Spring calving brings new life to the farm—but also brings unpredictable weather. One day, it’s warm and sunny. The next, a cold front moves in, bringing rain, snow or mud. These swings can create major stress for young calves, affecting their health and growth. For producers, that means staying vigilant—starting with gut health to strengthen immunity.

In this episode, Paul Nuttelman, Midwest sales representative with DBC Ag Products, shares what he sees on farms and why proactive gut health and immune support can be the foundation for growing strong, healthy calves that command premium prices.

Here is the episode breakdown:

• ~1:00 – Paul introduces himself
• ~1:51 – How Paul helps farmers in his role
• ~3:03 – Calving season challenges
• ~4:12 – Steps to prepare for calving success
• ~5:08 – Probiotics, prebiotics, postbiotics
• ~6:10 – Key ingredients when choosing a calf product
• ~7:10 – What sets Last Stand apart
• ~7:40 – Shifting away from antibiotics
• ~9:05 – Day-one protocols
• ~9:49 – Beyond day one
• ~10:44 – Favorite success story
• ~13:54 – One piece of advice
• ~14:40 – Where to learn more

This episode is sponsored by DBC Ag Products.

In the final NCBA 2025 episode, the editorial team shares a sneak peek of the March issue, and Carrie Veselka visits with Jared Knock of AgSpire, about beef supply chain sustainability and helping operations make improvements from the ground up. David Cooper and Dan Halstrom, president and CEO of the U.S. Meat Export Federation, discuss the current state of beef exports and what lies ahead for global market conditions.

Once again, the crew checks in from CattleCon 2025 in San Antonio. Join us as we visit with NCBA's Kaitlynn Glover about some of the most pressing D.C. issues impacting the cattle industry; talk risk management in the current beef market with Rabobank's Lance Zimmerman; and learn more about the science of beef yield with John Stika from Certified Angus Beef.

Join the editors from San Antonio as they visit with Angus Gidley-Baird a senior analyst at Rabobank about Australia’s recent herd liquidation and rebuild; Dennis Laycraft and Tyler Fulton from the Canadian Cattle Association on the U.S.-Canada-Mexico tariff standoff; and Justin Hossfeld, national sales manager at Envu Range and Pasture, on grazing management technology tools.

The team discusses everything from TikTok politics to Valentine's Day candy. Meanwhile, Tyrell chats with Alltech's Bryan Sanderson about the cattle cycle and how producers of all scopes and sizes will decide how and when the national cow herd will start its upswing. Finally, Tyrell talks to Erik Kalsta with Western Landowners Alliance about how producers can manage their herds profitably in the presence of wild neighbors such as wolves, grizzlies and elk.

In this episode, editors discuss possible impacts of tariffs, Chad Ross of Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association explains Canadian beef production, and Dan Putnam explains how water resources remain a challenge for alfalfa farmers in California.

Craig Piggott, CEO of Halter, tells the story of the largest virtual fencing company in the world. Halter passed the 250,000 collar mark in 2024 and is quickly positioning itself as a new, unique opportunity for U.S. ranchers interested in getting the most from their pastures. Craig talks about how he and Halter got started, what makes them unique and their vision to be an integral part of the success and sustainability of U.S. ranches.

This episode is sponsored by Halter.

Halter was founded in 2016 with a mission to enable producers to be more productive and sustainable. It’s one of the fastest growing ag-tech companies globally, and the largest virtual fencing provider in the world with more than 250,000 cattle in New Zealand, Australia and the U.S. wearing the Halter collar. Halter delivers effortless grazing to U.S. ranchers, providing 24/7 visibility into where their cattle are and how they are grazing. There is no need for ranchers to spend hours gathering cattle or working to build, repair or move fences, because now they can effortlessly manage pastures and move cattle with Halter in minutes through the Halter app on their phone.

Join the Progressive Cattle editors in a discussion about the candidates for USDA secretary, and a follow-up discussion on Trump’s named pick for the position. Scott Wright, director of the Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence at University of Saskatchewan, visits with David and Tyrell about the facility’s research and mission in beef production. And listen in as editors share some special memories of Christmas morning work chores growing up on the ranch.

Tyrell sits down with John R. Erickson, author of the beloved Hank the Cowdog book series, for a meandering and insightful conversation about the animals we live and work with, recovering after wildfires, and educating the public about livestock agriculture. Then David, Carrie, Paul and Fredric debate the merits of including vegetables in your Thanksgiving dinner.

Join Kristin Torres, Executive Director of Meetings & Events at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association as she discusses CattleCon 2025 and the meetings and events that make up the premier industry event. CattleCon 2025 will take place in San Antonio, Texas, February 4-6, 2025.

This episode is sponsored by National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.