CattleUSA Daily

The cattle industry saw one of its biggest headlines of the year as the USDA announced a phased reopening of the southern border to Mexican cattle. In this timely episode of the Cattle USA Daily Podcast, Lauren Moylan sits down with Samantha Cozza-Wright to break down what the announcement means for producers, how the markets reacted, and why the conversation extends far beyond a single headline. They discuss recent USDA reports, the impact of New World Screwworm, shifting cattle supplies, Mexican infrastructure, and what producers should consider as the market adjusts to a new chapter in the North American beef industry.

Connect with Samantha:Email - [email protected] Phone - 785-940-5533Links:CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l...⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleu...CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de...Facebook -   / cattleusamedia  Instagram -   / cattleusa.media  Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/c...CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram -   / _laurenmoylan  Lauren’s Youtube -    / @showboatmediaco  The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/

• Why the USDA's phased reopening of the southern border moved cattle markets
• How New World Screwworm has reshaped cattle trade between the U.S. and Mexico
• What the latest Cattle on Feed and Mid-Year Inventory reports revealed
• Why market volatility began before the border announcement
• How Mexican investments in feedyards and packing infrastructure could change future cattle flows
• Why imported cattle are unlikely to return to pre-closure volumes
• The difference between market headlines and long-term industry fundamentals
• Risk management strategies producers should consider during volatile markets
• What producers should watch as additional border crossings reopen

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

03:01 Cattle Markets Before the Border News

05:05 Breaking Down the Latest USDA Reports

13:22 The Southern Border Reopening Explained

18:40 Market Reaction & Producer Concerns

22:15 Mexico's Changing Cattle Industry

26:00 Managing Risk in a Volatile Market

30:32 Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead

southern border reopening, Mexican cattle imports, cattle market, cattle prices, feeder cattle, live cattle, cattle futures, New World Screwworm, USDA, Cattle on Feed report, Mid-Year Inventory report, Samantha Cozza-Wright, Lauren Moylan, beef industry, cattle producers, risk management, livestock markets, feeder cattle market, live cattle market, Mexico cattle trade, beef supply, cattle economics, agricultural markets, livestock marketing, cattle industry news, U.S. cattle market, North American beef industry, Cattle USA Daily Podcast

Grazing on public lands often sparks debate, but in California, innovative partnerships between ranchers, conservation organizations, and public agencies are creating new opportunities for both livestock production and land stewardship. In this episode of the Cattle USA Daily Podcast, Lauren sits down with Thomas Workman, a California ranch manager, to discuss how his operation works alongside organizations like The Nature Conservancy, the Bureau of Land Management, and California Fish and Wildlife to manage grazing on public lands. They also explore how virtual fencing is transforming grazing management, improving conservation efforts, and giving ranchers new tools to better manage cattle, wildlife habitat, and natural resources.

Links:

Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-workman-79a8223b7/

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759
CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_share
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?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9g
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:

• How ranchers are partnering with conservation organizations and public agencies in California
• The role cattle play in responsible public lands management
• How virtual fencing is changing grazing management on large ranches
• Using technology to protect sensitive wildlife habitat and native plant species
• Why flexibility is improving relationships between ranchers and land managers
• How virtual fencing helps maximize labor efficiency and grazing decisions
• The importance of balancing conservation goals with profitable cattle production
• What the future of technology looks like for ranchers managing public lands

Chapters:

00:01 Introduction & Thomas Workman's Journey to California

03:41 Ranching on California's Public Lands

07:29 Virtual Fencing & Conservation Partnerships

14:10 How Technology Is Changing Grazing Management

18:35 Public Lands, Wildlife & Conservation

24:33 Is Virtual Fencing Worth the Investment?

30:25 The Future of Virtual Fencing

California ranching, public lands grazing, California public lands, Thomas Workman, virtual fencing, grazing management, cattle ranching, ranch management, conservation grazing, The Nature Conservancy, Bureau of Land Management, BLM grazing, California Fish and Wildlife, rotational grazing, regenerative grazing, cattle technology, ranch technology, livestock management, grazing partnerships, land stewardship, public land management, cattle industry, beef industry, ranch conservation, virtual fence technology, cow-calf operations, western ranching, agriculture podcast, Cattle USA Daily Podcast, Lauren Moylan

Volatility has become the new normal in today's cattle market, leaving many producers wondering how to make confident marketing decisions in an ever-changing environment. In this episode of the Cattle USA Daily Podcast, Lauren sits down with Luke Frantz to discuss what effective risk management looks like in today's market, why removing emotion from business decisions is critical, and how producers can build marketing plans that remain flexible as market conditions change. They also explore current market volatility, common misconceptions surrounding risk management, and what producers should be watching as they look toward the months ahead.

Links:

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759
CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_share
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?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9g
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:

• Why today's cattle market requires a more strategic approach to risk management
• The importance of removing emotion from marketing decisions
• How long-term planning can help producers navigate volatile markets
• Common misconceptions about managing price risk
• The growing role of technology and data in market analysis
• Why flexibility is essential in today's cattle market
• Luke's outlook on current market conditions and the months aheah
• Practical advice for producers looking to make more informed business decisions

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction & Luke Frantz's Background

04:52 Removing Emotion from Risk Management

07:55 Understanding Today's Market Volatility

11:59 Building a Long-Term Marketing Plan

17:05 Common Market Misconceptions

19:01 Outlook for the Cattle Market

cattle market, cattle prices, risk management, cattle risk management, Luke Frantz, cattle marketing, feeder cattle, live cattle, cattle futures, livestock marketing, cattle producers, ranchers, beef industry, agriculture podcast, Cattle USA Daily Podcast, Lauren Moylan, cattle market outlook, market volatility, livestock risk management, feeder cattle market, agricultural economics, cattle business, beef production, cattle operations, marketing strategies, price risk, commodity markets, cattle industry, livestock economics, beef market

Beef-on-dairy cattle have quickly become one of the most talked about segments of the cattle industry, creating new opportunities for producers. In this episode of the Cattle USA Daily Podcast, Lauren sits down with Mr. Russell Carrell, beef cattle nutritionist with Livestock Nutrition Center, to discuss how this once overlooked practice has evolved into a valuable part of the U.S. beef supply chain. Russell shares why feedyards are embracing beef-on-dairy cattle, what makes them unique from a nutrition and performance standpoint, how genetics and research have accelerated their adoption, and where he sees this segment of the industry heading in the years to come. Whether you're a cow-calf producer, feeder, or simply interested in the future of the beef business, this episode offers valuable insight into one of the industry's fastest-growing opportunities.

Links:

Connect with Russell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/russell-carrell-664574127/

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759
CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_share
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?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9g
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:

• How beef-on-dairy cattle have evolved into a valuable part of the beef supply chain
• Why dairy producers are capturing more value through beef genetics
• What makes beef-on-dairy cattle different from a nutrition and performance standpoint
• The importance of early-life management in long-term performance
• Why feedyards are increasingly embracing these cattle
• How research and genetics have accelerated industry adoption
• The role beef-on-dairy cattle play in maintaining beef supplies
• Russell's practical nutrition advice for today's beef producers

Chapters:

00:55 Meet Dr. Russell Carrell

04:34 How Beef-on-Dairy Has Changed Over the Past Decade

09:08 Performance and Carcass Quality of Beef-on-Dairy Cattle

11:11 Why the Industry Finally Embraced Beef-on-Dairy

14:02 Where Beef-on-Dairy Fits in the Future Beef Supply Chain

16:59 Nutrition Research and Feeding Considerations

18:25 What Beef Producers Should Know About Beef-on-Dairy

23:33 Russell's Nutrition Advice for Every Cattle Producer

beef on dairy, beef-on-dairy cattle, Dr. Russell Carrell, Livestock Nutrition Center, beef nutrition, cattle nutrition, beef industry, dairy industry, beef genetics, Angus genetics, dairy cross cattle, beef supply chain, feedyard nutrition, cattle feeding, beef cattle, dairy cattle, beef production, cattle industry, certified Angus beef, marbling, carcass quality, feed efficiency, cattle genetics, beef producer, ranch management, cow-calf producers, feedyard management, cattle performance, livestock nutrition, cattle podcast, agriculture podcast, Cattle USA Daily Podcast, Lauren Moylan, beef market, cattle research, beef nutritionist, dairy beef crosses, cattle feeding strategies, beef supply, livestock management

After weeks of steep declines in both the feeder and live cattle markets, producers are asking some questions. In today's episode of the Cattle USA Daily Podcast, Lauren is joined by Samantha Cozza-Wright once again to break down the latest market rally, discuss whether this week's bounce signals a true turning point or simply a temporary pause, and examine the forces continuing to pressure the cattle complex. They dive into packer leverage, slowing chain speeds, weakening consumer demand, record beef imports, export opportunities, and what producers should be watching as the industry heads toward the fall marketing season.

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

Links:

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759
CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_share
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?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9g
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:

• Is the recent rally enough to signal the cattle market has found a bottom?
• Why packer leverage continues to drive market uncertainty
• How slowing chain speeds are impacting cattle prices
• The role of record beef imports and declining exports
• Why cash cattle prices remain critical in determining the market's next move
• Seasonal demand shifts and what they could mean this fall
• Concerns surrounding feedlot inventories and cattle on feed
• How Brazilian beef imports continue to influence the U.S. market
• New export opportunities, including access to Nigeria's beef market
• What producers should monitor as the market searches for stability

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:39 Fair week, heat waves, and catching up

02:21 Has the cattle market finally found a bottom?

05:00 Why packers still hold the leverage

07:00 Could the market recover this fall?

09:20 Feedlots, cattle on feed, and supply concerns

10:43 Brazilian beef imports and market pressure

14:44 Packers, chain speeds, and industry capacity

16:34 Expanding export opportunities

18:26 Final market outlook and producer takeaways

cattle market, cattle prices, feeder cattle, live cattle, cattle futures, Samantha Cozza-Wright, Lauren Moylan, Cattle USA Daily Podcast, cattle market update, beef market, beef industry, packers, packer leverage, beef imports, Brazilian beef, beef exports, Nigeria beef exports, cattle on feed, feeder cattle market, live cattle market, USDA cattle report, cash cattle, boxed beef, beef demand, cattle producers, ranchers, livestock market, cattle marketing, agriculture podcast, beef production, cow-calf producers, feedyards, cattle economics, cattle industry news, market outlook, livestock markets, agricultural economics, beef trade, U.S. beef industry, producer market update

Mr. Jerry Speck dedicated nearly seven decades to serving cattle producers, building relationships, and strengthening one of Nebraska's most respected livestock auction markets. In this special Hall of Fame episode of the Cattle USA Daily Podcast, Lauren sits down with Jerry's son, Mark Speck, to celebrate the life, values, and legacy of a man who believed every customer deserved the same honesty, respect, and commitment whether they brought two pigs and a milk cow or thousands of cattle. From growing up in the Ogallala Livestock Auction to leading generations of producers through changing markets, this conversation is a heartfelt tribute to a family whose lives were built around the auction barn and the cattle industry.

Links:

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759
CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_share
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?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9g
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:

• Jerry Speck's journey from the sale barn to the Cattle Marketing Hall of Fame
• The family legacy behind Ogallala Livestock Auction
• Why every customer deserved the same respect, regardless of herd size
• Lessons in honesty, integrity, and servant leadership
• Growing up in a family built around the auction market
• How Jerry built lifelong relationships with producers and buyers
• The importance of supporting cattle markets and local auction barns
• Why mentorship and leading by example shaped generations
• The role of family in building a successful livestock business
• Remembering a life devoted to America's cattle producers

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

00:55 Introducing Mark Speck and honoring Jerry Speck

03:57 Jerry's early years at Ogallala Livestock Auction

06:10 Building a family legacy in the auction business

08:28 The lesson that defined Jerry Speck's leadership

10:16 Supporting producers and strengthening the cattle market

11:55 Jerry's eye for cattle and commitment to customers

12:32 Sixty-nine years dedicated to the livestock industry

13:28 Memories of growing up at the auction barn

15:25 The legacy Jerry Speck leaves behind

17:03 Final reflections and Hall of Fame recognition

Jerry Speck, Mark Speck, Cattle USA Daily Podcast, Cattle Marketing Hall of Fame, Hall of Fame inductee, Ogallala Livestock Auction, Ogallala Nebraska, livestock auction, auction market, cattle auction, cattle marketing, livestock marketing, cattle producers, ranchers, Nebraska cattle industry, beef industry, livestock industry, auctioneer, sale barn, auction barn, cattle business, family business, ranching heritage, agricultural leadership, servant leadership, honesty in business, cattle market history, livestock marketing legacy, rural America, western heritage, cattle community, beef producers, agriculture podcast, ranching podcast, cattle industry leaders, livestock legacy, family legacy, customer service, agriculture history, cattle marketing leaders, Hall of Fame legacy

Summer weather has been anything but predictable across cattle country, and producers are already looking ahead to what the rest of the season—and even fall—could bring. In this episode of the Cattle USA Daily Podcast, Lauren is joined once again by meteorologist Gary Lezak to separate weather facts from internet hype. They discuss the growing buzz around a possible "Super El Niño," whether it could actually bring drought relief, what producers should expect over the next several weeks, and why local weather patterns often matter more than national headlines. Gary also shares his outlook on late-summer temperatures, rainfall, severe weather potential, and what early fall may have in store for producers across the Plains.

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.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9g
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:

• What a "Super El Niño" actually means for producers
• Why national weather headlines don't always translate locally
• The latest outlook for drought conditions across cattle country
• Rainfall opportunities heading into late summer
• What to expect from August heat patterns
• Early predictions for September weather
• Why severe weather threats typically decrease during midsummer
• How the LRC weather model forecasts long-range patterns
• Planning ahead with long-term weather outlooks
• Preparing ranch and farm operations for seasonal weather shifts

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:02 Weather conditions across Colorado and the Plains

02:05 What is "Super El Niño" and why is everyone talking about it?

05:27 Will El Niño actually end the drought?

08:08 A surprising cool-down in the forecast

13:28 Looking ahead to September and fall weather

16:49 Severe weather outlook for the rest of the season

17:59 Final thoughts and weather planning resources

fall weather forecast, drought outlook, drought forecast, cattle country weather, Gary Lezak, Lauren Moylan, Cattle USA Daily Podcast, weather forecast, long-range weather forecast, El Niño, Super El Niño, drought conditions, rainfall forecast, Plains weather, Midwest weather, Great Plains drought, cattle producers, ranchers, farmers, agriculture weather, weather update, severe weather, thunderstorms, heat wave, August weather, September forecast, weather patterns, LRC weather model, weather planning, crop weather, pasture conditions, forage outlook, ranch management, agricultural forecasting, livestock producers, beef industry, cattle industry, farming podcast, agriculture podcast, weather trends, drought recovery, seasonal forecast

On this episode of the Cattle USA Daily Podcast, Lauren welcomes back Allie Fillingim to discuss the management decisions that can make or break a ranching operation. From rotational grazing and regenerative land management to stocking rates, genetics, data collection, and standard operating procedures, Allie shares the practical strategies that have transformed her South Texas ranch. She also opens up about the hard lessons learned through drought, reducing their herd by two-thirds, and why treating a ranch like a business has been one of the biggest keys to long-term success. Whether you're managing thousands of acres or just getting started, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways for producers looking to build a more resilient and profitable operation.

Links:

Connect with Allie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allie-fillingim/

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759
CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_share
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?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9g
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:

• Rotational grazing starts with reading the land, not the calendar
• Why overstocking can become one of the most expensive ranching mistakes
• How regenerative grazing improves long-term forage production
• The value of collecting and using ranch data
• Standard operating procedures create consistency and efficiency
• Why genetics can dramatically improve profitability
• Matching stocking rates to healthy, usable acres\
• Prioritizing cattle health while balancing everyday ranch demands
• Practical management strategies for first-generation ranchers
• Building a resilient operation through intentional decision-making

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:12 Allie's journey into ranching and land management

02:11 Rotational grazing and regenerative ranch management

03:59 Stocking rates, drought and avoiding overgrazing

06:15 Nutrition, minerals and managing environmental stress

09:00 Why data collection changed their operation

10:50 Regenerative practices that worked—and those that didn't

13:19 Low-cost improvements every ranch can make

16:34 Genetics, efficiency and improving profitability

18:34 Prioritizing projects while wearing multiple hats

21:23 Final advice for producers looking to improve their operations

ranch management, grazing management, rotational grazing, regenerative agriculture, regenerative ranching, regenerative grazing, Allie Fillingim, Lauren Moylan, Cattle USA Daily Podcast, cattle management, ranch profitability, stocking rates, overgrazing, drought management, forage management, pasture management, land stewardship, ranch business, ranch efficiency, ranch data, CattleMax, livestock software, ranch records, cattle genetics, EPDs, seedstock cattle, commercial cattle, soil health, forage production, cattle nutrition, mineral supplements, fly control, New World screwworm, South Texas ranching, first-generation rancher, ranch planning, standard operating procedures, SOPs, ranch leadership, ranch ownership, cattle producers, beef producers, agriculture podcast, livestock podcast, ranch management strategies, cattle industry, beef industry

Today on the Cattle USA Daily Podcast, Lauren is joined by meat scientist Spencer Tindel for a wonderfully insightful conversation that takes listeners from the research lab all the way to the meat counter. Together, they explore how genetics, nutrition, animal handling and food safety influence the quality of beef long before it reaches consumers. They also tackle one of the hottest topics in the beef industry today, misleading label claims. Spencer explains what these labels actually mean, why consumer education matters, and how producers can play a bigger role in building trust through science and transparency.

Links:

Connect with Spencer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencer-tindel-5285a685/

Spencer Tindel Texas A&M: https://animalscience.tamu.edu/people/tindel-spencer/

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/
CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759
CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_share
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?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9g
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 role genetics play in producing high-quality beef
• Why nutrition impacts meat quality throughout the production chain
• How stress and animal handling affect carcass quality
• Understanding the difference between meat quality and food safety
• Why both regional and large packing plants are critical to the beef industry
• What "Product of the USA" really means today
• The truth behind misleading beef label claims
• Why "hormone-free" labeling creates consumer confusion
• How research is shaping the future of beef production
• The importance of educating consumers instead of marketing to misconceptions

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction

01:09 Spencer's journey into meat science research

04:46 Research priorities shaping today's beef industry

05:53 What producers can do to improve beef quality

12:22 Why food safety starts long before harvest

17:14 Large vs. regional processors and why both matter

22:18 Breaking down today's beef labels

26:02 Misleading label claims and consumer misconceptions

29:57 Why education is the beef industry's greatest opportunity

31:05 Meat safety myths every consumer should know

meat science, meat science research, beef labels, misleading beef labels, beef labeling, Product of the USA, hormone-free beef, grass-fed beef, natural beef, USDA labels, USDA inspected beef, Certified Angus Beef, meat quality, beef quality, food safety, beef safety, consumer education, Spencer Tindall, Lauren Moylan, Cattle USA Daily Podcast, cattle industry, beef industry, cattle producers, beef producers, genetics and beef quality, marbling, tenderness, cattle nutrition, animal handling, beef processing, meat inspection, regional packing plants, beef packing plants, Texas A&M AgriLife, beef research, meat science podcast, agriculture podcast, livestock podcast, ranching, beef consumers, food labeling, meat labeling, beef myths, consumer trust, safe beef, beef production, meat thermometer, beef sustainability, cattle marketing

What if the key to making more money isn't buying more cows, but creating more value from the ones you already own? In this episode of the Cattle USA Daily Podcast, Lauren had a great conversation with direct to consumer beef consultant Jim Kraus to discuss how cattle producers can build profitable farm-to-table beef businesses. Drawing from experience selling beef directly to consumers, Jim shares practical advice on marketing, pricing, customer retention, and avoiding the costly mistakes that keep many producers from succeeding. Whether you're selling one beef a year or looking to build a full-scale direct-to-consumer brand, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to help you grow.

Links:

Marketing Beef by Jim Kraus: https://www.amazon.com/Marketing-Beef-According-Jim-Kraus/dp/B0C7TCD4XK

CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m
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Key Takeaways:

• Why profitability doesn't always require owning more cattle
• The biggest mistakes producers make when starting a direct-to-consumer beef business
• Why marketing should be treated as a full-time job—not an afterthought
• How to build a loyal customer base before your beef ever goes to the processor
• Why farm tours and storytelling create customers who buy year after year
• The importance of knowing your production costs before setting your prices
• How referrals and local relationships outperform expensive advertising
• Why quality, not price, is what ultimately drives long-term success.

Chapters:

00:00 – Meet Jim Kraus and how he built a career helping producers sell beef directly

02:02 – Should your ranch start a direct-to-consumer beef business?

05:09 – The planning, pricing, and marketing mistakes producers make before selling their first animal

08:46 – How to market locally, build loyal customers, and pre-sell your beef

11:03 – Why farm tours and telling your ranch's story sell more beef than advertising

13:19 – Pricing your beef, knowing your costs, and creating premium value

15:07 – What successful direct-to-consumer beef operations do differently

16:50 – Jim's best advice for producers ready to build a profitable farm-to-table business

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