This week, Lauren sits down with Derek Thompson to talk about the story behind NextGen Cattle and how the operation has grown from a feedyard purchase in 2017 into a multi-breed seedstock and cattle feeding business built around the commercial cattle producer. Derek shares how his background in financial services eventually led him back to the cattle business, why NextGen built its model around the full beef supply chain, and how their genetics, buyback program, and producer partnerships are all designed to help commercial cattlemen create a better end product.

Links

NextGen Website - https://www.nextgencattle.com/

April Bull Sale - https://www.nextgencattle.com/spring-classic/

Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Key Takeaways

• NextGen Cattle was formed in 2017 by Derek, his brother Damon, and cousin Brad
• The business began with a southwest Kansas feedyard and has since expanded significantly
• NextGen now operates in Angus, Charolais, and Beefmaster genetics with a strong focus on the commercial cattle producer
• Their program is built around matching cattle to environment, not forcing one type of cow into every region
• Derek believes genetics matter all the way through the feeding and carcass phase
• NextGen sells mostly aged bulls because they believe mature, developed bulls hold up better in real-world commercial use
• Their buyback program allows producers to get real feedback on how cattle perform in the yard and on the rail
• Derek sees long-term opportunity for producers who can consistently raise high-quality cattle
• NextGen’s special feeder calf sale and April bull sale are both centered around building community and supporting producers

Chapters

00:00 Derek’s background and how NextGen started
03:30 Why NextGen expanded into seedstock
08:30 How genetics, development, and environment all connect
13:00 The buyback program and why data matters
18:30 Derek’s outlook on the cattle industry
22:00 Upcoming feeder calf sale and April bull sale

NextGen Cattle, Derek Thompson, commercial cattle producer, seedstock cattle operation, Kansas feedyard, Angus bulls, Charolais bulls, Beefmaster bulls, aged bulls for sale, feeder calf buyback program, cattle genetics data, commercial cow herd improvement, feeder calf sale Salina Kansas, Winter Livestock sale, NextGen bull sale

This week, Lauren is joined by Samantha Cozza-Wright and first-time guest Andrea VanHorn to break down a volatile week in the cattle market. The conversation covers softer cash cattle trade, stronger yearling demand, the market impact of the potential JBS Greeley disruption, growing national attention on beef prices, and why risk management tools matter in a market that continues to react quickly to headlines. The episode also touches on grain market stability, high input costs, and the bigger picture facing both cattle and crop producers as spring gets underway.

Links

Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Key Takeaways

• Cash cattle traded mostly $238 to $242 last week, about $3 to $6 lower than the previous week
• Some isolated trade was reported as low as $233, but most of the market centered around the high $230s to low $240s
• Feeder cattle stayed relatively resilient, especially yearlings, even as futures softened
• Some sale barns still reported strong receipts, with larger consignments than many expected heading into spring
• Markets continue to react quickly to headlines, from plant disruptions to global conflict
• Samantha sees the Greeley JBS strike headlines as a bigger market story than an actual long-term slaughter capacity issue
• Packers are still using lower kill numbers and tighter slaughter schedules to improve margins
• Boxed beef values remain historically strong for this time of year
• Tight domestic cattle supplies, beef demand, and political attention on food prices are all drawing more national focus to the cattle industry
• Andrea notes that some producers are taking advantage of short-term dips to buy feeders, showing confidence in longer-term cattle strength
• Grain markets remain relatively stable, but high fertilizer and other input costs are still pressuring producers
• The episode reinforces that risk management tools like LRP should be viewed as protection, not a bet against the market
• The goal of coverage is not to hope for a wreck, but to survive one if it happens

Chapters

00:00 Welcome + storms, moisture, and spring conditions
01:20 Market recap with Samantha
04:45 Andrea’s take on current cattle market behavior
06:00 Volatility, headlines, and the Greeley plant discussion
11:20 Why the packer narrative and actual supply may not match
13:10 Grain market update with Andrea
15:50 Bigger-picture cattle market pressures and consumer beef demand
20:20 Why risk management still matters in this kind of market
23:15 Closing thoughts and where to get help with coverage

cattle market update, cash cattle prices, feeder cattle market, JBS Greeley strike, boxed beef values, beef demand 2026, cattle market volatility, LRP coverage, livestock risk protection, cattle risk management, grain market update, fertilizer costs agriculture, packer margins, slaughter capacity cattle, beef price headlines

In this episode, Lauren and Samantha break down Livestock Risk Protection in practical terms. They move beyond the surface-level explanation and walk through what LRP quotes actually look like, how to read them, how premiums are calculated, how coverage levels work, and what a real claim scenario looks like from start to finish. If LRP has ever felt confusing or intimidating, this episode simplifies it and shows how producers can use it to protect margin without sacrificing upside opportunity.

Links

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Key Takeaways

• LRP stands for Livestock Risk Protection and functions like a government-subsidized put option
• It protects against downside market risk while preserving upside potential
• Premium is the cost of coverage, indemnity is the payment received in a loss situation
• LRP premiums are typically 25–30% cheaper than traditional put options
• No margin calls, no brokerage fees, and no upfront premium payment
• Premium is due at coverage end date with a 60-day grace period
• Quotes are released daily by USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA)
• Quotes are only available to book until futures reopen the next morning
• Coverage levels range from 85% to 100%, but higher levels (98–100%) are typically recommended
• Everything is priced per hundredweight, not per head
• Lightweight and heavyweight cattle are insured at percentages of baseline yearling steer quotes
• Fed cattle are structured separately from feeder cattle
• Market volatility, cattle value, and coverage length all influence premium cost
• If the CME index settles below your coverage price, you receive an indemnity
• Example scenario shows how $86/head premium can result in $169/head net payment

Chapters

00:00 Why we’re revisiting LRP
01:00 Insurance term refresher: indemnity, claim, premium
03:00 What LRP actually is and how it compares to puts
05:30 How quotes work and when they’re available
07:00 Understanding coverage levels and premium columns
10:00 Converting per hundredweight to per head
12:00 Percentages for lightweight, heavyweight, heifers, and unborns
14:30 Step-by-step claim example
17:00 Net indemnity breakdown per head
19:00 Why you don’t have to understand everything to use it
20:30 How to get updated quotes for your operation

Livestock Risk Protection, LRP insurance explained, cattle price protection, feeder cattle insurance, LRP quotes breakdown, CME feeder cattle index, cattle risk management tools, livestock indemnity example, government subsidized put option, RMA livestock insurance, cattle hedging alternative, LRP premium calculation, protecting cattle margins, risk management for cow calf producers, livestock market volatility protection

Lauren and Gary break down the weirdest part of this winter: it basically never happened in key areas. With snow totals far behind normal in Colorado and drought already expanding across Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming, the conversation gets real about what March tells us about drought trajectory, fire risk, severe weather timing, and the major heat wave expected around early August. Gary explains how the LRC cycle works, why this pattern has been repeating since October, and what producers can do now to plan instead of react. Also, they take a quick detour to roast daylight saving time, because obviously.

Links

Weather 20/20 Dashboard Discount⁠ - https://www.weather2020.com/partner/cattle-usa
Substack - https://weather2020.substack.com/
The Global Predictor App ⁠- ⁠https://www.weather2020.com/global-predictor-mobile-app
Youtube⁠ -https://www.youtube.com/@Weather2020
Follow Gary on X ⁠- https://x.com/glezak 
CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Key Takeaways

• Colorado snow totals are drastically below normal, raising drought and fire risk
• The current March weather setup mirrors the pattern established back in October
• Drought is expanding right now, especially over Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming
• Kansas and Iowa are not yet in the expansion zone, but need to be watched closely
• A “wet week” can still mean only average moisture, which may not be enough to reverse drought
• LRC-based forecasting allows producers to plan week-by-week for wet vs. dry stretches
• Severe weather is expected in scheduled windows tied to the recurring pattern
• Freeze/frost risk remains on the radar, especially around April 5–10
• There’s a smaller chance of a late frost/freeze late April into early May
• Major heat wave timing remains on track for early August (first week)
• Heat wave risk becomes serious when it lasts more than 3–5 days
• Proactive planning beats reactive scrambling: hay, grazing plans, shipping options, and risk prep
• Daylight saving time is still stupid and makes data timing worse

Chapters

00:00 Winter that didn’t winter + travel snow story
02:10 Why low snowpack matters for drought and fire season
03:40 The LRC pattern: why March looks like October
05:10 Where drought is expanding right now
06:45 Proactive planning for cattle country
08:10 Severe weather timing and why it repeats
12:40 Last freeze/frost window: April 5–10
14:30 Late frost possibility late April/early May
15:10 Major heat wave timing: early August
16:40 Daylight saving time rant
20:00 Wrap-up + Weather 2020 resources

Weather 2020 forecast, LRC weather pattern, drought expansion 2026, Colorado low snowpack, Nebraska drought risk, Wyoming drought outlook, Kansas spring weather, last frost date Kansas City, April freeze risk, severe weather forecast windows, summer heat wave forecast, cattle heat stress risk, fire season Rocky Mountains, proactive ranch weather planning, Weather Intelligence Report, 1-2-2-2 Vision Dashboard

This week, Lauren and John Campbell cover two big things: strong demand in the sale barn despite recent futures turmoil, and a major USDA shift aimed at what they’re calling “ag lawfare.” John breaks down a new “Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework” tied to USDA Secretary Rollins, focused on protecting producers, pushing back on regulatory overreach, and creating a formal channel for ranchers to report government-driven land and business pressure. If you’ve ever felt like agencies were running the show instead of common sense, this episode is for you.

Links

Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Key Takeaways

• The cattle market saw sharp selloffs late last week, but rebounded with strong gains early this week
• Replacement heifer demand remains extremely strong, signaling optimism and herd-building interest
• Lightweight grazing cattle and grass-ready calves are holding steady across the region
• John previews La Junta’s 86th Anniversary Sale and what buyers can expect (quality cattle under 700 lbs and a big turnout)
• USDA is building a “Farmer and Rancher Freedom Framework” aimed at ending “ag lawfare” and regulatory overreach
• The framework includes four pillars: protect producers, preserve land and liberty, purge burdensome regulations, and partner with ag to fight lawfare
• USDA is positioning farming/ranching and private property as a national security priority
• A new USDA reporting channel is highlighted for producers dealing with government overreach: USDA.gov/lawfare
• The USDA plan includes near-term agency enforcement reviews and longer-term efforts targeting consolidation and concentrated protein markets
• Lauren and John emphasize that “small” overreach issues still matter and should be reported to build legitimacy and momentum
• The episode closes with cautious optimism: fundamentals remain strong even with packer leverage swings and volatility

Chapters

00:00 Welcome + moisture update
01:00 Markets recap: late-week turmoil, early-week rebound
01:45 La Junta sale barn recap: steady calves, hot replacement heifers
03:45 La Junta 86th Anniversary Sale preview
05:00 Regional market snapshot: Dodge City, Salina, Riverton, Marana
08:30 What’s going on in DC: USDA “Freedom Framework” overview
10:00 The four pillars + what “lawfare” means for producers
11:30 USDA.gov/lawfare: reporting channel + what it’s intended to do
13:00 Timeline and priorities: enforcement reviews, antitrust focus, consolidation concerns
15:30 Why reporting matters even if your situation feels “small”
23:00 Closing thoughts: volatility, packer leverage, and market resilience

Cattle market volatility, replacement heifer demand, La Junta livestock auction, feeder cattle prices 2026, grass cattle demand, producer freedom framework, USDA lawfare, regulatory overreach agriculture, private property rights ranching, ag antitrust enforcement, concentrated protein markets, packer consolidation, USDA producer reporting, government overreach ranchers, cattle industry policy changes

This week, Lauren, Dan, and Samantha break down a volatile cattle market that saw cash fats fold late in the week, packers regain leverage, and futures react sharply to outside headlines. With slaughter brushing historic lows, boxed beef holding stronger than seasonal norms, and global tensions adding uncertainty, the crew unpacks what’s driving the softness, what’s still supportive, and how risk management becomes critical as we head into spring and grilling season.

Links

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Key Takeaways

• Cash fats dropped sharply late last week, losing roughly $10 by Friday
• Packers bought fewer cattle week over week and reduced slaughter again
• Slaughter levels are brushing historic lows
• Packers regained leverage after writing strong forward contracts earlier
• Futures remain volatile and reactive to headlines
• Feeder cattle held relatively strong at the sale barn despite board weakness
• Smaller calves continue to see grass-season demand support
• Boxed beef remains stronger than typical for this time of year
• Lent season has not pressured beef demand as much as expected
• Retail meat sales hit record highs last year
• 98% of U.S. households purchase meat
• Pork pricing remains supportive to beef
• Chicken continues to be stiff competition at retail
• War headlines and stock market weakness add outside pressure
• Grain markets rallied on oil headlines, then softened
• Risk management tools like LRP and puts remain critical in uncertain markets

Chapters

00:00 Calving season update and weather check
02:00 Cash fat collapse and packer leverage
05:20 Slaughter cuts and historic lows
07:30 Feeder market resilience and grass demand
10:00 Spring outlook and grilling season expectations
12:00 Beef demand data and retail trends
14:00 Stock market weakness and global tension
16:00 Grain markets and oil volatility
18:00 Risk management strategies moving forward

cattle market volatility 2026, cash cattle drop, packer leverage cattle market, historic low slaughter, boxed beef cutout, feeder cattle sale barn prices, grilling season beef demand, meat retail sales record, LRP cattle insurance, risk management cattle producers, stock market cattle correlation, Middle East conflict commodity markets, grain market rally oil prices, livestock futures analysis

In this episode, Lauren tackles the constraint most ranchers don’t want to admit: labor. Not rain. Not markets. Not feed costs. People. From calving windows to pasture rotation, expansion plans to burnout, labor quietly dictates what an operation can sustainably handle. Lauren breaks down how labor drag hides in daily inefficiencies, why expansion without redesign creates stress instead of profit, and how to restructure your ranch around human capacity instead of exhaustion.

Links

Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Key Takeaways

• Labor is often the true limiting factor on ranch growth
• Many operations are designed around “unlimited” labor that doesn’t exist
• A limiting factor caps output regardless of land, cattle, or equipment
• Working harder does not equal scaling sustainably
• Chronic 80-hour weeks are not a system, they are a sacrifice
• Small daily inefficiencies compound into weeks of lost productivity annually
• Labor drag hides in longer feeding times, inefficient facilities, and stretched calving seasons
• Skipped pasture rotations reduce forage utilization
• Labor inefficiency shows up as higher feed cost per cow and lower reproduction
• The better question is not “How many cows can we run?” but “How many can we manage well?”
• Expansion magnifies weak labor systems
• Labor includes physical, managerial, and decision work
• Overloading one person across all categories creates vulnerability
• Tightening calving windows can dramatically reduce labor pressure
• Facility redesign can reduce handling time and stress
• Water infrastructure improvements reduce daily labor hours
• Sometimes the most profitable move is simplification, not expansion
• Sustainable ranches respect forage capacity, financial capacity, and human capacity

Chapters

00:00 Labor is the real constraint
01:30 What a limiting factor actually means
02:30 The myth of “we’ll just work harder”
03:00 How labor drag compounds annually
04:00 Why expansion exposes weak systems
05:00 The three types of labor on a ranch
06:00 Redesigning instead of adding labor
07:00 Human capacity as a strategic limit
08:00 Designing systems that endure

agriculture labor shortage, ranch labor efficiency, limiting factor ranching, ranch burnout, calving window management, pasture rotation labor, ranch expansion strategy, human capacity agriculture, ranch systems design, cattle operation efficiency, reducing labor drag, ranch management structure, sustainable ranch growth, livestock operation management

In this episode, Lauren delivers a direct but necessary message: moving home to the ranch does not automatically create income. Most operations are built to support one household, not two. Before anyone loads a trailer and heads back, the financial math must be clear. This episode breaks down how to evaluate ranch financials honestly, the three sustainable ways to move home without creating strain, and why clarity around roles and ownership prevents long-term resentment. Legacy matters. But margin matters more.

Links

Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Key Takeaways

• Most ranches are structured to support one owner draw, not multiple salaries
• Gross revenue does not equal available income
• Net income, debt service, and owner draw must be clearly understood before making a move
• A leftover cushion is volatility protection, not a second paycheck
• Replacing labor does not automatically create new margin
• Revenue must increase or expenses must decrease in measurable ways
• Off-ranch income is often the most stable transition strategy
• Building a defined enterprise requires its own P&L
• A business unit must track revenue, expenses, and net profit
• Efficiency improvements must be measurable and documented
• Undefined roles create conflict and resentment
• Hard succession conversations must happen early
• Waiting is not failure. It is strategic preparation
• Moving home prepared strengthens legacy. Moving home blindly strains it

Chapters

00:00 The hard truth about moving home
01:30 The financial questions you must answer first
03:00 Why hard work alone doesn’t create margin
04:00 The three sustainable ways to move home
04:15 Bringing off-ranch income
05:00 Building a defined enterprise
05:50 Increasing efficiency in measurable ways
06:20 Identity shifts and role clarity
07:00 When the answer is “not yet”
07:50 Strengthening legacy with preparation

moving home to the ranch, ranch succession planning, family ranch transition, building income on a ranch, ranch financial planning, owner draw ranching, cost per cow, ranch break even analysis, off ranch income agriculture, direct to consumer beef business, ranch enterprise budgeting, generational transfer ranch, ranch profitability strategy, sustaining family ranch legacy

After years of greenhouse gas regulation tied to diesel engines and DEF systems, the EPA has reversed course. In this episode, Lauren and Emma break down the original 2009 endangerment finding under the Clean Air Act, how it led to diesel emission requirements, and what the 2025 reconsideration means for agriculture, trucking, and rural industries. They also tackle the broader conversation around cattle, carbon, and why producers must stay engaged in policy decisions that directly affect their operations.

Links

Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/
Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium
CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/
Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/
Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco
The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

Key Takeaways

• In 2009, greenhouse gases were classified as pollutants under the Clean Air Act
• That ruling gave the EPA authority to regulate vehicle emissions, including diesel engines
• DEF systems became required as part of emissions compliance
• These regulations increased equipment and transportation costs for agriculture
• The EPA has now reconsidered and reversed the 2009 endangerment finding for vehicles
• Moving forward, new diesel vehicles will not be subject to the same greenhouse gas requirements
• Agriculture is often inaccurately blamed for a disproportionate share of emissions
• Transportation accounts for a significantly larger percentage of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions than cattle
• Cattle play a role in the natural carbon cycle and soil health
• Advocacy and policy engagement matter at the local, state, and federal level
• Producers must stay informed about regulatory decisions that impact their operations

Chapters

00:00 Why emissions are back in the headlines
01:30 The 2009 Clean Air Act endangerment finding
04:30 DEF systems and diesel engine regulation
07:00 Economic impact on agriculture and trucking
09:30 The 2025 EPA reconsideration and reversal
12:00 Carbon cycle, cattle, and emissions data
15:00 Why producer advocacy matters
17:30 What this means moving forward

EPA emissions rule reversal, Clean Air Act 2009, greenhouse gas endangerment finding, diesel DEF system agriculture, vehicle emissions regulation 2025, agriculture greenhouse gas emissions, cattle carbon cycle, EPA diesel rollback, rural industry regulation, agricultural policy advocacy

This week, Lauren and John cover two things hitting rural America at the same time: wildfire recovery efforts that are still unfolding, and a major EPA shift that could change the regulatory landscape for agriculture and diesel-dependent industries. John shares why continued fire relief matters long after the headlines fade, then breaks down the reported rollback of the 2009 “endangerment finding” tied to greenhouse gases, what that has meant for diesel emissions systems like DEF, and why he believes this could be a turning point. The episode ends with a personal, no-nonsense EPA story that shows exactly how regulatory pressure can spiral into something absurd and expensive fast.

LinksKansasKLA Office - (785) 273-5115Donate Online - https://www.kla.org/affiliates/kansas-livestock-foundation/disaster-relief-donations Wildfire Relief Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/2017wildfirereliefThe Rancher Navy Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/share/g/182zrvruJZ/OklahomaOCF Office - 405-435-4391OCF Fire Relief Fund - https://www.okcattlemen.org/If you would like to donate to this relief effort, you can do so by mail or online. OCF is a 501c(3) charitable arm of the Oklahoma Cattlemen’s Association (OCA). Make checks payable toOklahoma Cattlemen’s Foundation and put “Fire Relief” in the memo line and send to P.O. Box82395, Oklahoma City, OK 73148.Donation Centers - https://extension.okstate.edu/programs/emergency-and-disaster-preparedness/wildfire/donation-centers-for-wildfire-relief.html Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7 CattleUSA Insurance - ⁠https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠⁠CattleUSA Website - ⁠https://www.cattleusa.com/⁠Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia⁠Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/⁠Subscribe to our newsletter - ⁠https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium⁠CattleUSA Media - ⁠https://www.cattleusamedia.com/⁠Lauren’s Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/⁠Lauren’s Youtube - ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - ⁠https://www.thenextgenag.com/⁠

Key Takeaways

• Fire relief is not over and the biggest needs often come after containment
• Donations of hay, feed, fencing supplies, trucking, fuel, and labor are still critical
• Community support during disasters creates a long-lasting ripple effect in rural America
• John says the reported EPA shift targets the 2009 “endangerment finding” that classified greenhouse gases as a public health threat
• The 2009 finding became a foundation for expanded emissions regulation tied to CO2 and methane
• Diesel emissions systems like DEF became a real cost and headache for producers and truckers
• John expects major opposition and legal challenges from states like California
• The story highlights how compliance burdens can escalate even when intent and history are clean
• John’s message: rural America needs practical oversight, not bureaucracy that crushes commerce

Chapters

00:00 Weather, drought talk, and Lauren’s mountain snow story
03:35 Market recap from La Junta and regional barns
11:55 Fire relief update and why help is still needed
17:50 EPA shift overview and why it matters to ag
24:20 John’s burn pit EPA story and the compliance spiral
40:05 Lauren’s point: everyone has a regulation story
41:45 Weed spraying, risk-benefit, and feeding a nation
42:50 Wrap-up and fire relief reminder

EPA endangerment finding, 2009 Clean Air Act, greenhouse gas regulation, DEF diesel emissions, rural regulation burdens, agriculture EPA compliance, wildfire relief ranchers, fencing supplies donation, hay hauling wildfire, Kansas Oklahoma fire recovery, ranch disaster support, cattle producer advocacy, bureaucratic overregulation, diesel cost agriculture, environmental regulation agriculture