4 Rivers Akaushi is an excellent story of two families with tremendous skills and opportunities coming together to do even greater things.  Check out our interview with Jeremiah Harris and John Telge of 4 Rivers Akaushi!

John and Elaine started raising ostriches in 1993. They moved our family to the country in 1994, where we built ostrich pens and had our first sets of birds delivered while still working @ a distribution company selling power transmission products. We started selling ostrich meat in the Kansas City area in 1996 to local chefs & and restaurants.

In 2002, Elaine & and I formed “Arrowhead Game Meats LLC.” AKA Arrowhead Specialty Meats. Our goal was to create a meat company that sold natural-type meats, starting with all types of game meats such as ostrich, venison, bison, duck, quail, lamb, and other game. This also led to more mainstream meats such as beef, pork, and chicken, but not just any beef, pork, or chicken. Since we wanted to stay natural, we sourced meats such as Wagyu beef, Piedmontese Beef, Berkshire pork/Duroc Pork, Amish-raised chicken, and many others.

In 2008/2009, we introduced a new line of beef in the Kansas City area called “Akaushi Beef”

from Heartbrand Beef. This new line of meat took off quickly due to its tenderness, taste, and the compelling story behind it. In 2011, Elaine and I took on a new business partner, and together we ran Arrowhead Specialty.

Meats successfully. In 2021, while still selling our natural meats, we purchased our first four fullblood Akaushi heifers. In 2023, Elaine and I decided to sell our share of the business to our business partner and retire from Arrowhead, starting to raise our line of fullblood Akaushi Beef. In the same year, 2023, we began speaking with Rolling H Farms about raising Akaushi Cattle, and together we formed “4 Rivers Akaushi LLC.” We now offer fullblood seedstock, F-1; F2 feeders/fat cattle, and F-1 & F2 heifers/cows.

Jeremiah and Amy Harris in Edgar Springs, Missouri. Since 2017, we have been focused on Akaushi genetics. The Harris farm primarily consists of a cow-calf operation with a strong emphasis on raising replacement heifers. We background our calves and finish approximately 120 fats a year.  We follow best practices for effective and sustainable farming, including rotational grazing, intensive grazing, and freshwater access points

throughout the farm.

We are proud to raise all-natural, prime Akaushi beef with no added

hormones, steroids, or antibiotics. Our goal is to have F1 females produce

F2 feeders and fats for a prime market. 

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

American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:

DMTC Consulting  

Rawhide Portable Corrals  

Udder Tech, Inc.  

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 Dr. M. Wayne Ayers, Senior Beef Cattle Technical Consultant for Elanco Animal Health. With extensive veterinary experience, Dr. Ayers emphasized the importance of strategic pest control across different regions of the United States. 

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

American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:

DMTC Consulting

Rawhide Portable Corrals

Udder Tech, Inc.

Central Life Sciences

It was a lot of fun to interview Clare Dunn, Singer-Songwriter!

Clare was invited to Beef & Greet to perform before the dinner at the 808 ranch on Saturday night. She didn’t disappoint. The attendees were treated to the strong voice of one of our industry's strongest advocates.

Please take some time to appreciate this outstanding talent. You will learn that the heart of this country artist is filled with love for agriculture and the people who work within our industry. If you get the chance to see Clare Dunn live…do it.

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

American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:

DMTC Consulting

Rawhide Portable Corrals

Udder Tech, Inc.

Cattle external parasites are a tremendous problem in cattle herds, and Summer brings on its unique challenges. Dr. Shynia Peterman and I are so excited to welcome you to the inaugural episode of Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health!

Our purpose is to bring you information and resources from the industry's brightest minds to help you manage your herd health. Our format is casual, but don’t let that fool you; we dig deep to find the best solutions. We encourage our listeners to send in their questions and comments to [email protected].

Today’s episode topic is about external parasites in cattle operations. Lice, mites, ticks, flies, mosquitoes, and other pests can make a cow's life miserable and cost you money!

Our guest is Dr. Mark Alley. Dr. Alley is a managing veterinarian with the US cattle and equine Technical Services team at Zoetis. He joined Zoetis in 2014. His responsibilities include providing technical support to Zoetis territory business managers for cattle in the eastern United States. Mark is a native of Mississippi, having received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree from Mississippi State University in 1996.

Dr. Synia and Dr. Alley discuss external parasites in general, but then dig into various hotspots around the country, including Theileria orientalis Ikeda, a microscopic protozoan parasite that infects the red blood cells of cattle, causing anemia. The disease is primarily transmitted by the bite of an infected Asian Longhorned Tick (Haemaphysalis longicornis) or by blood transfer through the use of contaminated needles and equipment. The tick can feed on many animal species, including humans, but the blood parasite only affects cattle. Once a cow is infected, it may take 1-8 weeks before she shows symptoms of disease. The Asian Tick has been seen in large infestations across the US.

Dr. Shynia answers numerous questions from you our listeners. Make sure and check out her tips and solutions.

Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health

For Future or Previous episodes visit our websites: 

American Cattlemen

American Dairymen

Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health Sponsored by: 

Elanco Animal Health

Central Life Science

A great conversation with Payton Warmke, from JB Ranch Akaushi in Kaufman, Texas. Payton took time from his busy role as father and ranch manager at JB to visit with us, and I am glad he did!

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

American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:

DMTC Consulting  

Rawhide Portable Corrals  

Udder Tech, Inc.  

Lamar grew up in northeast Wyoming on the JH Ranch until the 1970s, when the Steiger family moved to northwest Arkansas, where Lamar managed the family’s dairy and beef operation. He then served as general manager for JAC's Ranch—the largest Angus seed-stock producer in Arkansas. Beginning in 2014, Lamar helped lead a dramatic and innovative change to the Walmart beef supply by helping to create a proper ranch-to-retail supply chain that ensures consistency and quality at an everyday low price. He continues to consult with major retailers, AgTech firms, and ranchers nationwide on ranch management and profitability. He is an expert in ranch-to-retail beef supply and profitable ranch management. Lamar is a supply chain consultant for several international ‘go to market’ food supply chain clients and currently serves as a board member of New Zealand protein packaging company, FoodCap, and Völur - a Norwegian AI company uniquely positioned to increase profit margins in packing plants. 

Shari is responsible for the design and details of The 808 infrastructure. She received her secondary education and a degree in Biology from Drury University, as well as her math certification from the University of Arkansas. She taught 7th-grade math and science in Bentonville until she homeschooled her three children through 9th grade. Shari’s love of education has led her to serve on the Thaden School Board of Directors since 2016. Having spent every summer with her maternal grandparents on their farm in SW Missouri and raising her children on JAC’s Ranch, Shari sees The 808 as a continuing legacy for the next generation. The 808 is not just a business, but a place of retreat and recreation for families and friends, offering river activities, horseback riding, sundowners, and exploring the land on mules. Shari loves spending time with her grandchildren and family, serving at their local church, gardening, horseback riding, and traveling with Lamar.

The 808 is an innovative, retail-focused ranch. We are third- and fourth-generation ranchers equipped with modern ranching technologies, data-driven insights on beef consumer trends, and key relationships with world-class retailers. We consistently produce genetically superior cattle and are uniquely positioned to help build reliable beef supply chains that benefit both ranchers and consumers.

Owning The 808 Ranch is the realization of a lifelong dream for Lamar and Shari. Growing up on ranches themselves, the Steigers developed a love of the land and a desire to cultivate that same love in future generations. After they got married, Lamar and Shari worked Jac’s ranch together, riding horses after dinner, scouring the land for rocks with holes, and taking family drives to check on the cattle.

When the dream of owning The 808 became a reality in 2020, the Steigers envisioned a ranch that would build on the legacies of their parents and grandparents. Not only did they endeavor to cultivate excellence in their cattle operation, but they also invest in the next generation of aspiring ranchers and farmers. Understanding the demands of ranch life firsthand, the Steigers are actively engaged in the local community, empowering the next generation to take up the task when the time comes.

Lamar and Shari intentionally built The 808 as a place to gather, reconnect, and create lasting memories amidst the beauty of nature. Together, they are working to elevate America’s herd and cultivate a love for the land and industry in the next generation, while fostering beautiful memories for everyone who gets the opportunity to visit The 808.

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

American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:

DMTC Consulting

Rawhide Portable Corrals

Udder Tech, Inc.

Had a great visit with Brandee Howell, Manager, and Jerrod Miksell, Lead Butcher of J.H. Trading, LLC. JH Cattle Company, Waco, Missouri. Brandee and Jerrod are high-energy and love what they do!

By the way, J-H Trading was just awarded the 2025 Best of Southwest Missouri Gold Award for “place to buy meat” for their farm-to-table meat store in Joplin, where they feature their farm-raised Akaushi beef—a true labor of love.

For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast please check out the website:  www.americancattlemen.com

American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:

DMTC Consulting  

Rawhide Portable Corrals  

Udder Tech, Inc.  

 I had a great conversation with Steve Cottrell, one of the bright new minds in our industry, about Akaushi Cattle.  Steve will be the first to tell you he was not born a cattle rancher.  However, his keen mind and desire to become one of the industry's top seedstock producers are quickly allowing him to earn the title of cattleman!

Stephen M. Cottrell has over 40 years of experience in the automotive industry, including 15 years of specialization in automotive data and information integration. Over the last 18 years, Steve has built Authenticom into a thriving, multi-million-dollar enterprise that integrates with over ten thousand automotive dealerships—connecting them with hundreds of solution providers and OEMs throughout North America.  

In addition to all that success, Steve is the owner of Legendary Akaushi Genetics, established in 2015, which is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the foundation genetics of Akaushi Cattle. Under new ownership by Steve Cotrelle, we honor this legacy while leveraging data-driven breeding to advance the breed and are dedicated to advancing Akaushi genetics.  With rare foundational animals, we are uniquely positioned to develop superior maternal lines based on rigorous performance metrics, helping producers improve efficiency, profitability & overall herd performance.

Legendary Akaushi Genetics breeds female Akaushi cattle to uphold the breed's prestigious lineage. These live females are descendants of the cattle that played a pivotal role in advancing the American beef industry. We take great pride in selecting and preserving only the highest-quality females that exemplify our core values in terms of functionality and breed type.

 For those seeking genetic diversity through semen, Legendary Akaushi Genetics provides an opportunity to access premium Red Wagyu genetics. Meticulously sourced from superior bulls, our Akaushi semen ensures the optimization of calving ease, improvement in carcass quality, and the infusion of diverse genetic traits. This investment promises to elevate your cattle operation to new heights.

Legendary Akaushi Genetics offers a unique opportunity to invest in the future of Red Wagyu excellence. Through carefully selected matings, our Akaushi embryos carry the legacy of superior maternal qualities, enhanced carcass quality, and the genetic diversity necessary for a thriving cattle operation. This investment in Akaushi embryos is a forward-looking step towards excellence in Red Wagyu breeding. 

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

American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:

DMTC Consulting  

Rawhide Portable Corrals  

Udder Tech, Inc.  

It was my sincere pleasure to talk to one of the cattle industry's great people today, Larry Gran with Jorgensen Land & Cattle Company!  Larry Gran was as enjoyable as he was educational!  Larry is a self-professed “worn-out cowboy”, but there is still a lot of work left in this cowboy!

Larry Gran is an experienced Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the pharmaceutical industry. Skilled in Negotiation, Business Planning, Market Planning, Sales, and Sales Operations. Strong professional with a B.S. focused on Ag Economics from the University of Wyoming.

Larry provides insight into the United States' largest Seedstock producer’s philosophy on genetic excellence!

History 

The Jorgensen operation began in 1909 when Martin Jorgensen, Sr. and his wife Gertrude homesteaded land near Ideal, South Dakota.

Nearly 50 years later, his son Martin Jorgensen Jr. adopted the pioneering beef cattle performance breeding concepts of the late Dr. Jay Lush (Iowa State University). By the 1960s, the Jorgensen’s performance-based, line-breeding program had established their herd as “the source” for performance beef cattle genetics in the U.S. Today, the 3rd- and 4th-generations of the Jorgensen family continue the legacy of innovation through farming and cattle operations. We remain at the forefront of performance measurement, genetic analysis, and conservation. As a result, cattlemen, farmers, and hunters continue to look to “the source.”

Over the past 100 years, we’ve grown from a family homestead to an operation known nationwide for its superior Angus herd, excellent certified seed, being a leader in soil health, and prime pheasant hunting. But don’t let our 12,000 acres fool you. We’re proud to remain a family operation rooted in a tradition of excellence and innovation.

Martin Jorgensen

Martin F. Jorgensen, Jr. was a pioneer. He once told an interviewer, “I’ve never liked tradition for tradition’s sake, nor have I feared new approaches.” Martin was always searching for a better way to do things and was not afraid to swim upstream if he was convinced that was what needed to be done.

Always analytical, Martin’s analysis of his own commercial cattle operation in the 50s was that he had been doing things the way most ranchers did — producing good but average cows that produced good but average calves, and “average” wasn’t good enough for Martin. Since he couldn’t find the kind of bulls that would do what he wanted bulls to do, he decided to make bulls that would improve commercial cattle herds. He purchased some high-quality registered cows, consulted with the leading geneticists who understood what needed to change, and was determined to produce the kind of bulls he had wanted to use in his commercial herd.

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

American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:

DMTC Consulting

Rawhide Portable Corrals

Udder Tech, Inc.

What a great informational and practical conversation with two fencing professionals from Stay-Tuff!

Today, Stay-Tuff is one of the most renowned steel fencing product brands in the agricultural and construction markets.

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

American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:

DMTC Consulting

Rawhide Portable Corrals

Udder Tech, Inc.