When you look head-on into the future of your ranch, are your management decision and day to day operations creating a viable multi-generational business, or is it over when you’re done?  Making critical management changes in your operation that moves away from traditional practices can be hard.  Kurt Myllymaki, a rancher and farmer from Stanford, MT joins me today as we talk about how they migrated their operation away from traditional practices they felt were creating too much stress and strain on their land, livestock, and their own quality of life… and in the long run the future of their operation.

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In agriculture our livelihood begins with a drop of rain, and when it doesn’t come, decisions must be made.  As ranchers it’s about stocking rates. So how can we be proactive in our management rather than reactive?  Keith Harmoney, with Kansas State University, joins me today as he discusses the factors we should assess both in coming out of a drought or potentially headed into one.  Plus, a Decision Tree Tool that can be used in providing preemptive management as you make plans when turning out to grass.  Links below.

• Webinar on Decision Making For Grass Turnout

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On the heels of a recent BSE case in the US, let’s discuss Animal Traceability.  And while it’s been a subject that has been debated within our industry, the recent BSE case provided a glimpse of what traceability looks like and its defense of our industry. Lia Biondo, Executive Vice President of US Cattlemen’s Association is my guest as we talk about what’s ahead with Animal Traceability, what does it looks like to the Cow Calf or Yearling operations, and while different in purpose, we'll talk about Country Of Original Labeling.

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Breeding Costs… do you really have a good grasp on what yours are?  Andrew Griffith, Livestock Economist with the University of Tennessee, is my guest today as we work through the Cost Benefit Analysis of Timed Ai’ing and Natural Service. We’ll discuss the strengths and weakness of each of these methods as well as the economic and how that ties in with the costs associated with each respective method and the size of your cow herd.

*White Paper Link: Cost-Benefit Analysis of Timed A.I. and Natural Service in Beef Cattle

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Flies!  All of us in the cattle business deal with them.  They contribute to over a billion dollars in potential financial loses to our cattle industry each year, which includes you.  And before you repeat what you’ve always done or get sold on the latest product from the feed store, or get caught up in the latest all natural methods… maybe it’s time to re-evaluate. Dave Boxler, (University of Nebraska-Lincoln) is my guest as we discuss the various flies control methods.  From those that have been around for several years to new emerging practices. Now You may not change anything, but at least you’ll have more confidence in the direction you’re headed, or you'll consider other options that fit your management.  

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In the classic western film "The Three Amigos" there is a discussion on knowing what a Plethora is.  So after 1 hour and 44 minutes of research (coincidentally is the same length of this classic film), I determined that today we have a plethora of topics in store for you.  Meteorologist Don Day will not only be in to talk long term weather, but we’ll have an extended conversation on Sea Surface Temperatures.  Also we’ll hear about how Merck Animal Health’s buyout of Allflex is impacting ranchers and we’ll have our guest from last week, Dr. John Hutcheson, on to answer some follow up questions from last week's show regarding: Factors Effecting Calf Prices.  

*Link:  Stockmanship School Form - Cottonwood Guest Ranch, NV June 1-4

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A study by Kansas State University and Merck Animal Health analyzed the results of two years’ worth of sales through Superior Livestock specifically looking at the factors that affected those calf prices.  Today, Dr. John Hutcheson, with Merck Animal Health joins me to talk about the results. From management practices to programs and vaccination protocols to weaning… are you seeing a justifiable rate of return for the cost of implementing them There are some things that are easy to do and offer a good rate of return, while others you may to think through.  Find out what those are on today’s show.

Link: KSU-Merck Calf Vaccination Program Assessment Tool

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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. 

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We’re headed to Iowa, and we'll be talking about Iowa’s Cattle Industry.  Brad Kooima, Commodities Broker and Cattle Feeder is my guest today as we learn about the heart of the cattle industry in Iowa… the Independent Farmer-Feeders and how that segment evolved.  Plus, we’ll discuss how they market their cattle to the packers, the change in the types of cattle being fed, ethanol, how it impacts the industry beyond the state, and the rural grass root elements entwined in their industry from the people to the cattle.

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If you own your land, would you say you’re in the Cow Business or the Land Business?  If you answered Cow Business, you may be limiting your financial potential of your resources.  Nic De Castro, Founder and CEO of @LandTrust is my guest today as he shares with me how they are pioneering an avenue the helps landowner monetize the recreational assets of their land in practically a turn-key method. However, I have a few questions like... liability, quality control of the guests, payment, and how much say do I have in this process.  But even if all my concerns are addressed, where and how do I even start?

#workingranchmagazine #workingranchnation #justinmills.wyocowboy #ranchlife #ranching #dayweather #weather #agweather #beef #cows #livestock #cattle #zinpro #Availa4 #biozyme #gainsmart #PerformanceLivestockAnalytics #Simmental #allflexna #agritourism #recreation #huntprivate