In this episode of Mills County Routes, host Carlene Hall visits a working cattle farm in Randolph, Iowa to talk with Will Longinaker about life in the cattle industry and the role agriculture plays in Southwest Iowa.

As part of Ag Week, this conversation gives a real look at cattle farming, from raising calves to understanding how beef is graded and brought to market.

Will shares his experience as a longtime cattle producer and his involvement with the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association, offering insight into how the organization supports local producers and rural communities.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• What it takes to run a cow calf and feed yard operation
• How beef is graded and what makes higher quality meat
• The role of genetics and data in modern cattle production
• Opportunities through the Iowa Cattlemen’s Association
• Local agriculture scholarships that often go unclaimed
• Why agriculture continues to drive communities across Southwest Iowa

You’ll also get a firsthand look at daily farm life, including feeding cattle and caring for calves during calving season.

This episode highlights the people behind agriculture and the systems that bring food from the farm to your table.

Mills County Routes is part of Local Stream Media, sharing the people, businesses, and stories shaping communities across Southwest Iowa.

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