Earlier this year, Dr. Kenny Burdine from the University of Kentucky joined us to outline four key cattle-market questions for 2025. Now, as we close out the year, we circle back to see what’s been answered — from heifer retention and slaughter weights to competing proteins, trade, and tariffs. Then we shift gears to a question every rancher faces: whether to buy replacements or develop your own. Dr. Burdine walks us through the economics behind that decision and why using today’s strong market wisely can set the stage for the next decade of ranch profitability.

Later, Dr. Elizabeth Backes-Belew (Purina Animal Nutrition) discuss with us tips for rebreeding success and setting cows up for their next calf crop.

Link to: Cattle Market Notes Weekly

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From cattle expansion to succession planning and the future of the beef business — this week we dig into the big picture of where our industry stands. Industry consultant Dr. Nevil Speer is our guest as we discuss what current cow numbers are telling us, why some producers may be choosing to retire, and how a lack of succession planning continues to erode family ranches across the country. And in the midst of it all, Speer reminds us why there’s still plenty of reason for optimism — and why there’s never been a better time to be in the cattle business.

#workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Allflex #Neogen #IngentyBeef #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #BeefCattle #CowCalf #RanchEconomics #RanchProfitability #CattleManagement #SuccessionPlanning #EstatePlanning #CattleMarket #BeefIndustry #DrNevilSpeer #AgPodcast #RuralAmerica

When’s the right time to calve — and what’s it really costing you? Dr. Bob Larson with Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine joins us to talk through five key questions every rancher should ask when setting their calving window. From matching forage and labor to feed efficiency, to tightening up that calving period and improving breed-up rates — we dig into how timing affects everything from profitability to cow performance. Because in the end, it’s not just about raising calves… it’s about managing cows, costs, and profitability.

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Estate Planning... a big issue our family ranches must deal with but often avoided or do it incorrectly in trying to save money.  This only creates bigger problems after Mom and Dad have passed.   Attorney Dal Houston joins us today as we discuss topics like trusts versus a will.  The difference between a revocable trust and an irrevocable trust, practical information on LLC’s, plus much more.  You might be thinking this is a show Mom and Dad need to listen to, but if you ranch in any way, shape, or size, no matter your age… I’d advise you to listen in. 

#workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Allflex #Neogen #IngentyBeef #Gelbvieh #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #estateplanning #ranchfamilies

Ranching is changing — and the future may depend on how we adapt. Today we visit with Chip Kemp with 701X to explore how technology is enhancing tradition. From the million-dollar impact of monitoring livestock, to tackling labor shortages and overhead costs, to the bigger question of keeping the family brand on the gate for the next generation — this conversation digs into why precision agriculture may be the key to doing more with less and building a sustainable future in ranching.

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On this episode of the Working Ranch Radio Show, we visit with Colorado rancher Tim Bedell, a recipient of the state’s Seal of Climate Literacy. Tim shares how his ambassadorship for ranching and involvement in FFA are bridging the gap between generations as climate and environmental conversations grow more complex. Later, we’ll shift from climate to cattle care—discussing strategies to get stressed cattle back on feed and water quickly upon arrival with my guests from TechMix.

#workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #RioMax #ManSaver #Gelbvieh #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #Bovaligh #TechMix #ColoradoRanching #SealOfClimateLiteracy #FFA #YoungRanchers #NextGenAg #ClimateLiteracy #RanchingTradition #LandStewardship #CattleHealth #StressManagement #AnimalWelfare #BeefProducers #CowCalf #LivestockManagement

On this episode of the Working Ranch Radio Show, Dr. Carson Roberts from the University of Missouri lays out Ten Reasons You Should Quit Making Hay. From the skyrocketing cost of equipment to the hidden toll on soil health, we’ll explore why it may be time to take a hard look at haying and what it means for your bottom line. We’ll also touch on issues like oversupply, labor challenges, and winter-feeding strategies — all with profitability in mind.

And while we’re thinking profits, we’ll visit with Trevor Greenfield of Rio Nutrition on how ranchers can maximize returns through efficiency in feed and pasture, building resilience for the future.

#workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Allflex #RioMax #ManSaver #Gelbvieh #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #hay #haymaking #ranchprofits #cattlemanagement #soilhealth #carboncycling #forage #pasturemanagement #ranchers #beefproducers #cowcalf #sustainablefarming #agriculture

On this episode of the Working Ranch Radio Show, we explore the fast-growing role of drone technology in ranching. From weed and invasive species control to fly management and even feed delivery in rugged country.  Kelley Wittenberg (Central UAS Technologies)is our guest as we discuss how drones are becoming a practical tool on the ranch. Then later, meteorologist Don Day joins us with his Fall and Winter Outlook, including the potential for colder temperatures east of the Rockies and the possibility of bigger winter storms ahead.

#workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #cattle #livestock #beef #cowcalf #cattlehealth #ranchprofits #dayweather #weather #agweather #drone #dronetechnology #agriculture #weedcontrol #flycontrol #innovationinag #workingranchradioshow #donday #fallforecast #winterweather

Weaning is one of the most stressful times in a calf’s life — where health, nutrition, and management all collide. In this episode, we dig into how producers can minimize stress, choose the right methods for their operation, and build a robust health program that keeps calves thriving long after weaning. Dr. Ron Lemenager with Purdue University is my guest as we discuss the Keys to Successful Weaning.

#workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Allflex #RioMax #ManSaver #Gelbvieh #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #weaning #weaningstress #calfhealth #herdmanagement #cowcalf #cattlenutrition #beefproducers

How much is Heat Stress really costing your operation? It might be more than you think — and it’s not just about weight loss or conception rates. Dr. Michelle Calvo-Lorenzo with Elanco Animal Health joins us to talk about why heat stress is a problem, what the science says about its effect on both herd health and profitability, and what steps you can take to mitigate it.

Plus a conversation with Ted Perry(Purina) about mitigating stress in calves at weaning.

#workingranchmagazine #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #Allflex #RioMax #ManSaver #Gelbvieh #TankToad #WorkingRanchRadio #heatstress #cattlehealth #animalwelfare #herdmanagement #ranchprofits #beefproducers #cowcalf #livestockmanagement #hotweathercattlecare #veterinaryinsight #beefindustry #Elanco #weaning