Next-Generation Farmers

More Than Cowboys: Feedlot Immersion Event Showcases Diverse Career Paths

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:35:06 GMT

The modern feedlot is a sophisticated hub of technology, science and commerce. A recent feedlot immersion event hosted at Irsik & Doll’s Ingalls Feed Yard, Ingalls, Kan., brought together high school students from across the region to learn more how the cattle feeding sector relies on diverse expertise far beyond traditional pen riding.

More than 40 students from eight high schools attended the event on April 8. Organizers say their focus with the event is to strengthen the workforce pipeline while creating a new generation of informed beef advocates.

“Educational programs like this are very important for kids in high school and any age,” says attendee Braylee Kraisinger from Hugoton, Kan. “It helps us see more job opportunities that most people have never really thought about before. Programs like this are helping give kids a head start in understanding different industries and what it takes to succeed in them.”

She stresses there is so much more to a feedlot than cowboys and pen riders.

“There are hundreds of other jobs,” she says. “Everyone’s job at the feedlot is very important to make sure everything runs smoothly. Each job is connected in some way, and they all have to work together to be successful.”

(Rachel Waggie, KLA)

The Workforce Pipeline: Recruiting for a High-Tech Future

One of the main goals for the event is to highlight the jobs behind the scenes; everyone sees those jobs from the highway but getting as hands-on as possible with those careers in the back office and out of sight is the real purpose.

A major theme is career awareness: showing students that feedyards and allied businesses offer many different jobs, not just riding horses.

“Our initial goal was to have every station be a real experience of getting the students to do just a snippet of what that person does on a daily basis,” says Russell Plaschka, Kansas
Cooperative Council CEO and president. “As you know, you can see it, hear about it, but if they get to do the job it starts to stick and make an impression on career decisions.”

The event organizers developed a program to showcase the diverse career paths available in cattle feeding.

“Finding skilled employees is challenging, and I wanted to help strengthen the pipeline of quality talent for our industry,” says Trevor Cox, Zoetis strategic account manager. “Many young people don’t realize how many different kinds of careers are available in cattle feeding, so this event was a way to give back — by educating, inspiring and sparking interest in roles they might not have considered. Our goal was to showcase real, rewarding career paths and encourage the next generation to see themselves in this industry.”

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From Drones to Necropsies: Seven Stations of Complexity

Cox says students had a chance to see how feedyards aren’t just about cattle and cowboys — the industry thrives on diverse expertise, from technology and safety to nutrition, equipment and marketing.

Participants were divided into small groups and rotated through a series of stations around the feedyard exposing students to potential careers in cattle feeding and adjacent industries.

Highlights of the seven sessions include:

A feed mill tour focused on animal nutrition
An animal health and necropsy session facilitated by Zoetis’ Dr. Shawn Blood
Headcount’s demonstration of drone-based cattle counting
MWI’s session on its feed technology
KLA’s safety trailer where students learned about managing risk
Equipment showcases from Roto-Mix and Murphy Tractor
A cattle marketing discussion led by Irsik & Dolls’ David Ast and Daniel Berg

(Angie Stump Denton)

The Marketing Matrix: Understanding How Cattle are Valued

Attendee Kayden Holstein from Scott City, Kan., says, “The most interesting rotation to me was the marketing portion, because it provided a new perspective on how decisions are made and how cattle are valued within the industry.”

During the cattle marketing rotation lead by Ast and Berg, students got the chance to predict quality and yield grades as well as carcass value on a pen of finished steers.

(Angie Stump Denton)

Advocacy in Action: Creating Informed Beef Consumers

Brandon Depenbusch, Irsik & Doll vice president of the cattle division and one of the event organizers, summarizes, “While the primary goal is educationally focused — exposing high school students to feedyards and the related industries that support them — we also wanted to expose them to production agriculture practices so they become informed beef consumers and advocates.”

He notes they hope students can counter misinformation later in life and “speak intelligently” when others say negative or incorrect things about feedyards.

“Students were engaged and asked thoughtful questions throughout the event,” Cox explains.

(Rachel Waggie, KLA)

During a Q&A session following lunch Cox says students shared what they learned.

“Three key takeaways for me were getting to see the marketing side of the cattle industry, learning how feedyards are increasingly focused on finishing cattle and seeing how advanced technology has become within feedyard operations,” Holstein summarizes. “I was especially impressed by how efficient and well-managed the mill was.”

Kraisinger adds three fact about feedlots that stood out to her were:

Lots of technology is used in feedlots. Technology is used from tracking feed rations to flying drones.
Safety is key in a feedlot. The most common injuries are due to slips, trips and falls. It’s important to make sure you have a safety harness on whether you’re climbing a ladder or going into a silo.
Employees need to work together and make sure they always have someone aware of where they are or what they are doing.

Both Cox and Depenbusch confirm they plan to make it an annual event and rotate it around to different locations in the region.

“It’s a small investment of time and resources with a big payoff for building the workforce our industry will rely on for years to come,” Cox says.

Sponsors of the program were Irsik & Doll, Zoetis, HeadCount, MWI Animal Health, Roto-Mix, Ascendance Truck Centers, Murphy Tractor, KLA, Kansas Cooperative Council and Kansas State University Southwest Research-Extension Center.

Why Livestock Judging Is the Ultimate Character-Building Sport for Youth

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 16:47:46 GMT

When Grace showed up to livestock judging practice for the first time, I instantly got a good vibe from this freckle-cheeked third grader. She just couldn’t stop smiling.

Later that evening of our first practice of the season, I asked all the juniors (3rd through 8th grade) to write down their goals for the season. The goals ranged from getting a 50 in a contest to a five-point plan for judging success.

But when I got to Grace’s goal, it stopped me in my tracks.

“To be amazing.”

I’ve read through a lot of judging goals over the years, but this was a first. In a world obsessed with winning, Grace reminded me of something even more important.

The Long Game of Livestock Judging

Looking at Grace, I saw the beginning of a journey I am currently watching my own son conclude. As he nears the end of his 4-H judging career, I’ve realized that my husband and I haven’t just been coaching him on how to rank a class of gilts; we’ve been coaching him on how to navigate life.

Maybe I am being overly sentimental as our son nears the end of his 4-H livestock judging experience. As I reflect back, I’m honored by the unique (and sometimes challenging) seat I’ve had to watch his progress. I remind myself that while the wins that can happen in livestock judging sure feel good and keep us going back for more, it’s really about something so much bigger.

Hunter Shike judging at Black Hawk College East Campus Judging Contest

(Faith Lortie)

The Intangible Advantage

It’s easy to pinpoint the skills kids learn from livestock judging such as decision-making, evaluation, attention to detail and critical thinking. But what is even more valuable is how livestock judging helps young people develop a mindset that doesn’t go away when the final card is turned in.

Here are three ways I’ve watched this “sport” build character.

1. Turning Disadvantages into Drive

One of my favorite examples of determination comes from a boy who had no livestock experience before he joined the team. No one could deny he was at a disadvantage because he didn’t have a show pig or a steer in the barn to go look at and study. Everything he was being taught was initially done by watching video classes during practice. I wondered if he would stick with it because he came from a different place than the other judges. I was pleasantly surprised to see how this disadvantage fueled his determination to learn and absorb as much as he could every practice. He’s now in his third year of judging and has been at the top of the pack all season. He reminds me to look at disadvantages as opportunities to grow. Livestock judging is a great equalizer. It doesn’t matter if you have a million-dollar barn or a video screen; it only matters how much you are willing to “see.

2. Balancing Perspective with Belief

I’m a bit of a stickler when it comes to the topic of humility. I find it challenging to build confidence and humility at the same time. But there’s no question that livestock judging teaches it, whether you want to learn it or not. As much as we want kids to walk up to a class or into the reasons room with as much confidence as possible, we also want them to remember judging livestock is subjective. We must be able to consider others’ perspectives and not just center in on our own. I’m grateful for how judging livestock provides a training ground to help students gain open-mindedness and a desire for continual learning. Judging forces a child to stand firm in their conviction while simultaneously acknowledging that an official might see the world differently. When their confidence can lie in their ability to learn versus their ability to always be right, something powerful happens.

3. The Slow Work of Success

The transition between being a junior who places classes and answers questions to being a senior who places classes and talks oral reasons is tough. It’s one thing to answer questions about a class; it’s another to stand in front of an official and present a 1.5-minute case for why you placed the class the way you did. It takes time to hone that skill. I remember how challenging it was for our son to go from winning the state contest as a junior to struggling through his first few contests giving oral reasons. Good placings mattered, but beginning oral reasons scores kept him out of the top group. We had to remind him that becoming skilled in the reasons room simply takes time. Seeing him achieve his goal of winning oral reasons in a contest this past year remind me that good things do come eventually if you allow yourself to be molded and shaped by the less-than-great moments that are sure to happen along the way.

(Faith Lortie)

The livestock industry doesn’t just need more high-point individuals, it needs more people with the mindset that judging builds. To every coach and parent feeling the weight of this task: Keep going. You aren’t just teaching them how to rank livestock. You are building the leaders our industry desperately needs. Focus on the character, and the results will take care of themselves.

I don’t know if “Amazing Grace” will win the state contest this year. But as I watch her smile through every missed placing and every tough set of questions, I realize she’s already achieved her goal. She is amazing—not because of her card, but because of her character. And that is something we need to talk about more often.

The Succession Gap: Why Two-Thirds of Farms Face an Uncertain Future

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 20:18:08 GMT

Farm Journal recently reported that 44 million acres of U.S. farmland are expected to change hands in the coming years - nearly 15% of American cropland by 2030.

That’s a staggering number. But what concerns me most isn’t just the acreage. It’s what that number represents: leadership transition, ownership transition and decision-making transition happening all at once across the country.

When I look at the accompanying data, I see both opportunity and vulnerability.

According to the Farm Journal Seed & Planting Survey and Consolidation Index Predictive Model Analysis, only 34% of growing operations have a formal succession plan. Among benchmark producers, that number drops to 29%. For operations identified as at-risk, just 21% have a documented succession plan in place.

Let that sink in.

Even among farms positioned for growth, two-thirds do not have a formal plan for how leadership and ownership will transition. And nearly four out of five at-risk farms are operating without one.

At the same time, consolidation risk is not limited to smaller operations. Farms under $250,000 in gross income show a 58% consolidation risk. Farms between $250,000 and $500,000 show 48%. But even operations in the $1 million to $2.5 million range carry a 32% risk. And those between $2.5 million and $10 million still sit in a baseline consolidation risk zone of roughly 27–30%.

In other words, income alone does not protect you.

Succession gaps, management transitions and strategic exits are driving consolidation regardless of size.

I’ve spent my career working with agricultural families navigating generational transition, and I can tell you this: consolidation rarely happens overnight. It happens when pressure meets unpreparedness. A health event. A lender conversation. A market downturn. A disagreement that was never resolved. A next generation that was never fully developed or clearly empowered to lead.

Agriculture has always been unpredictable. We all understand that. Weather changes. Markets move. Policies shift. But what feels different right now is how layered the uncertainty has become. Interest rates have restructured balance sheets. Input costs remain volatile. Capital demands continue to rise. Technology expectations are accelerating. And the average age of the American farmer keeps climbing.

Generational turnover is not something we can push off for “someday.” It is happening now.

So, here’s the question I would ask any farm leader reading this: If something unexpected happened tomorrow, would your operation be okay?

Would there be clarity about who makes decisions? Would ownership be clearly defined? Would compensation and reinvestment policies be understood? Would lenders feel confident in your continuity? Would your successors be prepared - not just present - to lead?

If you hesitate in answering that, you are not alone. But hesitation is a signal.

The data in the Farm Journal analysis tells an important story. Growing operations are more likely to try new technology. They are more likely to plan land investment. And they are more likely to have formal succession plans in place. That is not coincidence. It reflects intentional leadership.

The leaders that plan tend to think about the long term - not just the next growing season. They understand their profitability by enterprise. They are disciplined about capital allocation. They define leadership roles. They have hard conversations before circumstances force communication. They build clarity into the business so that transition strengthens it rather than destabilizes it.

Succession planning is often misunderstood.

It is not simply an estate planning document. It is not a will tucked in a drawer. It is not something you address only when someone retires. It is a business discipline.

It requires clarity about management transfer and ownership transfer - and those are not always the same thing. It requires fairness, which is not necessarily equality. It requires governance structure so family conversations don’t become a business crises. It requires intentional development of the next generation so leadership transition feels earned and prepared, not assumed.

And perhaps most importantly, it requires timing.

Consolidation favors clarity. It favors farms that reduce ambiguity before outside forces expose it. It favors operations that are structured - not just successful.

One of the most revealing pieces of the consolidation data is that even higher-income farms carry measurable risk. A $3 million or $5 million operation is not immune. Scale does not eliminate vulnerability if leadership transition is unclear or strategic direction is undefined.

The 44 million acres projected to change hands represent a defining moment for American agriculture. Some families will use this season to strengthen continuity and expand. Others will find themselves reacting - not because they lacked work ethic or competence, but because they delayed putting structure in place.

Planning does not eliminate uncertainty - but it does provide framework and stability.

It allows you to make proactive decisions rather than reactive ones. It gives lenders confidence. It gives the next generation clarity. It protects family relationships. And it preserves optionality.

If your farm is truly okay - strategically aligned, financially transparent, leadership-ready - then planning becomes a growth tool.

If it’s not, planning becomes urgent.

Either way, it matters.

Knowing the data should never create paralysis. Understanding your consolidation risk, your succession gaps and your financial position gives you something incredibly valuable: choice. When your business structure is clear and your succession plan is thoughtful but flexible, you can pivot as markets shift, opportunities emerge or circumstances change. You may not be able to eliminate uncertainty - but you can position yourself to move through it with confidence.

Non-Family Transition Plans: A Success Story to Take Notes From

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 14:50:34 GMT

For every senior rancher looking for an heir, there is an eager member of the rising generation trying to find ways to get started. The challenge? Getting the two parties to meet with their compatible counterparts.

Lydia Carpenter and her husband are an example of adapting your business and finding a member of the senior generation to build with instead of against.

How Did You Get Started in Production Agriculture?

“We started a farm business when we were in our 20s on leased acres. I grew up in the Red River Valley where land is quite expensive,” Carpenter says. “We decided that we were going to run a livestock operation, so we moved to the western part of Manitoba where agriculture is a bit more diverse and mixed. This is where we built our direct-to-consumer meat business.”

How Did You Find a Non-Family Member Looking for Heirs?

“We subsequently started buying heifers from an individual who was living in Alberta at the time,” Carpenter says. “He was originally from Scotland, had moved to Canada in 2000 and subsequently decided to sell the land in Alberta and move to Manitoba.”

She continues: “Before doing that, he had asked us if we were interested in working with him more closely. So when he moved here, he bought a farm not too far from where we were renting at the time. And then we started working together.”

How is the Business Structured?

“We run individual operations. We file our own taxes, and we’ve got separate businesses,” Carpenter says. “Both businesses are profitable, and we have similar structures in our business.”

Additionally, she explains: “We recognize that in order for us to be able to access land and build our security, we need some support from another generation. So, we started purchasing land to build our equity from him and his wife.”

Building trust is also a part of the business structure.

“Now we’re neighbors, and we are purchasing assets from him,” Carpenter explains. “Transitions take time, and it’s not the kind of thing that happens overnight, but a relationship builds over time along with trust and accountability.”

She says: “Over time we’ve recognized we are compatible and have similar philosophies around management.”

Q: What Else Goes Into Building Trust in These Types of Relationships?

“Trust is an interesting thing that ties into accountability,” Carpenter says. “Even business acumen can help build trust if you, as the rising generation, have the financial literacy, interest and good management practices to take on the business.”

She adds: “I think clarity of expectations is really important and then it builds over time. It’s not without risk to invest in somebody.”

She explains: “I think having open conversations about written agreements, business structure and general profitability of the business are important and trust is then built over time through general accountability.”

Q: How Can Other Members of the Rising Generation Find Opportunities Like This?

“If you are interested in a specific sector of production agriculture, go work in other areas of that industry and in those communities,” Carpenter says. “Additionally, be present at different events in agriculture and open about your goals as a young individual.”

She also says: “Don’t silo yourself in any specific production type unless you have really good reason to do so. Sometimes the opportunities around you are bigger than that.”

Q: What Are Some Red Flags to be Aware of in Any Farm Transition?

“Some red flags would be no desire to have written agreements,” Carpenter says. “Another one might be just general lack of financial literacy or poor money management — that can go for either generation.”

She also shares: “Another one can be people’s general health and well-being. Are you having compatibility issues because someone is really struggling with unresolved mental health or addiction issues? There’s going to be some interpersonal stuff that could be red flags as well.”

You can listen to the full conversation on the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast .

National Blue and Corn Gold: Building Tomorrow’s Leaders

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 18:47:11 GMT

It’s National FFA Week. A special week for all of those who have worn the blue corduroy jacket. To me, the FFA jacket is a symbol of leadership, commitment to agriculture and a heart to serve.

My FFA membership opened doors, helped me create lifelong networks and prepared me for my career. National FFA Week means more to me than just wearing the blue and gold — it’s about the people who make this organization unforgettable. My FFA friends growing up were not just teammates; they’re the ones who pushed me to work harder, laugh louder and grow into a better leader every day.

There was only one Mr. Dan Palmateer — no one like him — the Valley Heights FFA ag educator. He was just what the three Stump girls — Angie, Jami and Kim — needed to find their paths in FFA and in life. He knew how to make each one of them stronger, build on their strengths and overcome their weaknesses. He challenged each sister to be the best she could be.

(Stump Family)

I am who I am today because of my ag teacher, Dan Palmateer. He didn’t just teach agriculture — he taught me confidence and how to believe in myself even when things got tough. My two sisters — Jami Stump Gillig and Kim Stump Schmidt — and I were so blessed to call him our FFA advisor. He knew how to make each one of us stronger, build on our strengths and overcome our weaknesses. He challenged us to be the best we could be. I’m so thankful for my time in his classroom and the many lessons he taught me.

Like Mr. Palmateer, ag educators and FFA advisors are so critical to FFA’s success. Teaching is not an easy career. I’m so thankful for those who are majoring in agricultural education and have a passion to teach agriculture to the next generation. This profession is so essential as more and more generations are removed from the farm.

From an FFA Member to FFA Mom

I’m so thankful for my time in the jacket and the skills I developed because of this great organization. Now, as an FFA mom, I feel even more blessed to have watched both of my boys grow and develop because of their time as FFA members. From the classroom to the community, the organization empowers students with the skills and confidence to lead in agriculture and beyond.

Dustin Denton

(Kansas FFA)

My son, Dustin, is currently serving as a state FFA officer. While I, too, had the chance to serve our state many years ago, I’m amazed at how much the program has grown and the amazing opportunities he has had during his year of service. From traveling the state to meet with fellow members, to networking with key agriculture-industry stakeholders to numerous speaking and workshop-leading experiences this opportunity is life-changing.

A Global Perspective on Agriculture

Dustin also had the chance to travel to Spain in January for 12 days as part of the International Leadership Seminar for State Officers (ILSSO). ILSSO is a National FFA Organization program that takes 75 current or past state FFA officers abroad to study global agriculture and enhance cultural competency. Participants travel internationally, meet with agribusiness leaders and explore foreign farming practices to gain a global perspective on the industry.

Dustin had the opportunity to visit Ganados Ruigan — a beef cattle feeding operation. There he learned about the differences between American and Spanish beef production. He also toured Mas Bes Dairy and had the chance to learn a lot about vertical and horizontal integration in Spain’s dairy industry.

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His experience was amazing, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If you’d like to see a day-by-day recap of his trip you can visit his Instagram page .

Through hands-on learning, leadership development and real-world experiences, FFA members are building the skills that will shape the future of agriculture. I believe it is so important FFA members have a chance to learn what it means to work hard, serve others and be stewards of the land.

National FFA Week is a reminder that FFA isn’t just an organization — it’s family, mentorship and friendships that will last long after high school. We should all strive to live by the 12 words that make up the FFA motto: “Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, Living to Serve.”

Give FFA Day

Because I believe so deeply in how this organization shapes the future generation of agriculturists, I want to share a specific way you can help: Thursday is Give FFA Day. This 24-hour campaign is a chance to invest directly in the students who will one day lead our industry.

If you are able, please consider giving to your local chapter, state association or the National FFA Foundation . If a financial gift isn’t possible right now, your time is an equally valuable investment. Local chapters are always looking for mentors to:

Critique speeches and facilitate mock interviews
Assist with career and leadership development event preparation
Mentor to a student as they build their supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program

You’ll find that when you invest in FFA students, the return on investment is seen in the strength of our entire agricultural community.

Raising Cattle, Raising Leaders: How Adalaide Kline is Shaping the Future of the Beef Industry

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 16:25:03 GMT

“We’re not doing it just to do it; we’re doing it for a purpose,” says Adalaide Kline, the beef program director at Colby Community College in northwest Kansas.

Kline is building a quality herd of cattle while teaching students practical production skills and turning the program into a platform for advocacy and community partnership.

“The main purpose of the program is educating students to be equipped to go into any operation with the skills and confidence that would make them an asset,” Kline says.

In her fourth year at the helm of CCC’s beef program, Kline is in it for the long haul. When she took over, there was a seemingly random assortment of commercial cows. Since she took the position in 2022 she has redirected the program from strictly commercial cow-calf to now including registered Angus seedstock.

“There’s no reason we can’t have a really elite genetic herd,” Kline says.

Kline’s breeding philosophy is based on selecting balanced cattle that function in the terrain of the high plains. In the dry landscape of Thomas County, low maintenance cows who do their job are a must.

“I want to produce females that can wean a calf every year on lower inputs and still have genetically elite calves,” Kline says.

In order to reach these aspirations, Kline utilizes a detailed data driven approach. Kline uses an Excel sheet with all of the expected progeny differences of all the females and potential artificial insemination sires, mating each female individually in order to achieve the optimal genetic makeup for each calf. The program traces cattle from conception to consumption. She also receives carcass data on CCC cattle harvested at the National Beef packing plant in Dodge City.

“Having data on your animals is really important — it allows you to make better management decisions,” Kline says.

Students learn firsthand how to interpret that data and how it relates to real-world profitability and genetic improvement. Kline also teaches her students hands-on skills such as breeding cattle via artificial insemination (AI), pregnancy ultrasounding, branding, vaccination, health monitoring, feeding cattle and cattle handling. Kline, an instructor at CCC, takes immense pride also in her students.

“I think it’s my job to find what students like, what their potential is — even the potential they may not be aware of —and push them toward it,” Kline says.

Between lectures, and caring for the cattle, Kline spends a lot of time with her students and builds lasting relationships. Those relationships do not end at graduation. She loves to hear from alumni — whether it is just to check in or to share conception rates on cattle they AI-bred and pregnancy checked themselves.

(CCC Beef Productions and Shea Baird Photography)

The annual bull test sale plays a major role in the program, students gain real experience in planning and organizing all aspects of a production sale. Consignors, many of whom are alumni, benefit from the data driven program. Producers receive information on their bulls’ performance and feed efficiency as well as the ability to market their cattle to a new customer base.

Kline does not come from a traditional agricultural background. While her family owned a seedstock operation, she grew up in town. Instead of 4-H and FFA, she was devoted to sports. Which is part of what developed her passion for agricultural advocacy. Playing Division I soccer at Oklahoma State University and South Dakota State University presented her with a unique opportunity to share the truth about beef with teammates who had previously never encountered agriculture.

“I really want to pass that on to my students; for them to be aware that they need to be advocates for our industry,” Kline says.

Kline makes advocacy an expectation for all of her students —not an option. Partnering with Foote Cattle Company, the beef production students host the Beef Advocacy Dinner, an event where student athletes learn about the importance of beef rich diets, as well as a general overview of the beef production system. Here, beef program students can practice answering tough questions and become confident and approachable voices for the beef industry.

Another advocacy initiative is the Herd It Here podcast hosted by sophomore student, Kaleigh Mason. The podcast highlights different hands-on activities in the program, such as branding, weaning, and BVD testing.

For Kline, the cattle matter. Improving the genetics matters. The conversations about beef matter. However, what matters most is the students and using the responsibility and technical training to prepare them for a future in agriculture.

“The most amazing thing about my job is seeing students transform from quiet, uncertain freshmen into confident, passionate people who know what they’re doing,” Kline says.

Farm Journal Announces 2026 Top Producer Award Finalists

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 19:12:54 GMT

Farm Journal has announced three finalists for the prestigious 2026 Top Producer of the Year Award, honoring some of the most progressive and successful farm operations in the country. The winner and finalists will be formally recognized at the 2026 Top Producer Summit , agriculture’s premier executive-level conference for elite farmers and ranchers, which is set for Feb. 9-11 in Nashville, Tenn. Also presented at the event will be the Next Generation Award and Women in Agriculture Award.

“The Top Producer Awards celebrate operations that are building resilient, innovative and future-focused businesses,” said Margy Eckelkamp, brand leader of Top Producer. “These finalists and award winners represent the very best of modern agriculture: strong family leadership, diversification, technology adoption and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”

2026 Top Producer of the Year Award Finalists:

Alsum Farms, Friesland, Wis. – A multigenerational family operation producing potatoes, pumpkins, hay, alfalfa and other rotational crops across more than 3,600 acres. The business is fully vertically integrated, overseeing production, packing and marketing. Leadership spans generations with the founder serving as CEO since 1981 now working alongside his two daughters who hold leadership roles in the business.

Dalton Farms, Wakeman, Ohio – A seventh-generation family farm led by Rebecca and Edward Dalton. The operation includes 2,000 acres of corn and soybeans, a 400-head cattle herd with direct-to-consumer beef sales and a growing on-farm market offering locally-sourced chicken, pork and maple syrup. Their story reflects both diversification and successful generational transition following a family split in the 1990s.

Splitter Farms, Sterling, Kan. – Led by Matt and Janna Splitter, this Kansas row-crop operation spans 1,400 owned acres with nearly 18,500 acres farmed annually through cash rent and custom work. After the sudden passing of Matt’s father in 2010, the couple returned to the farm and scaled the business using data-driven decision-making, strong landowner relationships and disciplined business management. Notably, this marks the first time a previous Next Generation Award winner has advanced to a Top Producer of the Year finalist.

The 2026 Top Producer of the Year award is sponsored by BASF and Fendt.

2026 Next Generation Award Winner

Tim Nuss, El Dorado Hills/Lodi, Calif., is the 2026 Next Gen Award winner. Nuss farms garlic, tomatoes, peppers, melons, herbs, pumpkins, cucumbers and grains with his father and brother while also building a powerful off-farm ag influencing business. He serves as CFO of Nuss Farms. He’s also head of business development at Polaris Energy Services, an ag tech irrigation company, hosts the “Modern Acre” podcast, and recently co-launched AgList, an online biologicals review and ratings platform designed to bring transparency to the ag inputs marketplace.

The 2026 Next Generation Award is sponsored by Pioneer and Fendt.

2026 Women in Agriculture Award Winner

Helle Ruddenklau, Amity, Ore., is the 2026 Women in Ag Award winner. Ruddenklau Farms in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, growing grass seed, wheat, vegetables, peas and hazelnuts. Originally from Denmark, she immigrated to the U.S. at age 15, later meeting her husband, Bruce, while on an exchange program in New Zealand. In addition to serving as CFO of their farming operation, she is deeply involved in ag advocacy and economic development, working through organizations such as Oregon AgriWomen, AgLaunch and SEDCOR to strengthen regional agriculture through supplier and industry partnerships.

The 2026 Women in Agriculture Award is sponsored by Pro Farmer.

All finalists and award winners will be recognized on stage for their excellence in the business of farming at the 2026 Top Producer Summit, where the nation’s best producers gather to advance leadership, management, technology adoption and succession planning in agriculture. Learn more about Top Producer Summit and Top Producer of the Year awards at tpsummit.com.

Old Ranching Heritage Meets New Tech

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 16:30:46 GMT

In Kingsville, Texas, near the Mexico border, the only thing thicker than the accents is the ranching culture.

Natives call it the birthplace of American ranching.

“This is where European immigrants from Scotland, England and Ireland combined with a lot of the native peoples and the Spanish-descended settlers,” says James Clement.

Kingsville is his home, and he knows that heritage well.

“This is where the Catholic mission system and the Western European farming systems collided to create what is known as ranching,” he says.

Much of today’s ranching terminology and practices originated in this South Texas region, and Clement is quick to note that the tradition endures.

“You still see a lot of commitment by the people that own land in this part of the world to maintain large-scale ranches,” he says. “We call this region the last great habitat.”

With his well-worn and scuffed cowboy hat, Clement not only has ranching culture in his heart, it flows through his veins.

At the King Ranch Museum in downtown Kingsville, Clement traces his family’s lineage on a massive, framed portrait that hangs above a stone fireplace. Capt. Richard King and his wife, Henrietta, were Clement’s triple-great-grandparents. His family has all matriculated from the famed King Ranch, a major corporation of modern ranching that has expanded to include farming, luxury retail, recreational hunting and more.

Land of His Own

Though Clement maintains ties to King Ranch, he also now manages his own operation, Bloody Buckets Cattle Co., a ranch deeply steeped in family tradition.

“Our Clement family has been in American military service since the War of 1812, beginning with Sgt. Maj. Kay Clement and his son, Gen. John Clement,” he says. “Four of those generations (from 1812 to 1945), served in the 28^th Division of Pennsylvania.”

During World War II, Clement’s grandfather, Capt. James “Jim” Clement, fought with the division dubbed the Bloody Buckets Division by German forces due to its red keystone insignia

“My grandfather wore the bloody buckets patch on his left shoulder, and we still brand our cattle on the left hip with a brand that is modeled after that patch,” he says.

Bloody Buckets Cattle Co. uses King Ranch American Red genetics. All wear the Bloody Buckets brand on their left hip to pay homage to the ranch’s founder and the family’s military service record.

(Angie Stump Denton)

His grandfather, wounded in France, returned to South Texas as the recipient of a Purple Heart Medal and began a long career with King Ranch, ultimately serving as CEO from 1974 to 1988.

While living in South Texas, he founded Los Hermanos Ranch in 1967, which Clement now operates under the Bloody Buckets Cattle Co. brand. In the 1970s, his father, James “Jamey” Clement Jr., and his uncle, Martin “Martín” Clement II, assumed ownership and day-to-day responsibilities for Los Hermanos. Together, all three men shaped the ranch’s history while each spent his full-time career working for King Ranch.

Clement and his family have been exposed to 400 years of ranching in three operations. Clement’s mother came from the historic Beggs Cattle Company, established in 1876. They, along with their partners, have put that knowledge together and found a way to manage their land and cattle.

“We used the lessons learned from Beggs, King, the experience of our partners and the King Ranch Institute of paying attention to the land, natural resources and wildlife,” he says.

“As we were continuing to grow our operation, we were seeing that we were surviving droughts better, our wildlife quality and quantity was increasing, our water retention was improving and our business lines were growing,” he adds.

A New Approach

Now supporting those heritage practices on-ranch is a host of ag tech advancements. Certainly, they were not seen on his grandfather’s ranch, but Clement knows they are the way of the future, making practices more efficient and easier to accomplish with less labor and fewer man-hours.

He uses Ranchbot Monitoring Systems to keep an eye on his watering systems. Frontiers Market Artificial Intelligence gathers animal health data. On-vehicle cameras are helping to map his land and resources through Enriched Ag.

But his greatest passion lies below the surface in soil carbon capture, so much so that he works as senior vice president and general manager of grass and rangeland for EarthOptics , a company that uses the study of soil biology to predict agronomic outcomes and measure soil carbon. In the role, he helps landowners measure and monetize soil carbon through data-driven insights.

For Clement, it’s a business model that he likens to one he knows well.

“Using an oil and gas analogy, EarthOptics is the drilling company; other people sell the crude (soil carbon in this sense), but we find it.” he says. “What we’re trying to do is help people make more efficient decisions on their land, reduce cost and then potentially also look at additional cash flow streams through the sale of carbon credits.”

Clement calls himself “bullish on carbon” for one particular reason.

“This is really the first opportunity in ranching — first of the growing ecosystem markets — where large companies are paying people to make good stewardship decisions,” he says. “Historically, how did you judge other ranches against each other? Who was selling the most cattle for the most money, selling the most expensive hunts or had the most pump jacks? Now we can pay for taking care of the land and making long-term decisions.”

EarthOptics not only finds a way to quantify and qualify good land and soil stewardship, they validate the data in such a way that farmers and ranchers can capitalize on them.

“We’re at the crossroads of the industry,” Clement says. “EarthOptics is not selling the credits. We’re just advising the ranchers on how to partake in these markets and then also making the introductions and building the industry.”

In November, Bloody Buckets Cattle Company hosted the final 2025 stop in the Trust In Beef Sustainable Ranchers Tour. Owner James Clement III used the event to share the importance his operation places on heritage land stewardship and ag tech advancements for profitability.

(Trust In Beef)

New Land Equals an Accelerated Approach

Clement is broadening the scope of Bloody Buckets Cattle Co., buying additional land and leasing land with his partners, “Poncho” Ortega Sr. and “Poncho” Ortega Jr. They are currently ranching on six ranches in four different South Texas counties. Acquiring new ranches and leases means the work on some of the new land is just beginning.

“On the west side, we acquired some ranches in the last 20 years that had previously been farmed,” he says. “We spend most of our time and resources in the pastures with the worst conditions to build back soil health.”

By applying the same technology he’s helped develop and test elsewhere, Clement is accelerating the restoration process. Their ranching operation has become a testing ground for many of the new ag tech companies in the industry, seeing if these concepts can work in rough country and be beneficial to the operation.

“We’re on a mission to get each of these newer owned or leased properties back in better shape,” he says. “As we expand, we want to make sure that acre is productive.”

Trust In Beef™ works to secure the future of American ranching by providing the information ranchers need to make the decisions that impact the resiliency, profitability and resource management of their working lands. Learn more about Trust In Beef and their Sustainable Ranchers Tour by visiting www.trustinbeef.com

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First-Gen Farmers Unlock New Perspectives With Regenerative Grazing

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 12:03:18 GMT

When Mike and Amanda Butterfield purchased their Pennsylvania farmland, they saw more than just a beautiful patchwork of rolling fields. They saw a new beginning — and a way to raise cattle differently.

The Butterfields wanted to trade the dairy life for a new mission: raising beef cattle while restoring the soil and serving their community.

“We purchased a farm in 2017 and honestly, the property was beautiful,” says Amanda Butterfield. “It was the right price, it was the right place, it was the right timing—and it was a time for us to convert from dairy into something a little less labor-intensive.”

Now they call themselves “reformed dairy farmers.”

Discovering Purpose Through Land Management

The transition wasn’t solely about profit. Their experience working with dairy cattle inspired a deep attention to, and passion for, animal health.

“I think that’s kind of our superpower,” Amanda says. “Since we were dairy farmers, we’re really good at animal husbandry, spending time with our cattle and noticing things to increase longevity.”

Amanda Butterfield is a passionate first-generation farmer managing a sustainable beef cattle operation focused on land stewardship and biodiversity. She is also an advocate for food security and the future of agriculture.

(Joelle Orem)

For Mike, the transition allowed them to have more to show for the dollars and hard work they were putting in.

“When we decided to quit milking, we wanted to stop renting from other people, put our money to work for us, and build something that would be ours—something that would build equity,” he says.

“We decided it was not going to be a dairy.”

Through collaboration with USDA–NRCS , Maple Valley Cattle Company found the opportunity to reorient themselves as land managers as well as animal caretakers. Amanda describes her perspective shift as becoming “grass producers, not beef producers.”

Turning Rough Ground into Rich Pasture

Grazing cattle on what Mike describes as “lower-quality and quite rough” ground required grit, flexibility and patience.

“Instead of having bare soil with corn and soybeans, getting the grass on it and having it year-round makes way more sense,” he explains. “We could take poorer-quality land and make it more profitable with animals than just with row crops.”

In fall 2017, when Mike and Amanda Butterfield purchased the farm, the pastures were overgrazed.

(Amanda Butterfield)

The family’s collaborative approach sets them apart.

“We had never grazed before,” Amanda shares. “We were learning that we’re more grass producers than beef producers. If you take care of the land, the soil and everything else, then the beef comes naturally after that.”

Mike and Amanda’s daughter, Evelyn, is a next-generation contributor to the farm and takes her job seriously. Duties are divided among the family, with each person contributing in unique ways.

“During the summer, I usually help move the cows whenever we have to work them,” she says. “I have my own horses that I rotationally graze as well, and I take care of them. I just really do whatever I can to help on the farm.”

Cattle are rotationally grazed along the hillside of Maple Valley Cattle Company

(Joelle Orem)

The Butterfields are innovators. Amanda describes their approach as fairly low-tech.

“Since we are first-generation farmers, we didn’t want to invest in too much. We don’t own a lot of equipment or anything that depreciates,” Amanda shares.

Still, they adopt new tools when it supports their goals—from better grazing records to experimenting with drones for field spraying.

Partnerships have been key to the transformation of Maple Valley Cattle Company. Amanda highlights several that have been crucial: “NRCS and the resources they have, and other organizations like PASA and Shroud Water Center.” The Butterfields also lean on local agronomists and other producers for support and guidance.

They are driven to increase not just their farm’s productivity, but also its biodiversity.

“One of the projects I’m working on is changing some of the wildlife areas — adding more wildflowers, trees, and shaded spots,” Amanda says.

These small changes add up.

“Even in just seven years, we’ve seen an increase in bobolinks, which are birds that nest in grazing areas,” she adds.

The family has also seen more honeybees and monarch butterflies on their property.

Observation-Guided Grazing

Maple Valley Cattle Company recently welcomed attendees of the Trust In Beef Sustainable Ranchers Tour for a firsthand look at its cattle operation and management practices. During the tour, Noble Research Institute’s Josh Gaskamp evaluated pasture soil and applauded the Butterfield’s approach.

Gaskamp says the Butterfields are a strong example of adaptive, rather than prescriptive, grazing.

“Instead of following a set schedule for moving cattle, they look at their forages and say, ‘Okay, now it’s time to move them,’” he explains. “They’re increasing stock density, which allows them to utilize a larger proportion of the forage species and grow more forage per acre.”

Noble Research Institute’s Josh Gaskamp evaluates pasture soil at Maple Valley Cattle Company during the Trust In Beef Sustainable Ranchers Tour in September, 2025.

(Joelle Orem)

Adapting and Moving Forward

No season is predictable.

“Last year was a complete disaster,” Mike reflects. “We had a devastating drought. We fed hay ten months out of twelve—the weeds got ahead of the grass, and now our pastures are really weedy.”

For the Butterfields, adaptation is constant.

Mike Butterfield uses temporary fencing and a water tub as part of an NRCS-assisted grazing system with 17 hydrants from a main well, boosting forage efficiency and biodiversity while reducing waste.

(Joelle Orem)

“We’re always changing things to make sure that every year becomes more efficient, easier on the cattle—which means easier on us,” Amanda explains.

Tough decisions, like investing in new barn housing or tackling weed problems, are faced as a family, with an eye on the long game.

“Hopefully, if it’s been 20 years and I can’t do it anymore, it’ll be better than when I started — but that’s going to be a long-term process,” Mike adds.

Cultivating the Next Generation

Evelyn’s passion for agriculture extends beyond the property lines. Her work on the farm isn’t just chores—it’s a launching pad for community impact and advocacy.

“My mom has always loved gardening, and she’s gotten me into it too,” Evelyn says. “For the last couple of years, we’ve been growing produce to donate to the Somerset County Mobile Food Bank. It makes me feel really great that we’re helping the community and using our ability as farmers to help people.”

Mike and Amanda’s daughter, Evelyn, is a next-generation contributor to the farm

(Joelle Orem)

She is carving a path through agricultural leadership and advocacy.

“I want to introduce not only young people, but especially girls, to agriculture, because I think that’s a big issue,” Evelyn shares.

Serving their local community is woven into the Butterfields’ routine. Amanda is proud to support programs like Beefing Up for Backpacks , a program she co-founded with the Pennsylvania Beef Foundation and Nichole Hockenberry.

“It’s very important to me to see kids who are hungry get food. It’s very impactful to see this happening, and everyone’s excited about the project and donations that are coming in.”

The Rewards of Stewardship

Mike knows there’s still much work ahead.

“Putting the barn up and building a fence are short projects, but improving the land is our long-term goal,” he says.

Evelyn treasures seeing their progress. “When I get home from school and I just step outside and look around—that’s very rewarding.”

For the Butterfields, this different path has been worth taking and serves as a testament to other producers seeking to pivot.

Trust In Beef works to secure the future of American ranching by providing the information ranchers need to make the decisions that impact the resiliency, profitability and resource management of their working lands. Learn more about Trust In Beef and their Sustainable Ranchers Tour by visiting www.trustinbeef.com

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Making Every Acre Pull Double Duty

The Power of a Decision

Next Generation Teamwork: Team USA Blue and Red Dominate World Competition

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 14:30:20 GMT

“The cattle industry is not only about genetics or performance but about people who care deeply about preserving tradition, improving beef cattle and helping one another succeed,” explains Tar Tut, from Bells, Texas.

Tut was one of 44 young cattle producers from around the world who competed in the Young Breeders Competition, hosted in conjunction with the World Hereford Conference (WHC), hosted in Kansas City, Mo., Oct. 19-25.

“There are moments in life that are hard to put into words, and representing Team USA Red at the 2025 World Hereford Conference is one of them,” Tut says. “I have been part of plenty of shows, contests and events over the years, but nothing compared to standing shoulder to shoulder with breeders from across the globe, all connected by one shared passion for Hereford cattle.”

Much of the YBC was hosted at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan., before traveling to Kansas City for the WHC and remaining competition, which concluded with a team fitting and showmanship contest at the American Royal.

“Getting to meet the different teams from the around the world was without question one biggest highlights of the whole competition,” says Jacob Johnson, a member of the USA Blue Team from Ruth, Miss. “They were incredible people to get to know.”

Grand Champion Individual: Jacob Johnson, Ruth, Miss., from Team USA Blue, and Reserve Grand Champion Individual: Dylan Kottkamp, Clayton, Ind., from Team USA Red.

(American Hereford Assn.)

Johnson earned the grand champion individual title.

Fellow Blue Team member Trevor Johson from Centerville, S.D., add:, “The competition was a world-class event, and though it was challenging and intense, it was so rewarding to compete amongst the globe’s most talented young Hereford enthusiasts. The contest was also incredibly thought-provoking and stimulating. This exposure provided me better insight to global production practices, what drives value in the beef supply chain around the world and how we as the next generation of Hereford breeders may work together to ensure our breed and our industry’s future.”

Participating countries select their YBC teams, which are comprised of four members, ages 18 to 26. This year’s competition features 11 teams from seven countries, including two from the U.S.

“Competing in the Young Breeders Contest during the World Hereford Conference was absolutely an eye-opening experience for me,” says Logan Topp, a member of the USA Blue Team from Grace City, N.D. “To be able to connect with breeders from across the world, compete against some of the most progressive cattlemen my age and learn along the way was an absolute blessing. The competition was challenging to say the least, but to see the amount of skill and knowledge presented across the board no matter the country really makes me feel good about the next generation of Hereford breeders. They are truly some of the most forward-thinking people I have ever met.”

Team Blue was named grand champion team. Pictured (l to r) are Logan Topp, Grace City, N.D.; Blake Bruns, North Platte, Neb.; Jacob Johnson, Ruth, Miss.; and Trevor Johnson, Centerville, S.D.

(Topp Herefords)

As the scores were tallied, the two teams from the U.S. took the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion honors.

“There’s no words to truly describe the honor of competing on a young breeders team and just the feeling of being surrounded by elite breeders from across the world,” says Ralston Braden, a member of the USA Red Team from Kearney, Neb. “It was wonderful to learn how young breeders from across the globe are selecting genetics, running cattle from a herd health management and marketing standpoint, and how they are progressing our breed in the beef industry as a whole.”

Reserve Grand Champion Team: Team USA — Red with team members JW Cox, Flemingsburg, Ky.; Tar Tut, Bells, Texas, Dylan Kottkamp, Clayton, Ind.; and Ralston Braden, Kearney, Neb.;

(American Hereford Assn.)

The Contest

“Growing up competing in a variety of different competitive youth events, I have been challenged in many different ways, but the Young Breeders Competition took that to a whole new level of toughness and challenge for all the contests we participated in,” says Blake Bruns, a member of the USA Blue Team from North Platte, Neb.

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The competition included six sections.

Industry Practicums and Hereford Bowl: This module included three parts — Herd Health and Animal Handling, Cattle Scoring Practicum and Nutrition Challenge, plus the results of the Hereford Bowl (quiz bowl).
Meat Animal Evaluation
Livestock Judging Competition
Communications Challenge: Teams were asked to work together on a presentation about Hereford genetics and the beef industry
Team Fitting Contest
Showmanship Contest

“Each competition tested a different skill set, from technical knowledge and reasoning ability to teamwork, composure and attention to detail,” explains Tut, who was a member of the USA Red Team.

“One of the contests we had to do was a communication challenge, where we had to describe four bulls and tell how they would be used in operations within our respective counties,” Johnson adds. “It was awesome getting to listen to the different teams and how they would utilize the bulls within their counties.”

Tuesday evening the participants enjoyed a visit to Springhill Herefords, Blue Rapids, Kan.

(American Hereford Assn.)

Much More than Banners and Buckles

“I believe we quickly learned just how important it was to be able to network and talk with all the producers and young breeders from across the world. I confidently would say that was by far the most rewarding part of the whole trip,” says Dylan Kottkamp, a member of the USA red team from Clayton, Ind. “Other than Canada, the way we raise cattle in America is night and day compared to many places across the globe. Learning and seeing how other countries operate, what they have to breed for, and why their cattle look the way they do created many educational conversations and grew an appreciation amongst everyone as a whole. It was a lot of fun to compare and grow together as producers.”

Kottkamp won the showmanship division as was reserve overall individual in the competition.

“Getting to tour operations and visit with people from the U.S. as well as all across the globe was an experience second to none,” says JW Cox, a member of the USA Red Team from Flemingsburg, Ky. “I am extremely grateful for this opportunity to compete, learn and connect.”

“I came home with a full heart, lifelong friendships and a deeper appreciation for what it means to be part of the Hereford family,” Tut says. “The Young Breeders Competition was not just a contest; it was a reminder of why we do what we do and who we get to do it with. This experience reignited my passion for the Hereford breed and the people behind it. I left feeling proud, humbled and more motivated than ever to keep growing both as a cattleman and as a person.”

There's No Tired Like State Fair Tired

Wed, 13 Aug 2025 14:58:47 GMT

You don’t know tired until you know end-of-state-fair tired. I’m on day 1,247 of the state fair or so it feels today. I’m not sure what day of the week it is or what’s happening in the next hour. I know I showered today, but it probably wasn’t obvious as I was instantly covered in dirt, sweat and who knows what within my first hour in the barn.

I realize I am not the only one who feels this way as I’m greeted by fellow show parents suffering from the same affliction. We knowingly nod and putter on, cleaning pens, tidying up our tack areas and adding more ice to the cooler.

Sadly, state fair mini donuts and coffee aren’t enough to wake us from the state fair stupor.

But goodness, it’s a good kind of tired. It’s the kind of tired that reminds me there is nothing better than working hard for something and knowing you gave it your best.

It’s the kind of tired knowing that this week you anticipate all year is coming to an end, requiring you to move on to the next thing. But truth be told, you just want time to stand still for a few minutes so you can soak it all in through those tired eyes.

Because these are the moments we live for as show parents.

The fierce determination on her face as she takes her first sheep into the show ring at the state fair.

(Cindy’s Livestock Photos)
The conversations and coaching on the way to the show ring.

(Jennifer Shike)
The laughter of kids united by a common passion, kids who see the world through a different lens than others.

(Jennifer Shike)

The friend who always steps in to help without being asked.

(Jennifer Shike)

The smile she can’t contain as she shakes the judge’s hand.

(BROOKLYNN SALO/Cindy’s Livestock Photos)
The connection between kids and animals that reminds you there are some places in your heart that humans can’t fill.

(Jennifer Shike)

We live a lot of life in these show barns. Some of it’s fun to talk about and some of it’s not. But in the good times and in the tough times, we grow and we learn. We find out how to understand others better and we realize this world isn’t all about us. We get humbled, we get praised, we get hurt, we get redeemed, and we gain perspective.

These tired eyes aren’t just for lack of sleep during state fair week, but rather for a lot of life lived.

Parents aren’t the only tired ones!

(Jennifer Shike)

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The Two Worst Words a Farm Kid Can Say

Wed, 30 Jul 2025 14:18:10 GMT

Growing up on a farm is a unique experience that shapes vocabulary, attitude and lifestyle in countless ways. When you grow up on a farm, certain phrases become ingrained in your vocabulary, like “feed the calves” or “fix the fence” or “mow the grass,” but one phrase, in particular, is notably absent: “I’m bored.” In fact, these two little words should never escape the lips of a farm kid. On a farm, “boredom” is akin to a curse word, a concept almost as foreign as a cow that milks itself.

If, by some rare chance, a farm kid proclaims boredom, rest assured the farmer will always have a response, usually in the form of work. From fixing fences to milking cows, the endless list of tasks ensures there’s always something to occupy one’s time. Growing up, the idea of being bored was so unfathomable that even as a mere whisper, it would trigger an avalanche of chores.

I remember telling my mother, I was bored, could I go to the mall. My father overheard and said that rocks needed picked from the cattle corral.

In a world where other children would spend summer days at the mall or at a pool or watching television, farm kids are busy hauling manure, feeding calves, mowing grass, vaccinating cows, baling hay, getting their prize show animals ready for the fair and other tasks under the summer sun. During my own childhood, these activities kept me so occupied the notion of boredom seemed laughable.

The sheer sense of community and responsibility that arises from sharing in the farm work creates a mindset where leisure activities, such as trips to the movies or the mall, are rare and treasured luxuries.

Farm life might not be Instagram-worthy at times, but it certainly prepares children for the real world, as they learn resilience and a strong work ethic from an early age. If your own farm kids have ever echoed this curse word, how did you respond? Maybe you directed them toward the nearest trough that required cleaning or farm equipment to be washed.

Farm life is as much about character-building as it is about growing crops or raising livestock. It teaches adaptability and instills a sense of fulfillment born from hard work. The next time “I’m bored” is uttered, take it as an invitation to instill these valuable lessons, ensuring future generations uphold the traditions that make farm life so unique.

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It's Not About You: A Different Approach to Advocating for the Beef Industry

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 19:02:36 GMT

Coming from outside of agriculture offers Colorado rancher Cassidy Johnston a unique perspective of the beef industry and how ranchers can better interact with the general public to curb misinformation about raising cattle.

“I believe we can be a lot more impactful with how we communicate in agriculture,” she says.

As an outsider who has been fully immersed in the beef industry for the past 15 years, Johnston bridges the gap between the ranch and the table and encourages others to do the same.

“We often do not explain ourselves very well or at all,” she observes having been an outsider. “And a lot of the training or conversations about how we communicate, I don’t think is super effective.”

Johnston shares some tough love with the ranching community because she loves the industry and wants it to do better.

Johnston consults for ag tech companies about the basics of the American beef industry, how to communicate with their consumers and how to hire sales teams to communicate with ranchers. In addition, she her husband, Bert, have plans to launch a ranch management consulting business.

(Provided by Cassidy Johnston)

City Gone Country

Growing up in the suburbs of Denver, Johnston’s only ties to agriculture as a child were going to her godmother’s neighbor’s ranch in Aspen to ride horses. She was going to school in Boulder pursuing a degree in environmental studies when a business research development project led her to the National Western Stock Show and inspired her to think about ranching.

“We were doing an economic impact survey about the Stock Show on Denver and the surrounding area,” Johnston says. “While I was there, there were horses, and I wondered if there was an honor thesis topic that would allow me to be around horses. I decided on ranching.”

That led her to the Agricultural Research, Development and Education Center (ARDEC) at Colorado State University. She also spent a summer working as a ranch hand and beginning to experience firsthand what it was like to take care of cattle and land. She also met her husband, Bert. The couple has worked for both commercial and seedstock operations, including the Silver Spur and Sitz Angus.

Today, they continue ranching and raising three boys on Stirrup Ranch, a large cow-calf operation outside Canon City, where Bert is the manager. Johnston also spends her time advocating for the beef industry through speaking, consulting and social media engagement.

Johnston is raising the next generation. Her boys are experiencing ranch life first hand.

(Provided by Cassidy Johnston)

“I try to help people understand where their hands are most useful and where they can be the most helpful without having to do what everyone else is doing,” she says.

Johnston admits she notices problems, yet it’s more important to her to find solutions because “no one is coming to save us.”

“We really like to center ourselves in agriculture and make ourselves the heroes of our own story,” she says. “We are selling something, whether it’s actual food that we grow, or it’s our business. We want people to like us. We want people to trust us, and we don’t do that when all we do is talk about ourselves.”

Building Relationships

She encourages ranchers to consider the spheres of influence they already have.

“Who do you come into contact with? Where is your impact?” she asks. “For some people, they could be super involved in their local cattlemen group. If you’re involved, it’s your job to make sure to outreach and recruit younger members.”

While some may enjoy engaging with consumers online or giving tours, others would prefer to use their experience and capital to help younger families get started. There are a lot of different ways to impact the industry.

“People don’t know what they don’t know; they are having to wade through an enormous quantity of misinformation on the internet,” Johnston says. She suggests getting curious about what consumers know, ask them questions and start building relationships. It becomes easier to share about agriculture and ranching once you have built rapport.

(Provided by Cassidy Johnston)

“I want ranchers to feel empowered to do what they do best,” she says. “People should ask themselves, ‘what are my gifts? where do my hands go and what is one way that I can help?’”

She points out not everyone is going to want interns on their ranch, but maybe they are going to be active on Capitol Hill. Some might hate public speaking, but enjoy organizing events, working in the background or fundraising. Others could be involved in local cattlemen’s groups and end up serving at the state level.

“Everybody’s different, but I think people assume that other people are going to step up,” she says. “No one else is coming to save us so we don’t have an option to not be involved somehow.”

Johnston’s passion for the industry fuels her choice to be involved.

“I get a lot of grief for being a first-generation producer,” Johnston says. “Even though I don’t own anything, I choose this. I don’t have to do this. I have no family operation. Neither does my husband. We choose it every day. We choose to live here and do what we do.”

Johnston also appeared on the Top Producer podcast to visit more about her beef industry experience, looking at the quality in the industry, trends she sees, and the challenges of working on a large cattle operation.

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Here’s What Hofschulte Genetics Did When Facebook Shut Down Their Business Page

Wed, 18 Jun 2025 15:11:07 GMT

In 2019, Facebook unexpectedly shut down Hofschulte Genetics’ business page. In one second, years of audience-building and customer relationships were lost for Chris and Kaitlyn Hofschulte, showpig breeders in Miami, Okla.

“We soon realized we weren’t alone,” Kaitlyn Hofschulte says. “Breeders and farmers across the country were being censored or losing access to their communities due to Facebook’s policies prohibiting the sale of animals, especially live ones, on Marketplace and business pages.”

(Provided by Chris and Kaitlyn Hofschulte)

Instead of giving up on the idea of building community and increasing the reach of their business on a social platform, the Hofschultes developed an ag-friendly alternative app, StockLink, that lets producers sell livestock and genetics without fear of pages or posts being removed.

“The livestock industry needs an app like StockLink because we do not have a social media platform that is safe to market our livestock and products,” she says. “Most platforms are anti-ag and do not want to see us succeed – making it against their rules for us to speak freely on selling livestock and any animal product.”

StockLink will be available in Apple and Google stores mid/late July.

(StockLink)

During The Exposition in Indianapolis on June 9-12, the Hofschultes launched a preview of StockLink for the show pig industry.

“The response was unbelievable at the Exposition,” Hofschulte says. “We had tons of people and businesses reaching out to us asking how they could be one of the first to access the app.”

StockLink will be available in Apple and Google stores mid/late July. While general users of StockLink can browse, buy and connect for free, if you are a breeder, ranch/farm, ag business, etc., Hofschulte says you’ll be able to download and upgrade to a StockLink Pro account for $21.99/a month.

“With the pro account you will be able to have a visible business profile that you can customize, create general and marketplace posts and connect with potential customers,” Hofschulte explains. “If you’re a buyer or interested in the industry you will have a free general account that is hidden that lets you follow businesses, favorite posts to go back to see later, publicly comment and like, and message.”

StockLink is for everyone who is interested in cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and other businesses that help make the stock show industry what it is today, Hofschulte adds.

“This is an app designed for livestock producers, by livestock producers,” she says. “Let’s get away from anti-ag platforms that do not want us to succeed and switch to an app that will link our livestock industry together.”

Your Next Read: Show Pig Exhibitors: Future Talent the U.S. Pork Industry Needs

1,500-lb. Carcasses the New Normal, Not the Exception

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 17:01:26 GMT

Today the entire beef industry — from producers to processors — is economically incentivized to produce heavier animals. Ty Lawrence, West Texas A&M University animal science professor and director of the BCRC, predicts that carcass weights will continue to increase, potentially reaching 1,500 lb. in the near future.

Lawrence was a keynote speaker during the 2025 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Symposium in Amarillo last week. He says the industry has already seen harvests of cattle approaching that weight, with some producers currently feeding cattle up to 2,300 lb.

“We can feed cattle today to much bigger weights and be more profitable than you’ve ever considered,” Lawrence says.

BIF attendee and Kansas beef producer Joe Epperly from Wamego, Kan., summarizes, “The most hard-hitting comment at BIF was Lawrence’s 1,500-lb. carcass prediction by the end of his career. The implications of that to genetic selection, cost of production and cow size are far ranging. It will be a challenge for producers in every segment to meet.”

More than 400 beef producers, breed association leaders and industry professionals participated in two and a half days of educational programming focused on beef industry profitability and sustainability.

Tuesday, June 10, the event kicked off with the Young Producer Symposium. Wednesday’s general session focused on “Beef Industry Profitability: Conflicting market signals and profit drivers in the beef value chain.” Thursday’s general session theme was “Sustainability: Improving our product through selection, applications of technology and data integration.”

Wednesday and Thursday afternoon technical breakout sessions focused on a range of beef-production and genetic-improvement topics.

Bradley Wolter, a symposium attendee from Aviston, Ill., says, “Larger carcasses will be a critical part of bridging the supply gap in the near term. Identifying genetic association with late-term mortality and morbidity requires further research and coordination on the part of breeding entities.”

He says the chasm remains between exponentially larger finished carcasses that optimize fixed packer costs verses a target of smaller cows for biological optimum on the ranch.

“More collaborative, holistic data analysis with integrated research is needed to avoid industry sub-optimization and ensure competitiveness on the world stage,” Wolter summarizes.

Scott Greiner, Virginia Tech professor and Extension animal scientist, agrees with Epperly and Walter saying the message that resonated with many in attendance was the continued emphasis on increasing carcass weights by the feedlot and packing sectors, and the impact it will have at the cow-calf sector as it relates to cow size and production costs.

“This trend is not new, but I think the way things were conveyed by several speakers in terms of the economics and market signals, sure seems like bigger is what will continue to be a primary emphasis,” Greiner says.

Ken Odde, 2025/26 BIF vice president from South Dakota, says: “Two of the real questions about feeding cattle this long [to 1500-lb carcass weight] is what happens to the carcass traits as you do that? What happens to feed efficiency?”

One of the sessions that stood out to Odde during the symposium was a presentation on a project at South Dakota State University in the Advancements in End Product Improvement breakout session — “Extended days on feed: Influences on growth performance, efficiency and carcass characteristics of steers and heifers of different proportions of Angus and Limousin genetics.”

Is the U.S. Behind?

“From conversations in the hallway, I learned that the U.S. beef industry is behind on methane research, and if we are going to compete in the global marketplace, we need to get a move on,” Epperly says. “Australian Angus will release a methane research EPD in 2025, and we have barely enough data in the U.S. to see differences. That Australian data includes a lot of American bulls, so we will have data whether some American breeders like it or not. The optics for some are unfavorable, but whatever we can do to keep the doors open for our product the better off we will be.”

Likewise, symposium speakers referenced the Brazilian beef industry and how it is poised for continued success and rapid growth given its bountiful resources, not the least of which is its people.

“You see it not only in its scaled adoption of AI, but through the numerous young geneticists who make up the audience,” Walter says. “The U.S. industry needs to continue to invest in its genetic improvement through both public and private partnerships to maintain a position of world leadership.”

Young Producer Focus

“The Young Producer Symposium opened with a message about ‘Standing on the shoulders of giants,’” says Elizabeth Dressler, a graduate student who attended the symposium. “This resonated with me as I thought about all the research and progress the beef industry has made over the years. I thought it was a great way to open the conference by paying respect to the work that has been done in the past, as we look into the future the rest of the conference.”

Wolter adds there’s an excitement among young people in the beef industry.

“These young leaders are creatively engaged with our consumers unlike the previous generation,” he says. “I believe that will only create more demand and opportunities for an industry despite some questions and uncertainties with how cattle interact with their environment.”

5 Steps to Successful Transition Planning

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 14:43:50 GMT

“It is not fun thinking about dying,” explains Tiffany Lashmet, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension ag law specialist. “It is not fun having to make these decisions. Nobody wants to hire a lawyer. But we do this because we want to keep adding generations on our shoulders.”

Lashmet was a featured speaker during the 2025 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Symposium June 10 in Amarillo, Texas.

“If you are 18 years or older, you need to be thinking about an estate plan,” she stressed to attendees during the young producer symposium.

Her presentation focused on the critical importance of estate and succession planning for agricultural operations. She emphasized the process is crucial for everyone 18 and older, regardless of their current assets or family situation.

She shared five key steps to successful transition planning:

Create a “Flight Plan”
This is a comprehensive folder containing essential information someone would need if you were to pass away.
It should include details about:
- Financial accounts and investments
- Insurance policies
- Bank account information
- Debt and payment schedules
- Legal documents
- Asset lists
- Business contracts
- Contact information for key professionals
Determine Your Goals
This step involves having open, honest family conversations about the future of the farm or ranch.
Key considerations include:
- Each family member’s desires
- How to divide assets fairly
- Potential conflicts between heirs
- The financial viability of supporting multiple families
- Potential long-term care and Medicaid needs
Develop a Business Succession Plan
- Assess the next generation’s skills
- Create opportunities for younger family members to gain experience
- Consider business structures like LLCs that can facilitate smooth transitions
- Develop a plan for who will manage the day-to-day operations

“If your kids don’t get along now, leaving them the ranch together is not fixing it,” Lashmet points out.
Prepare Essential Legal Documents
She lists four critical documents:
- Will: Specifies how property will be distributed
- Advanced Healthcare Directive: Provides instructions for medical treatment
- Medical Power of Attorney: Designates someone to make medical decisions
- Durable Power of Attorney: Allows someone to make financial decisions
Draft and Implement the Plan
Lashmet recommends producers work with professional legal and financial advisers. She also stresses the importance of reviewing and updating documents annually making sure beneficiary designations are current.

Lashmet shared these alarming statistics: “Only 12% of businesses survive transfer from the first generation to the second. From the second to the third, it’s around 9%. From the third to the fourth, it’s 3%,” she says.

Preserving family legacy and building upon the work of previous generations is why estate planning is so important. By planning carefully, families can ensure their operations continue smoothly across generations and maintain the knowledge, traditions and land that have been cultivated over time.

To learn more about this topic, Lashmet authors a “ Texas Ag Law Blog ” and hosts an “ Ag Law in the Field ” podcast.

Your Next Read: How to Find Peace During Generational Transitions

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 Power of a Mentor: How You Can Inspire the Next Generation

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 17:12:45 GMT

I learned an important lesson early in life – find someone to look up to and help someone find a reason to look up to you. I know this is easier said than done. In theory, it is a great idea. But in reality, how do you put this into practice?

I spend a lot of time thinking about the next generation and ways to connect bright, promising young people to a life-giving future in agriculture. Over the years, a few things have become apparent to me when it comes to building connections between generations.

1. Make the first move.
Who cares if you get a cold shoulder? All too often we fail to make the first move because we let our doubts have more power than they deserve in our lives. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve heard farmers and other agricultural leaders express their desire to have young people reach out to them with questions. People want to be needed. The next generation will be more successful if they are armed with valuable lessons learned by today’s agricultural leaders.

It reminds me of the day I met Angie Denton at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. Admittedly, she tells the story with more drama than I recall. She says, “I was at the pen and carload show taking photos and this firecracker of a college girl came up and said she wanted to be my intern. I’ll never forget the passion and drive in her voice and her sincere desire to want to learn and grow as a livestock communicator.”

This makes me laugh because I was shaking in my boots – literally. But I also knew that if I wanted to intern with Angie, I needed to create a connection. Email wouldn’t do (and no, we didn’t have social media so don’t even joke about that). Most importantly, that quick conversation was a starting point for a lifelong friendship. But in the short term, it helped me land one of the greatest mentoring experiences of my life at the Angus Journal.

Fast forward a couple decades and it was my honor to encourage my mentor to apply for the Drovers editorial position. I’m excited Angie and I have the privilege of working together at Farm Journal as we seek innovative ways to serve America’s cattle and swine producers.

2. Listen more than you speak.
As one of the youngest executive directors of a state swine organization, Seth Mitchell’s path is one that’s turning heads. He is the first person selected for the Pork Industry Immersion Program, a two-year deep dive into organizational leadership in the swine industry. I’ll never forget my husband telling me Seth was one to watch when he was a student at the University of Illinois. I try not to admit this too much, but my husband was right.

Seth Mitchell on the stage at the National Pork Industry Forum.

(Jennifer Shike)

To say I was fascinated with Seth’s journey in the Pork Industry Immersion Program is an understatement. The forward-thinking approach of the industry leaders who helped create this program reminds me why the pork industry is so special. While other agricultural industries are finding it challenging to engage Generation Z, the pork industry has a different story to tell.

“I’m a firm believer that the pork industry’s greatest asset is its people,” Mitchell told me during a recent conversation we had on The PORK Podcas t. “Some of our tremendous leaders in the industry are starting to age out and we need a bench of good folks to come in and fill those potential vacancies coming down the road.”

Seth learned many valuable lessons during the immersion experience, but I couldn’t agree more with the perspective he gained on listening.

“When you understand that producers drive most of what we do as state and national pork organizations, you understand the value of sitting across the table and listening to what they have to say,” he says. “I believe there is more value in listening than speaking in those circumstances. I like to use the adage, ‘be interested, not interesting.’”

3. Feedback is a gift.
My experiences in FFA and 4-H helped me discover the blessing behind constructive guidance. We’ll never be so smart that we can’t benefit from someone else’s viewpoint.

Seth discovered this early and it’s serving him well in his new role as executive director of the Nebraska Pork Producers Association.

“One thing I’ve tried to be cognizant of is welcoming feedback,” he says. “Lean into it. Be curious and ask good questions. There are a lot of things I can’t fix unless someone makes me aware of it, so being receptive to feedback is helpful.”

Oftentimes the best thing we can do is invest in someone else. How will you accept the challenge to mentor the next generation? Don’t forget that it may be equally important to give someone else the opportunity to help you along in your journey. This is an industry that wouldn’t work without people. An investment in people always pays off in the end.

Your next read: In the Foxhole with Army Veteran and Pig Farmer Scott Hays

6 Steps to Successful Farm Transition

Thu, 12 Jun 2025 13:52:41 GMT

Aaron Blackmon, hog farmer and Extension agent from Bladenboro, N.C., advises others considering farm succession, whether with family members or a non-family member, to consider these six points. In 2023, he was able to purchase of a farm from the Singletary family whom he had worked for since he was 16 years old.

Don’t be afraid to have hard conversations.

“I didn’t go into it thinking that I wanted to get the farm,” Blackmon says. “That wasn’t the goal all along, but we started talking about it. It’s almost impossible for somebody that doesn’t inherit land or business to get started, so if it is something you’re interested in you have to talk about it. We could work toward a plan. It took a lot of hard conversations. If both parties can come together – a farm seeker and a person that’s trying to get out of business – to create a plan, I think that’s the best route.”

Farm owners should be willing to share their intentions, too.

“Sometimes people give some of these younger folks seeking a farm a false impression that they’re willing to sell when they really just want farm labor,” Blackmon says. “If you just want somebody to manage your place, be up front and say you’re not interested in selling. Then let them decide if they want to work for you.”

Recognize the value of mentorship in agriculture.

“Mentors are the foundation for the agricultural business,” Isaac says. “In Aaron’s case, he was not exposed to any kind of agricultural activity for two generations, other than just the backyard little farm.”

Working together allowed Blackmon and the Singletarys to get to know each other and build trust.

“We knew Aaron from the time he was 16, which made a great big difference,” Nina says. “He wasn’t somebody off the street who wanted to buy the farm. We knew him. We knew he would work hard and accomplish his goals.”

Create opportunities to gain experience when stakes are lower.

After working for Singletarys for a few years, Blackmon had the chance to manage one of the hog barns himself.

“It was a good entry into making business transactions. People can start acting funny when it comes to money,” Blackmon says. “Having the opportunity to rent land or equipment on a small scale is a good way to start. Isaac paid all the expenses up front, and we just settled in the end. I didn’t get paid until the end because that’s how farming is.”

Understand the time, resources and sweat equity owners put into their farms.

“I know the sacrifices Isaac and Nina made to buy and build that place, the times they went without, trying to stretch $1 just so that they can get to the point they are now,” Blackmon says. “They are secure in their retirement and still have inheritance for the next generation. I can appreciate the hard work they put into the farm.”

Because of the trust they had built through the years, the Singletarys knew Blackmon’s intentions were sincere.

“I’m not going to sell the farm and develop it,” Blackmon says. “They knew I was in it because I loved it, and I love them. They knew that I wouldn’t do anything that would hurt their legacy.”

Be patient.

“It takes time to build trust, and it takes time to have those conversations,” Blackmon says. “You’re not going to hash it all out in one conversation and expect them to sign a contract with you, then everything’s going to be ok.”

Blackmon says to set realistic expectations for making progress.

“We see a lot of people getting into business, and it seems like they go from like 10 acres to 2,000 acres overnight. And it’s just not that simple; it takes time to get there,” he adds. “I’m a very patient person for the most part and feel like things are going to work out the way they are meant to be.”

Prepare for the future now.

At only 29 years old, Blackmon doesn’t have a family or heirs yet, but he is making preparationsto ensure the farm remains viable and is hopeful he’ll be able to pass it down.

“Purchasing the farm is one thing, but there’s a lot of other stuff to think about,” he explains. “There are tax implications, accounts to create, liability and legal aspects to consider, and working with a lawyer who understands what you are trying to accomplish. I’m glad I had that mentorship and hope to be able to do that for somebody else, whether it’s my kids or someone else.”

Your next read: Beyond Bloodlines: How One Farmer Earned His Legacy

NJHA Fed Steer Shootout: Educating the Next Generation about Cattle Feeding and End Product

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 15:37:24 GMT

Providing youth with first-hand knowledge of the commercial cattle feeding industry is the goal of the National Junior Hereford Association (NJHA) Fed Steer Shootout. Started in 2017, the American Hereford Association saw the need to educate youth about the production and commercial side of the beef industry.

Today, working with HRC Feed Yards in Scott City, Kan., participants get a chance to discover how their cattle perform beyond the pasture while gaining a broad knowledge of the cattle feeding and packing industries through a comprehensive educational contest.

(American Hereford Association)

The youth can feed a minimum number of Hereford or Hereford-influenced cattle in the program. Participants receive cattle feeding performance updates throughout the cattle feeding period and individual carcass data after the cattle are harvested. Participants also receive a collective summary of all cattle enrolled in the program to see how their cattle performed relative to the entire group.

Haley Mouser, Tenstrike, Minn., first participated in the shootout in 2018. Today she serves on the NJHA board as vice president and credits her experience participating in the program to opening her eyes to the entire beef industry as well as developing her desire to serve as a NJHA leader.

Mouser says key learning experiences included understanding carcass quality, nutrition and animal health.

“It’s such a unique experience,” says Trevor Johnson, Hereford breeder from Centerville, S.D. “It shows the synergies between every sector and how, as an industry, we can get better about working together.”

Johnson and his brother participated in the Shootout in 2017 and 2018 as junior members. He says the program was a transformative experience that ignited his passion for the cattle feeding industry.

“I would equate it to an animal science class reading out of a textbook versus going and doing a lab. It really brings to light what we all know about EPDs and puts it to the test,” Johnson summarizes.

He is another example of how the feedout program can significantly influence a career path, as demonstrated by his progression from a junior member to participating in two large commercial feedyard internships to his current industry roles.

Today, Johnson helps manage his family’s seedstock, cattle feeding and farming operations. He also serves as a commercial marketing representative for AHA.

Hereford youth can enter a pen of 3 or an individual purebred Hereford or commercial Hereford steer.

(Taylor Belle Matheny, American Hereford Association)

More Than a Contest

Lee Mayo, HRC Feed Yards general manager, says the shootout isn’t just a contest, but a comprehensive learning experience that connects young people with industry professionals. He says he is particularly proud the program offers participants unprecedented access to information.

Driven by a deep commitment to the cattle industry and developing future producers, Mayo says he sees the program as a critical initiative with two primary objectives: advancing the Hereford breed and educating the next generation.

Mayo’s goals of the program are multifaceted:

Develop more viable Hereford genetics
Educate young people about the cattle industry
Provide real-world data for breed improvement
Create opportunities for future industry leaders

Youth can submit performance portfolios from data reports they receive throughout the feeding period and respond to short-answer questions summarizing what they learned throughout the program. The top three contestants, in both the junior and senior divisions, are selected from the submitted portfolios and have the opportunity to compete for the NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Contestant of the Year titles. The selected contestants present a short speech followed by a panel interview about what they learned during the contest and how they can apply this knowledge in the beef industry.

More than 140 individuals attended the 2025 Hereford Fed Steer Shootout Field Day April 11-12 at HRC Feed Yards. The annual field day combines an educational and networking opportunity when participants can see their cattle at the last stage of the feeding period and learn from professionals about the cattle feeding and beef packing sectors.

(Taylor Belle Matheny, American Hereford Association)

Field Day Adds to Education

An annual field day at HRC Feed Yards compounds the educational and networking opportunity when participants can see their cattle at the last stage of the feeding period and learn from professionals about the cattle feeding and beef packing sectors.

“It’s the applicability of what gets learned that makes it an industry leading experience,” Mouser explains.

Mayo says the combination of hands-on experience, cutting-edge knowledge from industry experts and comprehensive data collection makes it, in his words, “a program that’s unparalleled.”

Johnson adds, “It opens your eyes and broadens your horizons to what’s possible and what’s out there. People might be surprised by the alternate career paths they didn’t even know existed.”

Mouser says she remembers Mayo saying at the first NJHA Fed Steer Shootout Field Day, “You can always chase the goal of a yield grade one, quality grade Prime — and that’s never going to change — while what it takes to get a banner is always going to be fluctuating in the industry side of things. A YG 1, Prime carcass is a goal you can always chase. It’s set in stone.”

(Kelsey Vejraska, American Hereford Association)

Not Just a Youth Program

AHA and HRC host the Hereford Feedout Program for adult members. From a breeding perspective, Mayo’s goal is to help Hereford breeders gather comprehensive, real-world data about cattle genetics.

“By learning their herd’s genetic potential and understanding what performance traits cattle feeders and beef packers find the most valuable, producers can build a more effective marketing plan to make sounder marketing decisions year after year,” explains Trey Befort, AHA director of commercial programs. “The value of this information and being closely engaged with the cattle feeding sector has always been important. It is becoming invaluable as more cattle are channeled into specification-based, value-added areas of the supply chain.”

The adult program was added in 2020.

“It is a great opportunity for those who want to learn more about their genetics and industry as a whole and not have to take a huge risk,” Befort says.

Breeders with larger groups of 50 head or more are able to have their own pen at HRC. The adult AHA members are also invited to the field day to see their cattle on feed as well as participate in the educational program.

Combined, 129 seedstock producers, NJHA members and commercial cattlemen from 24 states enrolled 1,341 Hereford and Hereford-influenced steers and heifers in the programs this year.

Befort says the growth of the program is exciting. In 2017, 29 youth from 10 states entered 72 head compared to 96 youth from 24 states entering 281 head this year.

(Taylor Belle Matheny, American Hereford Association)

“We believe in the program. We believe in the education and that more people should know about this,” Mayo summarizes. “Everyone involved in the beef industry has a role in feeding the world. If we can teach breeders and have them take ownership and responsibility for the end product, I am really excited to see the progress of the Hereford breed over the next 50 years.”

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

It's Time To Lead: Strong Succession Won't Happen By Accident

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 18:38:24 GMT

Succession planning isn’t just a checklist item — it’s a defining leadership moment. As a farm or ranch owner, it’s time to stop waiting for the “right moment” and start leading with purpose. You’re not just passing on assets; you’re shaping the future of your operation. That means stepping into the role of leader with clarity, courage and commitment.

First, take a hard look at what kind of leader your farm needs. Are you focused on daily operations or vision and growth? Are you modeling strong financial discipline and decision-making? Are you addressing conflicts head-on and keeping your family aligned? Leadership requires more than technical skill; it demands the courage to tackle tough conversations, whether with partners, successors or family members. Great leaders don’t shy away from discomfort; they lean into it with the goal of building stronger relationships and a more resilient operation.

Communication is foundational. If your team doesn’t know what’s happening, how can they help move forward? Hold regular family meetings, define decision-making roles and ensure everyone understands their responsibilities. Avoiding conflict only leads to confusion. Structured, transparent communication builds trust and keeps succession planning on track. Communication is also how you build buy-in from the people who will carry your operation forward.

Leadership Isn’t Handed Over

Next, you must actively develop your future leaders. Don’t wait until you’re ready to retire to begin mentoring. Give your successors meaningful responsibilities now. Let them learn by managing projects, participating in financial discussions and handling day-to-day operations. Leadership isn’t handed over — it’s earned through real-world experience and demonstrated commitment. Every season serves as an opportunity to develop those skills and test readiness.

Set clear standards for advancement. Define what success looks like: required experience, education and financial knowledge. Make sure successors understand what it takes to lead and hold those leaders accountable. If someone isn’t ready or is unwilling to step up, be honest. Your farm’s legacy deserves strong, prepared leadership.

Succession planning is hard. Many families stall out due to fear, conflict or lack of clarity. But real leaders don’t quit when times get tough, they face challenges head on. If your planning has gone off track, reset. Re-engage your family, bring in outside support if necessary and commit to consistent action.

The future of your farm depends on your leadership today. Will you linger in uncertainty, or will you lead with confidence? Strong succession isn’t going to happen by accident. It’s driven by leaders who are willing to plan boldly, act decisively and invest in their next generation. Your family and your operation are counting on you. Be the leader they need.

Your Next Read — Quiet Crisis, Unfolding Rapidly: Big Questions Remain For Next Gen Farmers

If I Could Turn Back Time: Farmers Open Up About Learning Life Lessons the Hard Way

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 15:54:55 GMT

Time is a great teacher. As we age, lessons are learned, perspective is gained and experience is accumulated that makes us more receptive, understanding and humble. When it comes to farming and agriculture, these industry leaders and livestock producers open up about advice they wish they could give their younger self.

“Make plans but learn to pivot and realize that failure is not the end all, be all. It’s nothing to be afraid of. Failure is the way that you learn, and you just keep going. The only failure is when you stop trying. I think in our younger years, we’re so afraid to fail that we just don’t try. I think especially as young women, we get in there and we’ve always done things the right way. We feel like if we screw up, it’s going to affect everything. That stops us from trying things that are new or scary.” – Jackie Ponder, Indiana pork producer

“One of the things that I’ve learned the hard way, and I wish I had taken a little more time earlier on to practice, is taking the time to appreciate and build personal relationships. I’m a very task-focused individual. For me, once I can get through one step, I’m thinking about how I check the box on the next step. I want to get projects to completion so I can feel that rewarding sensation at the end. If I could talk to my younger self, I’d say slow down a little bit and appreciate all the conversations, especially when it comes to relating to peers, coworkers, family and other people who are important in your life. I probably didn’t fully appreciate that when I was younger, and now looking back, I’ve struggled with certain individuals in my professional career that I wish I could have done over. I learned that if I had taken a little more time to think about what I could learn from others, rather than moving on to the next task of what I needed to accomplish, I think my path would have been a little easier than what I made for myself.” – Josh Maschhoff, Illinois pork producer

“One the first things I would tell my younger self is to surround myself with really good people, listen to them and ask them the right questions. It will save you a lot of mistakes over your life. I’d also tell myself that words do matter. Work on your communication skills to be a strong leader, whether it’s for your family or your business or even the National Pork Board. You’ve got to communicate well so people trust you, they understand you, and they want to work with you. That will take you a long way in life to learn those skills.” – Al Wulfekuhle, Iowa pork producer

“As a 20 year old, don’t be afraid of risk. This is the time when you don’t have a lot of equity built and so go forth and try to live your dreams and to find what you really want to do — be that in agriculture, or be it in something else ... don’t have paralysis by analysis, don’t let someone else diminish your dream because they don’t have the vision that you might have.” – Eric Smith, Alabama beef producer

“You’re going to mess up and it’s going to be okay, and you’re going to learn from that. We’re all in such a hurry to to get to where we think we’re going, and, actually it is the whole process of getting there is when we learn. Some of my biggest lessons were from mistakes that I made. And, and I thank my father for letting me make some of those ... things aren’t going to go perfectly. I mean, whether it’s the weather or the markets or or breeding decision, and that’s okay. That’s all part of the journey. I think if we stay disciplined and learn from our challenges, that’s what makes us better and makes us, you know, pay attention, calm down and and stick to the basics to be able to make things better as we go forward.” – Mark Gardiner, Kansas beef producer

“We all have to make decisions, and whether we’re farming or in the business world, you can make a good decision, but your intentions may be totally wrong. That’s where the importance of a mission, vision and core values come into play. Core values and vision help pull together the intentions around all the decisions that you have to make, whether it’s personal or in the business world. It helps you make sure that you stay true. When I was a youngster, I made a lot of decisions that were a good idea, but I did not have the right intentions about how I was going to treat people, how I was going to take care of the profitability and those sorts of things. I believe that if I would have focused on my mission, vision and core values more as a young person, I would have made better decisions and helped more people through the career that I’ve enjoyed.” – Bob Ruth, Pennsylvania pork producer

“I always thought if you worked really hard, you would be rewarded for your hard work. And I do still believe that that’s true, but I think that was too humble of an approach to my younger self. I believe now, looking back, I needed to be more of my own advocate. Because if I didn’t believe in myself, I don’t know why I expected anyone else to believe in me. Being your own advocate and then with that, making your own way is something I wish I could tell my 20-something self.” – Trish Cook, Iowa pork producer

“For a lot of people, when they’re younger, they tend to think that they’ve got a lot to offer. Quite frankly, one of the biggest mistakes I made is that I always looked to surround myself with people who were like me or agreed with me. There’s a lot of shortcomings I have, and I’ve learned I need to leverage the strengths of others. The last thing that we want to do is look for clones or somebody who’s just like us or thinks just like us. We will be better if we surround ourselves with people who have different viewpoints and different abilities. Had I appreciated that more when I was younger, that would have benefited me so much. I’m not saying I don’t have room for growth yet today, but in hindsight, I wish I would have been more open to people challenging me, rather than thinking that I had the answers. The older I get, the more I realize how little I really know. It took me a while to admit that I don’t have all the answers.” – Dwight Mogler, Iowa pork producer

Your Next Read: Quiet Crisis, Unfolding Rapidly: Big Questions Remain For Next Gen Farmers

Quiet Crisis, Unfolding Rapidly: Big Questions Remain For Next Gen Farmers

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 21:43:13 GMT

Florida fresh produce grower Jim Alderman says one thing is his biggest worry.

“Who is coming behind us? That’s the part that keeps me up at night. It’s not just about growing crops, it also passing down knowledge, discipline and our way of life,” he said during a recent congressional hearing on the aging workforce in agriculture.

Earlier this year, Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) spearheaded a special committee report on America’s Aging Farm Workforce.

Four drivers were highlighted:

Aging demographics
Declining farm numbers
Barriers for new farmers
Regulatory and economic pressures

As a follow up, on June 4, the senate special committee he oversees had a hearing “America’s Vanishing Family Farms.”

“Unfortunately, the farming and agricultural workforce is aging and nearing retirement, and fewer and fewer young people are looking to take over their family’s farms or enter the agriculture industry,” Sen. Scott said. “We face significant challenges to agricultural production, rural community sustainability, and U.S. food security. Here’s why this matters: U.S. food security is national security.”

Recent stats he points to include:

1/3 of farmers and ranchers are over the age of 65
This same group owns more than 40% of U.S. farmland
More than 80% of farmers work a second job
Since 2007, 200,000 farms have disappeared
The 2022 census showed the loss of over 140,000 farms in 5 years. That’s an average of 77 farms per day. 
Since 2007, more than 40 million acres of farmland is now used for commercial, residential or industrial purposes
Farmland prices have increased 7% in three years

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York) is ranking member on the special committee for aging and said, “To encourage younger generation to returning to Farmer we farming, we must invest in our rural communities.”

Witnesses shared testimony highlighting the pain points, overall trends and discussed potential policy solutions.

“As I travel the country and see farms across our great country, I see a lot of gray hair, and while the wisdom of older generations is critical, we must ensure that we make a way for young and beginning farmers to fill our boots,” said Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

What are those policy provisions that could assist with the farm labor issues?

1. The Farm Bill
In his testimony, Duvall shared a getting a farm bill passed by congress is critical to signal stability and predictability in agriculture.

“We need a modernized 5 year farm bill,” he said. “Rising interest rates, higher energy prices, supply costs that have gone unchecked, farmers will plant the most expensive crop ever planted this year, and many have faced a tough decision of whether or not to even plant that crop. This is why the farm bill and its Title One safety net is so critical.”

2. Estate tax provisions

Duvall also highlighted the importance of the estate tax exemption for farmers for transitioning the farm business from one generation to the next. He applauded the House for its consideration of in the One Big Beautiful Bill it recently passed, and encouraged the senate to follow.

3. Farm worker programs, specifically H-2A

“It’s time to modernize our outdated system, and only Congress can meaningfully do that,” Duvall said.

Alderman uses H-2A labor and says reform is a must.

“We are now dependent on H-2A labor from Mexico,” he said. “Without them, we can’t harvest our crops.”

For Alderman in Florida, whereas minimum wage is $12.50/hour, H-2A labor is compensated at $26/hour plus the expense of housing, transportation and visas.

Duvall adds the federal government needs to revisit its wage structure for H-2A labor, citing the wage rates were set by a study done 60 years ago intended to calculate on-farm employment totals, not compensation.

“We’re going to price ourselves out of farming,” he says. Duvall is advocating for an updated program and one that includes year-round provisions for dairy farmers, and other parts of the industry that need full-time labor not just seasonal help.

“How can a young farmer come back to the farm and bring his expertise that he learned in college, expand that farm without having a labor force to do that. It’s one of the biggest limiting factors we have,” Duvall says.

4. Economic stability, risk management and trade.

“The incentive to make a profit isn’t there,” Alderman says. “If the farmer isn’t going to make money, he’s not able to expand his operation.”

Aaron Locker, Managing Director, Kincannon & Reed calls this a quietly unfolding crisis that is rapidly cutting across the agriculture.

“And the consequences for our food supply, our rural communities, and our national security are serious,” he said. “The 1980s farm crisis didn’t just damage balance sheets. It’s changed the interest of being involved in agriculture. That gap is being realized today in board rooms, field office, agronomy teams and more.”

The witnesses answered questions about President Trump’s trade policy and tariffs, with Duvall saying farmers have supported the president’s long-term vision to bring a “level playing field,” but he also says this fall will be a critical time for some progress when farmers are slated to harvest and sell commodities at low prices with high input costs.

5. Regulatory considerations.

Alderman says there are areas of his fresh produce business being over-regulated, which has put extra financial pressure when competing with imported crops. As an example, he points to multiple food safety inspections which could be replaced with a one-time inspection.

And in conjunction with the regulation on his business, he has seen how a lapse in regulatory authority over imported produce inspected at the borders has negatively effected the industry.

“For example, the citrus industry with citrus greening, it’s devastated the cirtrus industry. We have gone from 240 million boxes of oranges in production to around 40 million boxes today,” he said, and added Florida produce growers are introduced with a new thirp or weevil every growing season, which takes months to contain and identify proper controls.

6. Provide mental health resources

Christopher A. Wolf, Ph.D. from Cornell University says its New York FarmNet receives 700 calls a year. Financial stress include price uncertainty, labor cost and availability, capital costs, land access, and estate and succession planning. Family-related farm stressors include health insurance, childcare, eldercare, and drug and alcohol abuse.

“Male farmers have a suicide rate 3.5 times higher than the national,” he said. “Financial stress is one of the primary contributors to the depression and suicide rate. Additionally, mental health stigma and lack of access to care are major barriers.”

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

Tick Tock: How Long Do You Need For A Successful Transition?

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 16:00:00 GMT

How do you know when it’s time to start transitioning your operation to the next generation? Rena Striegel, president of Transition Point Business Partners, says to aim for a decade.

“If we’re lucky, we’ve got that long. Sometimes we don’t, though,” Striegel explains. “Sometimes things happen and we have to move much quicker than that. An illness can escalate transition quickly. A disagreement can go from ‘We’re all good’ to ‘We’ve got to fix this right now.’ And sometimes lack of planning can cause an extremely difficult situation – particularly if someone wants to exit quickly.”

She says the fastest succession plan she has ever seen executed from start to finish was six months.

“That was so painful, I cannot even begin to describe how difficult that was to get four brothers to agree on a plan and ready to execute in six months when the first one wanted to be out,” Striegel says. “We did it, but only because that farm family really sat and hung in there. If one of them had lost his patience or his temper, that whole thing could have blown sky high.”

Striegel compares the timeline of your succession plan to landing a plane.

“Think about those flights where the runway is really long. The plane comes in, it touches down nicely, and it just comes to a stop, right? It’s nice and gentle. No problems,” she says. “If you think about those landings where it’s stormy, or the runway is short, they’re a little scary, they’re really abrupt, they’re very stressful, and they can kind of hurt. So, we want to give as long of a runway as possible to give everybody a chance to ease in.”

The 10 years you ideally have are broken down into this timeline:

Years 1-2: Assemble your professional team and make some of the biggest decisions. Understand your entities and reorganize assets if necessary. Update your documents.
Years 3-4: Work with the next generation to get them ready for the roles they will have. Practice good communication and iron out dysfunction.
Years 5-10: Begin actual transition of ownership.

What comes first during that ownership transition process will vary.

“Sometimes it’s operational first. You’re allowing successors to make some of the operating decisions. Then maybe it’s some of the financial decisions, maybe it’s marketing decisions, maybe it’s buying inputs, maybe it is selecting vendors. Maybe you’re letting them negotiate for equipment,” Striegel says. “Whatever it is, you’ve got to figure out what the timeline is to take things off of your plate and put it on to them, and to be really clear about that, so that we can develop successors in the right way.”

Transitioning relationships is also an important piece of the puzzle.

“When do you turn over the relationship with your banker? What about your lawyer or your CPA? When and how do we get that next generation involved in those conversations?” Striegel asks. “If we don’t transition relationships, what happens is the next generation has no relationships with the people that have been serving your family for however many years and when you’re done, so are they.”

She says there won’t always be a finite end date on the transition, but it’s important you feel confident about the progress.

“The main thing is to say, ‘Over this period of time, I’m going to start working with you to take this over’, make sure you spend time doing that, and then let it go with oversight,” Striegel says. “I always like to say, ‘You watch me do it, I’ll watch you do it and then you do it on your own.”

Building the Next Generation Cow Herd Using Genomic Testing

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 12:51:34 GMT

What started in 2013 with the purpose of determining parentage has transitioned to a key tool in selecting the next generation of the Rosebrook Farms’ cow herd.

“Genomic testing is really working for us,” Dan Rosebrook says. “We have more and more heifers meeting our DNA target because of multiple generations of testing and selection.”

Rosebrook Farms is a multigenerational cattle and crop farm located near Lincoln in north-central Kansas. It all started in 1972 when Rosebrook, a high school freshman, and his brother, Dale, a recent high school graduate, bought 90 bred heifers, and it has grown to a herd of more than 630 commercial cows.

“We cut our teeth in the cattle business calving out those 90 heifers,” Rosebrook recalls. “Dale and I learned through the school of hard knocks.”

The brothers worked slowly putting together pasture and cropland.

“We had wonderful neighbors who we worked with and as they retired, we gradually put more land together,” Rosebrook explains.

Today, Rosebrook Farms is managed by the brothers, along with Rosebrook’s son, Mike, and Dale’s son, Jeremy, each specializing in what they do best — but all working together to get the job done. Rosebrook’s passion is the cow herd, with Dale overseeing crop production; Mike is the sprayer man while Jeremy manages equipment and leads the swathing.

Jeremy, Dan and Mike Rosebrook working calves at branding time. This is when DNA tissue samples are collected.

(Linda Rosebrook)

Selecting Replacements Using Genomic Index

With the main objective of raising better cows, Rosebrook quotes Angus breeder Everett Benoit saying, “the maternal side is what is going to make you the money.”

Rosebrook says improved carcass quality and producing a quality end product for the consumer is important, but their main target with the Rosebrook genomic index is to help in the selection of elite replacement heifers.

The Rosebrooks collect DNA tissue at branding time and then submit the samples to Neogen. This allows the family time to evaluate the genomic test results prior to selecting replacement heifers in the fall at weaning.

The DNA collection process is fast and simple using a Tissue Sampling Unit (TSU). Samples can be collected in seconds with minimal animal restraint. The genetic material is sealed in a specially designed preservative to ensure clean, uncontaminated sampling

(Neogen)

Working with Rick Pfortmiller, Neogen Kansas territory manager, the Rosebrooks have developed an index to fit the goals of their operation.

“We have tweaked and adjusted the weights of different traits to what is most important to us,” Rosebrook explains. “My biggest fear is that we aren’t shooting for the right target. We are doing the best we can today with the information we have to select a top quality female; we hope she is the right cow for the future.”

Key traits in the Rosebrook index include stayability, docility and calving ease direct. Along with the selection index, the family appreciates the parentage tool within genomic testing.

“Parentage testing is eye opening in itself,” Rosebrook says. “It helps identify the aggressive breeders and the lazy breeders. Last year we had one bull sire 65 calves.”

(Angie Stump Denton)

The Cow Herd

The Rosebrooks calve in January and February with the goal of having 800-lb.-to-900-lb. calves by early December. This calving season also allows them to focus on the cows when farming is not top of mind.

Rosebrook says 10 years ago they made a switch from Angus to SimAngus bulls to increase heterosis. He explains the decision was made after retaining ownership on their calves and determining they needed more ribeye. They continue to synchronize all heifers and artificially inseminate them to low-birthweight Angus bulls.

Today the Rosebrook family sells load lots at Farmers & Ranchers Livestock in Salina. Targeting 800 lb. to 900 lb., the family typically sells a majority of their steer calves in early December and a lighter group in early January. They also sell about 150 replacement heifers in February.

The family keeps about 110 replacements a year. As they select heifers, the genomic information is the first cut, Rosebrook explains.

Heifers must also pass a pelvic exam, and the Rosebrooks consider the dam’s udder score. All cows are udder scored at calving.

“We also sort on disposition,” he says. “We won’t accept a goofy heifer.”

Rosebrook says docility is part of the index, but they also visually monitor and evaluate attitude.

“It does match up to the DNA,” he confirms, comparing a heifer’s attitude to her genomic docility ranking.

The Rosebrooks tested their steers for the first time in 2024. Rosebrook says to benefit from the steer testing, the data should be used in marketing efforts and steers sold to a customer base who will value the extra information.

Another benefit of the genomic testing, according to Rosebrook, is the samples are also PI-tested, which increases marketability at the sale barn.

Collecting and tracking data is a priority at Rosebrook Farms. At calving birthdate, sex and udder score is collected. At branding time tissue samples are collected for genomic testing and then at weaning weights are collected. All heifers are pelvic scored.

(Angie Stump Denton)

The Power of Genomic Testing

Pfortmiller compares genomic testing to precision agriculture. Just as crop farmers use advanced soil and fertilizer technologies, cattle producers can use genomics to make more informed breeding and management decisions.

He emphasizes DNA testing is not about immediate results but about understanding an animal’s potential over its lifetime.

Pfortmiller started in his current role in 2007, at a time when tests were primarily focused on coat color, parentage and a few carcass traits. Today, Neogen offers a comprehensive test covering 17 traits at half the original cost, with significantly improved accuracy.

“Today, we’re at 17 traits at $30,” Pfortmiller says. “We’re probably two or three times more powerful today in the depth of our test than we were 18 years ago.”

The process is simple — collecting a tissue sample takes less than 10 seconds and doesn’t require veterinary assistance.

One of Pfortmiller’s roles is helping producers understand what the data means and how they can use it in their breeding and selection program, he says. Education about the results is key to helping producers evaluate the genetic potential of an animal and make informed breeding and culling decisions.

“Genomic testing is a risk management tool,” Pfortmiller summarizes. “It helps producers understand an animal’s potential earlier than traditional methods, allowing them to make more informed decisions about which animals to keep or sell.”

Your Next Read: Unlocking Odde Ranch Success: How Profitability, Tech and Education Drive Innovation

The Best Time to Start Your Retirement Plan

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 17:25:09 GMT

Farmers historically have struggled to invest money in anything other than their farm operation. However, by investing in retirement plans including an IRA, a farmer can more easily save up for retirement and make the transfer to the next generation much easier.

The power of compounding is the financial seventh wonder of the world. Based on your annual investment return, you can determine how quickly your investment will double by dividing it into 72. For example, if you average 3% on your money, it will take 24 years to double. However, if you can earn 8%, then it only takes nine years.

The younger you start to invest, even small sums, the more money you will have at retirement. Let’s compare the results of placing $10,000 into a retirement account at either age 20 or 40.

The farmer who does this at age 40 and then pulls the money out at age 70 will have $100,627. However, the farmer who starts at age 20 will have $469,016, and if they can earn 10%, will have $1,173,909.

The cost of maintaining a solo 401k plan is very inexpensive and married couples can set aside at least $14,000 into an IRA each year. The fees on those accounts are minimal and you can make sure to invest in low-cost ETFs or mutual funds. High-cost funds could quickly reduce your returns substantially.

Most of the earnings will result in the last 10 years, so the sooner you get started, the more funds you will accumulate.

Risk Protection Benefits
There’s another big reason to make this investment. Funds in a retirement plan are fully exempt from bankruptcy, and we all know farming can be a very risky business. The full exemption does not apply to IRAs, but the amount that is exempt is fairly large.

This amount gets updated every three years. On April 1, 2025, the exemption amount was raised from $1,512,350 to $1,711.975 through March 31, 2028.

Most farmers have IRAs less than this amount, so it’s likely they will have a full exclusion if bankruptcy was to occur. Amounts rolled over from a 401k plan or other retirement account, including earnings associated on that account, are fully exempt.

In some states, IRAs are fully exempt or at least partially exempt.

The bottom line is to invest in an IRA or retirement plan. I hope you never need the protection, but it is a good insurance policy.

Next-Generation Farmers

More Than Cowboys: Feedlot Immersion Event Showcases Diverse Career Paths

The Workforce Pipeline: Recruiting for a High-Tech Future

From Drones to Necropsies: Seven Stations of Complexity

The Marketing Matrix: Understanding How Cattle are Valued

Advocacy in Action: Creating Informed Beef Consumers

Why Livestock Judging Is the Ultimate Character-Building Sport for Youth

The Long Game of Livestock Judging

The Intangible Advantage

1. Turning Disadvantages into Drive

2. Balancing Perspective with Belief

3. The Slow Work of Success

The Succession Gap: Why Two-Thirds of Farms Face an Uncertain Future

Let that sink in.

Succession gaps, management transitions and strategic exits are driving consolidation regardless of size.

Generational turnover is not something we can push off for “someday.” It is happening now.

Succession planning is often misunderstood.

Planning does not eliminate uncertainty - but it does provide framework and stability.

Non-Family Transition Plans: A Success Story to Take Notes From

How Did You Get Started in Production Agriculture?

How Did You Find a Non-Family Member Looking for Heirs?

How is the Business Structured?

Q: What Else Goes Into Building Trust in These Types of Relationships?

Q: How Can Other Members of the Rising Generation Find Opportunities Like This?

Q: What Are Some Red Flags to be Aware of in Any Farm Transition?

National Blue and Corn Gold: Building Tomorrow’s Leaders

From an FFA Member to FFA Mom

A Global Perspective on Agriculture

Give FFA Day

Raising Cattle, Raising Leaders: How Adalaide Kline is Shaping the Future of the Beef Industry

Farm Journal Announces 2026 Top Producer Award Finalists

Old Ranching Heritage Meets New Tech

Land of His Own

A New Approach

New Land Equals an Accelerated Approach

First-Gen Farmers Unlock New Perspectives With Regenerative Grazing

Discovering Purpose Through Land Management

Turning Rough Ground into Rich Pasture

Observation-Guided Grazing

Adapting and Moving Forward

Cultivating the Next Generation

The Rewards of Stewardship

Next Generation Teamwork: Team USA Blue and Red Dominate World Competition

The Contest

Much More than Banners and Buckles

There's No Tired Like State Fair Tired

The Two Worst Words a Farm Kid Can Say

It's Not About You: A Different Approach to Advocating for the Beef Industry

City Gone Country

Building Relationships

Here’s What Hofschulte Genetics Did When Facebook Shut Down Their Business Page

1,500-lb. Carcasses the New Normal, Not the Exception

Is the U.S. Behind?

Young Producer Focus

Other Key Topics

5 Steps to Successful Transition Planning

How to Find Peace During Generational Transitions

More Than One Discussion

The Power of a Mentor: How You Can Inspire the Next Generation

6 Steps to Successful Farm Transition

Don’t be afraid to have hard conversations.

Recognize the value of mentorship in agriculture.

Create opportunities to gain experience when stakes are lower.

Understand the time, resources and sweat equity owners put into their farms.

Be patient.

Prepare for the future now.

NJHA Fed Steer Shootout: Educating the Next Generation about Cattle Feeding and End Product

More Than a Contest

Field Day Adds to Education

Not Just a Youth Program

It's Time To Lead: Strong Succession Won't Happen By Accident

Leadership Isn’t Handed Over

If I Could Turn Back Time: Farmers Open Up About Learning Life Lessons the Hard Way

Quiet Crisis, Unfolding Rapidly: Big Questions Remain For Next Gen Farmers

The Future of Beef Show Now Streaming on Farm Journal TV

Tick Tock: How Long Do You Need For A Successful Transition?

Building the Next Generation Cow Herd Using Genomic Testing

Selecting Replacements Using Genomic Index

The Cow Herd

The Power of Genomic Testing