Are you prepared to transition the management of your operation to your heirs? We unpack the complex conversation about legal and financial transition planning as well as methods to transition management and decision making to the next generation. Shannon Ferrell and Barb Downey share their personal experiences navigating loss and splitting family operations, and they give advice about how you can learn from their stories to make succession planning smoother for your family and business.

Find the NCBA Succession Planning Workbook and module ⁠here⁠.

This episode was sponsored by ⁠John Deere⁠ and ⁠FarmCredit⁠.

#SuccessionPlanning #TransitionPlanning #FarmFamilies #RanchFamilies #Cattle #Agriculture #NextGeneration

Kevin Birt, a first-generation Virginia producer, and Jeff Landrum, fourth-generation Iowa cattleman, discuss the different challenges facing cattle producers today, particularly access to land and capital for business growth and transition planning. In spite of these challenges, Kevin and Jeff are excited about the innovations evolving the industry. They both attended NCBA’s Young Cattlemen’s Conference and walked away with a fresh perspective on the future of the cattle business and a stronger network of fellow producers to support their goals.

NCBA’s Young Cattlemen’s Conference would not be possible without the support of John Deere, Farm Credit, Five Rivers Cattle Feeding, Tyson Foods and Merck Animal Health.

#AgLeaders #NextGenAg #FirstGenProducer #CattleFarmer

Conservation easements are a durability tool. On this show, Erik Glenn, CEO of Colorado Cattlemen’s Ag Land Trust, is joined by Colorado rancher Lee Rooks, whose family circumstances led them to leverage a conservation easement on their ranch to preserve the grazing land in an area seeing rapid development. A conservation easement was the right choice for Lee and his family to protect their ranching operation, could it be the right choice for your operational goals?

The Partnership of Rangeland Trust prioritizes the producer first, closely followed by the agricultural value of the land. Erik explained that if it doesn’t work for the producer, then it doesn’t work at all. Find out more at https://rangelandtrusts.org/.

Livestock haulers are a critical link in the cattle and beef supply chain, and they safely transport cattle across the country every day. Dusty Holley, executive vice president of Florida Cattlemen’s Association, and Kent Bacus, NCBA executive director of Government Affairs, discuss current federal transportation rules/regulations and identify changes that could improve livestock haulers’ ability to deliver cattle while protecting animal welfare and efficiency. The cattle industry still relies largely on reputation, so it’s important to know that when cattle are loaded onto a truck, they will arrive in a timely manner and in a healthy condition, which is why federal policy should align with those priorities. #AgTransportation #SupplyChain #CattleHaulers #Livestock

Greg Putnam, a Montana cattle producer who co-owns Little Belt Cattle Co. shares how his experiences in the armed forces led him to a career in beef production and aligned with the hard work necessary to succeed. His current project involves collaborating with local producers, restaurants and businesses to provide high-quality beef for consumers. Greg has a passion for ensuring his community has access to local food and for giving opportunities to veterans to develop skills and find employment upon finishing their military careers.

#NavySEAL #FirstGenerationAg #BeefProducer #Veteran

Lane Nordlund sits down with NCBA CEO Colin Woodall and Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane for a conversation on NCBA’s producer-led policy process and its role in fighting back against regulatory overreach, protecting property rights and grazing access, and strengthening animal health protections. Colin and Ethan highlight the importance of face‑to‑face engagement with lawmakers in D.C. as one of the most effective ways to ensure producers’ voices are heard.

Together, they underscore NCBA’s commitment to standing up for U.S. cattle producers by advocating for practical policies and defending against detractors who want to put producers out of business.

#Ranching #Cattlemen #AgPolicy #NCBA #FarmBill #CattleProducers #WashingtonDC #Grazing

Whether managing a herd of 10 or 10,000 head, there are ways to mitigate risk in price, weather and market volatility. Clay Burtrum, Farm Data Services, is breaking down risk management programs like Livestock Risk Protection; Pasture, Rangeland and Forage; and Weaned Calf Risk Protection. Clay walks through the differences between these programs and considerations for producers using these tools to protect their herd. There are options for everyone, and Clay encourages listeners to explore new programs for beginning farmers/ranchers and veterans.

Hear from experts at Elanco about protecting against parasite and animal health risk, too. https://www.elanco.com/us

#RiskManagement #FarmRisk #LRPInsurance #PRFInsurance #CattleMarkets #AgBusiness

Learning a new way to ranch; it requires risk, but it also helps the ranch grow and realize new opportunities. Jeff and Logan Pribbeno of Wine Glass Ranch, the 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award Program National winner, explain their progressive way of thinking on their operation in the Sandhills of Nebraska. Jeff Pribbeno, mentored by his grandfather, encouraged Logan to spend 10 years off the ranch before returning to add value and a bring different perspective. Logan spent a career in Silicon Valley where he learned how large businesses manage equity, cash flow and management structure, all tools that help him on Wine Glass Ranch today.

Troy Rowan with the University of Tennessee, dives into genetic innovations and research, examining the potential for producers to tailor EPDs to their environment, forage quality and animal health protocols. Better genetic predictions help producers select the animals that will perform best for their goals and at the heart of the discussion is a focus on the commercial cattle producer. If you’re interested in where genetic selection is headed — and how a more ecosystem‑guided approach can transform productivity — this episode offers a clear, practical look at the path forward. In addition, hear a conversation from our friends at Trans Ova Genetics and learn more at https://transova.com/.

Operating in the rugged mountain country of Los Angeles County, cattleman Mike Williams faces the same challenges producers encounter across the West — water scarcity, forage pressure, labor shortages and market fluctuations. He talks candidly about how “survival mode” keeps many ranchers reactive instead of proactive, and how shifting to make time to focus on better financial systems and margins is essential to finding more consistent profitability. Mike is an advocate of low‑stress stockmanship and how small, continuous improvements compound into major gains.

This episode is brought to you in partnership with Ambrook. (www.ambrook.com)