Join us, Jeff “Tigger” Erhardt and Rebecca Wanner aka “BEC” as we recap the National Western Stock Show in Denver.  Plus we highlight elite bred heifer sales, have the latest on cultivated meat in Nebraska, market recaps and lots more on this all new episode of The Ranch It Up Radio Show. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app or on the Ranch It Up Radio Show YouTube Channel.

Season 5, EPISODE 221

The National Western Stock Show, presented by CommonSpirit Health, has been a cornerstone of American agriculture and western culture since its establishment in 1906. As the nation’s premier livestock, rodeo, and horse show, this iconic event connects agricultural producers and consumers worldwide. Proudly operating as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, the Stock Show is dedicated to advancing agricultural education by offering scholarships for college and graduate-level studies in agriculture and veterinary medicine, with a focus on supporting rural communities.

Held annually in Denver, Colorado, the National Western Stock Show is one of the state’s top tourist attractions, drawing over 700,000 visitors during its 16-day run in January. This highly anticipated event features:

The National Western Stock Show plays a vital role in fostering the future of American agriculture. Through youth enrichment programs and educational initiatives, it nurtures a deeper understanding of livestock, equestrian practices, farming, ranching, and animal welfare.

This event is more than just a show—it’s a celebration of western heritage, community, and family traditions. Visitors experience the essence of the western lifestyle, creating memories that last a lifetime while contributing to the continued success of the agricultural industry.

Whether you’re a rodeo fan, a horse enthusiast, or simply seeking to immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the American West, the National Western Stock Show offers something for everyone. Don’t miss this incredible event each January in Denver, where agriculture, entertainment, and heritage come together in a truly unforgettable experience.

According to Derrell S. Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension Livestock Marketing Specialist and MeatingPlace.Com, cattle and beef markets rocketed out of the gate coming into 2025. With no post-holiday wavering, all cattle and beef markets moved higher in the first half of January — setting new record price levels to start the new year. This continues the trend of the last three years. Cattle prices began to move higher after 2021 and increased more sharply in 2023-2024.

 In Oklahoma auctions in the week ending Jan. 17, 2025, the price of 500-pound steers (M/L, #1) was $361.88/cwt., up 18.1% year over year and up 111.1% from the same week four years ago in 2021. For 800-pound steers, the price was $269.07/cwt., up 21.0% year over year and up 105.1% in the last four years

 The 5-market fed steer live price was $203.56/cwt. for the week ending January 17, up 17.3% from one year ago and up 85.9% from January 2021. Daily 5-market fed steer prices hit $200/cwt. for the first time ever on January 7 and reached as high as $205.37/cwt. on January 15. Higher fed prices are expected ahead.

 The strong cattle and beef price trend coming into 2025 is expected to continue as cattle inventories and beef supplies tighten further in the coming months.  However, while cattle and beef markets are strong internally, external shocks from political uncertainty along with U.S. and global macroeconomic jitters may cause short-term shocks and short-lived market setbacks. Volatility is likely to accompany a bullish market expectation.  The entire article can be found HERE.

Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen and State Senator Barry DeKay have introduced a bill aimed at prohibiting the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of lab-grown meat within the state. According to a press release from the governor’s office, the proposed legislation seeks to safeguard Nebraska’s agricultural heritage and the integrity of natural meat products.

Gov. Pillen emphasized the importance of protecting Nebraska’s agricultural legacy, stating:

“We feed the world and save the planet. To ensure that we can do that for generations to come, we need to take steps that keep extremists from introducing unproven meat products to consumers.”

The bill defines “cultivated food protein” and categorizes such products as “adulterated food products” under Nebraska’s Pure Food Act. This classification would require clear labeling to distinguish lab-grown products from traditional meat.

State Sen. DeKay raised concerns about the nutritional value and transparency of lab-grown meat, explaining:

“There are clear, recognized benefits of meat as a source of protein. It is uncertain whether manufactured meat protein is a substitute for natural meat sources to meet essential dietary needs. I question elevating lab meat to a level of equivalency with real meat.”

He also highlighted the potential economic and ethical issues surrounding lab-grown meat production, pointing to its support from organizations advocating for the elimination of animal agriculture in Nebraska and across the United States.

A core focus of the proposed legislation is to establish clear labeling rules, ensuring consumers are aware that cultured meat is not traditional meat. Sen. DeKay added:

“Until or unless there are clear labeling rules that adequately disclose that cultured meat is not real meat, its sale allows lab meats to unfairly benefit from industry investments in marketing and production. This is part of the process to make sure our way of life, our livestock, and the products we put on the dinner table stay intact for the future.”

Nebraska’s agriculture industry is a cornerstone of the state’s economy, producing world-renowned beef and other livestock products. With this bill, lawmakers aim to protect the state’s agricultural identity, ensure consumer transparency, and maintain the viability of traditional meat production for generations to come.

As the debate over lab-grown meat continues, Nebraska remains at the forefront of defending traditional agriculture. Follow updates on this legislation to see how it shapes the future of food production and labeling standards in Nebraska and beyond.

RanchChannel.com now has futures markets at your fingertips!  Feeder Cattle, Live Cattle, Corn, Wheat, Soybeans, Soybean Oil, Milk Class IV, and Ethanol.  Information is provided by DTN and market information may be delayed by as much as 10 minutes.  Click Here for more information!

Spruce Hill Ranch:  February 6, 2025

Prairie Hills Gelbvieh:  February 8, 2025

Bred For Balance: February 14, 2025

Flittie/Schnabel/Lazy J Bar:  February 15, 2025

CK Cattle & Wager Cattle: February 16, 2025

Wasem Red Angus:  February 20, 2025

Pederson Broken Heart Ranch: March 5, 2025

Keller Broken Heart Ranch:  March 6, 2025

Vollmer Angus Ranch:  April 1, 2025

Jorgensen Land & Cattle:  April 21, 2025

World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale: May 15 18, 2025

Click HERE for the latest Bull Sale Results

https://ranchchannel.com/category/past-bull-production-sales-archive/

Mark Vanzee

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@LivestockMkt

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Kirk Donsbach: Stone X Financial

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Tigger & BEC represent the Working Ranch world and cattle industry by providing the cowboys, cowgirls, beef cattle producers & successful farmers the knowledge and education needed to bring high-quality beef & meat to your table for dinner.

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https://www.auctiontime.com/

https://gelbvieh.org/

https://www.imogeneingredients.com/

https://alliedgeneticresources.com/

https://westwayfeed.com/

https://medoraboot.com/

http://www.gostockmens.com/

https://www.imiglobal.com/beef

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https://jorgensenfarms.com/

https://www.bredforbalance.com/

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https://www.ruralradio147.com/

https://www.rfdtv.com/

https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/117633

https://nationalwestern.com/

https://www.meatingplace.com/Industry/News/Details/117585