CattleUSA Daily

Water can make or break a grazing system—and too often, it’s an afterthought. In this episode of the CattleUSA Daily Podcast, Lauren Moylan dives into the backbone of every successful ranch: a reliable water system. She breaks down the pros and cons of wells, stock tanks, and water hauling, explaining how each fits into different landscapes and budgets. Whether you’re building from scratch or upgrading old infrastructure, this episode will help you think strategically about cost, reliability, and long-term sustainability in your water plan.

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

Water is essential for grazing systems, influencing stocking rates and infrastructure.

Different landscapes require tailored water solutions based on resources and rainfall patterns.

Wells provide a steady supply but come with high upfront costs.

Stock tanks and ponds are cost-effective but can be affected by evaporation and quality issues.

Hauling water is labor-intensive but offers flexibility for grazing.

Efficient water delivery systems are crucial for herd management.

Strategic planning in water management can prevent future issues.

Understanding costs and reliability is key to effective water management.

Water management decisions impact overall ranch management and operations.

A well-planned water system supports the entire grazing operation.

Chapters

00:00 Understanding Water Systems in Grazing Management

02:46 Evaluating Well Water Systems

06:04 Exploring Stock Tanks and Ponds

07:15 The Role of Water Hauling in Ranching

water systems, grazing management, ranching, water supply, cattle, water planning, well water, stock tanks, water hauling, sustainable ranching

Kansas weather has been anything but predictable—and this week, Lauren Moylan and meteorologist Gary Lezak break down why. In this episode of the CattleUSA Daily Podcast, they unpack the latest LRC (Lezak’s Recurring Cycle) patterns, how they shape long-term forecasts, and what it all means for agriculture this winter. Plus, Lauren shares her big new challenge—signing up for a half marathon—and how even her training might depend on what the LRC has in store.

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/
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

Lauren signed up for a half marathon in April.

Gary discusses the unique weather patterns developing this season.

The LRC is crucial for understanding weather cycles.

Farmers benefit from the Weather 2020 dashboard.

The current weather pattern has been unusually wet in Kansas.

Gary emphasizes the importance of long-term weather predictions.

The LRC evolves around the autumn equinox.

Hurricane Melissa's impact on weather patterns is significant.

The dashboard provides detailed forecasts for agriculture.

Listeners are encouraged to observe local weather changes.

Chapters

00:00 Running Towards New Challenges

06:12 Weather Patterns and Predictions

10:48 Understanding the LRC and Its Implications

15:38 Preparing for the Future: Weather Insights

19:08 Conclusion and Resources

weather, predictions, LRC, climate, marathon, Kansas, agriculture, meteorology, running, weather patterns

The cattle market has taken a hit—and everyone’s talking about why. In this episode of the CattleUSA Daily Podcast, Lauren Moylan and John Campbell break down the recent price declines, the political moves influencing the market, and the growing challenges ranchers are facing across the country. They dig into the deeper issues of vertical integration, speculation, and international influence that have reshaped the cattle industry—and what producers can do to stay resilient through the chaos.

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 cattle market has experienced significant price declines recently.

Political decisions can have a profound impact on the cattle industry.

Market dynamics are influenced by both domestic and international factors.

Ranchers are facing unprecedented challenges in the current market.

The integration of the cattle industry is too vertical, affecting competition.

There is a need for a unified voice among cattle producers.

Speculation and market reactions can lead to drastic price changes.

The cattle industry is becoming increasingly reliant on imports.

Understanding the complexities of the market is crucial for producers.

Despite challenges, there is hope for recovery in the cattle market.

Chapters

00:00 Market Overview and Recent Sales Trends

09:01 Understanding the Downturn: Causes and Effects

18:52 Political Impacts on the Cattle Industry

30:26 Future Outlook and Resilience in the Industry

cattle market, livestock trends, market decline, political influence, beef prices, ranching challenges, agricultural policy, cattle industry insights

The cattle market is in one of its most emotional stretches in years—driven more by fear than fundamentals. In this episode of the CattleUSA Daily Podcast, Dan Gerhold unpacks the current volatility, the role of government influence, and what producers can do to stay grounded through the chaos. From understanding open interest trends to evaluating coverage options, he explains how to make smart, strategic decisions in a fear-driven 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

Harvest is over, and producers are catching up on sleep.

The cattle market is currently driven by fear and uncertainty.

Government comments are impacting market perceptions and prices.

Producers need to consider coverage options to protect themselves.

Fear-driven markets can lead to overreactions and poor decisions.

Open interest trends indicate market sentiment and trader behavior.

The market has gaps that may influence future price movements.

Producers should remain calm and avoid panic selling.

Strategic business decisions are crucial in volatile times.

The future of the cattle market remains uncertain, requiring careful planning.

Chapters

00:00 Harvest Reflections and Market Concerns

04:27 Market Dynamics and Fear Factors

07:11 Understanding Open Interest and Market Reactions

09:34 Navigating Coverage and Risk Management

11:27 Future Market Predictions and Strategies

13:53 Government Influence and Market Sentiment

16:46 The Role of Producers in a Fear-Driven Market

19:27 Closing Thoughts and Future Considerations

cattle market, market fear, coverage options, government influence, market predictions, beef industry, cattle producers, volatility, strategic decisions, agricultural economy

Winter always finds the weak spots — in your fences, your feed plan, and your schedule. In this episode of the CattleUSA Daily Podcast, Lauren Moylan walks through nine simple steps to get your cattle operation ready for winter. From checking water systems and testing hay to reviewing emergency plans, she shares practical strategies to make the cold months smoother and more efficient. This is your reminder to prepare now, not when it’s already below freezing.

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

Many of us around the country are getting started on our winter prep.

Cold weather exposes weak points in fencing.

Evaluate your water systems before winter hits.

Test your hay to match supplements properly.

Check your minerals and supplement plan for winter.

Prep all of your feeding areas for easier access.

Equipment maintenance is crucial before winter.

Review your winter emergency plan thoroughly.

Good winter prep isn't about doing more, but doing it early.

These were nine small steps that you can do now to save stress later.

Chapters

00:00 Winter Preparation Essentials

07:44 Key Takeaways for Effective Winter Management

winter preparation, cattle management, emergency planning, livestock care, farming tips, winter checklist, cattle feeding, equipment maintenance, forage management, livestock health

Recorded 10/23. The cattle market doesn’t need much to move—but a few words from a president can set off a storm. In this episode of the CattleUSA Daily Podcast, Lauren Moylan and John Campbell unpack how Trump’s recent comments about beef prices and imports sent ripples through the industry. They dive into the emotional reactions from producers, the realities of supply and demand, and what government intervention really means for ranchers. It’s a candid look at the tension between politics, pricing, and the people who feed America.

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 cattle market is experiencing significant fluctuations due to external comments and market reactions.

Trump's comments have stirred controversy and confusion among ranchers and consumers alike.

There is a clear distinction between cattle ranchers and meat packers in the beef supply chain.

Market reactions are often driven by emotion rather than factual information.

The current market situation is particularly challenging for cow-calf producers during harvest time.

Government intervention can complicate market dynamics and lead to unintended consequences.

Understanding the breakdown of beef pricing is crucial for consumers and producers alike.

The cattle industry is facing pressures from both domestic and international markets.

Future market corrections are anticipated, but the timeline remains uncertain.

Support for U.S. cattlemen is essential for rebuilding the herd and ensuring sustainability.

Chapters

00:00 Cattle Market Overview

10:30 Political Commentary on Cattle Industry

19:30 Market Reactions and Consumer Impact

27:24 Future of the Cattle Industry

cattle market, Trump comments, beef prices, ranchers, livestock, market dynamics, agriculture, cattle industry, economic impact, supply and demand

The “October Surprise” isn’t just a headline—it’s a pattern worth paying attention to. In this episode of the CattleUSA Daily Podcast, Lauren Moylan and meteorologist Gary Lezak break down the latest weather trends, the science behind the Lezak Recurring Cycle (LRC), and how these shifting patterns could impact agriculture heading into winter. From drought updates to what history tells us about October weather, this episode dives into the unpredictable beauty of forecasting and what producers should keep an eye on next.

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/
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/

TakeawaysThe LRC is crucial for understanding weather patterns.October 22nd marks the anniversary of the October Surprise.Current weather is dry, but predictions are still evolving.The Lezak Recurring Cycle allows for unique weather predictions.Historical weather events can inform current forecasts.Agricultural impacts are significant during this time of year.Weather patterns can change rapidly and unexpectedly.The importance of accurate forecasting for events like sports games.Drought conditions are a concern for the agricultural belt.The conversation emphasizes the excitement and unpredictability of weather.

Chapters00:00 Sourdough Surprises and Personal Connections04:01 Weather Patterns and the October Surprise09:31 The Lezak Recurring Cycle Explained15:27 Harvest Season and Future Predictions

weather patterns, LRC, October Surprise, agriculture, predictions, Gary Lezak, Weather 20/20, climate, meteorology, drought

Land is often the biggest line item — and the biggest debate — in any cattle operation. In this episode of the CattleUSA Daily Podcast, Lauren Moylan breaks down the real numbers behind leasing versus owning pasture. From capital costs and risk management to long-term appreciation and flexibility, she unpacks what makes sense for different operations. Whether you’re looking to expand, invest, or just survive another dry year, this episode helps you decide which pasture strategy pencils out best for your business.

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

Leasing pasture avoids huge capital outlay and fixed costs.

Owning pasture provides full control and potential land appreciation.

Leasing can be advantageous for newer or expanding producers.

Owning comes with debt, taxes, and maintenance responsibilities.

Lease agreements can include shared risk models.

Rising lease rates can make leasing riskier over time.

Ownership allows for internalizing maintenance costs.

Flexibility in leasing can benefit uncertain market conditions.

Calculating net present value helps compare leasing and owning.

The right choice depends on individual capital and risk tolerance.

Chapters

00:00 Leasing vs. Owning Pasture: An Overview

03:47 Cost Analysis: Owning vs. Leasing

06:26 Making the Decision: Factors to Consider

cattle operation, leasing pasture, owning pasture, land investment, ranch management, cost analysis, risk management, agricultural finance, pasture management, livestock business

One headline can move the market — and this week proved it. In this episode of the CattleUSA Daily Podcast, Lauren Moylan, Dan Gerhold, and Samantha Cozza-Wright break down the cattle market’s reaction to President Trump’s comments on beef imports from Argentina. They unpack the media’s role in driving market volatility, discuss what imported beef really means for U.S. producers, and explain why stability — not intervention — is what the cattle industry truly needs.

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 cattle market is currently experiencing fluctuations due to external comments and media coverage.

President Trump's remarks on beef imports have caused significant market reactions.

Concerns exist regarding the impact of cheaper imports on domestic cattle producers.

The media plays a crucial role in shaping perceptions of the cattle market.

Producers are not seeking government handouts but rather a stable market environment.

The quality of US beef is generally higher than imported beef.

There is a need for consumers to support local beef producers.

Market corrections are a natural part of commodity trading.

The cattle industry has faced challenges before and has shown resilience.

Long-term sustainability in the cattle industry requires careful management and consumer support.

Chapters

00:00 Market Overview and Recent Trends

07:07 Impact of President Trump's Comments

13:08 Concerns Over Beef Imports and Domestic Production

18:46 Market Resilience and Consumer Demand

24:32 Future of the Cattle Industry and Local Support

cattle market, beef imports, President Trump, cattle industry, market trends, agriculture, livestock, cattle prices, media impact, US beef

Custom grazing can look like easy income — until the weather, contracts, or math prove otherwise. In this episode of the CattleUSA Daily Podcast, Lauren Moylan breaks down what it really takes to make custom grazing profitable. From pricing per head per day to writing airtight contracts, she shares how to calculate costs, manage risk, and protect both your land and your cash flow. Whether you’re grazing for others or considering it for your ranch, this episode will help you decide if it’s a smart move — or a resource drain.

Links

Watch on Youtube - https://youtu.be/aUez8b3ht0E

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

Custom grazing allows for cash flow without the risk of cattle ownership.

Predictable revenue can be achieved through per head per day payment structures.

Weather risks, such as drought, can significantly impact profitability.

Properly pricing labor and services is crucial for success in custom grazing.

Contracts should clearly outline responsibilities and payment structures.

Understanding the cost of grass and other resources is essential for profitability.

Custom grazing can be beneficial when there is excess grass or a need to rest cow capital.

It's important to have control over cattle management to avoid financial pitfalls.

Contracts should include clauses for drought and other risks to protect both parties.

Regularly reviewing contracts with an attorney can help mitigate risks.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Custom Grazing

01:23 The Upsides of Custom Grazing

02:20 The Downsides of Custom Grazing

04:20 Understanding Pay Structures

04:35 Key Contract Elements

05:36 Calculating Costs and Rates

06:49 When Custom Grazing Makes Sense

07:13 Identifying Resource Drain Risks

custom grazing, cattle management, ranch profitability, grazing contracts, agricultural economics, livestock management, pasture management, ranching strategies, cattle grazing risks, farming income