Working Ranch Radio Show

The conversation around herd rebuilding has been brewing all year — but is it actually happening? Senior Beef Industry Analyst Lance Zimmerman with Rabo Research (Rabobank) joins me to break down what the data really says about heifer retention and the pace of this rebuild. We’ll look at how recent market disruptions and global trade chatter have shaped producer confidence, what the numbers reveal about the strength of the cow herd, and how long this upcycle could last. Then, we’ll wrap with a bit of Mark Twain wisdom that reminds us to stay humble and intentional as we plan for the future — in both our markets and our ranches. #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Allflex #Neogen #IngentyBeef #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #BeefCattle #CowCalf #CattleManagement #Cattlemen #Livestock #BeefProduction #RanchProfitability #RanchEconomics #CattleHealth #Ranchers #AgPodcast #RuralAmerica #HeiferRetention #HerdRebuilding #BeefMarkets #CowHerdExpansion #LanceZimmerman #RaboResearch

Earlier this year, Dr. Kenny Burdine from the University of Kentucky joined us to outline four key cattle-market questions for 2025. Now, as we close out the year, we circle back to see what’s been answered — from heifer retention and slaughter weights to competing proteins, trade, and tariffs. Then we shift gears to a question every rancher faces: whether to buy replacements or develop your own. Dr. Burdine walks us through the economics behind that decision and why using today’s strong market wisely can set the stage for the next decade of ranch profitability. Later, Dr. Elizabeth Backes-Belew (Purina Animal Nutrition) discuss with us tips for rebreeding success and setting cows up for their next calf crop. Link to: Cattle Market Notes Weekly #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Allflex #Neogen #IngentyBeef #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #BeefCattle #CowCalf #CattleManagement #Cattlemen #Livestock #BeefProduction #RanchProfitability #DrKennyBurdine #UniversityofKentucky #CattleMarkets #HeiferRetention #ReplacementHeifers #RanchEconomics #BeefIndustry #RanchBusiness #AgPodcast #RuralAmerica #Purina

From cattle expansion to succession planning and the future of the beef business — this week we dig into the big picture of where our industry stands. Industry consultant Dr. Nevil Speer is our guest as we discuss what current cow numbers are telling us, why some producers may be choosing to retire, and how a lack of succession planning continues to erode family ranches across the country. And in the midst of it all, Speer reminds us why there’s still plenty of reason for optimism — and why there’s never been a better time to be in the cattle business. #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Allflex #Neogen #IngentyBeef #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #BeefCattle #CowCalf #RanchEconomics #RanchProfitability #CattleManagement #SuccessionPlanning #EstatePlanning #CattleMarket #BeefIndustry #DrNevilSpeer #AgPodcast #RuralAmerica

When’s the right time to calve — and what’s it really costing you? Dr. Bob Larson with Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine joins us to talk through five key questions every rancher should ask when setting their calving window. From matching forage and labor to feed efficiency, to tightening up that calving period and improving breed-up rates — we dig into how timing affects everything from profitability to cow performance. Because in the end, it’s not just about raising calves… it’s about managing cows, costs, and profitability. #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Allflex #Neogen #IngentyBeef #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #BeefCattle #CowCalf #CalvingSeason #CattleManagement #Cattlemen #Livestock #BeefProduction #ForageManagement #RanchProfitability #DrBobLarson #KansasStateUniversity #RanchEconomics #CattleHealth #Ranchers #AgPodcast #RuralAmerica

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

Ranching is changing — and the future may depend on how we adapt. Today we visit with Chip Kemp with 701X to explore how technology is enhancing tradition. From the million-dollar impact of monitoring livestock, to tackling labor shortages and overhead costs, to the bigger question of keeping the family brand on the gate for the next generation — this conversation digs into why precision agriculture may be the key to doing more with less and building a sustainable future in ranching. #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Allflex #Neogen #IngentyBeef #Gelbvieh #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #701x #precisionagriculture #ranchtechnology #cattlemanagement #bulls #cattlehealth #herdmanagement #ranchprofits #futureofranching #doingmorewithless #stockmanship #cowcalf

On this episode of the Working Ranch Radio Show, we visit with Colorado rancher Tim Bedell, a recipient of the state’s Seal of Climate Literacy. Tim shares how his ambassadorship for ranching and involvement in FFA are bridging the gap between generations as climate and environmental conversations grow more complex. Later, we’ll shift from climate to cattle care—discussing strategies to get stressed cattle back on feed and water quickly upon arrival with my guests from TechMix. #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #RioMax #ManSaver #Gelbvieh #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #Bovaligh #TechMix #ColoradoRanching #SealOfClimateLiteracy #FFA #YoungRanchers #NextGenAg #ClimateLiteracy #RanchingTradition #LandStewardship #CattleHealth #StressManagement #AnimalWelfare #BeefProducers #CowCalf #LivestockManagement

On this episode of the Working Ranch Radio Show, Dr. Carson Roberts from the University of Missouri lays out Ten Reasons You Should Quit Making Hay. From the skyrocketing cost of equipment to the hidden toll on soil health, we’ll explore why it may be time to take a hard look at haying and what it means for your bottom line. We’ll also touch on issues like oversupply, labor challenges, and winter-feeding strategies — all with profitability in mind. And while we’re thinking profits, we’ll visit with Trevor Greenfield of Rio Nutrition on how ranchers can maximize returns through efficiency in feed and pasture, building resilience for the future. #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Allflex #RioMax #ManSaver #Gelbvieh #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #hay #haymaking #ranchprofits #cattlemanagement #soilhealth #carboncycling #forage #pasturemanagement #ranchers #beefproducers #cowcalf #sustainablefarming #agriculture

On this episode of the Working Ranch Radio Show, we explore the fast-growing role of drone technology in ranching. From weed and invasive species control to fly management and even feed delivery in rugged country. Kelley Wittenberg (Central UAS Technologies)is our guest as we discuss how drones are becoming a practical tool on the ranch. Then later, meteorologist Don Day joins us with his Fall and Winter Outlook, including the potential for colder temperatures east of the Rockies and the possibility of bigger winter storms ahead. #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #cattle #livestock #beef #cowcalf #cattlehealth #ranchprofits #dayweather #weather #agweather #drone #dronetechnology #agriculture #weedcontrol #flycontrol #innovationinag #workingranchradioshow #donday #fallforecast #winterweather

Weaning is one of the most stressful times in a calf’s life — where health, nutrition, and management all collide. In this episode, we dig into how producers can minimize stress, choose the right methods for their operation, and build a robust health program that keeps calves thriving long after weaning. Dr. Ron Lemenager with Purdue University is my guest as we discuss the Keys to Successful Weaning. #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Allflex #RioMax #ManSaver #Gelbvieh #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #weaning #weaningstress #calfhealth #herdmanagement #cowcalf #cattlenutrition #beefproducers

How much is Heat Stress really costing your operation? It might be more than you think — and it’s not just about weight loss or conception rates. Dr. Michelle Calvo-Lorenzo with Elanco Animal Health joins us to talk about why heat stress is a problem, what the science says about its effect on both herd health and profitability, and what steps you can take to mitigate it. Plus a conversation with Ted Price (Purina) about mitigating stress in calves at weaning. #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Allflex #RioMax #ManSaver #Gelbvieh #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #heatstress #cattlehealth #animalwelfare #herdmanagement #ranchprofits #beefproducers #cowcalf #livestockmanagement #hotweathercattlecare #veterinaryinsight #beefindustry #Elanco #weaning

State and county fairs have long been a bridge between rural and urban. But as our society drifts further from production agriculture, that bridge is under pressure — financially, culturally, and politically. From rising costs to volunteer burnout, lack of participation to being a political football… So how do we refocus? How do we, in the ag industry, protect these events that tell our story. Today, Jeremy Parsons from the Iowa State Fair and Taylor Pulfer with the State Fair of Texas join me as we discuss… What’s the future of our county and state fair? And what’s our role in making sure they can continue for future generations? #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #kline #RioMax #ManSaver #Gelbvieh #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #countyfairs #statefair #agriculturematters #4H #FFA #agvocate #fairgrounds #youthinag #saveourfairs #agricultureeducation #ruralamerica #westernlifestyle #supportlocalag #futureofag

It was a record-breaking "Week in the Rockies Sale" that delivered big numbers. But what does it all mean for us heading into the second half of the year? Superior Livestock’s Clint Berry is back with us as we unpack the results of the sale. We’ll cover everything from market fundamentals and program calf sales… to weaning decisions and delivery timing. We’ll also hit on heifer prices, signs of retention, and what Clint calls the “best buy” in the cattle market right now. What can we take away from the Week in the Rockies Sale? Find out on this episode of the Working Ranch Radio Show. #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #kline #RioMax #ManSaver #Gelbvieh #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #WorkingRanch #CattleMarkets #SuperiorLivestock #WeekInTheRockies #CattlePrices #BeefIndustry #LivestockMarketing #Weaning #ProgramCattle #BredCows #RancherWisdom #MarketRecap #CowCalf

The cattle market is at an all-time high which probably means for most of us we are seeing a pretty healthy profit this year. So, the question is, how should we strategically use the profit? Dallas Mount (Ranch Management Consultants) returns as we work through this question… starting first at debt. Then we'll work through the desire for business growth, cash flow, investing in yourself, benchmarks, and managing your business with principles versus emotion. It’s not just about your profit… it’s what you do with it! #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #kline #RioMax #ManSaver #Gelbvieh #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #StrategicRanching #RanchingForProfit #CattleBusiness #RanchManagement #FarmFinance #LivestockProfit #DebtManagement #AgPodcast #SmartFarming #FarmBusiness #CattleProducer #BeefIndustry #RanchEconomics #AgTalk

Today we dive into what it really takes to keep America free and strong: a food system that supports family farms and ranches—because a country that can feed itself stands independent. I’m joined by Amanda Radke—rancher, author, speaker and podcaster —who shares powerful insights on protecting private property rights, revitalizing rural America, and uniting as cattle producers. Keeping American Fed and Free on Today’s Episode of the Working Ranch Radio Show. #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #lowstress #k-line #RioMax #ManSaver #Gelbvieh #TankToad #BidonBeef #freenation #foodnation

Today we look at some very basic management practices that data shows will increase the value of your calves when you go to market them. The values has been derived from data through a partnership between Superior Livestock, Kansas State University, and Merck Animal Health. So today Dr. Chris Thomsen with Merck joins us as he walks us through the data. From breeding management to calfhood management, that also includes looking at the ROI on Precondition... what about Weaning? And what about the four things that DOESN’T affect the value of your calves? Tune in to find out what those four things are and What Actually Pays a Net Premium on Your Calves! #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #lowstress #k-line #RioMax #ManSaver #Gelbvieh #TankToad #Marketing #Weaning #Preconditioning #breeding

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

Dr. Allen Williams (Understanding Ag and Regenified LLC)is back with us today as he walks us through several things that can increase productivity and profitability through your grazing management. From the initial management in the early part of the grazing season, to the rule of Compounding, rule of Disruption, a great discussion on weeds and we'll conclude with a practice that is quite simple, but we rarely practice that ties the entire discussion together. Grab your pen and paper because grazing school is now in session… and this one you don’t want to miss. Show Notes: Phone App referenced: Picture This. Website for Material: www.understandingag.com/ Books Referenced: #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #cowdog #weeds #grazing #observe #adaptivegrazing

Today on the Working Ranch Radio Show we are covering three things. First Dr. Rick Machen with the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management joins us as we discuss some exciting modifications they’ve made to their Master’s Program in Ranch Management… especially for those current college students that will be getting an undergraduate degree with aspirations of a Master’s Degree in Ranch Management. Plus they have a Wildlife Management Seminar coming up in August for those interested in adding that type of enterprise to your operation. And while I have Rick on the line, I want to get his take on the Mexican Screw Worm situation. Then Meteorologist Don Day will join us as we take the second half of the show to get his extended weather outlook for the summer as we go region by region across the country. And finally, we haven’t heard from the Captain in a while, the Captain Tim O’Byrne drops in for a T2¢. #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #screwworm #KRIRM #T2¢

The Common Ground Summit… a meeting of 40 people across the country. These 40 represented various segments of the cattle industry. These 40 were comprised of what some might say would be small non-influential family operations to large influential registered operations, family feed yards, or sale barn owners. If these 40 where a herd of cows… the term Heinz 57 comes to mind. But their purpose was simple. Find common ground and unanimous consent on some industry issues in hopes of starting the ball rolling. The group came up with 6 issues that they all unanimously agreed on. So today, Renee Carrico and Joe Fischer… two of the participants join me as we discuss how the meeting went, how did they come to the list of six agreed upon issues, what about the big topics that have divided the industry, and was this just a onetime feel could kumbaya moment. Sure, there are some big topics that I hope will eventually be addressed, however in the meantime, and I don’t know about you, but I’ve become sick and tired of the continued divisiveness in the industry, the ego’s, the fear mongering, and attitudes of “my way or no way”. No matter your view on the outcome of this meeting… today’s show is for you. If you good with outcome of the meeting and what you perceive it doing for the industry… listen in. If you’re frustrated because you think the meeting was phony and didn’t address the issues you thought were important, then this show is for you as well. #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #k-line #foodsecurity #unify #advocacy #collaboration #pathforward