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 Bob Cook with Vermilion Ranch. 

Established in 1961 by Pat Goggins, Vermilion Ranch has grown into a prominent registered Angus operation renowned for merging advanced genetic technology with time-honored ranching techniques. Cook, who has been with the ranch since 1977, emphasizes the family-run nature of the business and the essential role that family involvement plays in its ongoing success.

The discussion spotlights Vermilion Ranch’s balanced approach focusing on both spring and fall calving herds, with a diligent philosophy toward herd management. Cows are selected based on strict criteria for fertility, structural soundness, and other desirable traits, combining both rigorous performance and genomic testing. Throughout the dialogue, Cook stresses the importance of adapting to customer needs and responding to changing market demands, as evidenced by the ranch’s diverse practices, which include both registered Angus and commercial cattle operations. He remarks that a key factor in their legacy is a strong base of repeat customers, demonstrating the trust and satisfaction the ranch instills.

Further into the conversation, attention turns to the upcoming Vermilion Ranch Fall Performance Sale scheduled for November 28th and 29th, a major event for the business and its customers. The segment also touches on the impact of weather, the philosophy behind breeding and raising profitable cattle for commercial producers, and the notable team of auctioneers involved with the sale. The episode concludes by reinforcing the ranch’s dedication to continual improvement, customer service, and producing quality cattle year after year.

Vermilion 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, and he sits down with Jake Reed with Bar J Ranch to discuss the Bar J Ranch 50th Anniversary Elite Female Sale & Cow Herd Dispersion held on November 29, 2025, at the ranch in Brooten, Minnesota. 

Situated in Brewton, Minnesota, Bar J Ranch is a family-owned operation managed by the father-son team John and Jake Reed, specializing in Angus cattle. Over nearly fifty years, the Reeds have built a legacy around conservation, dedicated management, and the pursuit of high-quality, profitable genetics.

Jake shares insights into the ranch’s evolution, noting that the annual bull sale began roughly a decade ago and has gained significant traction. He emphasizes a philosophy rooted in balancing maternal qualities and carcass performance, with a particular focus on cows' resilience, foot and udder quality, and adaptability to forage-based diets. The cattle have been selectively bred for functional traits, performance, and longevity, resulting in herds that excel on both phenotype and production metrics.

The upcoming sale is described as a unique opportunity, featuring 31 bred heifers emphasizing elite maternal genetics and over 100 bred cows, all carefully selected for their productivity and soundness. Jake highlights outstanding genetics from bulls such as SAV Magnum, Keneally Commerce, and their in-house sire Bar J Bowman. He further details the timing of calving and the rigorous culling process that ensures only top-end cows are offered to the public.

Additional discussion covers auction logistics: the event will be hosted at the Bar J Ranch with video auction options available, facilitating broader participation. Jake underscores the comprehensive health and vaccination protocols in place and encourages prospective buyers—especially new or young breeders—to take advantage of the opportunity to acquire proven, resilient cattle that reflect decades of successful Angus stewardship.

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Reverse Rocking R Ranch Annual Bull & Female Sale to be held at 1 PM MST, December 6, at the Ranch. 

I had a great conversation with Chris Earl of Reverse Rocking R Ranch! Chris is one of those guys who never stops and is a highly knowledgeable Cattle Professional. Chris travels thousands of miles a year and knows what the cattle industry is looking for in quality seedstock.

Chis and his team are continually working to be one of the largest suppliers of Angus bulls in the Southwest, based on a herd recognized across the country.

Chris and Krista Earl, and their late partner Dave Schumaker, own the Reverse Rocking R. The ranch is run day to day by brothers Trent and Garrett Earl, who tend to the needs of one of the most progressive Angus herds in the country, continually being developed.

Found in the Northeast corner of New Mexico, where the Grasslands meet the Rockies, you will find the herd being built with an extensive use of Embryo Transfer and Artificial Insemination to supply our nationwide clientele with quality Angus seedstock. Raising cattle at 6100 feet of elevation presents its challenges, but it also allows us to supply high-altitude cattle to herds seeking genetics developed in similar conditions. They like to think that if their cattle can make it here, they can make it anywhere.

From Reverse Rocking R Ranch

“As much as I want to go out and preach about our product and program, my mind keeps coming back to our lifestyle and you, the American rancher. Because really, if you are not successful, we don’t exist in Maxwell, NM. So truly, our sale is about you, the American rancher, and not us. As I travel the country, I am inspired by our way of life and by the dedicated, gritty ranch families I meet and see. I desire to help them, and there is no question, after 35 years in the business, the best way to do that is to design genetics that will position them to exceed their expectations.

That is our focus and will remain so. Every year, we are learning and gaining on our

mission to breed cattle in rugged, elevated country that will leave you a set of replacements ready to work and a set of steers prepared to gain and grade. Our feedback over the last decade, from across the country, on that goal has been positive and rewarding. The cattle management is unique and as challenging as anything we have ever done.

Maintaining early heart health, hard feet and mouths, developing reproductive tracts not encumbered by fat, a desire to forage, and a structure that can cover ground is essential. Wet feed is not an option in our country, and we are blessed it is not. Genetics becomes unmasked, and authentic learning takes place for your benefit. As you can see in the pictures, the younger cattle are not pushed for their lifelong benefit. They flourish in all regions on the mountain or off. Our pictures are our word. They are what they are, images captured by ranchers.

As I write this, the market rages for the world’s best protein that you have created. I am so thankful for the monetary rewards cattlemen are now receiving, which are part of the personal rewards of this ranching way of life. It’s here to stay, folks. Trust it; trust yourself; and leverage what you own — land, cattle, work, and love of God’s gift of ranching.”

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Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney at the American Wagyu Conference, and he chats with Cade Nichols owner of Nichols Ranching Company. In this episode they will get into Cade’s deep roots in agriculture as a fifth-generation Texan, highlighting a family legacy of farming and ranching that dates back to the mid-1800s. 

Cade describes the evolution of Nichols Ranching Company from a traditional commercial cow-calf operation towards the integration of Wagyu cattle seventeen years ago. Initially skeptical, Cade recounts how the family experimented by bringing in Wagyu bulls, which ultimately led to diversified revenue streams including registered seed stock, bull sales, and a buyback program for calves. He explains how the ranch’s business model enables commercial producers to transition into Wagyu, emphasizing educational outreach to encourage adoption. Cade details the performance traits of Wagyu bulls, such as longevity, fertility, and ease of calving, which have helped sway commercial producers to participate in the program. He also shares strategies employed, including private treaty sales and programs for preconditioning and buying back calves, reflecting the ranch’s adaptability to fluctuating market conditions.

Throughout the interview, Cade discusses the opportunities within the Wagyu industry, noting the cyclical relationship between commercial cattle markets and Wagyu demand. He underlines the current favorable timing for entering the Wagyu seed stock sector and praises the supportive, sharing nature of the American Wagyu Association. The episode illustrates both the challenges and rewards of ranching, anchored around family tradition, innovation, and industry collaboration.

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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 he sits down with Bill and Nancy Rudow with Rudow Family Cattle. The conversation focused on the Rudow family’s cattle operation, their philosophy, and details of the upcoming “Regret Free Female Sale” scheduled for November 22, 2025, at their farm near Pana, Illinois. 

Bill and Nancy Rudow shared insights into their journey in the cattle industry, highlighting their transition from Limousin to Angus cattle in response to local market preferences. Since 2013, the Rudows have hosted annual female sales, operating with a philosophy centered on simplicity and producing sound, forage-efficient cattle with strong maternal traits. They favor practical performance and structural quality over strict reliance on genetic EPD (Expected Progeny Differences) numbers, trusting that longevity and proven productivity in their herd are stronger indicators of success than metrics alone.

Details about the upcoming sale were discussed, with offerings including purebred bred heifers (largely AI-bred and divided by seasonal calving groups), open heifers, commercial bred and open heifers, and a prized flush opportunity from the standout donor cow, Rudow’s Queen 460. The Rudows emphasized the consistency of their herd, high retention rates of quality heifers, and maternal strength, aiming to produce cattle suitable for real-world conditions.

Logistics of the sale were covered, emphasizing opportunities for both in-person attendance and online bidding via CCI Live. The Rudow family encouraged prospective buyers to visit the farm for early viewing and referenced available catalogs and videos for further information. The episode concluded with appreciation for the support of the cattle community and an invitation to participate in the upcoming sale, highlighting the quality and integrity of the Rudow operation.

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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 H. Kerr Taylor and Emily Searle with Old Three Wagyu. 

Kerr Taylor's profound appreciation for the world's premier beef began during his junior year aboard the University of the Seven Seas and World Campus Afloat. This global journey, with over 20 international stops, led to a decisive culinary experience in Kobe, Japan. There, he sampled genuine, 100% Fullblood Kobe steak—an unparalleled epiphany of flavor, tenderness, and marbling. This singular taste transformed him into an enduring enthusiast.

Upon returning to the United States, however, he found authentic Kobe beef virtually inaccessible. This deficit created a long-term goal.

Years later, guided by his commitment to "investing in the irreplaceable™," Kerr Taylor sought not just to import, but to replicate its caliber. This endeavor led him and his family to acquire 500 acres of fertile land near the historical birthplace of Texas, offering an optimal environment.

The next vital step was genetics. Inspired by the Kobe memory, he sourced some of the finest Wagyu genetics available globally. His goal was to honor Japanese quality while utilizing Texas's superior resources.

Today, this initiative is a thriving enterprise. The ranch is home to a magnificent assemblage of Wagyu cattle—best-bred and recognized as some of America's most content. Reared with meticulous animal welfare, the final product embodies the identical rich flavor, profound marbling, and delicate texture that first captivated him in Kobe, successfully repatriating that unparalleled delicacy. We hope you enjoy this episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast. 

Old Three Wagyu

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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 Cody Quam with Marda Angus Farms. 

Marda Angus Farms represents a multi-generational family cattle breeding operation in Lodi, Wisconsin, with a rich history spanning over seven decades. Founded when Dave Quam purchased his first Angus female for a 4-H project, the farm has evolved into a sophisticated breeding enterprise managed by Cody Quam, alongside his 94-year-old grandmother and father.

The farm recently expanded by acquiring Miller Farm Shorthorns while carefully preserving the heritage of both operations. Their breeding philosophy emphasizes producing balanced, high-quality cattle that deliver both substantial weight and premium carcass characteristics. This approach reflects a deep understanding of commercial producers' needs, focusing on creating cattle that not only look attractive but also generate meaningful economic value.

The upcoming November 15th production sale showcases the farm's genetic excellence, featuring a comprehensive offering of bred heifers, bred cows, fall pairs, open heifers, and Shorthorn heifers. The sale represents a carefully curated selection of their top genetic lines, including offspring from notable sires like BMW Nobility and College Congress.

Cody Quam's breeding strategy prioritizes cow longevity, with examples like a 14-year-old cow still actively breeding, and a commitment to maintaining robust, efficient cattle. The farm partners with other respected cattle operations and participates in innovative breeding programs, including feed efficiency trials and advanced genetic selection.

A distinctive aspect of Marda Angus Farms is their commitment to industry development. They demonstrate this through initiatives like donating a portion of their sale proceeds to the Angus Foundation, supporting youth and research programs that have historically benefited their own family.

The sale is more than a commercial transaction; it's a testament to the Quam family's dedication to advancing cattle genetics, supporting agricultural innovation, and maintaining a proud family farming tradition that spans multiple generations.

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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 Kevin Keyes, owner of Keyes Angus. In this episode, they will dive into the Keyes Angus Dispersal Sale held on November 15th, 2025.

Following the loss of his wife to cancer a year ago, Kevin has made the decision to semi-retire and focus on what matters most: being a full-time grandfather to his grandchildren.

The episode delves into Kevin's remarkable journey in the cattle industry, highlighting his unique approach to cattle breeding and ranch management. After relocating from Springfield to Brewster, Nebraska, Kevin transformed his ranching methods, shifting from traditional January calving to a more flexible April through June calving season. His innovative approach includes raising two-year-old bulls and managing cattle in expansive pastures that allow natural growth and development.

The centerpiece of the conversation is the upcoming Keyes Angus dispersal sale, scheduled for November 15th at Valentine Livestock Auction. This comprehensive sale offers a rare opportunity for cattle producers, featuring 185 registered Angus spring pairs, 40 registered and 40 commercial Angus bred heifers, 70 registered Angus 18-month-old bulls, and 25 registered Angus herd sires. Kevin's commitment to quality is evident in his breeding philosophy, which prioritizes overall animal performance and characteristics over pure genetic metrics.

More than just a cattle sale, this episode is a testament to resilience, family, and the evolving nature of agricultural life. Kevin's story reflects the deeply personal decisions that shape ranching careers, demonstrating that sometimes the most courageous choice is to pivot and embrace a new chapter of life.

Keyes Angus Website - HOME | keyes-angus

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Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney at the American Wagyu Conference, and he chats with Jim Skartvedt, co-owner of Renew Livestock Company. 

Jim began his livestock journey at age seven when he bought his first ewe from his father. With a background in animal science and a master's in ruminant nutrition and meat science from Iowa State University, he now lives in Azle, Texas, with his wife and five children. He operates Renew Livestock Company, managing cattle supplies for niche market meat companies, and runs a small cow-calf operation alongside his business ventures.

Jim discussed the unique characteristics of the Wagyu breed, highlighting its distinct phenotypic traits. Unlike traditional American cattle, Wagyu are flatter boned, have a unique structural design, and possess exceptional longevity, with cows potentially producing for 10-15 years.

A key focus was the breed's genetic advantages. Wagyu cattle demonstrate remarkable vigor when crossbred, with calves showing exceptional early vitality. The breed naturally produces high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, potentially offering health benefits that challenge traditional perceptions of beef consumption.

The discussion emphasized the breed's marbling potential, noting that Wagyu cattle continue to develop marbling linearly with age, unlike other breeds. Currently, the industry sees about 10% prime cattle, but Wagyu-influenced herds can achieve 70-80% prime grades, often harvesting at 18-24 months.

Looking forward, Jim sees opportunities in direct consumer marketing, smaller herds, and addressing labor challenges in agriculture. He believes the Wagyu breed offers potential for younger generations entering ranching, with possibilities for small-scale, direct-to-consumer beef production.

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The Premium Power Bull Sale was started in 2021 by some Beefmaster Breeders who saw a need for an elite Beefmaster bull sale in the heart of the Florida cattle industry. 

It was a great pleasure to visit with Lauran Lyssy, with Lyssy Beefmasters, and Colson Cannon, with Cannon Cattle, about the Premium Power Bull Sale.

Not only do they sell the bulls in Florida, but they are also developed in the Florida climate from weaning through sale time. Their bulls are born and raised along the Gulf Coast and are ready to work in any environment. Their priority is to raise bulls for the commercial cattleman, with an emphasis on longevity, fertility, and natural muscling. The bulls are raised on a forage-based diet and undergo a feed efficiency test at the Southern Beef Performance Center in Williston, FL, at Etheridge Cattle Company. When their bulls come out of the efficiency test, they are turned into grass traps and developed as naturally as possible until sale time. The genetic base for Premium Power Bulls is among the longest-tested performance genetics in the breed, and they continue to performance-test their bulls for their customers. Bulls from their sale come with all their weights and measures, carcass ultrasound, and efficiency data, such as RFI and ADG. This year's Premium Power Bull Sale is held on November 7th at 1 PM ET at the Cattleman's Market of Okeechobee in Okeechobee, FL, and will be broadcast on DV Auctions, Inc.

The Premium Power Bull Sale

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