In this episode of the CattleUSA Daily Podcast, Lauren Moylan discusses the critical role of cattle handling in the beef industry, emphasizing its direct impact on meat quality. She explores the effects of stress on cattle, both short-term and long-term, and how it influences factors like tenderness and marbling. Lauren provides practical steps for ranchers to improve their handling practices, highlighting the importance of low-stress protocols and facility design. The conversation underscores the financial implications of poor handling and the need for continuous improvement in cattle management to ensure a sustainable beef industry.

Links

Watch on Youtube!

⁠CattleUSA Website⁠ - ⁠Subscribe to our newsletter⁠ - CattleUSA Media - ⁠The Next Generation Podcast Website⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠✍️⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE TO RATE & REVIEW THE PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✍️⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Click the link, scroll down to where it says “Ratings & Reviews” and click the small link that says “Write a Review”)

⁠⁠⁠⁠✍️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE TO RATE & REVIEW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✍️⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Click the link, select the three dots next to the following button, and click the star that says “Rate show”)

Takeaways

Cattle handling significantly affects meat quality.

Short-term stress before harvest can lead to dark cutting beef.

Small adjustments in handling can lead to better beef quality.

Understanding stress management is crucial for ranchers.

Facility design plays a key role in cattle handling.

Consistent handling practices improve cattle management.

Lighting and footing are important in reducing stress.

Evaluating weaning practices can enhance cattle handling.

The financial impact of poor handling is substantial.

Continuous improvement is essential for a sustainable beef industry.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Cattle Handling

03:08 Understanding Stress and Meat Quality

06:11 Practical Steps for Improving Handling Practices

cattle handling, beef quality, animal welfare, stress management, ranch practices

In this episode, Lauren Moylan emphasizes the critical role of ranchers in sustaining rural America. She discusses the economic impact of ranching, the interconnectedness of local businesses, and the importance of community involvement. Lauren highlights how ranchers not only contribute to the economy but also shape the future of their communities through leadership and mentorship. The conversation serves as a rallying call for ranchers to recognize their value and continue their vital work in preserving rural America.

Links

Watch on Youtube!!

⁠CattleUSA Website⁠ - ⁠Subscribe to our newsletter⁠ - ⁠The Next Generation Podcast Website⁠ - ⁠The Next Generation Instagram⁠ - ⁠Showboat Media Co. ⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠✍️⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE TO RATE & REVIEW THE PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✍️⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Click the link, scroll down to where it says “Ratings & Reviews” and click the small link that says “Write a Review”)

⁠⁠⁠⁠✍️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE TO RATE & REVIEW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✍️⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Click the link, select the three dots next to the following button, and click the star that says “Rate show”)

Takeaways

Ranchers are essential to the economy of rural America.

The cattle industry contributes billions to local economies.

Local spending by ranchers supports community businesses.

Ranching creates jobs beyond the farm, supporting families.

Ranchers play a crucial role in community development.

Economic stability in rural areas relies on ranching.

Ranchers are entrepreneurs and problem solvers.

Leadership roles in communities are often filled by ranchers.

Ranching provides a stable industry amidst economic shifts.

The future of rural America depends on the commitment of ranchers.

Chapters

00:00 The Importance of Rural America

09:34 Ranchers: The Backbone of Communities

rural America, ranchers, economic impact, community development, agriculture, sustainability, local businesses, future generations, leadership, stability

In this episode, Lauren Moylan discusses the importance of engaging consumers in conversations about agriculture. She emphasizes the need for producers to connect with consumers, share their stories, and advocate for the industry amidst misinformation. The conversation covers practical steps for initiating these discussions, the significance of personal narratives over data, and the value of community connections in fostering understanding and support for agriculture.

Links

Watch on Youtube!

⁠CattleUSA Website⁠ - ⁠Subscribe to our newsletter⁠ - ⁠The Next Generation Podcast Website⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠✍️⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE TO RATE & REVIEW THE PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✍️⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Click the link, scroll down to where it says “Ratings & Reviews” and click the small link that says “Write a Review”)

⁠⁠⁠⁠✍️⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE TO RATE & REVIEW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✍️⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Click the link, select the three dots next to the following button, and click the star that says “Rate show”)

Takeaways

We live in a world full of misinformation.

Consumers genuinely want to know where their food comes from.

Everyday producers can make a real change in agriculture advocacy.

It's not about the data; it's about sharing your personal story.

It's okay to admit when you don't know something.

Getting out of your comfort zone is essential for growth.

Finding one person to connect with can make a difference.

Be open to having conversations about agriculture in everyday settings.

Building community connections is vital for advocacy.

Reach out for support and guidance in your advocacy journey.

Chapters

00:00 Engaging Consumers in Agriculture Conversations

08:51 The Power of Personal Stories

12:12 Practical Steps for Advocacy

16:59 Building Community Connections

agriculture, consumer conversations, advocacy, misinformation, personal stories, community engagement, agriculture education, animal welfare, food sourcing, agricultural communication

In the inaugural episode of the CattleUSA Daily Podcast, host Lauren Moylan shares her journey in agriculture, her passion for the cattle industry, and her commitment to empowering the next generation. She discusses her background growing up on a cow-calf operation, her experiences in the industry, and her current roles as a podcast host and marketing agency owner. Lauren emphasizes the importance of community engagement and invites listeners to share topics they want to hear about in future episodes.

Links

WATCH ON YOUTUBE

CattleUSA Website - Subscribe to our newsletter - The Next Generation Podcast Website - The Next Generation Instagram - Showboat Media Co.

⁠⁠⁠⁠✍️⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE TO RATE & REVIEW THE PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✍️⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Click the link, scroll down to where it says “Ratings & Reviews” and click the small link that says “Write a Review”)

⁠⁠⁠⁠✍️⁠⁠⁠⁠CLICK HERE TO RATE & REVIEW THE PODCAST ON SPOTIFY!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✍️⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Click the link, select the three dots next to the following button, and click the star that says “Rate show”)

Takeaways

Lauren Moylan is the host of the CattleUSA Daily Podcast.

She grew up on a cow-calf operation in Northeast Kansas.

Her passion for agriculture was developed through showing cattle.

Lauren aims to empower the next generation of agriculture.

She also runs a photography business and a marketing agency.

The podcast will cover various topics in agriculture.

Community engagement is a priority for the podcast.

Listeners are encouraged to suggest topics and guests.

Lauren's journey reflects her commitment to the cattle industry.

The podcast aims to provide valuable resources for listeners.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the CattleUSA Daily Podcast

01:09 Lauren's Background in Agriculture

03:47 The Next Generation of Agriculture

06:51 Building a Career in Agriculture and Marketing

10:01 Engagement and Future Topics for the Podcast

CattleUSA, agriculture, podcast, Lauren Moylan, cattle industry, marketing,  ranching, community, advocacy

The CattleUSA Daily Podcast, hosted by Lauren Moylan, aims to serve the cattle industry by providing market updates, industry insights, and educational content. The podcast will feature stories from cattle producers, weather forecasts, and discussions with policy makers, all designed to empower listeners and enhance their business operations. The hosts emphasize the importance of community engagement and invite feedback from listeners to ensure the podcast meets their needs.

Takeaways

This podcast is your go-to resource for market updates.

Cattle industry is the backbone of agriculture.

We want to highlight some of the CattleUSA sale barns.

Getting some of their team on to talk about weather forecasts.

We want to provide daily information and market recap.

A place for continuing education in agriculture.

We are super excited to bring this new podcast to everyone.

We want to highlight and educate for the industry.

We're doing it for you guys to provide value.

Thank you for tuning in to our first episode.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to CattleUSA Podcast

02:02 CattleUSA's Mission and Vision

04:07 Content Expectations and Educational Goals

06:04 Engagement and Community Building

CattleUSA, cattle industry, agriculture, market updates, podcast, education, community, insights, weather forecasts, policy makers

The cattle market just put producers through one of the wildest years in recent memory, and this episode does not sugarcoat it. Lauren Moylan sits down with Dan Gerhold and Samantha Cozza-Wright to unpack a year defined by $400–$500 per head price swings, an $80 per hundredweight collapse in two months, dead cat bounces on low open interest, and a cash market that refuses to roll over. They dig into why producers froze on coverage during the rally, panicked on the way down, and now hesitate again as prices snap back. From shrinking cash transparency in Texas and unseasonably strong ground beef demand, to 2026 volatility risks, LRP sticker shock, and a grain market that looks ready to grind higher, this conversation is a blunt playbook on how to quit reacting emotionally and start using rallies to protect the top of the market.LinksCattleUSA 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/⁠CattleUSA 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/⁠Takeaways• The market has been violently volatile, with some calf types swinging $400–$500 per head inside a month.• Cash is “really strong” and packers still need cattle, but transparency is eroding as Texas drops out of reported negotiated trade.• Ground beef demand is unseasonably strong, shifting focus away from high-end cuts as the holidays approach.• Volume, slaughter, and price drifting lower together is a red flag Dan is watching closely.• Producers largely skipped coverage on the way up, then panic-booked hedges after Trump comments and a sharp break lower.• Psychology is driving a lot of bad decisions: waiting for “just $10–$15 higher” keeps producers exposed.• 2026 is set up to be just as volatile as 2025 if producers do not change how they manage risk.• LRP feels expensive because option volatility exploded, but structured correctly it can still protect meaningful price windows.• Dan outlines using LRP with options to narrow cost and protect the top slice of the market instead of insuring all the way to zero.• The latest USDA grain report was a “nothing burger,” but seasonal tendencies still point toward firmer corn into early spring.• If corn rallies into the $4.70–$4.95 range, Dan urges producers to get serious about hedging 2026 feed costs.• Samantha stresses using this rally to protect, not waiting for the next $20–$80 per hundredweight washout.• Even in chaos, there is opportunity for disciplined producers who reward rallies instead of chasing safety after the fall.Chapters00:01 Winter Updates and Weather Misery in Iowa and Kansas01:14 Choppy Futures, Gaps, Moving Averages, and Holiday Kill Expectations02:37 Cash Strength, Shrinking Texas Transparency, and Ground Beef Demand04:47 Slaughter, Volume, Restaurant Season, and Consumer Behavior Risks06:12 Looking Past 2025: Screwworm Headlines, Border Speculation, and 2026 Uncertainty07:52 Producer Psychology: Panic Booking, Missed Rallies, and Emotional Hedging09:50 $400–$500 Head Swings, Option Premiums, and the “To Zero vs To Reality” Problem12:08 LRP Structure, Option Strategies, and Protecting the Top of the Market14:28 Grain Market “Nothing Burger,” Yield Questions, and Seasonal Corn Rally Potential16:16 Final Advice: Use the Rally, Protect Profits, and Get the Prime Rib Thawedcattle markets, volatility, cash trade, Texas negotiated trade, market transparency, ground beef demand, producer psychology, risk management, LRP, options strategies, price protection, grain market, corn prices, USDA report, 2026 cattle outlook

The cattle market just put producers through one of the wildest years in recent memory, and this episode does not sugarcoat it. Lauren Moylan sits down with Dan Gerhold and Samantha Cozza-Wright to unpack a year defined by $400–$500 per head price swings, an $80 per hundredweight collapse in two months, dead cat bounces on low open interest, and a cash market that refuses to roll over. They dig into why producers froze on coverage during the rally, panicked on the way down, and now hesitate again as prices snap back. From shrinking cash transparency in Texas and unseasonably strong ground beef demand, to 2026 volatility risks, LRP sticker shock, and a grain market that looks ready to grind higher, this conversation is a blunt playbook on how to quit reacting emotionally and start using rallies to protect the top of the market.LinksCattleUSA 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/⁠CattleUSA 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/⁠Takeaways• The market has been violently volatile, with some calf types swinging $400–$500 per head inside a month.• Cash is “really strong” and packers still need cattle, but transparency is eroding as Texas drops out of reported negotiated trade.• Ground beef demand is unseasonably strong, shifting focus away from high-end cuts as the holidays approach.• Volume, slaughter, and price drifting lower together is a red flag Dan is watching closely.• Producers largely skipped coverage on the way up, then panic-booked hedges after Trump comments and a sharp break lower.• Psychology is driving a lot of bad decisions: waiting for “just $10–$15 higher” keeps producers exposed.• 2026 is set up to be just as volatile as 2025 if producers do not change how they manage risk.• LRP feels expensive because option volatility exploded, but structured correctly it can still protect meaningful price windows.• Dan outlines using LRP with options to narrow cost and protect the top slice of the market instead of insuring all the way to zero.• The latest USDA grain report was a “nothing burger,” but seasonal tendencies still point toward firmer corn into early spring.• If corn rallies into the $4.70–$4.95 range, Dan urges producers to get serious about hedging 2026 feed costs.• Samantha stresses using this rally to protect, not waiting for the next $20–$80 per hundredweight washout.• Even in chaos, there is opportunity for disciplined producers who reward rallies instead of chasing safety after the fall.Chapters00:01 Winter Updates and Weather Misery in Iowa and Kansas01:14 Choppy Futures, Gaps, Moving Averages, and Holiday Kill Expectations02:37 Cash Strength, Shrinking Texas Transparency, and Ground Beef Demand04:47 Slaughter, Volume, Restaurant Season, and Consumer Behavior Risks06:12 Looking Past 2025: Screwworm Headlines, Border Speculation, and 2026 Uncertainty07:52 Producer Psychology: Panic Booking, Missed Rallies, and Emotional Hedging09:50 $400–$500 Head Swings, Option Premiums, and the “To Zero vs To Reality” Problem12:08 LRP Structure, Option Strategies, and Protecting the Top of the Market14:28 Grain Market “Nothing Burger,” Yield Questions, and Seasonal Corn Rally Potential16:16 Final Advice: Use the Rally, Protect Profits, and Get the Prime Rib Thawedcattle markets, volatility, cash trade, Texas negotiated trade, market transparency, ground beef demand, producer psychology, risk management, LRP, options strategies, price protection, grain market, corn prices, USDA report, 2026 cattle outlook

The cattle market just put producers through one of the wildest years in recent memory, and this episode does not sugarcoat it. Lauren Moylan sits down with Dan Gerhold and Samantha Cozza-Wright to unpack a year defined by $400–$500 per head price swings, an $80 per hundredweight collapse in two months, dead cat bounces on low open interest, and a cash market that refuses to roll over. They dig into why producers froze on coverage during the rally, panicked on the way down, and now hesitate again as prices snap back. From shrinking cash transparency in Texas and unseasonably strong ground beef demand, to 2026 volatility risks, LRP sticker shock, and a grain market that looks ready to grind higher, this conversation is a blunt playbook on how to quit reacting emotionally and start using rallies to protect the top of the market.

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/
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/

Takeaways
• The market has been violently volatile, with some calf types swinging $400–$500 per head inside a month.
• Cash is “really strong” and packers still need cattle, but transparency is eroding as Texas drops out of reported negotiated trade.
• Ground beef demand is unseasonably strong, shifting focus away from high-end cuts as the holidays approach.
• Volume, slaughter, and price drifting lower together is a red flag Dan is watching closely.
• Producers largely skipped coverage on the way up, then panic-booked hedges after Trump comments and a sharp break lower.
• Psychology is driving a lot of bad decisions: waiting for “just $10–$15 higher” keeps producers exposed.
• 2026 is set up to be just as volatile as 2025 if producers do not change how they manage risk.
• LRP feels expensive because option volatility exploded, but structured correctly it can still protect meaningful price windows.
• Dan outlines using LRP with options to narrow cost and protect the top slice of the market instead of insuring all the way to zero.
• The latest USDA grain report was a “nothing burger,” but seasonal tendencies still point toward firmer corn into early spring.
• If corn rallies into the $4.70–$4.95 range, Dan urges producers to get serious about hedging 2026 feed costs.
• Samantha stresses using this rally to protect, not waiting for the next $20–$80 per hundredweight washout.
• Even in chaos, there is opportunity for disciplined producers who reward rallies instead of chasing safety after the fall.

Chapters
00:01 Winter Updates and Weather Misery in Iowa and Kansas
01:14 Choppy Futures, Gaps, Moving Averages, and Holiday Kill Expectations
02:37 Cash Strength, Shrinking Texas Transparency, and Ground Beef Demand
04:47 Slaughter, Volume, Restaurant Season, and Consumer Behavior Risks
06:12 Looking Past 2025: Screwworm Headlines, Border Speculation, and 2026 Uncertainty
07:52 Producer Psychology: Panic Booking, Missed Rallies, and Emotional Hedging
09:50 $400–$500 Head Swings, Option Premiums, and the “To Zero vs To Reality” Problem
12:08 LRP Structure, Option Strategies, and Protecting the Top of the Market
14:28 Grain Market “Nothing Burger,” Yield Questions, and Seasonal Corn Rally Potential
16:16 Final Advice: Use the Rally, Protect Profits, and Get the Prime Rib Thawed

cattle markets, volatility, cash trade, Texas negotiated trade, market transparency, ground beef demand, producer psychology, risk management, LRP, options strategies, price protection, grain market, corn prices, USDA report, 2026 cattle outlook