Future of Beef Show

Beyond the Hide: How Data and Heat Tolerance are Powering the Red Angus Surge

Tue, 12 May 2026 19:24:14 GMT

Commercial cattle producers looking ahead to the next cow cycle are rethinking cow size, hide color and heat tolerance — and many are landing on Red Angus.

“We have record-low numbers of cows, supplies are tight and they’re tight at a time when consumer demand for quality beef is at a record level,” says Greg Ruehle, Red Angus Association of America CEO. “It’s like a perfect storm. It’s one of those opportunities that you don’t see maybe once in your career.”

Ruehle was the featured guest in Episode 21 of “ The Future of Beef Show. ” During the discussion, Ruehle lays out why the breed’s maternal efficiency, carcass quality and verification tools are helping red-hided cattle earn their place in pastures from the High Plains to the humid South.

For Red Angus breeders, he says, the timing is ideal as demand for their genetics and bull sale averages have surged, with many sales averaging $12,500 to $15,000 per head. He notes that Red Angus-influenced replacement females are extremely hard to find because so many are diverted into feeding channels to meet demand.

When asked what makes Red Angus distinct from black Angus, Ruehle underscores the genetics are the same, but the U.S. uniquely manages the breeds in separate herd books.

Seven key takeaways from the podcast discussion include:

1. Perfect Timing for Red Angus in a Tight Market

Record-low cow numbers and record-high demand for high-quality beef create a rare window where Red Angus genetics are in strong demand — for both bulls and replacement females.

2. Same Angus Genetics, But with a Red, Often More Heat-Tolerant Package

Ruehle explains Red and black Angus come from the same genetic pool, but Red Angus offers that Angus-quality eating experience in a hide that often fits heat- and humidity-challenged environments better, especially across the South.

3. Strong Maternal Cows Plus Carcass Performance on the Rail

Functionally, he frames Red Angus as a dual-purpose tool: a moderate, efficient, rugged maternal cow and a quality-driven sire for carcass performance. On the cow side, he highlights moderate size, docility, fertility and longevity, plus the ability to travel and forage efficiently. On the sire side, Red Angus brings quality grade, yield grade and feedlot performance.

4. Built for Crossbreeding and Heterosis — Char, Bos indicus and Beyond

He says the breed fits naturally into crossbreeding systems: Charolais × Red Angus buckskins, American Reds (Red Angus × Bos indicus), Premium Red Baldy (Red Angus × Hereford) and other combinations that target both heterosis and market recognition.

5. Focused on Killing the “Red Discount” with Verification and Data

Ruehle stresses a top priority for the association and its board is eliminating unnecessary price discounts on red-hided calves versus black.

“We do that a lot of ways,” he explains. “We do it by tracking those animals, making sure that we can differentiate them from another red-hided animal in the marketplace. EPDs and the ability to use other DNA tools to track and measure performance on those cattle are absolutely vital.”

6. A Data-Driven, Commercially Oriented Association

Red Angus stands out for mandatory total-herd reporting and required birth and weaning data on every registered calf, supporting trustworthy EPDs and a culture that stays anchored to commercial performance, not just the show ring.

“Red Angus is the only breed that has a mandatory total-herd reporting requirement,” Ruehle says. “We’re the only one that requires you to register and pay on every cow in your herd every year. Every animal to be registered has to have a birth weight and a weaning weight.”

7. Individual-Animal ID and Feedback Loops Are the Future Edge

By tying EID-based, individual-animal data from the plant back to the feedyard and then to specific cows and sires, Red Angus aims to speed genetic progress and help producers make more informed breeding and marketing decisions.

“If we can bring data back from that animal performance in the feedyard, back to the ranch, and tie that back to a cow and a bull, I think then things really get exciting, and we can see improvements happen quickly,” he summarizes.

Looking into the crystal ball, Ruehle sees opportunity and risk intertwined. The opportunity is to rebuild the cow herd with a more thoughtful genetic base and to cement Red Angus as a key contributor — especially in heat-stressed, forage-based systems. The risk lies in mismanaging consumer trust by failing to consistently deliver the high-quality beef experience that has driven demand. He believes Red Angus’ combination of PVP infrastructure, individual animal ID and a data-first culture puts the breed in a strong position that others will struggle to replicate.

5 Ways Smart Collars Improve Grazing

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:31:22 GMT

Virtual fencing is suddenly everywhere in ranching headlines — but not every operation is a fit. In a wide-ranging discussion on the “ Future of Beef Show ,” Halter President Andrew Fraser walks through the practical questions producers should ask, from herd size and terrain to water infrastructure, labor and available cost-share programs.

Fraser, originally from New Zealand, with a background in management consulting, mining and tech startups, was the featured guest on episode 20 of the Future of Beef podcast. Halter spent about five years in research and development, and is now commercially active in New Zealand, Australia and the U.S. with more than 750,000 animals on the system.

“If we were being fancy, we would say that it’s an operating system for a farmer. But really at the heart of it, we are a collar for cows,” Fraser explains.

Beyond grass and fencing, Fraser sees Halter as a tool for addressing some of ranching’s most pressing human challenges: labor and succession. By automating low-value tasks like shifting poly wire and checking distant pastures, Halter lets employees focus more on animal care and land stewardship.

A Collar, an App and Virtual Fences

Halter’s system centers on a lightweight, above-neck collar and a phone app. Ranchers use the app to draw virtual fences or breaks on a map. The collars then hold or move cattle using sound and vibration cues, with a very mild pulse as a back-up.

When an animal approaches a virtual boundary, it hears a directional beep in one ear to encourage it to turn back. When it’s moving the right way, it feels a gentle vibration — something Fraser likens to a smartwatch buzz — as positive reinforcement.

Halter can also shift cattle between paddocks, replacing the need for riders, dogs or temporary electric fence to move a herd. Behind the scenes, the collars continuously track behavior such as grazing, ruminating, resting and walking, plus GPS location.

In dairy herds, Halter already uses this behavior data for heat detection and health alerts. In beef systems, it’s being used for grazing management, stock location and early warning of unusual behavior.

Training Cows with Sound, Not Shock

Fraser is quick to point out that Halter is designed around sound, not pain.

“Even our strongest pulse is 1/50 the strength of an electric fence,” he says. “So, this is not a significant shock, or anything like what cows are used to with hot wire or poly wire.”

Training a herd typically takes two to seven days. Ranchers start with an existing strip of hot wire, then gradually move it and pair the fence with sound cues, teaching cows to use sound instead of a visible wire as their boundary.

According to the podcast discussion, here are five ways a smart collar can change how producers graze cattle:

1. Turn Fixed Fences into Flexible, On‑Demand Paddocks

With virtual fencing, producers can draw the paddock on an app instead of building it with posts and wire.

“On your app, you’ll draw where you want your cows to stay, or your cattle to stay, and they will stay there,” Fraser explains.
Using the Halter system, producers can:

Tighten or loosen breaks day‑to‑day.
Change paddock shape, for example hub‑and‑spoke around water instead of rectangles.
Redraw setbacks along waterways or sensitive areas instantly as rules or conditions change.

According to Fraser, using Halter, producers can graze to the residuals they want, in the spots they want, without being locked into permanent fencelines.

2. Intensify Rotational Grazing and Boost Pasture Utilization

For all the technology involved — solar-powered collars and towers, satellite data, and machine learning — Fraser insists Halter’s value proposition starts with something simple: better grass management.

Because cattle can be kept in tighter areas and moved frequently with sound cues, rotational grazing becomes much more precise and practical. Fraser says producers “should be able to make the cost of Halter back from gains in pasture alone.”

By holding cattle in small areas and moving them often, Fraser says:

You push cattle to eat more uniformly — not just the “ice cream” spots.
You protect regrowth by not overgrazing favorite areas.
You can raise stocking rate or hold numbers steady with fatter cattle.

He gave an example of a Wyoming ranch that went from grazing approximately 800 to 1,500 head in a year, pairing Halter with better water infrastructure to fully use its grass.

3. Replace Chase-and-Pressure Moves with Calm, Low‑Stress Shifts

Instead of horses, bikes, dogs and yelling, with the Halter system cattle learn to move on their own in response to sound and vibration. Fraser explains the cues are beeps in one ear or the other to turn left or right. Apple Watch–style vibrations are positive reinforcement when they’re headed the right way.

This changes how producers graze by turning musters and shifts into scheduled, low‑stress, almost “hands‑off” events, which is better for cattle, people and time use.

4. Use Data on Behavior and Biomass to Refine Grazing Decisions

Smart collars and supporting tools give real data on what’s happening in the paddock, not just gut feel. Behind the scenes, Halter has invested heavily in data science and artificial intelligence (AI). Today, Halter uses on-collar machine learning to interpret behavior, plus satellite imagery and weather data to estimate pasture biomass and residuals.

Halter helps producers track where cows are, how long they graze, ruminate, rest and move. It can help calculate how many tons of dry matter are consumed.

“We’re able to tell you what the residual is when the cow goes in, what the residual is when the cow leaves,” Fraser says.

This helps ranchers understand herd-level dry matter consumption between moves. Looking ahead, Fraser is especially interested in individual cow feed efficiency — answering a question many ranchers have wondered about for years.

Right now, he said, producers know which cows are the heaviest or give the most milk, but not how much forage each one eats to get there. Halter hopes to help identify animals that eat less but still perform well, offering new levers for genetic selection, profitability and sustainability.

Today, consumption data is built from satellite data plus time in paddock plus behavior. He says the research and development aim is to go from herd-level to cow-level intake, so producers know which cows are genuinely efficient, not just big eaters.

5. Integrate Grazing with Water, Labor, Risk and Regulations

Fraser summarizes once producers can move virtual fences easily, grazing decisions connect more tightly to other constraints:

Water access: Producers can design hub‑and‑spoke paddocks around fixed water or move small troughs and redraw breaks to match.
Labor: Less time on poly wire and fence repair frees people up for land and animal work; Fraser notes that avoiding “boring tasks” is a big benefit.
Risk and emergencies: Ranchers have used Halter to move cattle in floods or fires when it’s unsafe or impossible for people to go in, and fences might burn or wash out.
Changing rules: When riparian buffer rules tightened in New Zealand, farms with Halter simply redrew the virtual exclusion zones. “If you had fencing, that would have been a huge cost to move all of that. If you had Halter, you just drew a different break on your phone,” Fraser says.

Those factors change grazing from a mostly fence‑ and labor‑limited system to one that’s more data‑, water‑ and policy‑aware, and much quicker to adjust.

Not a Fit For Everyone

Fraser was upfront that Halter falls short or isn’t a fit yet for:

Very small “hobby” herds — fewer than 50 head — return on investment doesn’t pencil out.
Extremely large, ultra-extensive ranches — tower-based communications still limit practicality.
True cow-level feed intake/efficiency today — still herd-level, with individual metrics as an research and development goal.
Full system integrations and “AI for everything” — they’ve done relatively few integrations so far and intentionally avoid AI where it doesn’t clearly help producers.

For an industry built on barbed wire and sweat, the idea that cattle might one day move mostly to the sound of a beep and the buzz of a collar is a big shift. But for Fraser, that’s exactly the point: use technology to make ranching more controlled, more flexible and more humane — without losing sight of what matters most on the land.

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Seeing the Whole System: Holder’s Blueprint for the Future of Beef

Tue, 31 Mar 2026 18:32:01 GMT

When you ask Vaughn Holder where the beef industry should focus next, he doesn’t start with the latest feed additive or carbon credit scheme. Instead, Alltech’s global beef research director talks about systems — how methane ties into nitrogen, how trace minerals shape soil biology and pasture growth, and how all of it ultimately shows up in cow-calf margins and human nutrition.

Holder was the featured guest in “ The Future of Beef Show ” podcast, episode 19. He argues the era of chasing single numbers is over, and that the industry’s competitiveness now depends on understanding and managing the entire ecosystem that surrounds the cow.

Holder’s journey to Alltech started far from Kentucky. Originally from South Africa, he had the opportunity to intern at Alltech and he says he essentially never left. Like many in animal science, he originally thought he would become a veterinarian — until he walked through a vet school and realized he didn’t want to spend his life dealing only with sick animals. A course in rumen nutrition changed everything. Today, Holder is less a lab scientist and more a research architect.

From rumen microbiology and feed efficiency to soil health, nitrogen and consumer perception, this episode connects the science inside the cow to the broader ecosystem — and ultimately to the future of the beef industry.

Six key takeaways from the podcast include:

1. Beef’s Role in Sustainable Food Systems

Holder frames cattle as essential actors in circular, systems-based agriculture, not climate villains to be removed. He argues that focusing narrowly on methane without considering the whole system is misguided.

Holder explains Alltech’s documentary, “ World Without Cows ,” was triggered by a high-profile Super Bowl ad suggesting a future with no cows. Rather than producing a piece of industry propaganda, Alltech’s CEO and President Mark Lyons handed the project to journalists and gave them wide latitude. He asked them to find people through a wide range in the sciences and get both sides of the story.

“It really was an open and transparent documentary,” Holder summarizes, stressing the conclusion was clear. “The consensus from the story is really bad things will happen if we get rid of cows.”

He emphasizes that cattle are upcyclers of human-inedible biomass into nutrient-dense food.

2. Systems-Based, Not Siloed, Agriculture

Holder says Alltech intentionally avoids ultra-narrow specialization to keep a systems view of agriculture. He repeatedly stresses many industry debates are too siloed and miss soil–plant–animal–human linkages. He says the industry needs to judge interventions by their overall system efficiency and impact, not single metrics.

3. Future Research: Nitrogen, Rumen Function and Soil

Holder predicts the next major environmental pressure point will be nitrogen, more than methane.

“My guess is it’s probably going to be nitrogen on the ruminant side,” he says. “I think that’s actually a much more legitimate topic for us to be chasing than methane is.”

He notes ruminants have poor nitrogen efficiency, so improving this means fighting evolution. He also sees big potential in work that links trace minerals, soil biology, plant growth and animal performance.

4. Food Pyramid Changes and Human Nutrition

Holder sees animal protein as central to nutrient density and public health, and views the new pyramid as a “return to sanity” with long-run benefits. He strongly supports the shift in the food pyramid toward animal products and vegetables as the base.

He expects long‑term public health benefits from the updated dietary guidelines will reduce childhood obesity and diabetes, clarifying these reductions are going to take years to improve. He also stresses what gets pushed off the plate may matter most — the highly processed, highly stable, packed with additives.

5. Innovation, Startups and Extension

Alltech’s R&D is explicitly positioned as innovation, not just lab work.

“Our entire research department has now been rebranded as an innovation department,” he explains. “Our job is to be out there understanding what new things are coming around and how we can engage with them.”

They deliberately engage with startups and accelerators to stay close to bold, early-stage ideas. He is critical of research that never reaches producers.

“A frustration with a lot of cow-calf researchers is they do that work and they have no one to give it to,” he says. “If no one ever uses it, then what’s the point?”

Holder suggests extension and translation of science into practical language and actions are crucial.

6. Challenges at the Cow-Calf Level

Holder calls cow-calf production both critical and hard to reach. Measuring real‑world responses on farms is a major barrier. He stresses the measurement and adoption gap at the cow-calf level is one of the biggest bottlenecks to applying research and technology.

Overall, the message from Holder is the importance of:

Thinking in systems, not single variables.
Focusing on efficiency and nutrient density across the whole chain.
Treating cattle as integral to circular agriculture and human nutrition.
Ensuring science is translated, measurable and adoptable at the producer level.
Keeping the industry open to innovation and cross‑sector collaboration.

For him, that means one thing above all: never viewing any of those challenges in isolation.

Cattle Are Essential to a Sustainable Food Future, Not the Enemy

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:21:04 GMT

Global strategy expert Justin Sherrard argues cattle are the key to solving global malnutrition and climate challenges, provided the beef industry owns its data and narrative.

Drawing on his international work in climate, sustainability and animal protein, Sherrard says cattle are indispensable to a sustainable food system and that the beef industry must move from a defensive posture to a confident, evidence‑based leadership role.

Sherrard was the featured guest in “ The Future of Beef Show ” podcast, episode 18.

The current president of the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB), Sherrard says cattle remain essential to feeding a growing population while working within environmental limits.

The podcast dives into everything from methane emissions and global food systems to consumer perceptions and nutrition.

Sherrard explains cattle have been cast as climate villains largely because of methane from rumination and a misplaced attempt to simply copy the logic used in the energy sector. In energy, the solution to reducing greenhouse gases has often been framed as “use less fossil fuel, substitute with renewables.”

That substitution mindset drifted into food policy debates because ruminants emit methane. He says the suggested answer has been: “Have fewer cattle, replace their products with something else.”

He argues this is a category error. Food systems are not interchangeable in the same way as electrons on a grid. Diets involve nutrition, culture, livelihoods and landscapes. Simply removing cattle overlooks the complexity of both human nutrition and land use.

Five key takeaways from the podcast include:

1. Cattle are Part of the Solution, Not the Problem.

“We are not going to create a sustainable food system without cattle,” Sherrard says.

Beef and dairy cattle are essential for converting nonarable grazing lands into highly nutritious food and must be seen as contributors to climate and food‑security solutions, not just methane sources.

Removing or dramatically reducing cattle, as some critics propose, ignores both their nutritional contribution and their role in utilizing lands that cannot be used for other forms of food production.

2. Beef’s Nutritional Value is Central in a Hungry, Undernourished World.

Any serious sustainability discussion must include beef’s nutrition role, not just its emissions footprint. He says the starting point for any sustainability discussion should be human nutrition.

He notes that approximately 700 million to 750 million people in the world still do not get enough to eat, and an additional 2 billion people lack critical micronutrients required for a healthy life and to fulfill their potential. In that context, he sees beef as uniquely valuable:

Beef provides high bioavailability of essential micronutrients, meaning the body can use them efficiently.
Nutrition, in his view, is not just a technical requirement but also about pleasure, culture and food traditions. A sustainable food system must respect these dimensions.

3. Sustainability Improvements Align with Producer Profitability.

He says “being better” means higher feed efficiency, better animal health and care, and stronger soil health and landscape management.

These practices reduce emissions while boosting productivity and lowering costs, improving both sustainability and ranch profitability.

4. Data and Storytelling Must Come from Inside the Beef Industry.

A recurring theme in Sherrard’s comments is that agriculture — and beef specifically — has historically been a poor communicator outside its own circles. He says this must change.

He warns that if the beef industry does not collect and share its own data, others will.

Sherrard says if outsiders collect the data and define the metrics, beef risks being misunderstood, misinterpreted and misrepresented.

Producers and national roundtables need to share best practices, collect metrics and feed that information to groups like GRSB so the industry can show, not just claim, its progress.

He says consumer interest in how meat is produced has rapidly increased during the last decade. As more shoppers care about environmental and ethical dimensions, beef needs clear, credible, data‑backed stories to maintain trust, access to markets and, ultimately, its place on the plate.

5. Beef Needs a Proactive Seat at Global Tables.

Through GRSB, Sherrard and others are present at United Nations climate meetings, food‑systems summits and nutrition discussions to advocate for beef. If beef isn’t represented in these arenas, he says, others with anti‑animal‑ag agendas will fill the vacuum and shape policies, guidelines and consumer narratives without the producer perspective.

Sherrard’s view is that sustainability is not a passing buzzword or a threat to be endured, but a long‑term framework for keeping beef viable, valued and competitive in a changing world.

By following these strategies, he summarizes that the global beef system can move from being treated as a climate problem to being recognized as a key part of the climate and nutrition solution:

Improving productivity and animal welfare.
Managing grazing lands for soil health, biodiversity and carbon.
Coordinating globally through GRSB and national roundtables.
Owning the narrative through robust data and advocacy.

Record Profits, Reluctant Expansion: Why Ranchers Are Still Hesitant to Rebuild

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:24:06 GMT

From drought memories to high interest rates, beef producers today are hesitant to rebuild even with record cow-calf profits. Structural risks are outweighing the immediate price signal.

Patrick Linnell, CattleFax director of market research, frames today’s beef market as a familiar cattle cycle operating under new structural conditions. Linnell was the featured guest in “ The Future of Beef Show ” podcast episode 17.

He shares the idea that history doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme, summarizing cycles still exist, numbers will eventually grow and prices will come down from today’s highs, but the underlying drivers and constraints are different from past decades.

Despite record cow‑calf profits, herd expansion is being slowed by structural headwinds and risk aversion. The industry is planting the seeds of expansion, but the rebuild will be slow and cautious.

Debating the decision of selling or keeping high-priced replacements, Linnell summarizes: “Whether somebody’s looking at retaining that heifer calf or selling her, honestly, it’s hard to argue with either decision.”

Regarding herd size, he predicts 30 million beef cows as likely the upper end of what’s realistically achievable, and only on a long timeline — possibly around 2030 to 2032. He says land coming out of beef production and other constraints cap the upside. Yet the industry has offset some of this land and herd reduction by producing more beef per animal, largely through rising carcass weights.

Bottom line: Linnell points to aging operators and succession uncertainty, labor shortages and high labor costs, high capital and interest rates, alternative land uses and urban sprawl, and memories of drought that push many to sell versus build. Layered on top is greater market volatility as well as policy and social media shocks, which make many producers unwilling to commit to expansion right now.

Here are four takeaways from the podcast:

1. High Prices Are Demand-Driven, Not Just About Short Cattle Numbers

Today’s strong prices reflect exceptional beef demand as much as, or more than, tight supplies.

Linnell notes U.S. beef production is still historically large, roughly around a 25‑year average, and per capita beef consumption has increased, reaching its highest level since about 2010 at just more than 59 lb. per person. Consumers are not eating less beef; instead, they’re paying more because they want the product.

Looking ahead, Linnell expects demand to flatten rather than keep climbing steeply from here. With retail beef prices around $9.50 per pound, he thinks many consumers are at a point where they will continue to pay current levels but are resistant to going significantly higher. Over the long term, he still sees an upward trend in beef demand, but near term, he anticipates a plateau. A severe recession would be the clear downside risk to this picture.

2. Structural Shift: More Beef from Fewer Cows Through Genetics and Carcass Weights

With land and cow numbers constrained, growth is coming from heavier, more efficient carcasses — but that also creates new challenges .

“We’ve been able to just produce more with less, too,” Linnell says. “And that really comes back to how big carcass weights have become.”

Linnell says he doubts carcass weights will decrease significantly. While cheap corn supports feeding cattle to heavier weights, he concedes corn won’t stay this inexpensive forever.

He summarizes today’s heavy carcasses are only possible because of decades of genetic progress. Through continual investment in better bulls, cow‑calf producers have dramatically increased the animals’ genetic potential for growth and carcass performance.

In his view, cattle feeders are simply realizing genetic potential, and any policy or management shifts going forward, will have to balance cow size, forage efficiency and carcass performance.

3. Trade and Trim: Why Imports Are Critical in a High-Demand, Heavy-Carcass World

Heavy carcasses in the U.S. generate fat trim, which must be blended with lean beef from imports to make products like 90/10 ground beef. With ground beef demand also very strong, Linnell sees imports as necessary to satisfy consumer preferences.

At the same time, he expects global beef demand to grow over the next decades, meaning more competition for that lean product worldwide.

4. Outlook: Strong-but-Softer Calf Market, Plus Faster, More Volatile Markets in General

Linnell predicts continued strength in calf prices — likely below last year’s highs, but still near record levels.

“[There is a] very strong likelihood that we are looking at calf prices that are probably below year-ago levels this coming year,” he says, “But it’s still the second-strongest calf market on record.”

He cautions the reopening the U.S. border to Mexican cattle could pull prices down a notch.

On technology, Linnell sees artificial intelligence (AI) as a useful support tool — a great editor and helper — but not something that can yet write a credible forward‑looking market report.

He explains AI is inherently backward‑looking and struggles with regime changes or new normals. For CattleFax, he says the value remains in human synthesis of data, market structure and producer feedback.

Linnell also connects AI and algorithmic trading to the increasing speed and volatility of financial and commodity markets. Markets may end up in the same place eventually, but price moves now happen faster and more violently, complicating hedging and risk management.

Overall, Linnell’s view is the outlook for cow‑calf producers remains historically strong, even with the downside risks from policy, trade and macroeconomic shifts.

How Calving Season Data Drives Better Herd Management Decisions

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:44:01 GMT

As calving season gets underway for many producers, it’s not just about getting live calves on the ground — it’s about setting those calves and their dams up for a lifetime of performance.

In a special episode of “ The Future of Beef Show ” podcast, hosts Jim Johnson, of Brands and Barbed Wire , Ian Wheal, CEO and founder of Breedr , and Jessica Sperber, University of Nebraska feedlot specialist, visit with Dr. Taylor Engle of Four Star Veterinary Services about how data, nutrition, health and genetics all intersect at calving time.

Engle was also featured in episode eight .

Data at Birth: “No Better Time Than Starting Now”

From Wheal’s perspective, calving is the true beginning of an animal’s record — and missing that opportunity means giving up a lot of future insight.

“This is the start of the animal’s life,” he says. “This is when the data collection starts on this animal, if you can do it.”

He emphasizes linking each calf to its dam is pivotal. Explaining the value of tracking each cow’s calving performance make you better prepared and equipped to make culling decisions later.

By collecting birth data, you also gain an early handle on inventory, which feeds directly into budgeting and marketing.

Even if full birth data collection isn’t feasible, Wheal urges producers to at least recognize which cows have calved and assess them from a distance — especially mothering ability and calf vigor. These observations become powerful when reviewed later alongside performance data.

“There’s more to just going out and seeing that calf’s alive and nursed,” Johnson adds. “We look at things like calf vigor, you know, how quick did that calf get up and nurse? And then the mothering ability of the cow, that’s really important too.”

Collecting these details helps producers make informed sire selection and cow retention decisions. For example, if calves from a certain sire are consistently slow to get up, that’s a genetic signal that can guide future breeding choices.

Nutrition and Colostrum: Setting Calves Up For Success

On the nutrition side, Sperber explains a successful calving season starts well before the calf hits the ground — especially in the third trimester.

“Nutritional status of the cow is extremely essential in that third trimester,” she says. “So making sure she does have some overall flesh and cover on her… obviously, not too much flesh.”

She also highlights the importance of minerals to support calving, including calcium and magnesium.

Once the calf is born, the conversation returns to a familiar theme: colostrum is critical . If a cow has complications, poor milk letdown or the calf is weak, producers must be ready with alternative colostrum sources.

“Colostrum is critical,” Sperber stresses. “The longevity of that animal to perform on the rail for us starts at birth, starts in utero, essentially.”

Engle reinforces preparation for worst-case scenarios — like weak calves or dystocia — is a key part of good calf health management.

“I think that’s a big part of it, is being ready for worst case scenarios,” he says.

Johnson and Engle agree the economic reality regarding healthy calves.

“It’s hard to make money on dead calves,” Johnson says. Engle agrees, adding: “Absolutely, dead calves don’t pay the bills.”

Data Collection: Make It Simple and Standard

A recurring theme during the podcast was keeping data collection simple and consistent, so it is convenient and actually happens in real-world ranch conditions.

Engle points out even basic records — how much colostrum a calf received, what the weather was or any unusual events — can explain later performance differences.

“Just go out and take a picture,” Johnson suggests, if you are too busy to write down data. “You got a date, you got what the udder looks like, what the cow looks like, whether the calf’s cleaned off and up yet. You’ve got a lot of those things that help you remember.”

He suggests the photos can later support culling decisions, udder score evaluations and troubleshooting poor performance.

Genetics and Genomics: Accuracy Matters

From a genetics and genomics angle, Johnson and Wheal discuss when a good time is to collect tissue samples for genomic testing.

If tissue samples are taken at birth, Johnson cautions the calf must be clean and fairly dry to avoid contamination from amniotic fluid.

They also flag a common problem in larger operations and calving barns: cows switching calves. If calves are mismatched to dams or sires, genomic data and performance records lose their value.

“Part of that accuracy is also making sure that that calf’s out of the right sire and out of the right cow,” Johnson stresses. “Having accurate data is as important as having data.”

When sampling at birth isn’t convenient, branding time can be a good alternative, if identity is clearly captured and linked.

In summary, as Johnson notes, many people are in the cattle business for the joy of seeing calves “bouncing around green pastures.” Thoughtful data collection and solid management at calving help ensure more of those calves not only survive but go on to perform and pay the bills.

How Today’s Producers Are Rebuilding Soil, Ecosystems and Profit Margins

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:28:41 GMT

Adaptive grazing and system-level management are transforming how beef producers think about efficiency, soil health and ecosystem services.

Jeff Goodwin, Texas A&M director of the Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management, says better grazing decisions can unlock soil, water and ecosystem benefits without sacrificing production.

Goodwin was the featured guest in “ The Future of Beef Show ” podcast Episode 16.

During the podcast, Goodwin discusses practical strategies for managing grazing systems that benefit both production and the environment. From regenerative grazing and soil carbon to linking cattle genetics with pasture quality, he explains out how planning, adaptability and system thinking can help producers improve profitability while supporting long-term sustainability.

The top five takeaways from the conversation include:

1. Be Adaptive — There’s No One-Size-Fits-All

Adaptive management is essential. Goodwin emphasizes successful ranching and grazing management are grounded in adaptability.

“Many times we hear about AMP grazing, or whatever name you want to put on it,” Goodwin explains. “It has to fit the ranch, the ecological context of the operation. It has to fit the cattle. It has to fit the rancher’s mindset. Their time constraints, their quality-of-life constraints, all those things have to work, or it isn’t.”

2. Soil Health Is Foundational

Goodwin stresses the role of soil health.

“It all starts with the soil,” he says. “The soil and the health and function of that soil is the foundation of every terrestrial agricultural enterprise in the country.”

He encourages managers to move away from viewing soil as inert and recognize its role as a dynamic ecosystem.

3. Regenerative Management Is a Philosophy Not a Prescriptive Practice

Regenerative management isn’t a single practice but a mindset and process.

He explains regenerative management is about implementing strategies or practices to mend or rebuild, regenerate a compromised ecosystem process on a ranch.

During the discussion he also explains the four primary ecosystem processes — energy flow, water cycle, nutrient cycle and community dynamics. He urges producers to mend broken processes for better outcomes.

4. Profitability Comes from Reducing Inputs and Increasing Efficiency

Goodwin challenges traditional paradigms by highlighting profitability from reduced inputs and efficiency.

“There’s a couple of different ways to increase profitability, right? I think one of the easiest ways is to start reducing input costs,” he says. “Grazing management can play a key role with that.”

5. Practicality and Adaptability Are the Keys to Success

He calls himself an “idealistic pragmatist,” urging others to focus on practical solutions and to be open-minded to adaptation and innovation.

“I just hope folks will start to look for the practical side of application. Instead of being divisive about words, let’s think about what is going to help my operation, and then be adaptable,” he says. “Find ways to be as adaptive as possible. That’s the key trait that I’ve seen provide the most success to the most producers.”

Rather than prescriptive recipes, Goodwin promotes broad principles such as keeping soil covered, promoting diversity and minimizing disturbance.

“If one were to follow those principles in a way that fits their context, I think they’re going to find, over time, that things start becoming easier,” he summarizes.

What is the Role of Breed Association in the Future?

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 15:28:02 GMT

Breed associations have long played a foundational role in the beef industry. Today their purpose, value and responsibilities are rapidly evolving.

Brett Spader, American-International Charolais Association president, says data, governance and producer-focused service are reshaping the future of breed organizations.

Drawing on a diverse career across the Kansas Livestock Association, DV Auction, Angus Media and his own digital startup, Spader has a unique perspective on how technology and transparency can help associations stay relevant and drive real value for members and their customers.

Spader was the featured guest in “ The Future of Beef Show ” podcast, episode 15.

Breed associations are evolving from pedigree registries to innovation centers focused on data and value creation.

Spader says it is important for associations to never stop innovating in that relentless pursuit of adding value and, more importantly, being a resource for members.

“The cattle were always a conduit,” Spader says. “A conduit for different things, for adding value, for profitability, for relationships.”

From the rise of online bidding to the importance of records, collaboration and connected data, Spader discusses with the podcast hosts why modern breed associations must be both innovative and accountable — and how they can continue to empower breeders in an increasingly data-driven industry.

Five takeaways from the discussion about the future of beef breed associations include:

1. Data and Innovation Drive Future Success

Data connectivity and technology, especially AI, are crucial for future beef industry success.

“I think data connectivity is a really huge,” Spader says. “We just need to know where the goal posts are, and then we’ll continue to innovate and evolve.”

Actionable data, not just raw data, supports continual improvement and economic value for members.

“Connected cattle make confident decisions,” Spader explains. “If you’re telling [producers] that you’re going to allow for more information that ultimately feeds more value and gives them more understanding, more insights, that’s something I think they get excited about, because it’s risk mitigation for them and for the cattle feeders.”

2. Member-Driven, Transparent Governance

The Charolais association exemplifies open governance, with board and committee meetings “open to members,” available via Zoom, and transparent in process. Decisions are typically deliberated with direct member input, moving away from closed-door approaches common in other industry organizations. This openness not only empowers members but also serves as a mechanism for strategic agility and adaptation.

3. Technology Must Be Accessible and Simple for Producers

Breed associations are enabling producers to benefit from technology with simple participation steps. Spader says the future depends on making technology accessible, not overwhelming, and a choice for producers.

4. Breed Associations Create Tools and Opportunity — Not Winners and Losers

Modern breed associations must balance innovations for both large and small, progressive and traditional operations.

“We don’t pick winners and losers,” Spader says. “It’s our job to accentuate opportunities for them to go have success in a variety of different directions.”

5. A Culture of Continual Collaboration and Forward-Thinking

Collaboration between breed associations and across the supply chain is accelerating industry improvement. The necessity of ongoing collaboration and communication to maximize impact and avoid data silos.

“One that we’re really proud to have been a part of is working with the Red Angus Association as they expanded their live animal spec,” Spader says. “We were able to start to create some opportunities for those smoky calves and those buckskin calves to go into a secondary Angus live animal spec.”

This inclusion, benefiting Charolais-cross cattle, is an example of breed organizations working together for mutual gain and market expansion. These efforts demonstrate that the association is working to “broaden and deepen demand pathways” for its members’ cattle, for the benefit of commercial and seedstock producers alike.

These takeaways capture Spader’s vision of a modern, innovative and inclusive breed association, prioritizing data, openness, producer empowerment and adaptability.

How Data, Genomics and Collaboration Are Transforming Cattle Genetics and Herd Profitability

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 12:21:28 GMT

Avoiding the pitfalls of the past, Marty Ropp and his team at Allied Genetic Resources (AGR) integrate science, service and transparency to advance genetic potential across the beef supply chain.

Ropp was the featured guest in “ The Future of Beef Show ” podcast, episode 14 .

Ropp and the podcast hosts explore the evolution and future directions of genetic improvement in the beef industry. He shares his unique journey from swine to beef genetics, emphasizing the critical role that data, technology and customer collaboration play in driving progress and profitability for ranchers and the broader supply chain.

Raised in the pig genetics industry, his formative years included education at Bethel College, Kansas State University and the University of Missouri, where he earned a master’s in pig genetics. In 1998, a pivotal year for the pork industry when market collapse forced many out of business, Ropp transitioned into beef genetics, thanks in large part to Jerry Lipsey, former American Simmental Association (ASA) CEO. Ropp says his 12 years at ASA set the stage for his founding AGR in 2010.

Lessons Learned

The 1998 crisis in pork is a foundational lesson for Ropp. He describes how the industry’s failure to adopt technology, gather and apply data, and engage with customers led to widespread business failures. Many pig genetics providers focused on tradition and appearance, neglecting scientific data and market signals — ultimately opening the door for larger, technology-driven players who could deliver what the market needed.

He says this experience shaped his determination to avoid repeating those mistakes.

“This is not sustainable, and it won’t last, and then it didn’t,” Ropp explains. “And so, I’ve been trying to apply that thought process to what I do in the beef industry ever since.”

What is AGR?

AGR is a member-owned company designed to be a full-service genetic provider for the beef industry, offering services and products that help ranchers and cattle producers improve genetics, collect and apply data, and ultimately increase the profitability and value of their herds. The company combines seedstock, feeder calf marketing, genomics and data services under one umbrella, with an emphasis on actionable genetics, customer support and continuous innovation.

He explains he started AGR because he saw critical gaps in the genetics industry.

“The idea that genetics providers needed to do more than just what they were doing, which was making what they wanted to make, and marketing them as the best genetics in the world — they needed to build closer relationships with their customers, and ultimately become part of the food business, part of the supply chain,” Ropp says.

AGR’s core mission is to increase the total value across the beef industry through better genetics, rather than simply re-distributing existing value among producers and stakeholders.

“Our program is designed to add to that pie, take cost out and add income,” Ropp summarizes. “Anything like being more involved with systems farther down chain, try to get more value from the genetics that we’ve produced and our customers make — anything like that has to be in our future plan.”

Here are some key takeaways from the discussion:

1. Data and technology drive progress. The future of cattle breeding relies on rigorous genetic evaluations, genomic testing and using data to improve both profitability and sustainability for ranchers and producers.

“We 100% believe in the genetic and genetic evaluation of data and genomic evaluation — 100% use that data to prove sires move forward as fast as they can on the back end. Then the feedback has to come,” Ropp says. “That data-driven genetic improvement for the future is what we need, and that’s how we stay engaged.”

2. Customer relationships and service. AGR emphasizes close, long-term relationships with customers, helping them through customized genetic evaluation, actionable recommendations and support services extending beyond seedstock sales.

3. Value creation through data. Collecting and utilizing high-quality commercial and seedstock data is critical. However, data’s value depends on creating actionable insights that directly improve breeding decisions and market outcomes, rather than simply accumulating or selling raw data.

“The data is necessary and valuable,” Ropp says. “But again, if you can’t feed that into a system that pays for improvement down chain, then that data is only valuable from a cost reduction ... and not really from an industry participation standpoint.”

4. Genomics for all sectors. While genomics is standard among seedstock producers, new efforts like the Right Bull program are bringing actionable, simplified genomics solutions to commercial producers, even in group-managed operations.

“Investment in genomics by itself does not drive any profitability; those genomics have to be used in tools and actionable tools that you can take advantage of immediately,” he says.

For more about the Right Bull program: Avoid Costly Bull Mistakes: Genomic Solutions for Smarter Ranching

5. Feedback loops and incentives. Effective genetic improvement requires a feedback loop where improvements lead to measurable value for the commercial producer: higher calf prices better conception rates, incentivizing continued participation.

6. Industry collaboration and partnerships. AGR and its divisions actively work with both members and non-owners, as well as with technology companies, breed associations and other stakeholders to advance genetic progress across the beef industry.

Ropp sees a need for more comprehensive commercial data, better feedback loops and systems that translate genetic progress into tangible rewards for producers. He advocates continuous innovation — using new technologies, transparent service models and collaborative partnerships to ensure that genetic improvements benefit the entire industry, not just a select few.

Check out the podcast to learn more about Ropp’s strategy of fusing technology, data and expert service to deliver actionable solutions helping ranchers achieve sustainable profitability and industry resilience.

How Beef and Dairy Genetics Are Smarter and More Profitable

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 17:12:20 GMT

Understanding your customer’s needs, the power of data and the need for continuous innovation is key to the success of beef and dairy producers. Lorna Marshall, Select Sires vice president of beef genetics, emphasizes the critical role of technology, data and strategic breeding in creating value in the industry today.

Marshall was the featured guest in “ The Future of Beef Show ” podcast Episode 13 .

Her perspective highlights the beef industry’s evolution from traditional breeding methods to a more sophisticated, technology-driven approach.

Marshall’s journey in the artificial insemination (AI) industry spans decades. She explains the AI industry has seen significant consolidation during her career — from 15 cooperatives to now three to four major organizations. She says Select Sires remains the only cooperative AI organization in the U.S.

“Whatever I see happen in the dairy world, beef is going to follow it in five to seven years,” she explains.

Key takeaways from the podcast include:

1. Beef-on-Dairy Evolution: The beef on dairy market has transformed dramatically since 2018, creating more valuable cattle by crossing beef bulls with dairy cows.

She says AI companies are focusing on terminal traits for beef-on-dairy, creating bulls specifically designed for producing high-value feeder cattle.

The biggest challenge in the beef-on-dairy space is semen fertility. Marshall acknowledges male-sexed semen would be a good option for beef-on-dairy, but the conception level is not where it needs to be today.

“Fertility is three times more important than any other trait,” Marshall explains about working with dairy producers. “Sexed semen, while we have really improved that product a lot, it still does not have the same level of fertility and conception rate.”

She adds management and cow fertility play a role in the success of sexed semen conception so it is something that can be considered herd by herd, not something implemented across the entire dairy population.

“If I could figure out how to improve bull fertility,” she says. “That would be the No. 1 thing I could do to improve business for Select Sires, or really, any AI organization.”

Fertility is not highly heritable, and there can easily be a 20-percentage-point difference between high and low bulls.

“The thing I love most about beef-on-dairy is, I love data, and I, finally, for the first time in my career, have data to play with,” Marshall says.

2. Genomic Testing: There’s a growing potential for genomic testing in beef cattle, similar to what’s been done in the dairy industry, to improve genetic selection and herd performance.

“If I was a commercial beef producer, I’d be wanting to test my commercial females and figure out who are really the elite ones,” she explains. “And then let’s go build our replacement heifers out of those.”

3. Breed and Genetic Trends: Genetic selection is becoming increasingly precise and data driven. The future of beef genetics lies in comprehensive trait measurement and genomic understanding.

She also emphasizes the beef industry’s evolution from single-trait selection to a more comprehensive strategy.

“There is always a pendulum changing or swinging,” Marshall says. “You’re always going to have people that are more willing to go out on those pendulums farther than others. And that’s what I love about our commercial industry, they always kind of keep the seedstock industry a little bit grounded.”

She explains at Select Sires they strive to provide the customer what they really want.

“We need some of those extremes, honestly, to kind of move the industry forward in different areas,” she says. “Look what we’ve done on traits like marbling. We’ve totally changed the beef demand dynamic, because we’ve created a more palatable product that our consumers really like.”

Comparing the seedstock and commercial beef industries, she says seedstock producers generally select for extreme in traits trying to be breed leading.

“Our commercial customers have almost always selected more for balance,” she summarizes. “But really the secret sauce to getting bulls that are going to sell lots of semen would combine phenotype and genotype, and then their pedigree is always important.”

Marshall predicts the industry will continue to develop new traits that we don’t measure today.

“We may get rid of some of the traits that we have and measure things in a much more profitable way, like age to harvest,” she adds.

She also emphasizes the need for bulls that will produce the next generation of the nation’s cow herd.

“We better have some maternal bulls in our lineup, because beef producers are ready to start rebuilding the cow herd,” Marshall says.

4. Labor Barrier for AI : The labor needed for synchronization is a critical challenge in AI adoption.

Marshall identifies labor as the primary barrier to increasing AI adoption.

“Until we figure out how to synchronize that cow with less labor, it’s going to be really hard to move the needle in a significant way,” she says.

Marshall summarizes the future of the beef industry relies on these four strategies:

- Embracing technological innovation
- Maintaining genetic diversity
- Focusing on commercial producer needs
- Continuous learning and adaptation

Check out the podcast to learn more about how Marshall believes how data, genetics and innovation is shaping the future of beef cattle production.

The Cowboy Digital Creator: Tucker Brown Connects Consumers with Ranching

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 16:06:29 GMT

Advocacy is about building trust through genuine, engaging storytelling. That’s why Texas beef producer Tucker Brown is using social media to share the ranching experience and connect with consumers.

Brown was the featured guest in “ The Future of Beef Show ” podcast episode 12.

Brown is active in his family’s RA Brown Ranch with headquarters in Throckmorton, Texas. Immersed in the world of ranching from an early age, he plays a pivotal role in developing and marketing his family’s 800 registered Angus, Red Angus and SimAngus bulls.

Recognized as the 2022 Advocate of the Year by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, his approach to content creation is strategic and purposeful. He believes in telling the ranching story authentically.

“The thing that’s true is that if we don’t tell our story, somebody else will. And they haven’t been telling that story,” Brown says. “We can whine and moan all we want, but at some point you’ve got to just put the boots on, get in the saddle and tell the story yourself.”

Brown’s social media journey started unexpectedly.

“During COVID, we couldn’t do conventions anymore. My dad showed us that it takes five to seven times for somebody to see your brand for them to remember it.”

He created a humorous video impersonating his dad as the “seedstock superpuncher.”

His content strategy focuses on “edu-tainment” — combining education and entertainment.

“On social media, most people go to be entertained — not to learn about zinc in beef,” Brown says. “So, I try to follow what’s trending and mix those things together.”

He gives an example of connecting ranching to the Masters golf tournament by discussing grass and water.

Brown emphasizes the importance of showing, not just telling.

“When I talk about animal care, I don’t just say we care for our animals. I show it,” he explains. “If I can share a true story about saving a calf, that’s way more powerful than standing on a stage telling people we take care of our animals.”

On the podcast you can learn more about:

Why advocacy matters for the next generation of ranchers.
How Brown uses storytelling to connect with consumers and urban audiences.
The role of humor and authenticity in building trust.
Ways producers can amplify their own voices to support the beef industry.
Why transparency and openness are powerful tools for ranching’s future.

Brown says his goal is to bridge the gap between ranchers and consumers.

“98% of people in the United States are not involved in agriculture. Social media is my way of reaching them,” he explains. “We’ve almost dehumanized agriculture. Consumers see ‘big ag’ instead of families working together.”

Tell Your Story

Brown offers this advice to others wanting to start on social media.

“Start by posting once a week about something you know,” he says. “Train your mind to see content opportunities. If you’re consistent for six months, you’ll start to see the value.”

His approach is about authenticity and connection. He uses social media as an opportunity to showcase the care, technology and passion behind modern ranching.

“When the truth is told, we win,” he adds. “We have nothing to hide. We just get to tell the truth.

I’m able to show how we’re adding trust to our customers by sharing our daily work — taking weights, doing ultrasounds, working on feed efficiency. It’s about creating a platform where people follow and trust what we’re doing.”

Follow Brown on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , TikTok , or visit his family’s ranch website .

Your Next Read: Beef’s Future: Consumer Demand, Risk Management and the Path to Continued Profitability

Beef's Future: Consumer Demand, Risk Management and the Path to Continued Profitability

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 13:38:43 GMT

“If you don’t measure it, you can’t manage it,” says Dave Weaber, referring to the importance of data and performance tracking in the beef industry.

Weaber, Terrain senior animal protein analyst, was the featured guest in “ The Future of Beef Show ” podcast episode 11.

Weaber has an optimistic yet cautious view of the beef industry’s future. Cattle prices have doubled compared to pre-2015 levels, with potential for continued growth, he explains.

He emphasizes successful producers will be those who can adapt, manage costs effectively and align themselves with evolving market trends.

“How do we make cattle more uniform from the cow-calf level all the way through the feedyard, so that more of them end up on the same rail, on the same shift, and they’re high-quality, low-variance, in terms of outliers. That’s where the money is,” he says. “That’s really the driver today, if you’re a cow-calf producer, this next three or four years is the time to figure out what, what part of the system you’re going to be part of, because when it turns over, the price spreads, I think, get really wide.”

Four takeaways from Weaber’s discussion include:

1. Consumer beef spending has significantly increased, with $84 more per capita spent on beef compared to 2005-2015, driven by improved beef quality and consumer appreciation.

According to Weaber, since COVID-19, beef spending has dramatically increased — outpacing pork and poultry combined. He attributes this growth to several factors:

Improved beef quality: The industry has seen a substantial increase in Prime and Choice beef, with nearly 85% of heifers and 75% of steers now grading in these top categories.
Changing consumer preferences: Younger generations are spending more on high-quality beef, both in restaurants and at home, driven by increased cooking skills and appreciation for beef’s flavor and quality.
Health perception: Beef is now viewed more positively as a health product, with increased transparency and better communication from the industry.

2. Producers aren’t expanding
“The beef industry is not currently in herd expansion mode, with producers hesitant to retain heifers due to high costs and economic uncertainties,” he explains.

Weaber adds producers need to be intentional about herd expansion, understanding the financial implications of adding new cattle.

3. Risk management is crucial for producers.
“Risk management is crucial for producers, including developing comprehensive business plans, understanding cost structures and using tools like LRP, futures and options,” he says.

According to Weaber, risk management is far more than just a financial strategy — it’s a holistic approach to business sustainability. Risk management is about protecting equity while maintaining operational flexibility.

“Set aside $40 to $70 a head for risk management,” he says. “I don’t care how you do it, if you use LRP futures, options, or a combination of it.”

Weaber challenges producers to rethink their approach, asking the critical question: “How do I get less long? Every cattle producer is long in the market. How does he get less long and leave opportunity for the upside?”

He summarizes risk management isn’t about eliminating all risk but strategically navigating market uncertainties. He encourages producers to:

Remain adaptable
Continuously educate themselves
Invest in measurement and management tools
Prepare for potential market shifts

4. The beef market is experiencing strong demand, with potential for continued high prices, but producers should prepare for potential market shifts and focus on low-cost, efficient production.

Successful producers will be those who can adapt, manage costs effectively and align themselves with evolving market trends.

“Don’t let cost get away from you,” Weaber says, emphasizing that “being a low-cost, high-productivity producer means you get to make money seven, eight or nine years of the cycle.”

He stresses the importance of understanding financial implications, particularly during market transitions.

“If we’re not working on the business, we can’t work in the business,” Weaber adds, summarizing his philosophy regarding producers’ need to adopt more strategic, data-driven approaches.

Weaber warns, “We’re going to price some consumers out of our product. Let’s not make any mistakes about what’s coming. Most people say we need to double food production by 2050 — and that’s not right. Our consumer demographic is going to get smaller before it gets bigger.”

In summary, these are Weaber’s five strategies to help producers succeed in today’s industry:

Focus on low-cost production
Invest in risk management tools
Develop comprehensive business plans
Understand individual animal performance
Stay informed about market trends and consumer preferences

Connecting the Dots: Feedlot Success Starts With Calf Health

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 15:51:39 GMT

Today we have robust capabilities to ingest and provide intelligence from animal health data.Through machine learning and artificial intelligence, we will be able to use data to predict in calf health which will allow targeted interventions to manage cattle better from birth to slaughter.

“Diagnostics need to be used more in beef cattle medicine. We need to quit guessing,” says Dr. Dan Thomson. “So many times we just guess why we have a swollen joint or why the calves broke with BRD. A 200-head pen of cattle today, it’s a half a million bucks. Investing slightly in better understanding the cause of disease will allow us to improve vaccine protocols and treatment outcomes for our cattle.”

Thomson, a PhD nutritionist, DVM and managing partner of Production and Animal Consultation (PAC), was the featured guest in “ The Future of Beef Show ” podcast episode 10.

“Many times we miss more by not looking than we do by not knowing,” he says. “Good stockmanship is about taking the time to find sick cattle, pulling them to the chute for a good clinical exam which includes lung auscultation, body temperature and recording clinical signs.Good early diagnosis of disease improves our treatment success rates tremendously.Treating the right animal, with the right dose, at the right time.”

According to Thomson, “redundancy is our friend,” highlighting the importance of consistent, repeated good animal health practices. He also stresses how veterinarians are critical partners in animal health, offering more than just treatment; they provide ongoing guidance, preventative strategies and a holistic approach to animal care.

Five key takeaways from the podcast are:

1. Animal welfare is critical: Proper animal health involves more than just treatment; it’s about preventing disease through vaccination, nutrition, shelter and low-stress cattle handling.

“We must build trust in cattle with caregivers. Cattle that don’t trust people hide their clinical signs until much later in the disease process, which decreases treatment success. Acclimating cattle builds trust and allows us to visualize cattle illness or disease sooner,” Thomson explains.

He emphasizes the importance of understanding cattle from birth, particularly highlighting the critical nature of colostrum intake.

“By six hours of age, we could tell if that calf was going to be failure of passive transfer,” he says, underscoring the importance of early health interventions.

2. Diagnostic testing is essential: Veterinarians should focus on understanding the root causes of health issues through comprehensive testing, rather than just guessing or treating symptoms.

3. Antibiotic stewardship matters: The goal is to use antibiotics judiciously — getting the right antibiotic to the right animal at the right time, while understanding the broader context of animal health.

“Antibiotics are incredible, essential tools for human and animal health. We need more antibiotics,” he says. “Antibiotic stewardship is getting the right antibiotic in the right animal at the right time. The core to antibiotic stewardship is a veterinary client patient relationship.”

4. Technology and human interaction must work together: New technologies like active tags and artificial intelligence can help improve animal health, but they cannot replace the importance of hands-on care and veterinarian-producer relationships.

“Just because you have a baby monitor doesn’t mean you don’t need a mother,” he says.

Thomson sees technology as a tool to enhance, not replace, human care. Active tags and wearables can help identify sick animals earlier, but they require skilled interpretation.

5. Holistic approach to animal health: Success comes from understanding the entire life cycle of cattle — from cow-calf operations through feedlots — and addressing health challenges at each stage through communication, proper management and continuous learning.

Thomson says it all starts with breeding the cow herd with a tight calving window. He says this results in more calves the same age at branding and weaning that are the proper stage to receive vaccines.

Colostrum is key to calf health throughout its life. He stresses the importance of newborn calves getting colostrum in the first six to 12 hours. Past that time there is little passive immunity absorption.

“I’m talking about improved health of that calf throughout its life, that’s where it all starts,” he adds. “The industry continues to do a better job of vaccinating and preconditioning and preparing cattle for the feedlot.”

To decrease stress and morbidity at the feedlot, Thomson suggests preconditioning. This includes getting calves bunk broke and used to the water tank before sending them to the feedlot.

“There’s two reasons why animals get sick,” he says. “One, an overwhelming dose of a pathogen, that they’re naive to or, two, suppressed immune system.”

In summary, Thomson sees tremendous potential in integrating data, improving diagnostic capabilities and developing more targeted health interventions. However, he cautions progress requires patience, collaboration and a willingness to challenge existing practices.

He is optimistic about the future of the beef industry, particularly its ability to produce a versatile food product.

“Beef feeds every socioeconomic strata,” he explains, from ground beef to the white tablecloth restaurant where consumers celebrate the biggest and greatest days of their lives.

Be sure to check out the podcast to learn more about what it really takes to build a connected, resilient health system from cow-calf to packer.

Future of Beef: Academic Innovation in the Classroom and Extension

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 15:30:52 GMT

The role of extension and education continues to evolve.

Jessica Sperber, University of Nebraska-Lincoln assistant professor and feedlot extension specialist, says extension’s role is to take the university’s complex research and make it accessible and actionable for producers of all sizes.

Sperber, one of the hosts of “ The Future of Beef Show ” podcast, takes the hot seat in episode nine and shares her thoughts on mentorship, continuous learning and bridging the gap between academic research and practical agricultural implementation. She says the future of beef production lies in embracing technology while maintaining a deep understanding of animal science and production practices.

Sperber was raised on her family’s fourth generation cow-calf and grain operation located in central Alberta, Canada. Upon completion of her doctorate in feedlot nutrition, she moved to her home Province of Alberta, where she worked in the industry as a feedlot nutrition consultant and technical specialist. She joined UNL in November 2022.

The podcast discussion reviews her career path — from optometry dreams to meat science labs, feedlot technical support and now the statewide feedlot specialist for Nebraska.

Her current role bridges research, extension and education. With a 70% extension and 30% teaching appointment, she gets to engage directly with producers while training the next generation of beef industry professionals. In August 2025, Sperber will transition into a 60% extension and 40% research position at UNL.

During the conversation she highlights several key challenges and opportunities in the beef industry:

Attracting new talent. Agricultural sciences are seeing declining student enrollment. Sperber says she believes hands-on learning and technological integration can help attract students from diverse backgrounds.
Global protein demand. With global protein needs expected to grow significantly, improving beef production efficiency worldwide is crucial.

“If we can provide safe, high-quality beef in multiple areas of the world, that just increases the amount of mouths that want to consume beef,” she says.
Data-driven decision making. The industry is moving toward a more precise measurement and tracking of cattle performance throughout the supply chain.

Sperber’s research currently focuses on practical challenges like spay heifer management, water intake and stress reduction in feedyard cattle. She’s passionate about commercial on-farm research that directly benefits producers, emphasizing “you can’t change what you can’t measure.”

Here are the five key takeaways from the podcast:

Mentorship is critical in agriculture
Sperber explains she has never been turned down when seeking guidance from beef industry professionals and believes finding mentors who are passionate about your interests can significantly shape your career trajectory.
Extension’s role is translating research for producers
Extension professionals help farmers and ranchers understand and implement cutting-edge research in practical ways.
Technology and AI present transformative opportunities
Sperber says she sees significant potential in artificial intelligence (AI) and technology for beef production. Rather than replacing human knowledge, she says these tools can enhance learning, help analyze complex data and provide insights that can improve production efficiency across the beef supply chain.
“If we were to embrace AI and ChatGPT, we could actually produce a learning opportunity for these students that’s above and beyond anything that just one individual could teach them,” she says. “We want to train students in AI and technology to prepare them for the job market and improve beef production practices.”
Hands-on learning is essential for future professionals
She stresses the importance of providing hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. She wants to create programs that allow students to make mistakes and learn in real-world settings, preparing them better for future careers.
Data-driven decision making is the future of beef production
Sperber says the beef industry’s future lies in measuring and understanding aspects of production in more detail. From genetics to carcass quality, the ability to collect, analyze and implement data-driven decisions will be crucial in improving profitability and efficiency across the entire beef supply chain.

“Right now, I think we’re really on a positive trajectory on trying to make changes at the cow-calf level that are going to set us up for a lot of success on the plate,” she says.

Sperber represents a new generation of agricultural professionals who are technologically savvy, research-driven and committed to practical solutions that can help producers thrive in an increasingly complex agricultural landscape.

Be sure to check out the podcast to learn more about how she continues to stay rooted in production while pushing the boundaries of science.

Success From The Start: Calf Health Starts Before Birth

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 13:11:34 GMT

If a calf struggles during its first 60 days of life, it’s going to carry that through all phases of production. Starting a calf, whether in a traditional beef or beef-on-dairy scenario, the right way is paramount to the lifetime health of that animal.

This is the message stressed by Dr. Taylor Engle, Four Star Veterinary Services, during episode eight of “ The Future of Beef Show ” podcast. He says success starts before a calf is born.

“There are a lot of really good genetics in the beef industry we can use. However, if you put that calf in an environment to fail, genetics does not play a factor,” he says. “We have to do everything right from an environmental piece to maximize the genetic potential.”

Check out the podcast to learn more about these five key messages discussed by Engle and the podcast’s hosts:

Environment matters more than genetics. Engle emphasizes if you put a calf in an environment to fail, genetics won’t save it. Management and early life conditions are critical to an animal’s success.
Calf health starts before birth. Proper care of the cow before calving, quality colostrum and a clean birthing environment are crucial for a calf’s lifetime health.

Engle encourages producers to think about the cow’s condition before, during and after breeding.

“Everyone gets really fired up — and rightfully so — about colostrum. Not all colostrum is created equal,” he says. “It’s what we are doing to set that cow up to have the best colostrum for that calf. Whether it’s beef-on-dairy or native, the right vaccines for the right diseases at the right time matters.”
Communication is key across the production chain. Sharing information about calf health, vaccination history and management practices between different stages of production can significantly improve overall animal performance.

Engle encourages producers to record vaccination and treatment information and then share it. Communicating with the feedyard is important to help the feeder decide on how to treat cattle.
Don’t be quick to treat — understand the root cause. Instead of immediately administering antibiotics, veterinarians should first investigate the underlying management or environmental issues causing health problems.

“We were trained to think it’s a disease, and more often times than not, there is a disease present. But there’s been something along the process where we have stressed that animal and caused disease,” he explains. “We’re always looking at it from an environmental standpoint and a management standpoint — the calf isn’t the culprit. What’s going on? Why did that calf break with respiratory disease? They don’t spontaneously get sick. Something happened. Was it a weather, feed or stressful event?”

He adds management strategies and mentality can be keys to determining the cause of a sickness.

“It’s a hard thing — whether you’re a nutritionist or vet — to have that hard conversation with a producer, be upfront with them and say, ‘It’s something we’ve done,’” he says. “A lot of times, there’s management practices that messed up along the way, and the result is a disease.”

In his practice, he works with the producer to help them understand and recognize the management strategies to improve the outcomes.

“In the beef industry, a lot of the mentality is, ‘We’ve never done it this way,’” he says.
“In comparison, in the poultry and pig industries, producers will say, ‘If it increases my production, I’ll do it.’ They have the mentality of being willing to give something a try to see if it increases health.”

Engle adds, “I always tell producers if you want A results, you got to give A effort,” he explains. “You can’t have a C -plus effort and expect A results.”
Stress management is more important than treatment protocols. Focus on reducing stress and creating optimal conditions for calves, rather than relying solely on medical interventions.

“The calves don’t lie,” Engle says.

He emphasizes the importance of careful observation, advising producers to “read calves every day” and make real-time adjustments.

Beef-on-Dairy Calf Health
Engle also has extensive experience with beef-on-dairy calf management and production and discussed how those animals compare to traditional beef calves, highlighting how multiple touch points and movements bring beef-on-dairy calves unique challenges — including different feeding systems and varied vaccine and management protocols at each location.

As a positive, he says, “In the beef-on-dairy space, we have all the data points, or we have the opportunity to collect all the data points. Then you can start making decisions.”

With this complex — but data-rich — production model, there is significant potential for improving calf health and performance.

Engle challenges producers to think holistically about animal health, management and production.

“It’s not the animal that’s usually causing the problems,” he says in summary. “It’s usually producer’s management or oversight. As farms have gotten bigger, the skill gap as we go higher actually closes. Everybody who has 10,000-head of cattle on feed, or more, probably knows a lot about feeding cattle. But what are you going to do for a competitive advantage that the next feedyard isn’t? I think a lot of that’s looking internally at your management strategies and your consulting team. It’s a team effort to get to where you want to be. Set those goals and look at what you need to do better to be where you want to be in the next five to 10 years.”

Digitizing the Ranch: Proving Worth, Reclaiming Margin, Building a Smarter Supply Chain

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 15:43:52 GMT

Beef producers could experience 20% efficiency gains in the next four or five years by moving to individual animal tracking and data collection. Ian Wheal, co-founder of Breedr, makes this prediction encouraging producers to transition from lot-based systems to individual animal tracking.

Wheal, one of the hosts of “ The Future of Beef Show ” podcast, takes the hot seat in episode seven and share’s his thoughts on technology use in the beef industry.

Wheal’s journey in agriculture began on a progressive cow-calf operation in Australia, where his father was innovative in establishing direct retail cooperatives and assessing animals for consistency. After studying engineering and working in consulting, Wheal gained insights into supply chains, retail operations and technology across different industries.

In 2015, Breedr was created during what Wheal calls the “peak vegan” era. The comprehensive cattle management system focuses on individual animal tracking and data optimization across the entire beef supply chain. He says Breedr was designed for ranchers first.

Key Breedr features include:

Individual Animal Tracking — tracks cattle from conception to processing
Supply Chain Collaboration — connects data between seedstock, cow-calf, backgrounders and feedlots
Data Insights — provides actionable insights about individual animal performance
Technology Solutions — offers chute-side data collection systems with mobile and cloud-based platforms supporting electronic ID integration
Supply Chain Development — helps producers build branded beef programs and supports collaboration between producers and packers

Wheal says in the beef industry data is power. Producers who actively collect, analyze and use individual animal data will be more competitive, efficient and profitable. Check out the podcast to learn more about these five key points discussed by Wheal:

Start small with technology adoption. Don’t try to change your entire operation at once. Begin with a small group of animals or a simple data collection process.
Value data collection. “Collect your own data, know your own worth, know where you can improve,” Wheal says. He stresses not to rely solely on others’ assessments of your cattle.
Focus on individual animal tracking. Move from lot-based systems to individual tracking to drive productivity and improve genetics. “Individual animal data is key to profit and progress,” he adds.
Embrace technology to enhance, not replace, stockmanship. “Technology is there to enhance the skill of the user, it’s not there to replace the skill of the user,” Wheal says. Use tools like artificial intelligence and remote monitoring to support your existing skills, not to completely automate your operation.
Continuously push boundaries and learn. “If you’re not pushing the boundaries, you’re going to be left behind,” Wheal says. He encourages listeners to adopt a growth mindset and constantly ask “why” and look for opportunities to improve.

According to Wheal, producers who remain curious, are willing to experiment and are open to new technologies will be best positioned to succeed in an increasingly complex and competitive beef production landscape.

Wheal’s final advice is simple: just start. Whether it’s digitizing inventory, collecting basic data or experimenting with new technologies, taking the first step is crucial. The beef industry must continue to innovate, embrace technology and push boundaries to remain competitive and sustainable.

Your Next Read: For Beef Industry Progress, Know What’s Under The Hood

For Beef Industry Progress, Know What’s Under The Hood

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 18:18:09 GMT

When it comes to genetics, most producers have historically relied on phenotype, instinct and maybe a few legacy bloodlines when making buying or breeding decisions.

Nick Jorgensen, CEO of Jorgensen Land & Cattle , says his family has been using genomic testing since 2018 to help them make more informed breeding and selection decisions.

“Now you have genomics at your disposal,” Jorgensen explains. “As a commercial operator, that’s a revolutionary thing, in my opinion, because now not only do you have her actual phenotypic performance, but you also have a sense of what’s under the hood, genetically, what kind of potential is there.”

Jorgensen is a featured guest on episode four of “ The Future of Beef Show ” podcast.

Located in South Dakota, Jorgensen Land & Cattle is the largest Angus bull producer in the U.S., marketing approximately 6,000 bulls annually and influencing nearly 200,000 feeder calves each year.

Jorgensen explains their partnership with Zoetis in creating a unique, single-ranch genetic evaluation.

Tune into the podcast to learn more about Jorgensen’s genomic testing philosophy and to hear these five key points discussed:

Genomic Testing Provides Significant Economic Value
Jorgensen explains that genomic testing can generate substantial economic benefits, such as identifying high-performing heifers and detecting bulls with breeding issues earlier in their development.
He encourages commercial producers to genomically test heifers at branding. This can help producers make more informed decisions about which animals to retain in their herds.
“Testing the right heifer can make you about 500 additional dollars over her lifetime,” he says. “The return on investment on that is unbelievable.”
According to Jorgensen, a key breakthrough has been their ability to predict breeding soundness in bulls more accurately. By using genomic testing, they’ve reduced the number of bulls failing semen tests by identifying potential issues earlier in the development process. This not only saves economic resources but also allows for more strategic management of young bulls.
Customized Genetic Evaluations Offer Superior Insights
By creating a ranch-specific genetic evaluation with Zoetis, the Jorgensen family can provide more precise, controlled data collection and develop custom traits specific to their operation, offering accurate genetic predictions.
“We’re going to recommend this bull to you, because it’s exactly what you need to move your herd forward,” he explains.
Consulting is Critical to Genomic Success
Simply providing a genetic test is not enough. Jorgensen emphasizes the importance of helping customers understand and leverage genomic data through personalized consulting, explaining results and guiding management decisions.
Early Testing Maximizes Genetic Potential
Testing animals as early as possible allows for more strategic management decisions. Jorgensen explains how early genomic testing can help sort cattle, identify top and bottom performers, and develop targeted management strategies.
“Test all of your calves at branding time,” he says. “By the time they’re weaned, you can know in large part where every one of those calves is going to go.”
DNA testing can help reshape feeder placement and profitability. He says they have seen a $90 difference in feedlot performance between a top 25% feedlot indexing steer and a bottom 25% feedlot indexing steer. In another study, they found that high genetic potential cattle were ready for market 45 days sooner than low potential cattle.
Supply Chain Integration is the Future
He says genomic testing is a pathway to more integrated beef production, potentially connecting seedstock producers, commercial producers, feedlots and retailers to create more consistent, traceable and profitable beef products. This approach could provide more transparency and value throughout the beef production process.

By leveraging genomics, the Jorgensen family is providing their customers more precise recommendations for bull selection, heifer retention and overall herd management. They are using data-driven decision-making to drive industry progress.

“Ultimately, the goal here is to help our customers make more money by way of producing better progeny, and putting better, more consistent beef into the beef system,” Jorgensen summarizes.

Your Next Read: Building the Next Generation Cow Herd Using Genomic Testing

Time to Redefine Yield Prices: Today We’re Paying For Weight, Not Value

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 17:35:23 GMT

Optimization is key in beef production — finding the right balance of muscle, fat and efficiency without going to extremes.

“Right now, you’re getting paid on a yield number that is grossly inaccurate,” says Dale Woerner, Texas Tech University Cargill endowed professor. “Somebody’s getting screwed in this deal because we’re making cattle heavier, but we’re actually digressing in red meat yield because cattle are just getting fatter.”

Warner is the featured guest on the newest “ The Future of Beef Show ” podcast released this week.

According to Woerner, when it comes to yield and meat quality, the tools we use to measure — and reward — beef performance are decades out of date.

Tune into the podcast to hear these five key points discussed:

The current yield grade equation is grossly inaccurate and needs to be updated , with only 15%-20% accuracy in measuring red meat yield.

Woerner explains the primary concern is the current yield grade equation, which was developed in the 1960s, is inaccurate for modern cattle. The existing system doesn’t effectively measure red meat yield, primarily because rib-eye area explains only 3% of muscling variation in individual animals. This means producers are essentially being paid incorrectly for their cattle.

“Depending on how you calculate it, but specifically on an individual animal basis, current yield grade equations sitting around that 15[%]-20% accuracy level, so far below a passing grade,” Woerner says.
Cattle are becoming increasingly fat, which is inefficient and costly. This fact is driven by market signals that incentivize weight over muscle.

“As we incentivize weight, particularly in cattle that have been on feed for a long time, we’re largely incentivizing fat,” he explains.
Technology like 3D imaging and CT scans can help more accurately measure red meat yield, with potential to revolutionize how cattle are valued.

“With the CT technology, not only can we measure muscle, fat and bone, but we can actually virtually cut apart the carcass and trim it to two or three different levels,” Woerner explains. “CT scanning is just more user-friendly than MRI. Even though MRI gives us greater clarity in the data, we just don’t need that level of clarity for what we’re doing.”

Woerner predicts it will be three to five years before a new system can be developed and preform to satisfactory levels before broad implementation.
Genetic selection should focus on muscling and efficiency, not just ribeye area, with an emphasis on moderation and breed complementarity.
The beef industry needs to optimize cattle production by using data, technology and reproductive innovations to improve feed conversion and overall meat quality.

Woerner stresses the goal is to produce cattle that:

Have optimal muscling.
Convert feed efficiently.
Produce high-quality meat.
Are environmentally sustainable.

“Tenderness is an ante up in a poker game, and you have to have tenderness to be acceptable from a consumer standpoint. But once tenderness is acceptable, then it’s all about flavor,” he summarizes. “Beef’s stronghold in the market will always be flavor.”

Your Next Read: 1,500-lb. Carcasses the New Normal, Not the Exception

How to Find Peace During Generational Transitions

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 11:02:22 GMT

It’s the talk every ranch family needs to have. The issue of succession planning in agricultural operations is one many try to avoid because of potential conflict and stress.

This episode of “ The Future of Beef Show ”, features Alan Hojer, a longtime ranch succession expert from the Keep Farmers Farming program. Hojer has helped hundreds of families tackle one of the toughest transitions in agriculture — passing the ranch to the next generation. He emphasizes the most important goal for farm and ranch families is finding peace during generational transitions.

Hojer explains agriculture is experiencing an unprecedented transition period. Historically, farm succession was simple — typically the oldest child would inherit the homeplace and parents would buy additional land for other children. However, rising land values and economic challenges have made this approach increasingly difficult.

In the podcast, he shares insights on why so many ranchers avoid planning, what gets in the way of productive conversations and how to turn tension into trust at the kitchen table. Here are a few important principles Hojer highlights:

Succession is not about equal distribution, but about finding peace and supporting each family member’s individual path
The older generation must be willing to share information and gradually transfer decision-making responsibilities
Younger generations should seek experience both within and outside the family operation
Gender should not be a barrier to succession
A third-party facilitator can be crucial in navigating complex family dynamics

(The Future of Beef Show)

Hojer says the first step is simply getting family members to sit down and talk. He encourages producers to begin difficult conversations casually and informally.

The key to successful succession, according to Hojer, is developing a shared vision. He stresses that vision is more important than assets, and families must work together to create a unified direction for their operation. This vision serves as a foundation for strategic planning and helps align family members’ expectations and goals.

More Than One Discussion

A critical aspect of successful succession is communication and information sharing. Hojer recommends starting these conversations early — ideally when the next generation is in their late 30s or early 40s.

He advocates for monthly family meetings that include financial reviews, allowing younger generations to understand the business’s operations and become active participants.

Succession planning is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. It requires patience, open communication and a commitment to the family’s collective vision.

Hojer notes that succession doesn’t always mean keeping the entire operation together. Sometimes, a successful transition means helping family members find their own paths, which might involve dividing the operation or transitioning to an outside party.

The Keep Farmers Farming program is a division of the South Dakota Ag Foundation that focuses on helping agricultural families navigate succession planning and generational transitions. The program’s goal is to provide families with the tools and support needed to navigate succession successfully, ensuring the continued vitality of agricultural operations.

“You always have to remember it’s nobody’s to take. It’s the parents to give,” Hojer summarizes. “And the greatest gift a parent can give is not the asset itself. It’s actually the information at a time when time is still on the side of the younger generation.”

Your Next Read: The Future of Beef Show Now Streaming on Farm Journal TV

The Future of Beef Show Now Streaming on Farm Journal TV

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 16:31:59 GMT

Connecting people and ideas that are shaping the future of the cattle industry, “The Future of Beef Show” is a podcast hosted by Jim Johnson of Brands and Barbed Wire , Ian Wheal, CEO and founder of Breedr , and Jessica Sperber, University of Nebraska feedlot specialist. Alongside an inspiring lineup of guests, they share stories from the forefront of modern beef production and show how technology and data can make all the difference — while staying true to the values that define the beef industry.

Drovers is now “The Future of Beef Show’s” official media partner. This week, episodes one through five are available on Farm Journal TV , Farm Journal’s YouTube channel and Farm Journal NOW with new episodes dropping biweekly starting June 17.

“Partnering with Drovers brings our shared vision for the future of American beef to the largest stage,” Wheal says. “Their deep trust with producers and commitment to progress make them the perfect media partner for The Future of Beef Show. Together, we can amplify the smartest ideas, most practical tools, and progressive voices shaping the next generation of cattle production — ultimately helping more ranchers turn data into decisions and decisions into dollars.”

Backed by Farm Journal’s tradition and engine, Drovers’ robust digital, print and broadcast footprint provides the beef industry with news, analysis and insights. Established in 1873 as the Chicago Daily Drovers Journal, it is recognized as the nation’s oldest livestock publication.

“What excites me most about this partnership is the chance to reach more cattlemen and women who care deeply about doing things better — for their animals, their land and their bottom line,” Johnson says. “Drovers gives us a bigger megaphone to share real-world stories and tools that can help every operation thrive.”

Drovers’ comprehensive coverage of the beef industry includes market trends, production practices, health and nutrition, technology and policy developments. Drovers’ mission is to help ensure a thriving and efficient beef industry for generations to come.

“We’re going to tackle the big topics like genetics, sustainability and supply chain innovations,” Sperber explains. “But don’t worry — we’ll cut through the corporate speak and show you the real opportunities available right now for every size of beef producer —big or small.”

Episodes currently available on the Farm Journal platforms are:

Episode 1: A New Era of Connected Beef
Lamar Steiger, co-owner of the 808 Ranch and Ranch to Retail, shares his insights on where the industry is headed and what it means for producers.

Episode 2: Individual Animal Management – Beating the Bell Curve
John Schroeder, general manager of Darr Feedlot in Cozad, Neb., shares his insights on optimizing a cow herd beyond the averages.

Episode 3: Genetics – The Foundation for Consistent, High-Quality Beef
Troy Marshall, American Angus Association’s director of commercial industry relations, explores how genetics can help producers make smarter breeding decisions and maximize herd potential.

Episode 4: Genomics – Unlocking the Potential of Your Herd
Nick Jorgensen, CEO of Jorgensen Land & Cattle, discusses how genetic selection drives profitability and consistency in beef production.

Episode 5: Succession with Alan Hojer
Alan Hojer, a longtime ranch succession expert who’s helped hundreds of families tackle one of the toughest transitions in agriculture, covers passing the ranch to the next generation. He shares hard-earned insights on why so many ranchers avoid planning, what gets in the way of productive conversations and how to turn tension into trust at the kitchen table.

Learn more about The Future of Beef podcast at FutureofBeef.com .

Your Next Read: Exploring Next-Generation Phenotyping that Drives Commercial Profitability