Working Ranch Radio Show

With replacement females costing what they do today, what’s another productive year worth from a cow already in your herd? University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension educators Randy Saner and Shannon Sand join us to explore when that extra year adds value—and when it doesn’t. From replacement costs and young cows leaving the herd too soon to feed expenses and the productivity of older cows, we look at the factors that help determine whether keeping her another year will pay.

Link to: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Beef Cow Replacement Forecast 2026-2027

#WorkingRanchRadio #Ranching #BeefCattle #CowCalf #CowLongevity #ReplacementHeifers #HerdManagement #RanchProfitability #NebraskaExtension

Historically low cattle numbers are creating challenges throughout the beef industry, but what does that mean for the infrastructure needed to feed and process those cattle? Dr. Stephen Koontz, agricultural economist at Colorado State University, joins us to examine how reduced cattle supplies are affecting feedlot capacity, packing plant operations, and competition within the industry. We discuss the economic pressures facing both sectors, potential changes ahead, and whether the industry will need to adjust to a smaller cattle herd over the long term. Plus, what could these structural changes mean for cow-calf producers, and what should ranchers be considering as they make decisions for the future of their operations.

#WorkingRanchRadioShow #CattleIndustry #CattleMarkets #CattleNumbers #CowCalfProducers #BeefIndustry #FeedlotCapacity #MeatPacking #CattleEconomics #Ranching #StephenKoontz #ColoradoStateUniversity

As the fall calf marketing season moves forward, where does the cattle market stand, and what should producers be considering? Bailey Ballou with Superior Livestock joins us to discuss current market fundamentals, feed costs, calf prices, and marketing strategies, including the value of weaning and vaccination programs. Then, Dr. Mitch Blanding with Zoetis discusses the importance of herd health, from protecting the developing fetus to preventing and managing bovine respiratory disease. Plus, Tim's Two Cents highlights Zoetis' Born of the Bond documentary and the importance of supporting rural veterinarians, and Don Day joins us with our weekly weather update.

#WorkingRanchRadioShow #CattleMarket #SuperiorLivestock #Zoetis #CattleMarketing #CalfPrices #HerdHealth #BovineRespiratoryDisease #BeefCattle #Ranching #CowCalfProducers #BornOfTheBond #RuralVeterinarians #TimsTwoCents #DayWeather

Are the numbers and talking points we hear across the cattle business really telling us the whole story? This week, Chad Conard joins me to challenge some commonly repeated narratives—from the aging rancher and shrinking cow herd to beef production and imports—and look at the context behind the numbers.

Plus, Cameron Cody with Harper Industries talks DewEze bale beds, feeding equipment and the Butler brand.

#WorkingRanchRadioShow #CattleIndustry #BeefIndustry #Ranching #CattleProducers #DewEze

The life you planned in agriculture may not be the life you ultimately live—and that doesn’t mean it turned out wrong. Glen Waters, cattle sales specialist with Purina Animal Nutrition, joins us to share how growing up with cattle helped shape his career in the industry, why staying involved in cattle production today gives him a valuable perspective when working with ranchers, and why he’s optimistic about the next generation in agriculture. Then we change gears and turn our attention to Washington as Justin Tupper, president of the U.S. Cattlemen’s Association, gives us an update following his recent trip to D.C., including the latest movement on the Farm Bill, recent actions involving the cattle industry, and other conversations taking place in Washington that could impact cattle producers.

#WorkingRanchRadioShow #WorkingRanch #Ranching #CattleIndustry #BeefIndustry #Agriculture #RanchLife #CattleProducers #PurinaAnimalNutrition #NextGenerationAg #AgCareers #FarmBill #USCattlemen #Cattlemen #AmericanAgriculture

Sometimes the toughest years force us to rethink the way we manage our ranches. Northern California rancher Kyle Farmer joins us to share how a devastating wildfire changed the way he looked at rebuilding and ultimately led him to become an early adopter of virtual fencing. We’ll talk about how that technology has changed his approach to grazing, water and infrastructure development, fire mitigation, and even how he uses his time on the ranch. It’s a conversation about looking beyond the way things have always been done and considering what might better prepare our ranches for the future.

#WorkingRanchRadioShow #Ranching #VirtualFencing #Halter #GrazingManagement #Wildfire #RanchManagement

The cattle market has backed off its summer highs, but is some perspective in order? Kyle Shobe with Superior Livestock joins us to recap the Big Horn Classic, discuss where the calf market stands today, and look at the outside forces creating uncertainty. Plus, meteorologist Don Day joins us for our annual long-range weather outlook, taking us from fall through winter and into spring as El Niño takes control of the forecast.

#WorkingRanchRadioShow #CattleMarket #BeefMarket #CattlePrices #CalfMarket #SuperiorLivestock #BigHornClassic #Ranching #CowCalf #BeefIndustry #ElNino #WeatherOutlook #LongRangeForecast #RanchWeather #DonDay

What does the commercial cow that actually pays her way look like? Trey Patterson (Padlock Ranch) and John Maddox (Maddux Cattle Company) join us to discuss building a cow for the long haul—balancing fertility, genetics, management and production without losing sight of profitability. We’ll look at why maximizing performance isn’t always the answer, the value of heterosis, and how to build a cow that fits your environment and your operation.

#WorkingRanchRadioShow #CommercialCattle #CowCalf #BeefCattle #Ranching #CattleGenetics #Heterosis #CowHerd #BeefProduction #RanchManagement #CattleProducers #CommercialCow #RanchProfitability #BeefIndustry

Coming off the Video Royale sale in Winnemucca, where does the cattle market stand as we head toward the fall calf run? This week, Superior Livestock’s Trent Stewart looks at what the summer sales are telling us, what buyers are paying for, and how weight, delivery date and rising feed costs could impact marketing decisions. Plus, why he says this market is still “defying gravity” and why 2028 may be the year to watch.

#WorkingRanchRadioShow #CattleMarket #CattlePrices #BeefCattle #CowCalf #FeederCattle #SuperiorLivestock #VideoRoyale #CattleMarketing #Ranching #BeefIndustry #LivestockMarketing

Should today's record cattle market change the way you make culling decisions? This week, Texas A&M's  Dr. Ron Gill discusses which culling principles should never change, where the current market may justify a different approach, and the traits that lead to a more profitable, longer-lasting cow herd. Plus, in a lightning round of real-world scenarios, Dr. Gill weighs in on which cows stay, which ones go, and why.

Also, Don Day explains why this El Niño may have more in common with weather patterns from the 1950s than more recent El Niño events—and what that could mean for our long-range outlook.

#WorkingRanchRadio #CowCalf #BeefCattle #Ranching #CullCows #CowHerd #HerdManagement #CommercialCattle #CowLongevity #CattleManagement #ReplacementHeifers #BeefIndustry #RanchLife #Profitability #TexasAgriLife