Progressive Cattle Podcast

Progressive Cattle Editor Tyrell Marchant sits down with Oklahoma State's Derrell Peel to sort through the politics and economic realities of the meat-packing industry, as well as how reopening the Mexican border to live cattle imports could affect U.S. markets. Then, join the crew as they debate how to build the best holiday dinner spread.

CattleCon 2026 is more than just a convention—it’s where the beef industry meets. Whether you're a seasoned producer, an industry expert or just starting out, this is the one event that you don’t want to miss.

Guest:

Hear from Kristin Torres, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Senior Executive Director of Meetings & Events on why CattleCon is shaping up to be the must-attend event for the beef industry.

Questions:

• For those who might be new to CattleCon, can you start by explaining what this event is all about and why it’s such a big deal for the beef industry?
• CattleCon 2026 will be held in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, for the first time — what makes this location such a great fit for CattleCon?
• Every year brings something fresh — what are some of the new experiences or highlights attendees can look forward to at CattleCon 2026?
• Can you share a little bit about this year’s keynote speakers or general session themes?
• How does CattleCon help producers strengthen their businesses and stay ahead of industry trends?
• One of the biggest draws is the opportunity to connect with fellow cattle producers — what makes the networking at CattleCon so special?
• Any fun social events or after-hours activities attendees should put on their must-do list?
• Where can listeners go to register, book hotels, and find more details?

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

Join the Progressive Cattle crew as they try to make sense of the U.S. beef industry's import and export markets. Tyrell visits with Purina's Laurence Williams about the quality and management of beef-on-dairy calves and the evolving relationship between the beef and dairy industries. And, as the threat of New World screwworm becomes ever more imminent, Abby sits down with the East Foundation's Jason Sawyer to discuss where we stand in the defense against the potentially devastating pest.  

Luke Hisel of Redd Summit explains how Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) Insurance is tied to historic rainfall and why the right grids and intervals make all the difference.

In this episode, you’ll hear how one simple policy tweak could’ve quadrupled coverage, and what to ask your agent to make sure you’re not stuck with a cookie-cutter setup. If your current policy feels like a dud, it’s time for a smarter strategy.

Visit reddsummit.com to learn how to tailor your PRF policy for your operation.

This episode is sponsored by Redd Summit.

Redd Summit Advisors is a team of ranchers and industry experts who help protect over 50 million acres nationwide with tailored risk management strategies.

Todd Miller of Head Honchos talks with Tyrell Marchant about H-2A programs and Abby George joins Joe Paschal, Texas A&M University, to discuss New World screwworm and whether it's if it comes or when it comes. The podcast team chats about beef prices and the best Western movie actors.

In this episode, Dr. Elizabeth Backes-Belew from Purina Animal Nutrition dives into industry trends, including genetic advancements that are producing larger cows. Hear her recommendations for management practices necessary to keep up with the growth potential. Also, learn about how body condition scores can serve as a valuable management tool for helping producers build proper nutritional plans for optimal production.

Find out how the Purina® All Seasons™ Cattle Nutrition Program gives you flexible, convenient solutions for the life of your herd.

This episode is sponsored by Purina Animal Nutrition.

Purina Animal Nutrition LLC is a national organization serving producers, animal owners and their families through more than 4,700 local cooperatives, independent dealers and other large retailers across the United States. Driven by an uncompromising commitment to animal excellence, Purina Animal Nutrition is an industry innovator, offering America's leading brands of complete feeds, supplements, premixes, ingredients and specialty technologies for the livestock and lifestyle animal markets. Headquartered in Arden Hills, Minn., Purina Animal Nutrition LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Land O'Lakes, Inc.

It’s fair season and be sure to catch the anticipation and sounds of Idaho’s Cassia County Fair, as our own columnist and Fair Board member Paul Marchant introduces the fair board president Trevor Stapelman, an FFA advisor Cami Schumann, and Addi Jones, overall champion from the heifer futurity contest. And catch up with two of CoBank’s Knowledge Exchange analysts, Rob Fox and Abbi Prins, on the ranching work force and herd rebuilding.

Join Progressive Cattle Podcast co-host Tyrell Marchant as he visits with West Texas A&M's Trent Schwartz to discuss how the meat packing, retail and food service sectors are adjusting to handling and marketing larger carcasses than ever before. The team also previews the August issue of the magazine and ponders an alternate reality where the U.S. livestock industry is dominated by ... hippos?

Carrie Veselka visits with Theo Beaumont, Senior Enterprise Sales Manager at Halter, joined by California ranchers Lauren Sizemore and Teal Cody. They discuss the real-life application of virtual fencing and the adoption of technology into day-to-day ranch management. The podcast crew also welcomes Progressive Cattle summer intern Taryn Cox, and tests their knowledge of global export markets and cattle inventory numbers against the 2025 Beef Stats poster, included in the July issue of Progressive Cattle.

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.