S7, EP 51 – Are your finances holding your ranch back? In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, host Shaye Koester-Wanner sits down with financial expert Jessica Groskopf to tackle the challenges of financial planning for farmers and ranchers. Together, they break down actionable strategies to secure your operation’s future, from estate and transition planning to building emergency funds and distinguishing good debt from bad debt. Discover why early investing, alternative revenue streams, and separating personal and farm finances are critical for lasting success in agriculture. Jessica also shares tips to simplify financial management and take control, even when it feels overwhelming.

00:00 – Introduction to Transition Planning

RancherMinds: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ranchermind-events 

The Ultimate Goal-setting Guide for Ranchers: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ranchermind-events/p/move-the-ranch-forward-2025 

Connect with Jessica on Instagram @jessica_groskopf

In this conversation, Shaye Koester-Wanner and JT Jerret discuss effective marketing strategies for ranchers, particularly in the meat industry. They emphasize the importance of understanding copywriting, identifying target audiences, and leveraging direct-to-consumer sales. The discussion covers missed opportunities in marketing, the significance of email marketing, and actionable steps for ranchers to enhance their beef sales strategies. JT shares insights on buyer archetypes and the marketing triangle framework, providing listeners with practical advice to grow their businesses.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Direct-to-Consumer Meat Sales

04:42 Understanding Copywriting and Its Importance

07:24 Missed Opportunities in Meat Sales

10:24 Identifying Your Target Audience

13:31 Strategies to Reach Your Target Audience

16:43 The Role of Email Marketing

19:38 Building Your Direct-to-Consumer Brand

23:10 The Marketing Triangle: Market, Message, Media

26:15 Final Thoughts and Action Steps

Resources

https://farmrebel.org/

https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ranchermind-events

In this conversation, Shaye Koester-Wanner and Terryn Drieling explore the importance of communication in ranching, particularly during high-stress situations. They discuss the role of self-awareness and the Enneagram in understanding personal and interpersonal dynamics. The conversation emphasizes practical strategies for improving communication skills, assessing one's communication effectiveness, and managing emotional responses in challenging environments. Terryn shares insights on fostering a supportive community among ranchers and the significance of honest questions in enhancing communication.

Takeaways

Chapters

00:00 Revisiting Communication on the Ranch

05:44 The Importance of Effective Communication

08:46 Understanding the Enneagram and Self-Awareness

11:22 Assessing Communication Skills

15:34 Improving Communication Skills

18:30 Managing Emotions in High-Stress Situations

21:08 Dealing with Reactive Individuals

24:29 The Ripple Effect of Energy in Communication

27:14 Final Thoughts on Communication

Resources

Top Dollar Angus https://topdollarangus.com/ 

RancherMinds https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ranchermind-events 

Terryn's Website https://faithfamilyandbeef.com/ 

How to Set Goals for Your Ranch https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ranchermind-events/p/move-the-ranch-forward-2025 

S7, E48 – Discover the importance of uncomfortable conversations in shaping the future of the livestock industry. Dr. Keith Belk discusses insights from the 2024 International Summit on the Societal Role of Meat and Livestock, including science-based communication, ecological impacts, and the need for proactive engagement. Learn how producers can use facts to navigate evolving societal perceptions of meat production.

Takeaways

• Effective communication of scientific data is crucial for the livestock industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Keith Belk and His Role in the Beef Industry

Resources

Westway Feeds: https://westwayfeed.com/ 

International Summit: https://societalroleofmeat.org/ 

RancherMinds: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ranchermind-events 

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

S7, EP 47: In this conversation, Shaye Koester-Wanner speaks with Kelly and Taylor from the Red Angus Association about the challenges and opportunities in the cattle industry, particularly focusing on the pricing disparities between Red and Black Angus cattle. They discuss the importance of marketing programs, the upcoming Sustainable Beef Plant, and the need for better tracking and tagging of cattle to ensure equal pricing and market access. The conversation highlights the optimism surrounding the future of Red Angus and the collaborative efforts to enhance the breed's market presence.

Takeaways

• The Red Angus Association is focused on establishing equal pricing for Red and Black Angus cattle.

Key Moments

00:00 Introduction to Red Angus Marketing Opportunities

Resources

https://redangus.org/

https://westwayfeed.com/

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

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