Drought is forcing tough decisions across cattle country and the producers who come out ahead are the ones willing to ask the hard questions early. Lauren sits down with John Campbell to break down what producers should be thinking about right now as dry conditions continue to impact operations across the region.

From market signals to real-world examples, John walks through a step-by-step mindset for navigating drought by covering what to sell, what to keep, and how to position your operation for both the short term and the long run. With experience through multiple drought cycles, this conversation focuses on making timely, strategic decisions instead of reactive ones and understanding that doing nothing is still a decision.

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:

• Drought decisions should be made early—not when options are limited
• Start with “cleanup” cattle: opens, problem cows, and underperformers
• Selling in a strong market can position your operation long-term
• Heifer retention becomes a critical decision in dry conditions
• Timing matters—set a date and stick to your plan
• Moving cattle is often riskier than it seems
• Emotional decisions can hurt long-term profitability

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction + market overview
06:00 Early drought signals and regional impact
10:00 Why timing matters in drought decisions
15:00 Where to start: cleanup and culling
22:00 Heifer retention and long-term implications
28:00 Selling vs holding cattle
34:00 The risks of moving cattle
40:00 Building a drought plan
46:00 Final thoughts and advice for producers

drought cattle management, positioning cattle operation drought, cattle market drought decisions, when to sell cattle drought, cattle culling strategy drought, herd management dry conditions, cattle market update drought, ranching decision making, cattle producers drought strategy, livestock drought planning, cattle operation risk management, selling cattle in drought, cow calf management drought, agriculture drought podcast, John Campbell, cattle market

Andrew Sylvester is on the podcast today. He is the auctioneer at Manhattan Commission Company and King of the Ring contestant, to talk about what it really looks like to sell cattle through both strong and challenging markets.

From record-high prices to tougher days when the board turns against you, Andrew shares how volatile markets impact both buyers and sellers and what auctioneers see from the block that others may not. They also discuss the importance of relationships, communication, and being an active cattle producer in understanding how to market cattle effectively in any environment.

Links:

King of the Ring - ⁠⁠https://www.korauction.com/?utm_sourc...Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7 CattleUSA Insurance - ⁠https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l...⁠CattleUSA Website - ⁠https://www.cattleusa.com/⁠Facebook - ⁠  / cattleusamedia⁠  Instagram - ⁠  / ⁠  Subscribe to our newsletter - ⁠https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium⁠CattleUSA Media - ⁠https://www.cattleusamedia.com/⁠Lauren’s Instagram - ⁠  / ⁠  Lauren’s Youtube - ⁠   / @showboatmediaco  The Next Generation Podcast Website - ⁠https://www.thenextgenag.com/⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Volatile cattle markets create both opportunity and risk
• Selling cattle looks very different in strong markets vs weak ones
• Relationships are critical between buyers, sellers, and auctioneers
• Market swings (like board movement) can impact outcomes quickly
• Preparation and communication help improve cattle marketing success
• Being involved in the cattle industry provides a competitive advantage

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction + Andrew’s background
04:00 Getting started in auctioneering
10:00 Balancing cattle production and auctioneering
18:00 Relationships in the cattle business
26:00 Selling cattle in strong vs tough markets
34:00 Handling volatility and market swings
42:00 Advice for producers and young auctioneers

volatile cattle market, selling cattle in volatile markets, cattle market cycles, cattle auctioneer podcast, Andrew Sylvester auctioneer, cattle market highs and lows, livestock market volatility, feeder cattle market trends, live cattle prices, cattle marketing strategies, sale barn cattle, livestock auction industry, ranching and auctioneering, cattle producers outlook, agriculture podcast cattle

Lauren and Samantha break down a choppy week in the cattle markets, starting with the latest cattle on feed report that, on paper, looked supportive but didn’t move the market the way many expected. They also dig into why that disconnect exists, how much weight producers should actually be putting on these reports, and what other factors may be driving market behavior right now.

From ongoing drought conditions and heifer retention decisions to questions around beef demand and shifting cattle flow, this episode highlights the real-world factors that continue to shape the market beyond what any single report shows.

Connect with Samantha:Email - [email protected] Phone - 785-940-5533Links:Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7 CattleUSA Insurance - ⁠https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l...⁠CattleUSA Website - ⁠https://www.cattleusa.com/⁠Facebook - ⁠  / cattleusamedia⁠  Instagram - ⁠  / ⁠  Subscribe to our newsletter - ⁠https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium⁠CattleUSA Media - ⁠https://www.cattleusamedia.com/⁠Lauren’s Instagram - ⁠  / ⁠  Lauren’s Youtube - ⁠   / @showboatmediaco  The Next Generation Podcast Website - ⁠https://www.thenextgenag.com/⁠

Key Takeaways:

• The latest cattle on feed report appeared “friendly” but had limited market impact
• Market conditions remain choppy with mixed signals across the board
• Drought continues to influence herd decisions and retention
• Heifer retention is happening, but varies widely by region
• Beef demand is still a key question heading into grilling season
• Reports are useful tools—but don’t always reflect the full picture
• Outside factors continue to play a major role in market direction

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction + spring workload realities
03:00 Market recap and recent price movement
08:00 Cattle on feed report breakdown
12:00 Why the report didn’t move the market
17:00 Heifer retention and herd dynamics
22:00 Drought and regional challenges
27:00 Border and cattle flow considerations
31:00 Beef demand heading into summer
36:00 What to watch moving forward

cattle on feed report 2025, cattle market update, live cattle prices, feeder cattle trends, cattle market volatility, drought cattle industry, heifer retention cattle, beef demand outlook, livestock market analysis, agriculture podcast cattle, Samantha Cozza-Wright, cattle producers outlook, beef industry trends, cattle supply and demand, ranching economics

Justin Dodson is on the podcast today, another one of this year’s King of the Ring contestants. He sits down with Lauren for a meaningful conversation about building a career in the sale barn from the ground up. From practicing his chant alone in a hay barn to working the ring for free, Justin shares what those early years actually looked like truly pinching pennies, chasing opportunities, and continuing to push forward even when nothing seemed to be lining up.

He talks through the moments that changed everything, the people who helped shape his career, and what it took to go from just trying to get a chance to becoming one of the most respected auctioneers in the industry.

Today, Justin balances auctioneering, a growing cattle operation, and mentoring the next generation while still competing at a high level. This episode is a real look at the grind behind the scenes and what it takes to stay in it.

Links:

King of the Ring - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.korauction.com/?utm_sourc...Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7 CattleUSA Insurance - ⁠⁠https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l...⁠CattleUSA Website - ⁠⁠https://www.cattleusa.com/⁠⁠Facebook - ⁠⁠  / cattleusamedia⁠  ⁠Instagram - ⁠⁠  / ⁠  ⁠Subscribe to our newsletter - ⁠⁠https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/c...CattleUSA Media - ⁠⁠https://www.cattleusamedia.com/⁠⁠Lauren’s Instagram - ⁠⁠  / ⁠  ⁠Lauren’s Youtube - ⁠⁠   / @showboatmediaco  ⁠The Next Generation Podcast Website - ⁠⁠https://www.thenextgenag.com/⁠⁠

Key Takeaways:

• Building a career in the sale barn takes time, persistence, and consistency
• Early years often involve working for little to no pay while learning the craft
• Mentorship and learning from others plays a major role in long-term success
• Understanding cattle value is critical to being an effective auctioneer
• Balancing auctioneering with a cattle operation creates stability
• The industry is built on relationships, reputation, and trust
• Helping the next generation is an important part of giving back

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction + Justin’s early interest in auctioneering
03:00 Learning the chant and early struggles
08:00 Practicing in the hay barn
12:00 Working the ring and getting early opportunities
18:00 Financial struggles and starting a family
24:00 The phone call that changed everything
30:00 Building momentum in the sale barn
36:00 Growing a cattle operation alongside auctioneering
42:00 Mentorship and helping young auctioneers
48:00 Advice for the next generation
54:00 King of the Ring and competition

auctioneer story cattle industry, Justin Dodson auctioneer, livestock auctioneer journey, how to become an auctioneer, sale barn life cattle industry, cattle auction career path, livestock marketing auctioneer, King of the Ring auctioneer, auction chant practice hay barn, ranching and auctioneering lifestyle, cattle industry careers podcast, agriculture storytelling, livestock sales barn insights, auctioneer mentorship cattle industry

This is one of those conversations that sticks with you. Lauren sits down with Dave Shumpert of X2D Ranch Ministries and the Feed the Need program for a meaningful conversation about faith, ranching, and what it looks like to use cattle to serve something bigger than yourself.

What started as a traditional ranching operation has grown into a community-driven effort to provide high-quality beef to families facing real challenges—from medical hardships to difficult seasons of life. Dave shares how Feed the Need came to life, the role the cattle industry has played in supporting it, and how a simple idea has turned into a sustainable program impacting both those receiving and those giving.

This episode is about more than cattle, it’s about purpose, community, and the impact agriculture can have when it’s used to serve others.

Links:

X2D Ranch Ministries Website - https://x2dranchministries.com/

X2D Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/x2dranchministries/

Feed the Need - https://x2dranchministries.com/feed-the-need

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:

• Feed the Need was built through faith, community, and unexpected opportunities
• Cattle operations can play a direct role in serving local communities
• High-quality beef can be used to restore dignity and provide real support
• Sustainability in today’s cattle market requires intentional planning and strong genetics
• The cattle industry has shown strong support through donations and collaboration
• Involving youth and families creates long-term impact beyond just the product

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction + why this conversation matters
02:00 Dave’s background in ranching and rodeo
06:00 The turning point and personal testimony
11:00 Where the idea for Feed the Need began
15:00 The $20,000 moment that changed everything
20:00 Building the program through community support
26:00 Delivering beef and impacting families
31:00 A powerful story from Feed the Need
36:00 Making the program sustainable in today’s cattle market
42:00 Genetics, cattle quality, and long-term vision
47:00 Involving youth and bridging communities
52:00 What the future could look like
56:00 Final thoughts and message to the industry

feed the need cattle program, X2D Ranch Ministries, Dave Schumpert podcast, cattle ministry USA, ranching and faith story, agriculture community outreach programs, beef donation programs local communities, using cattle to serve others, livestock industry giving back, ranching lifestyle and purpose, cattle operations and community impact, sustainable cattle programs, beef production for food insecurity, agriculture leadership stories, faith-based agriculture initiatives, ranchers giving back to community, livestock and ministry work, feeding families with local beef, youth involvement in agriculture programs

Today Lauren and John Campbell revisit the ongoing situation at the U.S.–Mexico border, as screw worm concerns, shifting headlines, and new information continue to keep this topic front and center in the cattle industry. Recent false reports around a potential border reopening added another layer to the conversation, highlighting just how quickly information, and misinformation, can move the market and industry sentiment.

They break down where things actually stand today, including updates on sterile fly production, cattle movement, and how both U.S. and Mexican producers are being impacted as this situation continues to develop.

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:

• False reports about the border reopening continue to circulate
• Screw worm remains a key factor in ongoing policy decisions
• Sterile fly production is still below needed levels
• The closed border continues to impact cattle flow and pricing
• Both U.S. and Mexican producers are feeling the effects
• Market dynamics are being shaped by limited supply movement
• This remains an evolving situation across the industry

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction + ongoing border discussion
03:00 Market recap and regional conditions
08:00 False reports and border rumors
12:00 Sterile fly program updates
16:00 Impact on cattle movement and supply
20:00 Broader industry implications
25:00 Current outlook

screw worm cattle, cattle border news, US Mexico cattle trade, cattle market border impact, sterile fly program cattle, livestock disease control, cattle imports Mexico, agriculture policy cattle, cattle supply chain, beef industry news, ranching industry update, livestock trade US Mexico, cattle movement restrictions

We welcome back Dan and Samantha to break down this week’s cattle market and the growing list of outside factors influencing it from equities and oil to global trade and current events. While the market remains strong overall, it’s clear that more than just supply and demand is at play. Headlines, policy shifts, and global dynamics are continuing to shape how the cattle market is behaving day to day.

They also discuss resistance at current price levels, demand signals, and what to watch as volatility and outside pressure continue to factor into market direction. Plus, a look at the upcoming cattle on feed report and grain market outlook heading further into spring.

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.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter
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/

Connect with Samantha:Email - [email protected] Phone - 785-940-5533

• The cattle market remains strong but is increasingly influenced by outside factors
• Equities, oil, and global trade are playing a larger role in daily market movement
• Resistance is showing at higher price levels, especially in fat cattle
• Demand remains solid but is being closely watched at current price levels
• The cattle on feed report could impact near-term direction
• Grain markets remain uncertain as planting season progresses
• Volatility continues to be driven by both market fundamentals and external events

Chapters:

00:00 Market overview + early week movement
03:00 Cash cattle and feeder trends
08:00 Resistance levels and market signals
12:00 Equities, oil, and global headlines
17:00 Demand and market outlook
21:00 Cattle on feed expectations
25:00 Grain market discussion
29:00 Closing thoughts

cattle market update, equities cattle market, oil prices cattle market, trade and cattle market, global headlines cattle market, live cattle prices, feeder cattle market, cattle on feed report, agriculture markets, livestock market volatility, beef demand, grain market outlook, corn market forecast, ranching industry, ag economics, commodity markets cattle

Today we welcome Jace Thompson to the podcast, one of the youngest guys in the game and another contestant in this year’s King of the Ring competition. He talks about his start in the auction industry and what it’s been like building a career early on. Growing up around the business, Jace was exposed to auctioneering from a young age, but stepping into it professionally came with a learning curve. In just a few short years, he’s gone from trying it out to fully committing to the path and continuing to build his place in the industry. They also discuss the importance of mentorship, the need for more young people in the auction and cattle industries, and why there is still a lot of opportunity for the next generation.

Links:

King of the Ring - ⁠⁠https://www.korauction.com/?utm_sourc...Nominate or request to be a guest - forms.gle/fRkvzRenh7mqkDXV7 CattleUSA Insurance - ⁠https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l...⁠CattleUSA Website - ⁠https://www.cattleusa.com/⁠Facebook - ⁠  / cattleusamedia⁠  Instagram - ⁠  / ⁠  Subscribe to our newsletter - ⁠https://www.cattleusadrive.com/premium⁠CattleUSA Media - ⁠https://www.cattleusamedia.com/⁠Lauren’s Instagram - ⁠  / ⁠  Lauren’s Youtube - ⁠   / @showboatmediaco  The Next Generation Podcast Website - ⁠https://www.thenextgenag.com/⁠

Key Takeaways:

• The auction industry needs more young professionals stepping in
• Early career growth comes with a steep learning curve
• Mentorship plays a major role in long-term success
• There is strong opportunity for young people in agriculture
• The cattle market remains strong with high demand and tight supply
• Hands-on experience is one of the best ways to learn the industry

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction + King of the Ring
02:00 Growing up around the auction industry
05:00 Getting started professionally
08:00 Early challenges and learning curve
11:00 Being one of the youngest in the industry
14:00 Opportunity for young people in ag
17:00 Cattle market perspective
20:00 Advice for getting started

auctioneer podcast, Jace Thompson auctioneer, young auctioneer, livestock auction, cattle industry careers, agriculture careers, livestock marketing, auction business, cattle market outlook, ranching careers, next generation agriculture, young professionals agriculture, livestock sales, King of the Ring auction, cattle industry podcast, auctioneer journey, ag opportunities

Today, Lauren is joined by Brandon Frey, one of the contestants in the upcoming King of the Ring competition in Dodge City, to share his story of growing up in the sale barn and building a career in the livestock marketing industry. From an early age, Brandon was surrounded by the auction world, learning the rhythm of the barn, the people, and the lifestyle that comes with it. That foundation shaped not only his career, but the way he approaches the business today.

They talk through his journey from growing up in the industry to working across multiple markets, the importance of relationships, and what it looks like to be part of the next generation of auctioneers stepping onto big stages like King of the Ring.

Links:

King of the Ring - ⁠https://www.korauction.com/?utm_sourc...

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:

• Early exposure helps shape long-term success in livestock marketing
• Relationships and reputation are key in the auction business
• Surrounding yourself with strong mentors matters
• The cattle market is creating opportunity across the industry
• The next generation of auctioneers is stepping into bigger roles

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction + King of the Ring series
02:00 Growing up in the sale barn
05:00 Early exposure to the auction world
08:00 Building a career in livestock marketing
12:00 Relationships and opportunities in the industry
16:00 Current cattle market outlook
19:00 Advice and perspective

auctioneer podcast, livestock auctioneer, Brandon Fry auctioneer, sale barn life, cattle industry careers, livestock marketing, auction block, cattle market outlook, ranching industry, agriculture careers, livestock sales, King of the Ring auction, next generation auctioneers, cattle business podcast, auctioneer lifestyle, livestock industry professionals

Lauren is joined again today by Gary Lezak to break down expanding drought conditions across cattle country, uneven rainfall, and what producers should be watching as we move deeper into spring. Drought pressure continues to build across the Southern Plains and Midwest, while upcoming rain chances remain hit-or-miss. Gary explains what the current weather pattern is signaling, how it impacts grazing and planting decisions, and what to watch in the weeks ahead.

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:

• Drought conditions are expanding across much of cattle country
• Rain chances are increasing but will be inconsistent
• Even small amounts of moisture could improve conditions
• Timing is critical for grazing, stocking, and planting decisions
• Severe weather risks, including hail, are increasing
• Early indicators point to continued volatility and potential summer heat

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome + Brazil recap
04:30 Drought expansion across the U.S.
07:00 Why drought is growing
10:00 Rain outlook and coverage
13:00 Decision timing for producers
15:30 Severe weather risks
17:30 Summer outlook

Keywords:

cattle weather, cattle country drought, expanding drought, agriculture weather forecast, Gary Lezak weather, LRC weather pattern, ranching weather update, livestock weather conditions, drought Texas Oklahoma Kansas, Midwest drought, Southern Plains drought, grazing conditions cattle, pasture conditions drought, rain forecast agriculture, hit or miss rain, severe weather cattle country, hail risk agriculture, crop weather outlook, cattle industry weather, heat stress cattle, summer weather outlook agriculture