CattleUSA Daily

Cow size isn’t just a preference—it’s one of the biggest economic drivers in your operation. In this solo episode, Lauren breaks down the real cost of bigger cows and how they impact feed requirements, stocking rates, drought resilience, and overall profitability. From the biology to the math, this episode challenges producers to take a hard look at whether their cow size actually fits their environment—and their margin.

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

• Bigger cows require significantly more feed year-round
• Small daily intake differences add up to major annual costs
• Efficiency is about output relative to sizem, not just weaning weight
• Cow size directly impacts stocking rate and drought flexibility
• Reproduction and body condition are tied to energy demands
• Herd size can unintentionally increase over time through replacements
• Cow size should match forage resources not preference

Chapters

00:00 – The question most producers avoid
02:00 – The biology of cow size
05:00 – The math behind feed costs
08:00 – Efficiency and weaning weight
11:00 – Drought and reproduction impact
14:00 – Final thoughts and key questions

cow size cattle, cattle feed costs, ranch management, cattle efficiency, cow calf operation, cattle nutrition, forage management, drought cattle management, ranch profitability, cattle production, livestock management, agriculture podcast, cattle producers, beef production, stocking rate, cattle economics, cow size efficiency, ranch decision making, cattle systems

The cattle market keeps pushing higher even when just about every indicator says it shouldn’t. In this episode, Lauren is joined by Dan and Samantha to break down a week of strong, resilient markets and the chaos that came with it. From headline driven volatility to shifting beef demand and a market that refuses to break, this conversation covers what’s happening right now and what producers should be watching moving forward, with a little humor along the way.

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 continues to show strong resilience
• Many traditional bearish indicators are being ignored
• Futures and cash are both pushing higher
• Beef demand signals are mixed but still supportive overall
• Headlines and outside markets are driving short-term volatility
• This rally may be an opportunity to protect margins

Chapters:

00:00 – Intro + back from Brazil
02:00 – A resilient cattle market
05:00 – Throwing out the rulebook
08:00 – Beef demand vs reality
11:00 – What to watch next
14:00 – Final thoughts + outlook

cattle markets, cattle market update, livestock markets, beef demand, cattle industry, cattle futures, feeder cattle, live cattle, cattle prices, beef industry, ranching, agriculture podcast, ag markets, cattle producers, livestock economics, beef consumption, boxed beef, cattle rally, resilient market, cattle cycle, grain markets, agriculture trends, farm and ranch

Beef prices are at record highs—but demand isn’t slowing down. In this episode, John Campbell shares his take on what’s really driving beef demand right now and why consumers are still choosing beef despite the cost. From changing nutrition trends to the “Traeger effect” and shifting consumer preferences, this conversation breaks down why beef may be entering a new era of demand—and what that means for producers moving forward.

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:

• Beef demand is holding strong—even at record prices
• Consumer perception around beef is shifting in a positive direction
• Cooking culture (grills, smokers) is driving more at-home beef consumption
• Nutrition trends are bringing beef back into focus

• Demand may be entering a new long-term phase

Chapters:

00:00 – Opening take on beef demand
02:00 – Why demand is staying strong
04:30 – The “Traeger effect” and cooking culture
07:00 – Nutrition trends and consumer mindset
09:30 – What this means for the industry

beef demand, beef consumption, cattle markets, cattle market trends, livestock markets, beef industry, cattle industry podcast, beef prices, high beef prices, consumer demand beef, beef demand trends, cattle producers, ranching, ranch management, beef production, livestock production, ag podcast, agriculture podcast, cattle industry news, beef supply and demand, protein demand trends, red meat consumption, beef nutrition trends, beef tallow, animal protein demand, grilling culture, Traeger grill, backyard cooking, food trends beef, consumer behavior food, beef economics, livestock economics, cattle cycle, beef market outlook, ranch profitability, agriculture trends, farm and ranch management

Tradition built this industry—but when it goes unexamined, it can quietly become one of the most expensive parts of your operation. In today's episode, Lauren breaks down where tradition adds value and where it may be costing you more than you realize. From calving seasons to cow size to equipment and marketing decisions, this episode challenges producers to separate intentional systems from inherited habits—and start making decisions that align with today’s reality.

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

• Tradition is powerful—but only when it’s intentional
• Unexamined habits can quietly drain margin
• Values should stay the same, but systems should evolve
• Comfort and familiarity often come with hidden costs
• The best operations question “why” behind every system

Chapters

00:00 – Tradition vs reality
02:30 – Where tradition gets expensive
06:30 – Identity vs decision-making
09:30 – Intentional vs inherited systems
12:30 – A simple exercise to evaluate your operation

cattle ranching, farm management, ranch decisions, cattle operation strategy, ag leadership, ranch efficiency, cattle producers, agriculture mindset, farm profitability, ranch systems, ag podcast

In this episode, Lauren sits down with Dr. Cheryl DeVuyst—producer, ag economist, and Chair of the Cattlemen’s Beef Board—to talk about beef demand and where checkoff dollars are really going.They break down what’s driving beef demand right now, how consumer behavior is shaping the industry, and why every producer should care about the role demand plays in profitability. Cheryl also shares how checkoff dollars are being used, the transparency behind them, and the impact they’re having across the beef industry.

Links

If you’d like to read the latest Impact Report or subscribe to The Drive, visit DrivingDemandforBeef.com.

Beef Recipes: https://www.beefitswhatsfordinner.com/

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

- Beef demand remains strong even with higher retail prices

- Taste continues to be the number one driver for consumers choosing beef

- The Meat Demand Monitor provides real-time insight into consumer behavior

- Demand—not just supply—is what ultimately drives cattle prices

- Beef checkoff dollars are heavily audited and transparently managed

- Nutrition research has played a major role in shaping dietary guidelines

- Consumer education is critical to maintaining long-term demand

- Producers must think beyond the sale barn and consider the full value chain

- A “demand chain” mindset helps connect producers to the end consumer

- The beef industry must stay united to continue growing demand

Chapters

00:00 – Intro + Cheryl’s background and role

03:00 – From dairy to beef and Oklahoma State

05:00 – Cheryl’s appointment to the Cattlemen’s Beef Board

07:00 – Where checkoff dollars are going in 2026

09:30 – Beef demand and the Meat Demand Monitor

12:30 – Why consumers are still choosing beef

15:00 – Why producers should care about demand

18:00 – The “demand chain” vs supply chain mindset

20:30 – Current industry outlook and herd rebuilding

23:00 – The importance of unity in the beef industry

25:30 – Final thoughts and how producers can get involved

beef demand, cattle industry, beef checkoff, cattlemen’s beef board, livestock economics, ag economics, beef industry trends, meat demand monitor, consumer demand beef, cattle producers, ranching economics, beef nutrition research, dietary guidelines beef, agriculture podcast, cattle market demand, beef marketing, livestock industry USA, farm management, beef industry leadership

There’s a decision every cattle producer faces at some point—and for many, that decision is here right now. In this episode, Lauren walks through one of the most important financial questions in a drought: do you buy the hay or sell the cows? Lauren breaks down the real math behind feeding costs, the hidden risks producers often overlook, and how quickly margins can disappear when conditions tighten. She also dives into the true cost of selling cows, the importance of timing, and why flexibility and early action can protect your operation in the long run.This episode challenges producers to move past emotion and start making proactive, numbers-driven decisions that protect both their land and their bottom line.

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 “feed vs sell” decision is one of the most financially impactful choices producers face
• Feeding cows in a drought can quickly cost $350–$450 per head (or more)
• Extended drought can double feeding timelines and drastically increase costs
• Selling cows has long-term costs, including lost genetics and future replacement expenses
• Flexibility and cash flow can sometimes outweigh potential market upside
• Break-even thinking is critical—are you maintaining or subsidizing your herd?
• Open cows, lower weaning rates, and added labor can shrink margins fast
• Early decisions preserve pasture, protect body condition, and maintain options
• Late decisions often lead to weaker markets, higher costs, and fewer buyers
• Strategic culling (10–20%) can balance both sides of the decision
• The best operators prioritize efficiency and make proactive—not reactive—decisions

Chapters

00:00 – The decision every producer is facing right now
01:30 – Why this is more than just “feed or sell”
03:00 – Breaking down real hay costs per cow
06:00 – What feeding actually costs your operation at scale
08:30 – The hidden cost of selling cows
11:00 – Understanding true break-even and margin risk
14:00 – Timing matters more than most producers think
17:00 – Early vs late decisions and their financial impact
19:30 – Strategic culling and partial herd management
22:00 – How top operators approach tough years
24:30 – The one question that forces clarity
26:00 – Final thoughts and making the decision before it’s made for you

cattle drought management, feeding cows vs selling, cattle operation decisions, ranch management, drought cattle strategies, hay cost per cow, cattle economics, livestock management, ranch profitability, culling cows, cattle industry podcast, beef production, ranching decisions, forage management, cattle market decisions, farm management strategies, drought planning cattle, cow calf operations, ag business decisions

This episode marks the kickoff of our King of the Ring episodes, and Lauren is joined by World Champion auctioneer John Korrey to start it off. From growing up in northeastern Colorado to becoming a World Livestock Auctioneer Champion and traveling the globe, John shares the story behind his career, the evolution of the auction industry, and the role auction markets still play in cattle country today. This conversation goes deeper than just auctioneering—it’s about legacy, relationships, faith, and giving back. John also shares powerful advice for the next generation and what it truly takes to succeed in this business. This is a real and honest look at a life built in the auction industry and the impact one person can have along the way.

Links

King of the Ring - https://www.korauction.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio John Korrey - http://www.korreyauctions.com/John%20Korrey%20BIO.htm 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-

- John Korrey’s journey from small-town Colorado to World Champion auctioneer

- How auctioneering has evolved from local markets to global and online platforms

- Why auction markets still play a critical role in price discovery and community

- The importance of relationships, trust, and reputation in the livestock industry

- How the internet has changed auctions—but hasn’t replaced the auctioneer

- The discipline and persistence it takes to succeed in auctioneering

- Why contests like King of the Ring help develop and strengthen the industry

- Advice for young auctioneers entering the profession today

- The importance of giving back through charity and community involvement

- Building a legacy rooted in faith, family, and service

Chapters

00:00 – Intro + King of the Ring series kickoff
02:00 – John Korrey’s background and how he got started
05:30 – Early career and learning the craft of auctioneering
08:30 – How the auction industry has changed over time
12:00 – The role of auction markets in today’s cattle industry
15:30 – Internet auctions vs live auctions
18:30 – Traveling the world as an auctioneer
22:30 – Competing and winning the World Championship
25:30 – Advice for the next generation of auctioneers
29:30 – Lessons learned and career reflections
32:30 – Legacy, faith, and giving back
35:30 – King of the Ring preview + closing thoughts

auctioneer, livestock auctioneer, cattle auction, cattle markets, auction industry, King of the Ring, World Champion auctioneer, John Korrey, livestock marketing, sale barn, cattle industry podcast, agriculture podcast, ranching community, livestock sales, auction chant, price discovery cattle, beef industry, livestock markets USA, auctioneering career, ag leadership, rural America, cattle producers

Today, Lauren is joining Dan and Samantha from Brazil as they break down a week where the cattle markets continue to look strong on paper, but the reality on the ground tells a more complicated story. In this episode, they walk through a week full of choppy, headline-driven markets and talk about why things feel so uncertain despite solid fundamentals. From ongoing volatility and outside pressures to drought, fire concerns, and rising input costs, it seems like agriculture is facing one thing after another right now. They also dig into the disconnect between market strength and real producer profitability, and why not everyone is benefiting the way it might appear. To wrap things up, Lauren shares a quick update from Brazil and some early observations on how their agricultural systems compare.

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

• Cattle markets remain strong, but volatility is being driven by constant outside headlines
• “Chop city” continues as markets struggle to find clear direction
• Cash cattle is holding relatively steady despite uncertainty in futures
• Producers are still facing pressure from high input costs and interest rates
• Drought and fire concerns are adding another layer of stress heading into grazing season
• There is a growing disconnect between market prices and actual profitability on operations
• Not all sectors of the cattle industry are experiencing the same level of success
• Grain markets are also trading sideways, influenced by macroeconomic factors like oil
• Supply remains tight, but rebuilding will take time and continued stability
• Global perspective matters—Brazil offers a different look at scale and production systems

Chapters

00:00 – Intro + Lauren joining from Brazil
01:30 – Weather swings, drought concerns, and calving season realities
03:30 – “Chop city” markets and what that actually means
06:00 – Headline-driven volatility and outside influences
08:30 – Cash cattle vs futures and packer dynamics
10:30 – Drought, fires, and long-term herd rebuilding challenges
13:30 – The profitability gap across different types of producers
16:30 – Grain markets and broader economic pressures
20:30 – Brazil update and early observations from the trip
24:30 – Wrap up and closing thoughts

cattle markets, cattle market update, livestock markets, feeder cattle futures, live cattle futures, cattle industry podcast, ranching economics, agriculture markets, beef industry trends, cattle producers, drought cattle industry, cattle market volatility, chop city markets, farm economics, ranch profitability, livestock supply, cattle cycle, grain markets, agriculture news, beef production, global agriculture, Brazil agriculture, cattle industry outlook, farm management, ag podcast

Today’s episode flips the perspective and takes you beyond the ranch gate. Lauren sits down with TC Turner, also known as the Red Bearded Butcher, to talk about what really happens to your cattle after they leave your hands—and what producers might be missing on the other side of the industry. From the growing need for small processors to the value producers are leaving on the table, TC shares hard truths, practical advice, and a deep appreciation for the people raising the product he works with every day. This one covers everything from carcass quality and communication to grilling tips and why ground beef might be the most important product on the entire animal. If you’ve ever wondered how to better connect your operation to the end consumer, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

Links

T.C.'s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/redbeardbutcher/T.C.'s Website- https://www.redbeardbutcher.com/ 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/

Chapters

00:00 – Introducing TC Turner (The Red Bearded Butcher)
02:30 – TC’s background: from retail to high-end steakhouse
04:40 – How beef quality and the industry have changed
06:30 – Why small processors are disappearing (and why it matters)
09:00 – The real bottlenecks: labor, funding, and capacity
12:30 – What producers don’t see on the processing side
14:00 – The need for better collaboration between producers & processors
18:00 – Where producers are leaving money on the table
20:30 – Value-added cuts and the “Traeger effect”
23:00 – If TC had cattle: how he’d market them today
25:00 – The future of beef, processors, and consumer demand
27:00 – Hard truths for producers (carcass quality & communication)
30:30 – Favorite cuts, grilling tips, and ground beef strategy
35:00 – Creative ways to elevate ground beef
36:30 – Spring grilling ideas & trying new cuts
38:00 – TC’s new steakhouse & dry aging program
39:30 – Final thoughts + where to find TC

- Producers and processors need stronger communication—it directly impacts quality and profitability

- There is a major shortage of small, regional processors and it’s not getting fixed overnight

- Qualified labor (not just labor) is one of the biggest challenges in the processing industry

- Producers are often leaving money on the table by not utilizing value-added cuts

- Local + regional beef marketing creates stronger consumer trust and brand value

- The future of beef includes more direct-to-consumer and e-commerce opportunities

- Ground beef is one of the most important (and most underutilized) products on the animal

- Quality matters—great carcasses stand out immediately on the butcher side

cattle industry, beef production, butchery, meat processing, small processors, local beef, direct to consumer beef, beef marketing, value added beef cuts, Denver steak, ground beef ideas, grilling tips, steakhouse beef, dry aged beef, Wagyu beef, cattle producers, ranching business, beef supply chain, meat science, carcass quality, livestock industry, beef demand, farm to table beef, regional processing, butcher insights, cattle USA podcast

Samantha and I are doing a Q&A today answering some of the most common questions she gets about LRP and how it actually works in today’s market. We run through everything from what it does, how coverage and premiums work, when it pays out, and how flexible it actually is depending on your operation. If you’ve ever been confused by LRP or just want a clearer understanding of how it fits into your marketing plan, this episode is going to walk through it in a really straightforward way.

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 protects the downside of the market without capping your upside potential

• There is no upfront cost, which helps from a cash flow standpoint

• Policies are flexible and allow you to sell cattle within a window—not a fixed date

• Coverage is based on futures, but payouts are tied to national index values

• You can insure a wide range of cattle, including unborn calves

• LRP can be used as a consistent and repeatable risk management strategy

  
  

Chapters

00:00 – Intro and why we’re doing an LRP Q&A
01:30 – What LRP is and what it actually protects
02:15 – Does LRP cap your upside and how payouts work
03:45 – What policies settle off of and why it matters
05:15 – Premiums, costs, and what determines pricing
07:00 – Coverage levels and how to think about them
08:45 – Weight ranges, cattle types, and insuring unborn calves
10:30 – Selling flexibility and coverage windows
12:15 – LRP vs futures and put options
14:00 – Using LRP as part of your marketing plan
16:00 – Final thoughts and how to get started

LRP, Livestock Risk Protection, cattle insurance, livestock insurance, feeder cattle insurance, fed cattle insurance, cattle market risk, risk management agriculture, cattle marketing strategy, ag risk management, cattle futures, CME feeder cattle index, live cattle futures, hedging cattle, put options vs LRP, cattle producers, ranching business, livestock marketing, cattle price protection, downside risk protection, ag finance, ranch management, insurance for cattle, feeder cattle prices, fed cattle prices