Working Ranch Radio Show

What do you do when farming no longer pencils out? Today, South Dakota rancher Troy Hadrick (Hadrick Ranch) joins us to talk about transitioning from dryland crop farming to a cattle-focused operation. We discuss what drove that shift, how direct-to-consumer beef sales created new opportunity, and what it really takes—from water and infrastructure to working with the right partners—to make a transition like this work on the ground. Plus, we look at the new pheromone-based product called, CattleZen, designed to help reduce stress in calves during key management periods. #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #cattle #beef #livestock #WorkingRanchRadio #AgPodcast #CowCalf #BeefProduction #RanchProfitability #CattleManagement #DirectToConsumer #DirectBeef #RegenerativeAg #GrassToCattle #RanchTransition #CattleHealth #CattleZen #LowStressHandling

Why do calves often crash about three weeks after weaning or shipping? Today Dr. Blaine Ellison of Applied Bio Technologies, Inc joins us to explain the 21-day cortisol surge in cattle — a stress response that can suppress immune function, shut down weight gain, and increase sickness risk. In this episode we discuss: • Why cattle often stall out during the first 21–28 days after stress • The evolutionary biology behind the cortisol surge • How the immune system shifts metabolism during stress • Management decisions that may unintentionally make the problem worse • What producers might consider doing differently to reduce stress and improve performance Understanding what happens during this critical window could help producers improve health outcomes, performance, and profitability across the industry. #workingranchmagazine #WorkingRanchRadio #ranchlife #ranching #cattle #livestock #beef #BeefCattle #CowCalf #CattleManagement #CattleHealth #BeefProduction #RanchProfitability #Ranchers #AgPodcast #RuralAmerica #CattleHealth #AnimalHealth #BRD #CattleStress #FeedlotManagement #Preconditioning #Stockmanship #LivestockManagement

Embryo transfer has long promised accelerated genetic progress, but with pregnancy rates sitting around 42%, producers are forced to ask hard questions about cost, risk, and return on investment. In this episode Cara Wells, founder and CEO of Emgenisys, shares how artificial intelligence is being used to analyze embryo viability before transfer. By capturing a brief video through a microscope and applying machine learning, embryologists can now receive a pregnancy probability score — helping improve decision-making, increase pregnancy rates, and better utilize valuable recipient females. Ag Tech Strategist Jarred Wareham explains why this may be one of the first truly practical applications of AI in the cattle industry — and how it could reshape embryo transfer programs for both registered and commercial producers. Later in the show, Terrell Miller of CattleMax joins us to discuss herd management software, record keeping, and why organizing your cattle data may be just as important as improving the genetics behind your herd. Emgenisys Contact Info: info@emgenisys.com #WorkingRanchRadio #workingranchmagazine #ranching #cattle #EmbryoTransfer #AgTech #ArtificialIntelligence #CattleManagement #CattleMax

What will 2026 bring — and how much hinges on the timing of El Niño? Meteorologist Don Day joins us for our Extended Weather Outlook as we look at the remainder of winter, the setup for spring moisture, and what a building — but potentially “Goldilocks” — El Niño could mean for summer grass, storm tracks, and monsoon development. From snowpack concerns to regional precipitation trends, we walk through what producers across the country should be watching in the months ahead. Plus, technology that promises to change how cow-calf producers measure feed intake, reproductive efficiency, and stocking rate decisions — all through a wearable device delivering real-time data. Then, the Captain shares an update on U.S. beef exports — why China remains the wildcard in global demand, and how market access could influence price strength moving forward. #WorkingRanchRadio #WorkingRanchMagazine #AgPodcast #Ranching #RanchLife #CowCalf #BeefCattle #CattleManagement #RanchProfitability #RanchEconomics #AgWeather #Weather #ElNino #Monsoon #ForageManagement #CattleCon #CattleTechnology #PrecisionAg #BeefExports #ChinaMarket #RuralAmerica #DayWeather

Clint Berry (Superior Livestock) joins us for our annual Cattle Market Outlook following the latest projections presented at Cattle Industry Convention by CattleFax. As we head into 2026, we evaluate where we are in the cattle cycle — have we truly stopped liquidation, or simply slowed it? We discuss heifer retention trends and projected prices across the board, including fed steers, 550-weight calves, cull cows, bred females, and the strengthening bull market. We also examine the impact of the Mexico border closure on supply and industry infrastructure, along with the strong consumer demand that continues to support beef prices despite historically tight cattle numbers. If you’re a cow-calf producer, stocker operator, cattle feeder, or anyone involved in the beef industry, this episode provides perspective to help you think through risk, opportunity, and profitability heading into 2026. #WorkingRanchRadio #WorkingRanchMagazine #CattleMarket #CattleOutlook #CattlePrices #CattleCycle #FedCattle #FeederCattle #CullCows #BredCows #BullMarket #BeefDemand #CowCalf #RanchEconomics #AgPodcast

This week we’re joined by University of Kentucky livestock economist Dr. Kenny Burdine for a timely conversation that starts with cow size and weaning weights — and quickly moves into the bigger picture of efficiency, consistency, and profitability in the cow-calf business. We discuss how mature cow size ties back to real costs, why consistency in the calf crop matters more than many producers realize, and how marketing dynamics like lot size can add — or leave — money on the table. We’ll also take a look at current market signals, herd retention, competing meats, and what ranchers should be thinking about as we head into 2026. Plus a discussion with Jeremy Martin & Chrisman of Stockmen's Source Bull Sale. #WorkingRanchRadio #RanchProfitability #CattleManagement #BeefCattle #Ranching

Today we sit down with Nebraska rancher John Maddux of Maddux Cattle Company to talk about business decisions that often matter most — and are sometimes the hardest to make. John shares how a disciplined financial mindset has shaped their operation over generations, including how they evaluate cows as assets, balance emotion with economics, and make long-term decisions designed to keep the ranch viable. We also dig into replacement strategy, heifer development, and how managing appreciation and depreciation in the cow herd plays into overall profitability. It’s a thoughtful conversation on ranch management, financial focus, and what it takes to build an operation that lasts. Plus we'll talk about their upcoming "Maternalizer" Mature Bred Cow Herd Dispersal Sale. Then, a visit with Ted Perry (Purina) about how we need to evaluate our mineral program throughout the year. #WorkingRanchRadio #workingranchmagazine #ranching #ranchlife #CattleManagement #RanchProfitability

Are we leaving money on the table with our breeding decisions? This week Wyoming rancher Jared Boardman (Wishbone Simmental) joins us for a business-minded conversation on cattle genetics and breeding decisions in today’s market. We step back and take a hard look at how many commercial producers select genetics based on the small percentage of replacement heifers they keep each year, while the majority of the calf crop is sold. Jared explains why that approach can leave money on the table and how thinking in terms of output, inputs, and profit can reshape breeding strategies. We also discuss terminal versus maternal focus, the technologies available in the industry that provide producers with more options, and how disciplined decision-making can help align genetics with how cattle operations actually make money. Also, a conversation with Dan Leo (Apex Cattle) on Heterosis and their upcoming Production Sale. #WorkingRanchRadio #WorkingRanchMagazine #Ranching #RanchLife #Cattle #BeefCattle #CowCalf #CattleManagement #CattleGenetics #BeefProduction #RanchProfitability #RanchEconomics #Cattlemen #Limousin #Gelbvieh #CalfCatcher #Ambrook #Schaff #SAV #Livestock #AgPodcast #Heterosis #APEX

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

This week we wrap up our two-part countdown of the Top Shows of 2025, highlighting the four conversations that stood out above the rest. These episodes focused on the fundamentals that shape real-world decisions on the ranch — from reexamining the true cost and scale of making hay, to revisiting key cattle market questions and what actually played out over the year. We also revisit a rare, multi-part discussion that challenged long-held beliefs about land, livestock, and stewardship, along with a practical framework for buying and selling cattle in a high-priced market. Together, these shows reflect the kind of thinking that helps producers stay disciplined and forward-looking in an uncertain industry. Links to Show: #4: Ep 226: Ten Reasons You Should Quit Making Hay #3: Ep 232: Revisiting the Four Big Cattle Market Questions w Dr. Kenny Burdine #2: Ep 201: Allan Savory – Part 1: Why Cows MUST be part of the Solution Ep 202: Allan Savory – Part 2: Climate Change, Fossil Fuels, & Holistic Management Ep 203: Allan Savory – Part 3: Pearls of Wisdom #1: Ep 197: What Should You Be Selling and Buying in this Market w/ Wally Olson #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Allflex #Neogen #IngentyBeef #TankToad #LongRangeDewormer #WorkingRanchRadio #BeefCattle #CowCalf #CattleManagement #Cattlemen #BeefProduction #RanchProfitability #RanchEconomics #CattleHealth #Ranchers #AgPodcast #RuralAmerica

This week on the Working Ranch Radio Show, we kick off a two-part countdown of the Top Shows of 2025, highlighting some of the most meaningful conversations from the past year. In Part 1, we revisit shows ranked number eight through number five — discussions that challenged how we think about grazing management, calving-season decisions, long-term commitment in the cattle business, and what it takes to keep ranching viable amid labor, time, and generational pressures. Links to Shows: #8: Ep 216: Tips for Successful Su Shows mmer Grazing w/ Dr. Allen Williams #7: Ep 230: Rethinking Your Calving Window #6: Ep 231: Markets, Mandates, and Mortality w/ Dr. Nevil Speer #5: Ep 228: Doing More with Less: Precision Ranching with Chip Kemp #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Allflex #Neogen #IngentyBeef #NewGeneration #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #BeefCattle #CowCalf #CattleManagement #Cattlemen #BeefProduction #RanchProfitability #RanchEconomics #CattleHealth #Ranchers #AgPodcast #RuralAmerica #GrazingManagement #CalvingSeason #ForageManagement #RanchManagement #SuccessionPlanning #DoingMoreWithLess #AgTechnology #PrecisionAg #RanchTech

As we start to wrap up the year, business coach and author Allan Crockett joins us to talk through something every producer is facing right now: noise. Whether it’s politics, market swings, social media, or industry in-fighting, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and drift off center. Allan breaks down how to separate what we can control from what we can’t, how our mindset and daily habits shape our decisions, and why unprocessed fear is often at the root of negativity. Together we look at practical ways to reset, think clearly, and step into 2026 with intention and focus. Link: allancrockett.com | Click Here for link to Purchase Book #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Allflex #Neogen #IngentyBeef #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #Ambrook #BeefCattle #CowCalf #CattleManagement #Cattlemen #Livestock #BeefProduction #RanchProfitability #RanchEconomics #CattleHealth #Ranchers #AgPodcast #RuralAmerica

In Part 2 of our in-depth look at virtual fencing, Justin continues the conversation with Theo Beaumont of Halter and Dallas Mount with Ranch Management Consultants to focus on how this technology performs in real-world ranching conditions. Theo explains what ranchers can expect when it comes to training cattle and managing different types of terrain, while Dallas adds perspective on carrying capacity, gross margins, and the economics that matter when evaluating whether virtual fencing fits an operation. If you’re considering this technology or simply curious how it’s being used across the West, this episode offers practical insight from two people working directly with producers. Then we'll be talking with Tim & Rick Marlatt of TK Angus about their upcoming 46th Bull & Female Production Sale on December 15. (Link to Sale Catalog) #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Allflex #Neogen #IngentyBeef #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #CalfCatcher #BeefCattle #CowCalf #CattleManagement #Cattlemen #Livestock #BeefProduction #ForageManagement #RanchProfitability #RanchEconomics #CattleHealth #Ranchers #AgPodcast #RuralAmerica

We’re taking a straightforward look at virtual fencing — not as a sales pitch, but as an honest conversation about what the technology actually does, how it works on real ranches, and where it may or may not fit. We are joined by Theo Beaumont from Halter and Dallas Mount with Ranch Management Consultants to explore the practical side of this rapidly evolving tool and what producers should be thinking about as technology continues to reshape our industry. Then we shift gears with Paige Weiler from Ambrook to talk about year-end bookkeeping, reducing redundancy in your process, and making sure your numbers truly work for your operation heading into the new year. Click for Link To Ambrook. #workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Allflex #Neogen #IngentyBeef #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #VirtualFencing #Halter #RanchTechnology #AgTechnology #GrazingManagement #RotationalGrazing #RanchInnovation #CattleGrazing #PastureManagement #RanchManagement #DallasMount #RMC #RanchingForProfit #Ambrook #Bookkeeping #YearEndPlanning #RanchFinances #CostOfProduction #RanchBusiness

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