Maddux Cattle Company, located in southwest Nebraska, was homesteaded in 1886 and has grown in the last 140 years and now sustains about 2,500 cows and 5,000 yearlings. In 2026, the Maddux Cattle Co. is dispersing their mature bred cow herd at the Ogallala Livestock Auction. In this conversation, John Maddux walks us through the background of this decision and the opportunity for producers to acquire some of the genetics that they’ve spent decades investing and perfecting.

https://www.madduxcattle.com/

With CattleCon 2026 just around the corner, Feb. 3–5, in downtown Nashville — we’re taking a look at some of the standout highlights heading to Music City.

In this episode, we preview what’s ahead with Grammy-nominated songwriter and keynote speaker Jimmy Yeary, who shares how the power of storytelling connects country music with the lives of cattlemen and women, and NCBA President Buck Wehrbein, who highlights what attendees can expect as he wraps up his term, from new convention features to can’t-miss networking events.

If you’re planning to attend CattleCon, or still making the decision, this is your inside look at why Nashville is the place to be.

We’re tackling a critical topic for every cattle producer: business continuity and biosecurity during a disease outbreak. Joining us are Dr. Julia Herman, DVM and beef cattle specialist at NCBA, and Dr. Danelle Bickett-Weddle, DVM with Preventalytics. They discuss how the Secure Beef Supply (SBS) was created, how a USDA grant has helped NCBA improve educational resources SBS planning, and its importance for keeping cattle moving during a disease event. They give steps to make biosecurity manageable for any operation and tips for emerging threats like New World Screwworm. Prepare your operation for any scenario!

In this episode, we bring together voices from both the ranching and the policy front. Joining us are California cattle producer, Rick Roberti, and Kaitlynn Glover, executive director of Government Affairs for NCBA and the Public Lands Council. Together, they explore the real-world impacts of the Endangered Species Act, the controversy surrounding gray wolf protections, and the broader implications for ranchers across the West and Great Lakes. From predator management to federal policy, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how decisions in Washington, D.C., ripple through rural America.

The high demand for beef continues, and consumers are seeking a high-quality product. Beef producers have been answering that call, as is evident in the upward trend of beef quality grades, specifically Prime and Choice. Paul Dykstra, with Certified Angus Beef, joins to discuss the shifting dynamics of quality grades and what they mean for today’s cattle producers. Paul offers insights into market trends and the factors driving demand for premium beef. He explores how this directs both seedstock and commercial cattle producers’ breeding decisions. 

Although Missouri isn’t known for being the home of vineyards and wineries, Windy Wine Company and KK Farms Red Angus are shaking up the narrative. Ken Keesaman and his son Kody operate a Red Angus herd, selling bulls locally and around the country, while Ken’s son Kraig used his culinary passion to begin a winery, incorporating various fruits and grapes that work well in Missouri's climate. Kraig’s creativity led him to develop unique flavors of wine, like Peanut Butter and Jelly. Ken, Kraig and Kody talk about working daily with family and, even though head butting happens from time to time, they wouldn’t change the opportunity they have to keep the land in the family. The Keesamans found a way to marry marketing their bulls, their beef and their wine.

The climate, forage species and desired cattle type vary greatly for these three producers who are 2025 ESAP Regional Winners. Mike Wilson, Whispering Hills Farm in Kentucky; Jack Smith, Smith Family Farms in Iowa; and Logan Pribbeno, Wine Glass Ranch in Nebraska, are on the show talking about the partnerships, programs and mentors that have shaped the way they raise and market cattle and how they take care of their natural resources. They explored the innovative techniques they implement, identified which ones were mistakes and which proved to be successful. Each of these operations were recognized for their dedication to finding the most effective ways to care for the land and grow profitable cattle. ESAP is generously sponsored by NRCS, Corteva Agriscience, and USFWS.

Whether it’s migrating birds, elk and deer, large predators or invasive species, these three cattlemen have spent decades adapting their management plans to coexist and promote the health of wildlife along with their cattle. Gregory Gardner, G&G Livestock & Cathey Cattle Co.; Mark Overstreet, M&D Overstreet Ranch; and Bob McCan, McFadden Ranch dive into which plant and animal species have been a challenge for them and which have benefited the sustainability and profitability of their operations. These 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award Regional winners share real stories of overcoming challenges and finding opportunity on their ranches. ESAP is generously supported by NRCS, Corteva Agriscience and USFWS.

Matt Makens returns to the show to talk about weather patterns that changed from his spring outlook and created unexpected moisture in different regions of the country this spring and summer. He also discusses his Cattle Comfort Index, a tool he is developing to help cattle feeders and cow-calf producers to manage heat stress on cattle and give producers better opportunity to prepare. In addition, Matt explores the history of the New World screwworm and explains what temperatures and environments NWS thrives in. Plus, hear from our partners Rabo AgriFinance and Ritchie.

Clip from Holes (2003), Walt Disney Pictures — “I’m tired of this, Grandpa!”

Clip from Reno 911!, Comedy Central — “New Boot Goofin’.”

On this episode, host Lane Nordlund visits with Dr. Rick Machen, Executive Director of the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management, and graduate Garrett Stribling. They share the Institute’s mission of preparing future ranching leaders, the value of advanced training in ranch management, and how KRIRM’s legacy is shaping the next generation of cattlemen and women.

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