Horns N Hooves

Mineral supplementation is one of the most confusing and most expensive parts of raising cattle, and most of us are doing it wrong without even knowing it. This week Taylor sits down with Karson Rippstein, soil and grazing specialist at Redmond Agriculture and a fourth-generation rancher himself, to break down why "more minerals" doesn't mean "healthier cow," how to read a feed tag without getting played by marketing, and why salt might be the single most important thing in your mineral program.

If you've ever stood in the feed store staring at a wall of mineral bags wondering which one is actually worth the money, this episode will change how you think about it completely.

Key Takeaways

More mineral isn't better — animals need to hit a requirement, not exceed it. 

Most mineral tags lead with calcium and grain byproducts to look impressive and entice cows to overeat. 

Salt-based minerals regulate naturally because cows have a built-in salt thermostat. 

A cow's coat, manure, and calving ease tell you more than a grass sample ever will. 

Mini Highlands need far less mineral than standard-sized cattle — overfeeding can cause real problems.

Episode Highlights

Karson breaks down the NRC mineral requirements and explains the "moron effect" — the common belief that more mineral always means healthier cattle. 

Taylor gets the real story on garlic salt for fly control, including why it stinks, why it works, and how to actually get cows to eat it. 

The conversation covers cobalt salt myths, why chelated minerals come with a big price tag and not always a big benefit, and the Montana State University study showing a 22-pound calf weight gain difference. 

Plus the story behind Redmond, Utah and the ancient sea bed the company's salt comes from.

Timestamps

00:01 — Welcome & introduction to Karson and Redmond Agriculture
 01:15 — Why 80% of rancher calls are about mineral supplementation
 02:11 — Understanding NRC mineral requirements
 05:09 — How to test your forage and why it matters
 06:04 — Why mineral tags are designed to be over-consumed
 10:00 — Garlic salt for natural fly control
 13:35 — Why cows overconsume mineral but not salt
 15:41 — What to do when mineral gets wet or hard
 18:33 — Reading your cow instead of a lab report
 21:09 — The Montana State University 22-pound calf study
 27:23 — Mineral needs for mini Highlands and smaller cattle
 34:10 — Why expensive minerals aren't always the best minerals
 39:07 — Cobalt salt versus Redmond salt explained
 45:00 — Where to find Redmond Agriculture products

Find your local Redmond dealer at www.redmondagriculture.com

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Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

He saw a Highland cow lift her head from a hay bale in a field in Scotland and knew right then that he would own one someday. It took Marc Stewart ten years to find Hamish, but what followed was fifteen years of one of the most heartfelt bonds between a man and his cattle the internet has ever seen. This week Lori sits down with Marc, owner of Thistle Do Farm in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia and founder of a 501c3 Highland cattle sanctuary, to hear the story of Hamish, Kyloe, a quarter of a million Facebook followers and losing it all overnight to a hacker.

This one is for anyone who's ever loved an animal more than they can explain.

Key Takeaways

Steers often make better companions than heifers for people who don't want to breed. 

Time spent with your cattle — real time, not ten minutes twice a day — is what builds a true bond. 

A 501c3 sanctuary status allows supporters to make tax-deductible donations of animals, not just money. 

Protect your social media pages — Meta Verified exists now and is worth the cost. 

Don't build your entire audience on one platform.

Episode Highlights

Marc shares how the name Thistle Do Farm came to him — and why it's perfect. 

The story of Kylo, the runt steer saved from becoming tiny T-bones, who eventually grew to 1,100 pounds. 

How a Facebook hack wiped out 250,000 followers and $900–$1,200 a month in donations overnight — and what happened next. 

Lori makes the case for Marc taking in owner-surrendered steers, and the conversation opens up a real avenue for listeners who have animals in need of a good home.

Timestamps

 00:01 — Welcome & intro to Thistle Do Farm
 03:30 — How the farm got its name
 05:35 — A trip to Scotland, a Highland cow, and a ten-year wait
 07:30 — Finding Hamish and the first four years
 09:51 — Rescuing Kylo: the runt saved from the dinner table
 12:02 — Why steers make better companions than you think
 14:53 — Building a social following and becoming a 501c3 sanctuary
 16:26 — The Facebook hack that wiped out everything overnight
 20:01 — How YouTube saved the channel
 23:15 — Losing Hamish and Kylo after fifteen years
 24:20 — What's next for Thistle Do Farm
 31:08 — Owner surrenders and what Marc is looking for

Find Marc and Thistle Do Farm on 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HamishandKyloe/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hamish_and_kyloe/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thistle_do_farm

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Find us on Facebook: Horns N Hooves Instagram: @hornsnhoovesauctionpodcast TikTok: @Hornsnhoovespodcast
 Website: hornsnhoovesauction.com

Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

What happens when a mini Highland cow shows up in a nursing home and a lady sits down at the piano to play for her? That is the kind of moment Shantell Goodenough lives for. Based in Shelley, Idaho, Shantell started Posh Mini Farm less than a year ago after a grief-stricken whim turned into a full-blown business and a lifeline. Fighting lupus and several other autoimmune conditions while mourning the loss of her father, Shantell found in her mini Highlands something no medication could give her.

This episode is warm, honest, and full of real talk about the true cost of getting started - not just financially, but in time, training, and commitment. If you've ever thought about taking your Highland to events, weddings, or care facilities, this one's for you.

Key Takeaways

The purchase price is just the beginning - feed, maintenance and training add up fast. 

Halter training takes daily consistency and some animals may never be event-ready. 

If you're taking your Highland to events or facilities, get proper insurance and use waivers. 

Pink pool noodles on horn tips are a genius hack for working with kids. 

These animals are a genuine therapy tool for owners and the people they visit.

Episode Highlights

Shantell shares how her first Highland came to her after its mother was struck by lightning — and how that became a full business in under a year. 

She breaks down what it really takes to bring mini Highlands into assisted living facilities, including the potty bag reality check nobody talks about. 

The team gets into wedding Highlands, cocktail hour saddle packs, and the very real risk of a cow bucking drinks across a reception. 

Plus Lori's black eye story makes another appearance.

Timestamps

00:01 — Welcome & intro to Posh Mini Farm 

00:49 — How Shantell got her first Highland after lightning struck 

03:35 — Building a business through grief and autoimmune illness 

04:50 — How cuddle sessions and assisted living visits began 

07:45 — Taking mini Highlands into care facilities and what to expect 

10:47 — Animals on the farm: goats, insurance and waivers 

17:00 — Cuddle and feed experiences and event pricing reality 

20:41 — What new owners don't expect: true cost of ownership 

23:29 — Halter training, personality and why it takes daily work 

27:42 — Chondro positive and planning for size 

27:42 — Weddings, saddle packs and cocktail hour Highlands 

35:02 — Charging fairly for your time, travel and training

Follow Shantell at 

Instagram: @poshminifarm

TikTok:  https://www.tiktok.com/@shangoodenough?_r=1&_t=ZP-96hYRGQuAkp 

Follow us on social media so you don't miss out on any advice, auction updates, or crazy farm stories!

Find us on Facebook: Horns N Hooves Instagram: @hornsnhoovesauctionpodcast TikTok: @Hornsnhoovespodcast Website: hornsnhoovesauction.com

Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

What happens when a software engineer from South Africa loses everything, buys a mini Highland cow on a credit card, and builds a miracle from scratch? This week Lori and Taylor sit down with Brent and Daniela Phillips of Milk and Honey Ranch in Burton, Texas — and their story will stop you in your tracks. From the Texas Snowpocalypse that changed Brent's outlook on life, to a $7,000 cow that launched a thriving agritourism business, to Daniela's near-fatal car accident that somehow became the turning point that changed everything.

This episode is less about cattle and more about what these animals do to people - the magic they carry and the lives they transform. Grab a tissue.

Key Takeaways

Mini Highlands can be a genuine business foundation — not just a hobby. 

Private agritourism and experience-based stays are a growing opportunity for small farm owners. 

Keeping faith and showing up one day at a time can carry you further than any master plan. 

Animals change people — including the people who own them.

Episode Highlights

Brent shares how one mini cow grew into a ranch sleeping 164 guests across 41 stays. 

The story of Daniela's accident, her miraculous nine-day ICU recovery, and how strangers booking the ranch kept it alive. 

The moment Brent told an influencer he'd run naked down the street if it helped his wife — and why he'd do it again. 

Plus Matthew McConaughey just bought a mini Highland from them.

Timestamps

00:01 — Welcome & introduction to Milk and Honey Ranch 

01:20 — How a tech guy from South Africa ended up with mini Highlands 

05:41 — Losing everything and finding a new path 

07:17 — Buying the first cow on a credit card 

09:42 — How cuddle sessions turned into a sell-out business 

17:11 — Expanding from mini cows to a full agritourism resort 

21:56 — January 2024: $5,000 in the bank and a phone call no one wants 

25:17 — The power of prayer and a community that showed up 

31:05 — Nine days in ICU — and a year and a half of bookings 

34:50 — Where Milk and Honey Ranch stands today 

42:49 — Location, visiting & what to expect

Visit Milk and Honey Ranch at www.milkandhoneyranch.com or find them over on socials @milkandhoneyranch

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Website: hornsnhoovesauction.com

Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

If you've ever sent off a hair sample and wondered if you were doing it right — this episode is going to stop you in your tracks. Lori and Taylor sit down with Stefanie Oppenheim, animal scientist and senior analyst at the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory, to break down everything Highland and mini Highland owners need to know about genetic testing — from how to pull hair correctly to what those colour results actually mean.

This is one of the most practically useful episodes the show has done. Whether you're testing for chondro, coat colour, polled, or free martin, Stefanie walks you through exactly what the lab needs, why it matters, and what mistakes people make every single day.

Key Takeaways

Always pull hair from the tail switch and never cut it — the DNA is in the root bulb, not the shaft.

Send both the MC1R and dilution tests to get a complete picture of coat colour. 

Buying semen? Ask for the bull's VGL case number before you breed anything. 

A free martin test coming back positive doesn't automatically mean the heifer is infertile — always work with your vet. 

DNA on file at VGL is a permanent fingerprint — it can identify lost animals, verify parentage and protect buyers.

Episode Highlights

Stefanie reveals the most common mistake breeders make when submitting hair samples — and it's an easy fix. 

The team digs into chondrodysplasia, brindle genetics, polled versus scurred, and what a free martin result really means. 

Taylor raises the question of DNA verification for high-value semen purchases — and Stefanie's answer is something every mini Highland breeder should hear. 

Lori admits in real time what she's been doing wrong.

Timestamps

00:01 — Welcome & intro to UC Davis VGL 

00:59 — Stefanie's background in animal science and genetics 

05:13 — How to pull and submit hair samples correctly 

07:28 — Why root bulbs matter and how many hairs to send 

09:32 — Labelling, case numbers and avoiding mix-ups 

14:45 — Why uploading a photo with your sample helps 

16:18 — DNA as a permanent identity fingerprint 

20:47 — Semen purchases, AI and DNA verification 

34:36 — Coat colour testing: MC1R, dilution and why you need both 

37:13 — Chondrodysplasia and the Dexter connection in minis 

41:21 — Brindle genetics explained 

58:28 — Polled versus horned versus scurred 

01:02:48 — Free martin testing: what the result really means

Order cattle genetic tests at vgl.ucdavis.edu

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Website: hornsnhoovesauction.com

Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

Flies are one of the biggest battles livestock owners face every summer - and most of us are fighting them wrong. This week Lori sits down with Jessica Starcevich, entomologist and fly control expert at Spalding Labs, to break down what's actually living on your animals, why your fly bags might be making things worse, and how to build a smarter, more natural approach to fly control.

From horn flies and face flies to house flies and biting stable flies - they're not all the same, they don't all breed in the same place, and they don't all respond to the same treatment. If you've been spraying permethrin all summer and still losing the battle, this episode is for you.

Key Takeaways

Not all flies are the same species - identifying where they are on the animal tells you everything. 

Fly bags placed near barns can actually attract more flies than they catch. 

Rotating your spray active ingredients reduces resistance. 

Dung beetles are your best free tool - don't kill them with the wrong wormer. 

Fly Predators target house and stable flies in confined areas and can achieve up to 75–90% control.

Episode Highlights

Jessica explains the four main fly species affecting pastured cattle and how to tell them apart. 

Lori gets the wake-up call about her fly bags and how she was using them wrong. 

The conversation covers IPM — integrated pest management — and how to build a whole-farm fly program without spending more than you need to. 

Plus: what fly predators actually are, how they work, and why you should call Spalding Labs before ordering if you have over 50 animals or multiple species.

Timestamps

00:01 — Welcome & intro to fly control 

01:35 — Jessica's background & Spalding Labs' 50 years in business 

02:39 — What fly predators are and how they work 

04:11 — The four fly species affecting cattle & how to identify them 

07:28 — IPM: integrated pest management explained 

09:18 — Fly control for manure piles and large pastures 

16:04 — Why fly bags can backfire 

20:22 — How to know what flies you actually have 

23:35 — Resistance to sprays and rotating active ingredients 

28:22 — How fly predators reproduce and what results to expect 

31:09 — When to call Spalding Labs instead of ordering online

Learn more and get a custom fly program at www.spalding-labs.com

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Website: hornsnhoovesauction.com

Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

Lori and Taylor are back solo and they've got a lot going on - from weaning 60 calves single-handed in a storm to setting up 77 head for AI in ice pellets and sleet. This episode is a real peek behind the barn door at what it actually takes to run a Highland operation, and it comes with a teaser for something exciting: their Mother's Day auction on May 10th at hornsnhoovesauction.com.

They also get into the nitty gritty of weaning age, calf nutrition after early weaning, why keeping calves on mom longer pays off, and embryo work - including a research study with Vitali and some surprise results from Taylor's first embryo calf crop.

Key Takeaways

Pulling calves at four months isn't always enough - nutrition and socialisation are critical if you do. Chondro testing matters for every calf, not just the ones you're keeping. 

Private auctions protect buyer anonymity and let you announce your own purchases.

 Pasture management and drought conditions are hitting Nebraska hard - fires have burned over a million acres.

Episode Highlights

Taylor weans 60 head solo with two boys underfoot - and catches a surprise live birth at the finish line. 

Lori and Taylor break down their Mother's Day auction lineup: Chondropositive heifers, High 

Park calves, Pickle genetics, and Tornado Cutie - Jackson's miniature panda calf with a story. 

Plus embryo results, AI planning, and why private auctions are the move.

Timestamps

00:01 — Welcome & Mother's Day auction announcement 

01:08 — UC Davis & Spalding Labs podcast updates 

01:43 — Taylor's solo weaning story & surprise calving 

06:06 — Pasture management, drought & Nebraska fires 

12:21 — Auction format: why private bidding matters 

14:00 — Weaning age, calf nutrition & rumen development 

19:03 — AI, embryo work & calf crop results 

25:02 — Full auction lineup breakdown 

41:10 — Sale details: 9am Central, May 10th

Find your next herd addition at www.hornsnhoovesauction.com

Follow us on social media so you don't miss out on any advice, auction updates, or crazy farm stories!

Find us on Facebook: Horns N Hooves 

Instagram: @hornsnhoovesauctionpodcast 

TikTok: @Hornsnhoovespodcast 

Website: hornsnhoovesauction.com

Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

📣 Horns N Hooves are back with another auction - Mother's Day Sale, May 10th. More details to follow!

Ever wondered how online livestock auctions actually work - and whether to trust them? Lori and Taylor sit down with Carol and Becky from Willoughby and W2 Auction Solutions to pull back the curtain on the online auction world. From reserves and racehorse-style bidding to bidder anonymity and fair market value, this episode cuts through the noise and the Facebook drama.

Key Takeaways

Online auctions create a level playing field for buyers and sellers. 

Reserves and floors are not the same thing - knowing the difference matters. 

Racehorse-style bidding benefits both buyers and sellers. 

Bidder anonymity protects everyone and is standard practice across all auction types. 

Auction results across different farms cannot be directly compared - genetics, registration, and marketing all affect price.

Episode Highlights

Carol explains how W2 Auction Solutions went from live shows to pioneering online livestock sales in 2006. 

The team breaks down racehorse-style vs. staggered-ending auctions and why livestock sellers prefer it. 

Lori and Carol tackle the Facebook misconceptions around shill bidding and fake prices. 

Becky and the hosts discuss why even smaller breeders benefit from using auction software.

Timestamps

00:00 — Welcome back and guest introductions 

01:14 — How W2 Auction Solutions was born 

04:00 — Why online auctions cut out the time-wasters 

07:44 — Racehorse-style vs. staggered ending auctions 

09:03 — Reserves, floors, and fair market value explained 

10:25 — The truth about bidder anonymity 

17:39 — Misconceptions and the online auction learning curve 

25:06 — Can you compare prices across different auctions? 

30:00 — Building your brand before you sell

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Follow us on social media so you don't miss out on any advice, auction updates, or crazy farm stories!

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Instagram: @hornsnhoovesauctionpodcast 

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Website: hornsnhoovesauction.com

Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

What does it really take to build a Highland cattle herd from scratch? This week Taylor sits down with Lauren of Grand Marsh Highlands - a small-scale farmer from Northwest Indiana who went from suburban life to mini Highlands in just six years.

Lauren shares the honest realities of cattle ownership: navigating financial hardship, treating sick animals, calving complications, and running a farm solo with young kids. If you're thinking about starting a herd, this one's essential listening.

Key Takeaways

Have a large animal vet lined up before your cattle arrive. 

A head gate or chute is essential - not optional. 

Registered mini Highlands suit smaller acreages and tighter budgets. 

Cattle are a genuine financial asset when life gets tough. 

Know your medicines before your animals arrive.

Episode Highlights

Lauren's journey from full-size to mini Highlands. 

Why registered cattle make better business sense. Managing calving complications including meconium-covered calves. 

Balancing farm work solo with young children. 

Farm safety realities and heavy machinery near-misses.

Timestamps

00:00 Welcome and introducing Lauren 

01:22 Navigating financial hardship with cattle 

04:48 What Lauren wishes she'd known from the start 

08:06 Head gates and cattle handling setups 

13:45 Registered vs unregistered-  the switch to minis 

19:00 Calving complications and what to watch for 

20:17 Farming solo with young kids 

23:42 Farm safety moments

Follow us on social media so you don't miss out on any advice, auction updates, or crazy farm stories!

Find us on Facebook: Horns N Hooves 

Instagram: @hornsnhoovesauctionpodcast 

TikTok: @Hornsnhoovespodcast 

Website: hornsnhoovesauction.com

Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/

Lori's back after a scary health battle - a heart ablation that changed everything - and she's not holding back. In this raw, just-us episode, Lori and Taylor catch up on the chaos of calving season: surprise twins, backwards calves, stillbirths, mastitis warnings, and one very mischievous pig named Arnold. Real talk, real farm life.

Key Takeaways

Health comes first - Lori's heart ablation was terrifying, but waiting would have been worse. 

Always check for a second calf after a difficult pull, especially a backwards presentation. 

Keep new mums and calves in the barn - it's how you catch mastitis before it becomes a crisis. 

Shaving around a Highland's udder can help you monitor bag health and reduce bacteria. 

C-section cows can breed back successfully - don't automatically cull them.

Episode Highlights

Lori's heart ablation story and recovery. Twin bull calves - one born 17 hours after the other! A backwards calf pulled at 1am. Jojo's back-to-back stillbirths and the tough decisions that follow. Mastitis caught just in time. Arnold the pig causing chaos (as always).

Timestamps

0:00 — Welcome back & Lori's health update 

2:30 — Heart ablation recovery 

5:00 — Calving season chaos begins 

6:30 — The backwards twin at 1am 

9:00 — Discovering the second twin 17 hours later 

12:30 — Jojo's stillborn calves 

14:45 — The Shortlander C-section story 

18:00 — Mastitis: catching it before it's too late 

22:40 — Highland udder shaving & bull manscaping

25:00 — Arnold the pig strikes again 

26:30 — Come on the podcast!

Follow us on social media so you don't miss out on any advice, auction updates, or crazy farm stories!

Find us on Facebook: Horns N Hooves Instagram: @hornsnhoovesauctionpodcast TikTok: @Hornsnhoovespodcast Website: hornsnhoovesauction.com

Production Credit: Edited and produced by @the32collective_ / https://www.the32collective.co/