In this episode of the Progressive Cattle Podcast, Ted and Elizabeth join the show to unpack key management strategies for today’s beef producers. From the benefits of value-added programs to cow size and forage demand, the conversation offers practical insights for optimizing herd performance. The discussion also dives into the importance of water quality—especially during drought—and the surprising costs of horn flies. Whether you’re evaluating inputs or planning for the season ahead, this episode is full of timely, actionable takeaways.

This episode is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition.

Abby speaks with T.R. Lansford, Texas Animal Health Commission, about the threat of New World screwworm and the closure of the border to live cattle imports from Mexico. Tyrell talks with Dawn Hnatow from Cattle Up Stockmanship about reducing stress on livestock and workers through better communication with those animals. And the Progressive Cattle crew tell branding and fence building stories.

Derrell Peel of Oklahoma State University talks with David Cooper about beef supplies and global trade in 2025 in this episode of the Progressive Cattle Podcast. Mandy Carr Johnson of NCBA shares demand initiatives and Beef Checkoff programs with Abby George. And the podcast team discusses all the beef David had on a recent death-defying cruise to Mexico. 

Catch up with the Progressive Cattle Podcast interviews in the April issue with Greg Hanes, of the Cattlemen's Beef Board on its checkoff spending, and Return on Investment study benefits; and Patrick De Haan a fossil fuel analyst with GasBuddy on summer gas blends, trade tariffs, and diesel prices this summer.

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.