wagyu Association, to discuss the growth of the Wagyu industry, the importance of genetic advancement, and the opportunities available for both seedstock and commercial cattle producers.

Milburn and his wife, Anna, own Milburn American Wagyu and operate on a ranch rich in family history. The...

The latest episode of Genetics and the Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Media, features Jeff Hawkins of Medicine Tree Ranch in Clinton, Montana, discussing the upcoming Medicine Tree Ranch Red Wagyu Complete Cowherd Dispersal scheduled for June 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM CDT. 

Hosted by Gail McKinney, the episode provides listeners with an inside look at one of the most respected Red Wagyu programs in the country. Hawkins shares the history of Medicine Tree Ranch, the family's dedication to developing elite Red Wagyu genetics, and the breeding philosophies that have guided the operation for years.

During the conversation, H...

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the director of Business Development for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Scott Holt, the Strategic Account Manager for 701X. In this episode, Dustin and Scott will dive into some Bull Health monitoring systems, and their benefit, provided by 701X. 

They will then get into, 701X’s pro tag, a monitoring ear tag that combines health and location data delivered via cellular or satellite connectivity. Holt explains that once tags are applied and synced to the company’s software, producers can see w...

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the Director of Business Development for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Jake Charleston, Livestock Risk Protection agent with Specialty Risk Insurance. 

Jake describes the market as very strong and notably resilient despite multiple challenges. At the same time, he urges producers to watch key factors such as beef imports, plant uncertainty, and the broader cattle cycle as the industry moves toward 2027. He highlights specific risk windows, including cattle coming off Flint Hills grass later in the summer, as times when p...

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the director of Business development for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Lane and Tucker Sitz with Sitz Angus. 

Tucker, currently studying farm and ranch management at Northwest College, describes growing up in the Dillon division of the ranch alongside his parents and siblings, noting the advantages and occasional challenges of working within a large family. Lane explains his path through automotive technology school and his decision to return full time to the Harrison division, emphasizing that ranch life has always b...

Welcome to this emergency episode of Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health. Just ahead, hosts Kaid Panek and Dr. Shynia Peterman provide a timely update on the New World Screwworm following its confirmed re-emergence in the United States. Dr. Peterman reports four confirmed cases as of Monday, June 8: three in calves in Texas and one in a dog in New Mexico, noting that all warm-blooded animals, including livestock, wildlife, and pets are susceptible. 

Dr. Peterman explains that the New World Screwworm is actually a fly whose adult females lay 200–300 eggs in wounds or mucous membranes. The egg...

Welcome back to Cattlemen & Veterinarians, a Partnership in Bovine Health, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead, we have Kaid Panek and Dr. Shynia Peterman, and they sit down with Dr. Dalton Newell, DVM of Oklahoma Beef Consultants. In this episode, they will dive into some tips and tricks for fair time to keep your animals as healthy and strong as possible.

Dr. Dalton Newell was raised on a backgrounding operation in Minco, OK, where his family preconditioned cattle, sheep, and goats. Dalton judged livestock at Redlands Community College, Oklahoma State University, and graduated from OSU College...

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Larry Gran and Jamie Wolf with Jorgensen Land & Cattle. In this episode, they will dive into Jorgensen’s data-driven Angus program, the role of genomics in commercial cow herds, succession planning, and the broader state of the beef industry. 

Gran explains his responsibilities for cattle procurement, DNA program oversight, and managing relationships with Jorgensen’s genetic partners. Wolf describes his work in marketing, genetic sales, and customer consulting, emphasizing the operation’s commitm...

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Austin Woltemath with Merck Animal Health. 

Merck Animal Health’s SenseHub technology supports both cow-calf and feedlot operations through continuous, data-driven monitoring. SenseHub is an overarching livestock monitoring platform built around wearable devices that function like a smartwatch or Fitbit for cattle. These tags collect biometric and behavioral data, establish baselines for “normal,” and flag outlier activity so producers can make earlier and more accurate management decisions.

On the cow-calf side, S...

Welcome back to Genetics & the Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the Owner of American Cattlemen Media, and he chats with Joe Pettit, the Owner of Stud Wagyu Auction and Kentucky Stud Wagyu. In this episode, Joe and Gale will dive into the Big Texas Sale, held at 6:30 PM CT on May 30th, 2026, at Billy Bob's in Fort Worth, Texas. 

Joe details the Big Texas Sale, which serves as both a premier Wagyu genetics event and part of the Texas Wagyu Association’s annual gathering. The 2026 sale marks the third yea...

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the Director of Business Development for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Shane White with Ceres Tag. 

Shane grew up on a cow-calf and seedstock operation in Wester Colorado. Educated at Colorado State University, Shane has been engaged in some facet of the beef supply chain his entire life.

Shane describes Ceres Tag as the world’s first direct-to-satellite animal intelligence system, using solar-powered, smart sensor ear tags equipped with a 3D accelerometer and geolocation capabilities. The tags continuously cap...

Welcome back to Genetics & the Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead, we have Aaron McKinney, he's the field editor for American Cattlemen Media, and he chats with Robert Scott, with Red River Performance Beefmaster. 

The Red River Performance Beefmaster group emphasizes milk production, disposition, performance, fertility, structural correctness, and longevity, aiming to supply females that add long-term value to commercial and seedstock operations.

Scott outlines key sires represented in the sale, including LL Kid Rock 804, Elbar Resource, Isa Beefmasters Diamond H2 23, JHB 145, and cattle carrying Clark Jones genetics, along with daughters of J2 L...

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the Director of Business Development for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Trista Brown Priest, Chief Executive Officer for Cattle Empire. Cattle Empire, LLC is a family owned and operate custom cattle feeding operation in Satana, Kansas. Cattle Empire has been a leader in the industry for nearly 50 years and is in the third generation of Brown Family Management. 

Trista describes growing up in Satanta and initially intending never to return after attending Kansas State University, where she earned degrees in m...

Welcome back to Genetics & the Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead, we have Aaron McKinney, he's the Field Editor for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits own with Jake and Nick Welter, Owners of Welter Bros Angus. In this episode, Jake and Nick will dive into the Welter Bros Inaugural Production Sale, held on May 15th, 2026, at 6PM CST, in Onslow, Iowa. 

At Welter Bros Angus they've built their herd to deliver maternal strength, longevity, performance, and the kind of phenotype that stands out in the pasture. They believe maternal merit and pounds drive profitability, a...

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the Director of Business Development for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Dr. Will McCauley, Director of Industry and Government Relations Manager for Medgene. In this episode, Dr. McCauley and Dustin will dive into everything ectoparasites including, some examples of ectoparasites, how they harm cattle, and some preventative measures producers can take to minimize their damage. 

A three-time graduate of Texas A&M University, Dr. McCauley earned his DVM and MBA in 2012 and 2010, respectively. His career spans clinical practice, regulatory leadership, a...

Welcome back to Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead, we have our hosts Kaid Panek and Dr. Shynia Peterman and they chat with David Jensen and Cesar Melgar with Hawkeye Breeders. 

Jensen explains that Hawkeye Breeders is a custom bull collection facility that does not own or market bulls but provides semen collection services for artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and IVF for a global customer base. He traces the history of artificial insemination from cooled semen shipped in milk fat on milk trucks to modern frozen semen, sexed semen, g...

Welcome back to Genetics & the Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead, we have Aaron McKinney, he's the field editor for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Zeb Lytle, Owner of Lytle Red Angus. In this episode, Zeb and Aaron will dive into the Lytle Red Angus Best Last Chance Sale, online only, April 27th through May 1st, 2026. 

At Lytle red Angus Farm, efficiency and performance remain top priorities. Their herd is managed on a disciplined breeding schedule - 30 days for yearlings and 45 days for cows - and continues to excel even in challenging c...

Welcome back to Genetics & the Gavel, Powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead, we have Aaron McKinney, he's the Field Editor for American Cattlemen Media, and he chats with Bart Carmichael, owner of Wedge Tent Ranch. In this episode, Bart and Aaron will dive into the Wedge Tent Ranch 22nd Annual Bull Sale, held on April 22nd, 2026, at 1PM MT, in Faith, South Dakota. 

Wedge Tent Ranch originated with Bart's grandparents Ver and Aldene Carmichael purchasing the ranch in 1945, where they raised 6 kids. They ran cattle here up until Bart started leasing it right out of high s...