Casual Cattle Conversations

S 7, EP 46 – This conversation delves into the fundamentals of liquid feed in the cattle industry, exploring its usage, economic advantages, and nutritional benefits. Drs. Kelley Neuhold and Kelly Sanders with Westway Feed Products discuss how liquid feed varies across geographical regions, its historical context, and the practical considerations ranchers should evaluate when considering liquid feed for their operations. The discussion emphasizes the efficiency, labor savings, and nutritional enhancements that liquid feed can provide, making it a compelling option for cattle producers.

Takeaways

• Liquid feed is used differently across geographical regions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Liquid Feed and Its Experts

Connect with an expert about liquid feed: https://westwayfeed.com/the-best-way-to-raise-beef-liquid-feed/

Move the Ranch Forward: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ranchermind-events/p/move-the-ranch-forward-2025 

Free Ranching Resources: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ranching-resources 

S7, E 45: In this episode, I sit down with Erin McKnight, a cattle producer from the Sandhills of Saskatchewan, Canada, to explore her journey and the creation of Ranch Academy.

Erin shares how Ranch Academy, her online program, equips hired hands with essential skills and knowledge—covering everything from equipment safety and cattle handling to water system troubleshooting. Originally developed to streamline her own training process, Ranch Academy has grown into a powerful tool that helps ranchers reduce training time, empower new employees, and prevent costly mistakes. This conversation is packed with insights for anyone involved in ranching or interested in the future of hands-on ranch management.

So, grab a coffee, tune in, and join us for another conversation that’s as real and rugged as ranch life itself.

Takeaways

• Training employees is crucial for effective ranch management.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ranch Academy and Its Purpose

Resources:

Westway Feeds - https://westwayfeed.com/ 

Ranch Academy - https://www.mcknightranch.ca/academy 

Move the Ranch Forward - https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ranchermind-events/p/move-the-ranch-forward-2025 

In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, Shaye shares actionable strategies to help ranchers increase both profitability and productivity without burning out. She kicks things off by addressing common misconceptions about productivity—more hours don't necessarily mean more profit. Instead, Shaye highlights the importance of focusing on high-impact tasks that drive the ranch forward.

Key Takeaways:

Identify Revenue-Driving Tasks: Start by making a list of daily, weekly, and monthly activities. Then, star the tasks that directly contribute to generating revenue and productivity.

Know Your Numbers: Ranchers must understand their financials beyond year-end taxes. Shaye shares tips on creating a clear financial picture and the importance of delegating bookkeeping if it's not your strength.

Set Clear Goals: Break down your ranch’s goals into 1-year, 5-year, and 10-year increments. Knowing your long-term goals helps you align your short-term actions for success.

Enhance Communication: Whether you're a solo operator or have a team, effective communication can make or break productivity. Shaye shares examples from her own ranch life and stresses the importance of clear, concise instructions.

Leverage Technology: Automate and delegate tasks using modern tech tools to save time and reduce stress. Shaye encourages ranchers to assess what can be automated to focus on high-impact tasks.

Prioritize with the Four-Quadrant Method: Use this method to separate urgent from non-urgent and important from unimportant tasks. It’s an easy way to break down overwhelming to-do lists and stay focused on the right things.

Reduce Screen Time: Set boundaries with your phone to enhance mental health and productivity. Shaye shares how limiting screen time drastically improved her focus on the ranch.

Resources Mentioned:

Move Your Ranch Forward Goal Setting Book: Get Shaye’s digital guide to help set and prioritize your ranch’s goals for 2025. https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ranchermind-events/p/move-the-ranch-forward-2025

RancherMinds Program: Join Shaye’s community to dive deeper into ranching profitability and productivity. https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ranchermind-events

Ranch Channel: Find your next herd sire FAST with this great resource. https://ranchchannel.com/

S7, EP 43 In this episode, Shaye Koester-Wanner chats with Brianna Buseman, a meat scientist for Marble Technologies, about the advancements in technology and automation in the meat industry. They discuss the importance of meat science for cattle producers and the role of technology in improving efficiency and sustainability in the meatpacking process.

Takeaways

• Meat science plays a crucial role in the beef supply chain.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Meat Science Passion

https://www.seemarble.com/ 

Ranch Profitability Resources:

https://redangus.org/ 

https://www.breedr.co/

Follow Through with Your Ranch Goals

https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ranchermind-events/p/move-the-ranch-forward-2025

S7, Episode 42 🎙️ What’s the impact of mature cow size and ranch profitability? Dr. David Lalman – professor of Animal and Food Sciences at Oklahoma State University – and Shaye Koester-Wanner tackle this question during this thought-provoking podcast episode. David and Shaye discuss the assumed correlation between mature cow weight and feed intake as well as how some cattle are above average in weight but below average in feed intake.

In this episode, ranchers will:

🎙️learn how to select their ideal cows and bulls

🎙️dive into the 4 quadrants cattle can be placed in when measuring efficiency

🎙️understand the impact of selecting for industry average growth traits

🎙️hear David’s thoughts on if the beef industry is pushing terminal and growth traits too far

Chapters

00:00 Genetic Selection in Cattle Production

17:57 Impact of Cow Size on Profitability

22:00 Navigating Genetic Information for Commercial Producers

27:13 Balancing Performance and Cost Efficiency

31:54 Future Directions in Cattle Efficiency Research

Resources:

Red Angus - https://redangus.org/

Breedr - https://www.breedr.co/

Newsletter - https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ranching-resources 

Season 7 – Episode 41 || Shaye Koester-Wanner, Andy Bishop, and Jason Schmidt delve into the intricacies of the Beef Checkoff program, discussing its origins, structure, and the significant return on investment for producers. They address common producer concerns and the importance of effective marketing strategies. The discussion emphasizes the need for transparency and producer involvement in the decision-making processes, while also highlighting the positive impact of the Checkoff on the beef industry.

Takeaways

• The Beef Checkoff was established in 1985 to promote beef.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Beef Checkoff

Resources:

Breedr - https://www.breedr.co/ 

Red Angus - https://redangus.org/ 

Checkoff - https://www.beefboard.org/the-drive-sign-up-form/ 

Cattle Convos - https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ 

Skyler Moore with Joplin Regional Stockyards and  Shaye Koester-Wanner discuss the evolution of the Joplin Stockyards, the importance of value-added programs for cattle producers, and the challenges faced in the cattle industry today. He emphasizes the significance of reputation and planning for success in cattle sales, as well as the role of video sales and specialty sales in enhancing market opportunities for cattle producers. The conversation highlights the impact of the auction business on the economy and the need for continued support for local sale barns. Whether you are a seasoned or new rancher, this conversation reminds you how important it is to have a cattle marketing plan each year. 

• The role of sale barns has evolved significantly over the years.

00:00 Introduction and Background of Joplin Regional Stockyards

Resources:

https://ranchchannel.com/

https://www.joplinstockyards.com/

https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ 

In this conversation, Zack Lindsley shares his journey as a first-generation farmer and feedlot owner, discussing the challenges he faced, the importance of financial literacy, and how technology has transformed his operation. He emphasizes the significance of community involvement and mentorship in agriculture and offers insights into evaluating new technologies for efficiency and ROI. Zack's story is one of perseverance, growth, and a commitment to family and community.

Takeaways

• Zack is a first-generation farmer who took over his father-in-law's operation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Description of Zack's Operation

Performance Beef: https://www.performancelivestockanalytics.com/stories/10-cattle-feeders-ag-lender-relationship?utm_campaign=%5BPLA%5D%20General%20Awareness%20%7C%202024&utm_source=Casual%20Cattle%20Conversations&utm_medium=Newsletter%20Ad&utm_content=Ag%20Lending%20Article

More Ranching Resources: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ranching-resources 

In this casual cattle conversation, Shaye Koester-Wanner and Chad Tentinger discuss the innovative approaches being taken in the beef industry through Cattlemen's Heritage and Legacy Beef Co-op. They emphasize the importance of collaboration among ranchers, feeders, packers and retailers to create a profitable and sustainable model for all stakeholders. Chad shares his background in agriculture and the vision for a more equitable system that allows cattle producers to share in the profits of their products. The discussion also covers the economic impact of the Cattlemen's Heritage, the importance of storytelling in marketing beef, and the future of family farms in the industry.

Takeaways

• Collaboration among all sectors of the beef industry is crucial.•

https://legacybeefcoop.com/

https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/

This one is for meat lovers 🥩 So frock up!🥼 Sierra Jepsen joins Shaye Wanner for a casual cattle conversation about Butcher Solutions LLC – a traveling butcher school founded by Sierra herself and designed to ‘meat’ butchers where they are at. From new to old meat lockers and experienced butchers to rookies, Sierra knows how to help you and your team maximize the resources you have to provide a top-notch service to your customers.

Here’s what they cover!

Do you have your hair net on yet? Because it is time to break down some beef carcasses and learn about what goes into training butchers.

https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/

https://butchersolutionsllc.com/

Podcast Workbook: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/podcast-coaching