Running on Grass

The episode discusses the impact of drought and extreme heat on ranching, the challenges faced, and the strategies for managing through it. It also explores the use of African genetics for heat tolerance and the importance of water infrastructure projects. The conversation emphasizes the need for a shift in cattle genetics to adapt to changing environmental conditions. The conversation covers a range of topics including genetics, grazing, public land use, and book recommendations. Logan and Eamon discuss the challenges and benefits of using public land for grazing, the complexities of managing public land, and the importance of grazing for the environment. They also touch on the topic of genetics and the potential of African breeds for herd improvement. Additionally, they plan to discuss the book 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius in a future segment.

Takeaways

• Drought and extreme heat pose significant challenges for ranching, leading to feed loss, fatality, and the need for water infrastructure projects.
• African genetics offer potential solutions for heat tolerance in cattle, and the use of crossbreeding and diverse genetics is essential for adapting to changing environmental conditions. Public land grazing has benefits and challenges, and the perception of grazing has evolved over time.
• The use of African breeds for herd improvement is a topic of interest and will be explored in future segments.
• The book 'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius is recommended for its value in stoic literature and life application.

Chapters

• 00:00 Impact of Drought and Heat
• 02:25 Managing Drought and Heat
• 03:21 Water Infrastructure Projects
• 11:02 Adapting Cattle Genetics
• 30:17 Challenges and Benefits of Public Land Grazing
• 31:02 Genetics and Herd Improvement
• 32:26 The Complexity of Managing Public Land
• 59:15 Book Recommendations and Future Discussions

The conversation covers the impact of weather on agriculture, market volatility, the AI space, border reopening, and the implications of drought and corn prices on the industry. The conversation delves into the impact of AI and Singularity on jobs, the future of agriculture, and the changing dynamics of ranching and labor. It also explores the evolving markets and the role of technology in ranching operations.

Takeaways

• Market volatility
• Impact of weather on agriculture AI and Singularity
• Impact on Jobs

Chapters

• 00:00 Weather and Agriculture
• 02:00 Market Recap and AI Space
• 03:28 Border Reopening and Cattle Implications
• 23:22 Drought and Corn Prices
• 26:48 AI and Singularity
• 29:27 Impact on Jobs
• 34:06 Ranching and Technology
• 37:24 Future of Agriculture
• 45:31 Ranching and Labor
• 56:01 Changing Markets

The conversation covers a range of topics related to ranching, including insights from ranching events and meetings, the use of AI in ranching, and the creation of value-added products from cull cows. Each chapter delves into the details of these themes, providing valuable insights and practical applications for ranchers. The conversation delves into the challenges of the grass-fed market and the strategies for heifer development and breeding. It explores the complexities of the grass-fed industry and the factors affecting its growth. Additionally, it provides insights into heifer development and breeding strategies for ranching operations.

Takeaways

• Ranching Events and Meetings
• AI in Ranching
• Value-Added Products from Cull Cows Grass-fed market challenges
• Heifer development and breeding strategies

Chapters

• 00:00 Ranching Events and Meetings
• 03:03 AI in Ranching
• 30:05 Value-Added Products from Cull Cows
• 31:58 Grass-fed Market Challenges
• 39:37 Heifer Development and Breeding Strategies

The conversation covers the impact of weather on grass and livestock, the economics of cover crops and grazing, and the transition to electric vehicles in agriculture. It delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by these themes, providing valuable insights for agricultural practitioners. The conversation covers the challenges and vulnerabilities of the sheep industry, the impact of World War II on the industry, advice for growing a sheep operation, marketing and scaling in the sheep industry, running sheep in the mountains, and beef market trends and analysis.

Takeaways

• Impact of weather on grass and livestock
• Economics of cover crops and grazing
• Transition to electric vehicles in agriculture Sheep industry challenges
• The importance of good shepherds

Chapters

• 00:00 Transition to Electric Vehicles in Agriculture
• 26:37 Sheep Industry Challenges and Vulnerabilities
• 29:01 The Impact of World War II on the Sheep Industry
• 31:10 Advice for Growing a Sheep Operation
• 33:13 Marketing and Scaling in the Sheep Industry
• 34:11 Running Sheep in the Mountains and Grazing Strategies
• 38:53 Beef Market Trends and Analysis

In this mid-year market check-in on Running on Grass, Logan Pribbeno from Wine Glass Ranch and Ea’Mon O’Toole from Ladder Ranch break down what’s really driving cattle prices right now — even as some charts flash warning signs.

We open with the latest price action and the viral tweets shaping the conversation, then dive into the stunning USDA export sales report that showed 126,062 metric tons of U.S. beef sold in a single week — a nearly 500% jump from the prior week. Much of it was late-reported volume, including record-shattering one-week sales to Chile and Italy. Is this the demand signal the market has been waiting for?

Derrell Peel’s latest analysis on drought-driven herd risk and the telling heifer slaughter graph gets a close look, alongside live results and commentary from Superior Week in the Rockies (240,000+ head on offer this week).

Then we shift to the bigger picture: the Federal Reserve’s $10 billion liquidity injection, Dr. Dave Kohl’s K-shaped economy framework, and why productive ranchland may be one of the smartest inflation hedges available — especially when retail giants are being asked to cut ground beef prices for consumers feeling the squeeze.

Logan and Ea’Mon bring honest, boots-on-the-ground perspectives from their own operations, sharing what these signals mean for marketing, grazing plans, and long-term land decisions.

Whether you’re running cows, watching markets, or thinking about your next land move, this episode gives you the data and the real-world context to make better decisions.

Timestamps
• Market Reality Check, Export Spike & Superior Sale
• Drought Herd Risk & Heifer Graph
• Inflation, Liquidity & the K-Shaped Economy
• Operational Tweaks & Closing Takeaways

The conversation covers a range of topics including the impact of rainfall on grasslands, the resilience of perennial grasslands, podcast shoutouts and sponsorship, investment in high dividend ETFs, financial education and mentorship, water infrastructure ROI, equipment regrets and priorities, holistic management and systems approach, mentorship, and education.

The conversation covers strategic equipment investment, taking a sabbatical, agricultural bailouts, E15 fuel push, small operator opportunities, and grazing school and field day. It emphasizes the importance of quality over quantity in ranch equipment, the impact of taking a sabbatical on team management, the implications of government aid for farmers, and the opportunities for small operators in the agricultural industry.

Takeaways

• Resilience of perennial grasslands
• Importance of water infrastructure ROI Quality over quantity in ranch equipment
• The impact of taking a sabbatical on team management
• The implications of government aid for farmers
• Opportunities for small operators in the agricultural industry

Chapters

• 00:00 Weather and Rainfall
• 05:17 Investment and Financial Planning
• 12:16 Infrastructure Investment
• 26:19 Holistic Management and Systems Approach
• 32:30 Strategic Equipment Investment
• 43:30 Agricultural Bailouts and E15 Push
• 58:15 Small Operator Opportunities

The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including grazing practices, disease impact on cattle, market updates, nutrition content testers, future of beef pricing, regional beef quality, and market dynamics for premium beef. The discussion also delves into the impact of soil quality on beef production. The conversation covers topics related to soil health, grazing management, cattle weights, shrink and fill management, water and feed management, cattle handling, facility management, ranch succession, and returning to the ranch after college.

The discussion emphasizes the impact of these factors on cattle health, weight gain, and overall ranch profitability. The conversation delves into the poetry of working cattle, teaching kids to find their passion, planning for the future of the ranch, motivating kids, the impact of college and life experience, the importance of family dynamics, the challenge of motivating kids, the influence of life experiences, the significance of college experience, the value of personal agency, the impact of leadership and succession, the role of ego in business, the importance of family unity, preparing kids for ranching, the unique challenges of ranching, the decision-making deadline, the influence of life experiences, the impact of personal agency, the importance of planning for the future, the influence of life experiences, the impact of external factors, the future of ranching, the importance of planning for the future, the value of sharing knowledge, and the importance of taking action.

Takeaways

• Grazing practices and cattle management are influenced by environmental factors and learning from past mistakes.
• Disease outbreaks can have a significant impact on cattle herds, leading to economic and health challenges.
• The future of beef pricing and market dynamics may be influenced by nutrition content testers and the emergence of premium beef products. Effective grazing management leads to soil health and nutrient-dense forage.
• Cattle weight gain and shrink management are critical for ranch profitability. Passion drives success
• Family unity is crucial for succession

Chapters

• 00:00 Exploring New Territory
• 05:56 Nutrition Content Testers
• 12:10 Regional Beef Quality
• 20:25 Soil Quality and Beef Production
• 26:05 Cattle Water and Feed Management
• 34:03 Returning to the Ranch
• 41:39 The Poetry of Working Cattle
• 47:02 The Significance of College Experience
• 52:03 The Decision-Making Deadline
• 58:25 The Value of Sharing Knowledge

The hosts discuss the current weather conditions, the state of their ranches, and the challenges they face due to lack of rain. They also touch on topics such as employee management, standard operating procedures, autonomy, and the differences in ranching practices between different regions. The conversation covers a range of topics including ranching, agriculture, and the use of ATVs and horses. It also delves into the changing landscape of beef production and the potential impact of new technology on the industry. The discussion highlights the challenges and costs associated with running horses and ATVs, as well as the evolving role of future ag leaders.

Takeaways

• Employee retention is a significant challenge for many ranches.
• Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are essential for new employees but become less necessary as employees gain experience and autonomy.
• Ranching practices and challenges vary significantly between different regions and climates. Ranching and agriculture are undergoing significant changes, requiring a shift in strategy and innovation.
• The use of technology and data in beef production is expected to revolutionize the industry, potentially changing the way beef is sold and priced.

Chapters

• 00:00 Ranching Practices and Challenges in Different Regions
• 01:03:20 Future Ag Leaders and Industry Trends

The podcast episode celebrates reaching the milestone of ten episodes and discusses employee engagement, the new world screw worm threat, ranch management, and the characteristics of great employees. It also explores tools and equipment for ranch operations, the ranch crew and operations, and the dynamics of hiring and retaining employees, including gender dynamics in ranch employment. The conversation covers a range of topics including the art of interviewing, employee management, the cost of turnover, standard operating procedures, fencing challenges, water sources and management, the cattle market, heifer retention, cost structure differences between plains and mountains, and the usage of ATVs vs. horses in operations.

Takeaways

• Employee engagement and retention are crucial for the success of a ranch operation.
• The New World Screw Worm Threat poses a significant risk to cattle producers, requiring proactive management and preparedness. Effective interviewing is a skill developed through experience and practice.
• Employee management and flexibility are crucial for employee satisfaction and retention.

Chapters

• 00:00 Podcast Introduction and Milestone Celebration
• 07:05 Ranch Management and Employee Recruitment
• 19:08 Ranch Crew and Operations
• 26:30 Hiring and Retaining Employees
• 32:15 The Art of Interviewing
• 38:11 The Cost of Turnover
• 46:34 Fencing Challenges: Plains vs. Mountains
• 55:52 Cattle Market and Heifer Retention
• 01:02:02 ATVs vs. Horses: Operations and Usage

The conversation covers two primary themes: cattle market signals and hay production/feeding strategies. The discussion delves into the changing dynamics of the cattle market, including insights from industry experts and the impact of market signals on ranching operations. Additionally, the conversation explores the role of hay production and feeding strategies in ranching, highlighting the importance of efficient management and financial considerations. The conversation delves into the financial aspects of ranching, including culling the herd based on age, making financial decisions, managing ranching like a hedge fund, the role of banking relationships, preparing for the cattle cycle low, volatility and marketing in the cattle industry, and branding and calving practices. The conversation delves into the intricacies of cattle branding and management, highlighting the challenges and strategies involved. It also explores the operations and challenges of ranching, shedding light on the complexities of multi-state ranching and the management of employees. The discussion provides valuable insights into the world of cattle ranching and the considerations involved in running a successful operation.

Takeaways

• Cattle market signals
• Hay production and feeding strategies Culling the herd based on age is a financial decision
• Understanding financial concepts is crucial for ranching success Cattle branding and management
• Ranching operations and challenges

Chapters

• 00:00 Cattle Market Signals
• 20:02 Culling the Herd Based on Age
• 26:16 The Role of Banking Relationships in Ranching
• 33:24 Volatility and Marketing in the Cattle Industry
• 38:44 Branding and Calving Practices
• 47:25 Ranching Operations and Challenges