Welcome to Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health. Today, join hosts Gale McKinney and Dr. Shynia Peterman as they discuss Herd Health Management Plans with Dr. Jason Banta with Texas A&M University. 

The conversation opens with timely news on trade restrictions related to disease outbreaks, reinforcing the ongoing importance of biosecurity for preventing the introduction of pests and infectious agents into herds, especially via newly purchased livestock.

Dr. Banta explains that proper herd health plans are critical for maintaining profitability and animal welfare because they reduce illness, treatment costs, reproductive losses, and overall mortality. He emphasizes that these plans should be tailored for each operation but universally include key components: biosecurity, vaccination, internal and external parasite control, and proper nutrition. Quarantine and testing of new arrivals are stressed as vital to preventing the spread of diseases like BVD PI and trichomoniasis. Dr. Banta advises working with veterinarians to determine the best vaccine protocols, highlighting that while some elements (such as Clostridial and respiratory viral vaccines) are foundational, protocols may need to be adjusted for local risks or herd-specific needs. The pursuit of a balanced approach to parasite control is also advocated, with strategies varying by region, rainfall, and forage growth patterns.

Nutrition is described as a frequently overlooked but crucial aspect of herd health, with energy and protein intake more vital to immune function than minerals. Nonetheless, having a balanced mineral supplementation plan is important, as excesses can be as harmful as deficiencies.

The podcast also addresses the importance of consistent record-keeping, suggesting technology or simple tools according to preference, and encourages producers to seek out educational resources and relationships with experienced cattle veterinarians. As part of holistic ranch management, herd health plans should be periodically reviewed and integrated with other operational plans, such as breeding, finance, and staffing. Overall, the experts encourage proactive development and regular updating of herd health plans, emphasizing the benefits of collaboration and continued learning for the long-term success of cattle operations.

Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health

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Welcome back to Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health. Today, Kade and Dr. Peterman discuss some techniques to help take care of your cattle in cold weather. 

The conversation highlights the paramount importance of adequate shelters and bedding for cattle as winter sets in. Dr. Peterman outlines how structures such as barns, three-sided sheds, and even simple windbreaks from natural or man-made materials can help shield herds from biting winds and cold. Good bedding, particularly straw, not only provides insulation but also helps prevent cold-related injuries like frostbite in vulnerable animals. Bed maintenance is discussed, with frequency largely depending on the number of cattle and how rapidly the bedding gets soiled—sometimes daily or weekly.

Nutrition is emphasized as a crucial aspect not to be compromised. Dr. Peterman stresses that cattle should enter winter with an appropriate body condition score, and as the temperature drops, high-energy feeds become vital. She explains that cold stress increases animals’ energy needs, and gradual dietary adjustments should accommodate these demands. Clean, unfrozen water is another critical need, calling for vigilance with ice and heating devices.

The episode further covers health monitoring, spotlighting signs of cold stress and reinforcing the importance of timely vaccinations, particularly for disease prevention in newborn calves. Listeners’ questions lead to advice on managing breed-specific genetic issues in Wagyu cattle, the careful acclimation required when moving cattle from warm to cold climates, and the comparative merits of dry lot wintering versus winter grazing systems. Dr. Peterman recommends nutritional testing and gradual feed changes for supplements like alfalfa and dried distillers grains. She concludes with tips for managing hazards like frozen ground to safeguard cattle health.

Cattlemen & Veterinarians, A Partnership in Bovine Health

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Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of the American Cattlemen Media Group and he sits down with David Morehead with Three Hills Ranch. During today's episode, David and Gale will dive into the Three Hills and West Ranch's 5th Annual Bull and Female Sale held on December 19th, 2025, at 6PM at the Morehead Ranch.

Three Hills Ranch and the Morehead family are no strangers to the livestock industry. They've been involved in production livestock and breeding since the 1950's...and they're still going strong today.

It started back in the 1950's when David's grandfather, Ray, bred and raised the State Champion Chester White Boar. Now, they continue that tradition by raising award-winning bucking horses by select and line breeding, using some of the most sought after horses in the industry.

Their love for the Hereford breed started in the 90's through acquisition of the D.L. Stevens herd and continues today in large part to the opportunity to purchase a majority of the Jim Baker herd. Their herd has also continued to grow with the friendships and genetics of the Holden, Cooper, Johansen, and Van Newkirk lines.

Utilizing top of the line genetics and straight horned pedigrees, the Three Hills Operation works diligently to build on the best to develop above average traits. Structural correctness, along with good feet and udder quality are traits bred into their herd.

Diving into the sale, David emphasized that their herd receives no artificial enhancements, allowing for natural evaluation of maternal capabilities, and that both purebred and commercial stock are managed identically to ensure commercial viability.

David described the bulls as robust, naturally gentle, and conditioned for longevity, with the added assurance of standing behind every animal sold. He also detailed the offering of commercial Hereford and Angus bulls, as well as standout groups of Baldy and black bred heifers, all bred for performance and calving ease.

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Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Today, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of the American Cattlemen and he sits down with Darren Ippolito with Moose Creek Red Angus. During this episode, Gale and Darren will dive into the Moose Creek Red Angus 50th Anniversary Dispersion Sale held on December 22nd and 23rd at 10AM both days at the ranch in Kisbey, Saskatchewan. 

This is more than a dispersion sale; it is both a celebration and a turning point for the Ippolito family. Rather than an exit from the cattle business, the sale reflects Darren’s desire to devote more time to his children and aging parents. The discussion highlights the depth and quality of the offerings, including bred heifers, bull calf pairs, herd bulls, two-year-old bulls, semen, open heifer calves, heifer calf pairs, single-lot cows, and frozen genetics—each representing the culmination of years of selective breeding, trust, and dedication to producing top-tier animals with strong maternal and functional traits.

Throughout the episode, Darren emphasizes the importance of tradition, the role of quality relationships, and the pride in being part of a multifaceted family operation. The conversation also addresses sale logistics, such as animal preparation, transportation, cross-border paperwork, sale-day hospitality, and the use of online platforms for bidders who cannot attend in person. A great sale here from Moose Creek Red Angus and we wish the Ippolito's luck on their future endeavors.

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Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of the American Cattlemen and he sits down with Jeff Wisnefski with Cardinal Cattle Company. In this episode, they will get into the Cardinal Cattle Company The Program Female Sale held on December 13, 2025. 

The Program Female Sale at Cardinal Cattle Company demonstrates the culmination of decades of careful breeding and deep industry knowledge. Located in Wyoming, Illinois, Cardinal Cattle Company has grown from humble beginnings as a 4-H family project into one of the nation’s elite seed stock operations. Over its more than thirty-year history, the company has embraced consistent expansion and innovation, transforming strip mine ground into productive pasture and building a reputation for producing cattle that combine longevity, maternal excellence, and genetic value.

Central to this success is Jeff Wisnefski, who has managed the operation for 37 years. Originally tasked with exhibiting junior livestock for the owner’s son, Jeff’s vision shifted the farm’s focus from buying show cattle to developing a self-sustaining breeding program. His background was further enriched by time spent at Black Champ, the nation's leading Key Indiana operation, where he gained an advanced understanding of breed genetics and practical herd management. This experience has played a pivotal role in shaping Cardinal’s breeding philosophy—a blend of tradition, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to quality. As a result, Cardinal’s cattle are recognized nationwide for their eye appeal, structural soundness, and resilience.

The upcoming sale highlights approximately 107 bred females from their elite lineup of Angus, Simmental, Key, and Maine-Anjou heifers. Each group is backed by generations of selective breeding: Simmentals feature standout “Revelation” daughters with a record of show success; Angus, Key, and Maine cattle are respected for their power, maternal traits, and adaptability. Buyers at the sale benefit from incentives such as discounts for purchasing multiple females and credits for future bull sales, reflecting Cardinal’s focus on customer success and satisfaction.

Held in the company’s new heated marketing center, the sale offers both in-person and online participation, with cattle presented live in the auction ring—a tradition maintained for its excitement and transparency. The event stands as a testament to the vision of Jeff Wisnefski and the legacy of Cardinal Cattle Company, offering cattle that are both profitable and dependable for herds across the nation.

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Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the Director of Business development for the American Cattlemen Media Group, and he sits down with Kristian Rennert with Rennert Ranch. In this episode, Dustin and Kristian will dive into the Rennert Ranch's Maternal Legacies Vol. 4 sale held on Sunday, December 7, 2025. 

Kristian recounts his journey from Colorado to Nebraska, sharing how his initial role with the American International Charolais Association positioned him at the center of the beef industry and laid the foundation for his own ranch. After years on the road, Christian concentrated on growing his own cattle operation, eventually being joined by his wife Becky, whose shared ambitions helped elevate their efforts. Together, they undertook the challenges of building a quality cow herd and hosting successful production sales. Collaboration with partners such as neighbor Frank Meyer and the Hart J Charolais operation played a pivotal role in their ability to scale and launch key bull sales.

The conversation then turns to the genetics and management philosophy of the ranch. Kristian emphasizes their rigorous approach, detailing how selection for traits like birth weight, calving vigor, weaning weights, yearling performance, and carcass quality are all core to their breeding program. Modern tools like ultrasounding and genomic data contribute to the accuracy and reliability of their offerings. With their upcoming Maternal Legacies Sale, the ranch will present donor and recipient females, open and bred heifers, and valuable embryos, all representing many years of careful improvement and investment.

The episode also explores the logistics and unique experience planned for bidders: the sale will be held at Cunningham’s on the Lake in Kearney, providing guests with hospitality, video presentations, and easy access, while facilitating remote participation through online bidding. Kristian expresses genuine excitement regarding both the quality and diversity of the offerings, affirming that this event will highlight Rennert Ranch’s consistent commitment to excellence and its enduring imprint within the cattle industry.

Rennert Ranch

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Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of the American Cattlemen Podcast and he sits down with Bray Haven, Executive Vice President of Cattlemen's Congress. 

Bray begins by sharing his personal and professional journey, describing how his upbringing in rural western Oklahoma and experience with organizations like the Oklahoma Youth Expo shaped his approach to leadership and community building. He recounts the formation of Cattlemen’s Congress in 2020, emphasizing that its creation was a response to widespread event cancellations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to supportive state and city leaders, and the fortuitous availability of Oklahoma City’s OKC Fair Park, the event managed to attract over 11,000 entries in its first year, providing a vital opportunity for cattlemen to trade genetics and maintain the progress of the beef industry during a challenging period.

Bray explains that the show’s mission is centered on revolutionizing seed stock marketing and commerce for breeders across North America. The organization’s leadership relies on input from national breed associations and an advisory committee comprising exhibitors from across the country, ensuring that every decision, from event logistics to marketing strategies, is informed by participant feedback. He highlights the enormous logistical task of managing more than 25 breeds and over 20 sales but credits clear communication and Oklahoma City’s strategic location for much of the event’s continued growth. The Congress also prioritizes inclusivity, recently welcoming new associations like the Wagyu Association.

Bray discusses the importance of bridging the gap between purebred and commercial cattle sectors through conferences and specialized sales, underscoring the event’s commitment to fostering industry collaboration, advancing technology, and continuously improving facilities. He concludes with optimism, looking forward to future shows and reinforcing Cattlemen’s Congress’ role as an evolving, participant-driven hub for the beef industry.

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Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the director of Business Development for the American Cattlemen Media Group and he sits down with Tammy Prebble, Owner of Tailor Made Rooms.

In this episode, Tammy shares her personal journey, beginning in Mid-Michigan with a simple home décor project that evolved into a thriving business focused on custom signage for farms, ranches, and rural homesteads. Her initial inspiration came from creating an Easter decoration that brought her joy, motivating her to bring similar happiness to others by designing personalized signs that capture the unique stories, brands, and identities of her customers. As the conversation progresses, Tammy and Dustin discuss the importance of signage in rural operations, not only for their aesthetic value but for the way they communicate a property’s brand, history, and character. Tammy explains the distinction between her home décor offerings and the larger Tailor Made Barn Signs, targeting different customer needs with specialized branding. She describes the robust materials used—primarily aluminum with a polyethylene core and UV-resistant printing—to ensure the signs withstand the diverse and often harsh weather conditions encountered across the United States and Canada, offering both durability and lasting vibrancy. Beyond their appearance, these signs serve critical functional purposes, such as clearly displaying addresses for emergency services or marking property boundaries. As the episode draws to a close, Tammy and Dustin emphasize the custom, story-driven approach at the heart of Tailor Made Signs, while also giving thanks to the podcast’s sponsors and inviting listeners to continue engaging with future episodes.

Tailor Made Rooms

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Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of the American Cattlemen Media Group and he sits down with Genette Gottswiller and Sheila Patinkin to discuss Authentic Wagyu. 

Ginette describes her agricultural background and the path that led her to become a consultant for Authentic Wagyu. She outlines how the American Wagyu Association recognized the risk of brand dilution as the breed's popularity surged, prompting them to establish minimum quality standards to protect both the product’s integrity and consumer expectations. This led to the creation of the Authentic Wagyu Process Verified Program alongside a certified program, both designed to differentiate true Wagyu beef and set consistent benchmarks for quality—most notably a marbling score above 800, exceeding USDA Prime standards.

Ginette explains that the Process Verified Program requires source and breed verification, targeting full blood producers wanting to carry a premium label, while the Certified Program extends eligibility to producers purchasing Wagyu feeder calves, broadening market access. As the first farm certified through the program, Sheila Patinkin of Vermont Wagyu discusses the procedural hurdles such as legal form approvals and label design but notes that the enrollment was ultimately less daunting than anticipated. She observes a notable benefit: the authentic Wagyu label led to a surprising 20% sales increase and an influx of new customers appreciating the transparency and branding. Both Ginette Gottswiller and Sheila Patinkin emphasize the importance of education for retailers and consumers, envisioning a future where authentic Wagyu is recognizable and available widely. The conversation concludes with optimism about the association’s progress and the wider adoption of the program, underscoring the collaborative spirit and potential rewards for dedicated cattle producers.

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Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of the American Cattlemen Media Group and he sits down with Clint Stevenson and Faith Ganziano with Stevenson Diamond Dot Ranch. 

The discussion begins with the storied history of the Stevenson family’s involvement in the Angus cattle business, a tradition spanning sixty-five years and five generations. The ranch was founded on the values of superior genetics and dedication to ranching, with each generation building upon the work of their predecessors. Today, Clint and his wife Adonis continue to honor these traditions while embracing innovation, ensuring the continuation of the family’s legacy alongside their actively involved children.

Faith, who leads ranch marketing and assists with daily operations, highlights the family’s commitment to communal effort and adaptability. Having anticipated labor shortages, the Stevensons ensured the involvement of their five children, several of whom, along with their spouses, play crucial roles on the ranch. The ranch’s loyal, long-term employees are also acknowledged as essential contributors, having become like family over years of service.

As the conversation turns to ranch philosophy, Clint and Faith share their approach to cattle breeding, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an outstanding cow herd through careful culling and genetic selection. They explain that while genetic data, DNA testing, and EPDs are important tools, the true measure of success remains in producing cattle that thrive in tough Montana conditions and deliver results for commercial producers nationwide. Their breeding program aims for a balance between strong phenotypes and quantitative genetic merit, without compromising practical qualities like hardiness and adaptability.

Looking ahead, the Stevensons are preparing for their 65th annual production sale, scheduled for December 1, 2025, at the ranch. The event will feature a deep offering including 240 yearling bulls, 95 two-year-olds, registered females, embryo lots, and nearly a thousand commercial females, reflecting the ranch’s commitment to quality and enduring family values.

For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.

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