In this conversation, Shaye Koester-Wanner and JT Jerret discuss effective marketing strategies for ranchers, particularly in the meat industry. They emphasize the importance of understanding copywriting, identifying target audiences, and leveraging direct-to-consumer sales. The discussion covers missed opportunities in marketing, the significance of email marketing, and actionable steps for ranchers to enhance their beef sales strategies. JT shares insights on buyer archetypes and the marketing...
Dec 09, 2024•45 min•Season 7Ep. 50
In this conversation, Shaye Koester-Wanner and Terryn Drieling explore the importance of communication in ranching, particularly during high-stress situations. They discuss the role of self-awareness and the Enneagram in understanding personal and interpersonal dynamics. The conversation emphasizes practical strategies for improving communication skills, assessing one's communication effectiveness, and managing emotional responses in challenging environments. Terryn shares insights on fostering ...
Dec 02, 2024•29 min•Season 7Ep. 49
S7, E48 – Discover the importance of uncomfortable conversations in shaping the future of the livestock industry. Dr. Keith Belk discusses insights from the 2024 International Summit on the Societal Role of Meat and Livestock, including science-based communication, ecological impacts, and the need for proactive engagement. Learn how producers can use facts to navigate evolving societal perceptions of meat production. Takeaways • Effective communication of scientific data is crucial for the lives...
Nov 25, 2024•49 min•Season 7Ep. 48
S7, EP 47: In this conversation, Shaye Koester-Wanner speaks with Kelly and Taylor from the Red Angus Association about the challenges and opportunities in the cattle industry, particularly focusing on the pricing disparities between Red and Black Angus cattle. They discuss the importance of marketing programs, the upcoming Sustainable Beef Plant, and the need for better tracking and tagging of cattle to ensure equal pricing and market access. The conversation highlights the optimism surrounding...
Nov 18, 2024•41 min•Season 7Ep. 47
S 7, EP 46 – This conversation delves into the fundamentals of liquid feed in the cattle industry, exploring its usage, economic advantages, and nutritional benefits. Drs. Kelley Neuhold and Kelly Sanders with Westway Feed Products discuss how liquid feed varies across geographical regions, its historical context, and the practical considerations ranchers should evaluate when considering liquid feed for their operations. The discussion emphasizes the efficiency, labor savings, and nutritional en...
Nov 11, 2024•36 min•Season 7Ep. 46
S7, E 45: In this episode, I sit down with Erin McKnight, a cattle producer from the Sandhills of Saskatchewan, Canada, to explore her journey and the creation of Ranch Academy. Erin shares how Ranch Academy, her online program, equips hired hands with essential skills and knowledge—covering everything from equipment safety and cattle handling to water system troubleshooting. Originally developed to streamline her own training process, Ranch Academy has grown into a powerful tool that helps ranc...
Nov 04, 2024•19 min•Season 7Ep. 45
In this episode of Casual Cattle Conversations, Shaye shares actionable strategies to help ranchers increase both profitability and productivity without burning out. She kicks things off by addressing common misconceptions about productivity—more hours don't necessarily mean more profit. Instead, Shaye highlights the importance of focusing on high-impact tasks that drive the ranch forward. Key Takeaways: Identify Revenue-Driving Tasks: Start by making a list of daily, weekly, and monthly activit...
Oct 28, 2024•20 min•Season 7Ep. 44
S7, EP 43 In this episode, Shaye Koester-Wanner chats with Brianna Buseman, a meat scientist for Marble Technologies, about the advancements in technology and automation in the meat industry. They discuss the importance of meat science for cattle producers and the role of technology in improving efficiency and sustainability in the meatpacking process. Takeaways • Meat science plays a crucial role in the beef supply chain. • Automation in meat processing can improve efficiency and safety. • Food...
Oct 21, 2024•27 min•Season 7Ep. 43
S7, Episode 42 🎙️ What’s the impact of mature cow size and ranch profitability? Dr. David Lalman – professor of Animal and Food Sciences at Oklahoma State University – and Shaye Koester-Wanner tackle this question during this thought-provoking podcast episode. David and Shaye discuss the assumed correlation between mature cow weight and feed intake as well as how some cattle are above average in weight but below average in feed intake. In this episode, ranchers will: 🎙️learn how to select thei...
Oct 14, 2024•35 min•Season 7Ep. 42
Season 7 – Episode 41 || Shaye Koester-Wanner, Andy Bishop, and Jason Schmidt delve into the intricacies of the Beef Checkoff program, discussing its origins, structure, and the significant return on investment for producers. They address common producer concerns and the importance of effective marketing strategies. The discussion emphasizes the need for transparency and producer involvement in the decision-making processes, while also highlighting the positive impact of the Checkoff on the beef...
Oct 07, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Season 7Ep. 41
Skyler Moore with Joplin Regional Stockyards and Shaye Koester-Wanner discuss the evolution of the Joplin Stockyards, the importance of value-added programs for cattle producers, and the challenges faced in the cattle industry today. He emphasizes the significance of reputation and planning for success in cattle sales, as well as the role of video sales and specialty sales in enhancing market opportunities for cattle producers. The conversation highlights the impact of the auction business on th...
Sep 30, 2024•29 min•Season 7Ep. 40
In this conversation, Zack Lindsley shares his journey as a first-generation farmer and feedlot owner, discussing the challenges he faced, the importance of financial literacy, and how technology has transformed his operation. He emphasizes the significance of community involvement and mentorship in agriculture and offers insights into evaluating new technologies for efficiency and ROI. Zack's story is one of perseverance, growth, and a commitment to family and community. Takeaways • Zack is a f...
Sep 23, 2024•34 min•Season 7Ep. 39
In this casual cattle conversation, Shaye Koester-Wanner and Chad Tentinger discuss the innovative approaches being taken in the beef industry through Cattlemen's Heritage and Legacy Beef Co-op. They emphasize the importance of collaboration among ranchers, feeders, packers and retailers to create a profitable and sustainable model for all stakeholders. Chad shares his background in agriculture and the vision for a more equitable system that allows cattle producers to share in the profits of the...
Sep 16, 2024•46 min•Season 7Ep. 38
This one is for meat lovers 🥩 So frock up!🥼 Sierra Jepsen joins Shaye Wanner for a casual cattle conversation about Butcher Solutions LLC – a traveling butcher school founded by Sierra herself and designed to ‘meat’ butchers where they are at. From new to old meat lockers and experienced butchers to rookies, Sierra knows how to help you and your team maximize the resources you have to provide a top-notch service to your customers. Here’s what they cover! 🥩 Sierra’s Background 🥩 Why She Start...
Sep 09, 2024•33 min•Season 7Ep. 37
In this eye-opening episode, I explore the innovative world of repurposing materials with Damon Carson, founder of repurposedMATERIALS. We uncover how farmers and ranchers across America are finding creative solutions to common challenges using discarded industrial items. From billboards transformed into hay tarps to street sweeper brushes reborn as cattle back scratchers, Damon shares a treasure trove of ingenious ideas that showcase the resourcefulness of the agricultural community. We delve i...
Sep 02, 2024•25 min•Season 7Ep. 36
Are you looking to boost your cattle's nutrition without breaking the bank? In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Dr. Karl Hoppe, a seasoned extension livestock specialist in North Dakota, to explore innovative ways to enhance feed quality and reduce costs on your ranch. Drawing from his years of experience, Dr. Hoppe shares invaluable insights into the often-overlooked aspects of cattle nutrition. We dive deep into the critical importance of hay testing, the impact of rain on feed qualit...
Aug 26, 2024•37 min•Season 7Ep. 35
Are you looking for innovative ways to boost your calves' weight gain without breaking the bank? In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Mark Johnson, a professor at Oklahoma State University, to explore the potential of creep grazing as an alternative to traditional creep feeding. Drawing from his rich background in commercial cow-calf operations, Mark shares valuable insights into this cost-effective management practice that could revolutionize your approach to calf nutrition. We delve in...
Aug 19, 2024•28 min•Season 7Ep. 34
As I celebrate five years of hosting Casual Cattle Conversations, I'm taking a moment to reflect on the incredible journey that has shaped my understanding of the beef industry. From those early days of fumbling with podcast logistics to now hosting a thriving community of ranchers and industry professionals, the growth has been nothing short of humbling. In this special anniversary episode, I'm opening up about the five most impactful lessons I've gleaned from countless conversations with produ...
Aug 12, 2024•17 min•Season 7Ep. 33
Shaye Wanner invites Brian Reisinger, author of the book "Land Rich, Cash Poor," to shed light on the complex factors that have influenced why the number of farms and ranches in America has changed over the past century. Through Brian's poignant storytelling and personal anecdotes, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for the resilience and perseverance that have become hallmarks of farm families across generations. From the hardships of the Great Depression to the harrowing farm crisis of the 19...
Aug 05, 2024•40 min•Season 7Ep. 32
Imagine a world where the barriers of language and culture melt away, paving the way for a more harmonious, collaborative, and prosperous agricultural landscape. In this thought-provoking episode, rancher and podcaster Shaye Wanner invites Katie Dotterer, a passionate advocate for bridging communication gaps, to share her transformative mission. Through captivating anecdotes and insights gleaned from her boots-on-the-ground experience, Katie unveils the profound impact that simple gestures of mu...
Jul 29, 2024•28 min•Season 7Ep. 31
Embark on a transformative journey where knowledge meets camaraderie, and the pursuit of profitability intertwines with a shared passion for the beef industry's future. Welcome to RancherMinds, a dynamic community that transcends geographical boundaries, uniting cattle producers from diverse backgrounds in a continuous quest for growth and innovation. In this thought-provoking episode, host Shaye Wanner invites you behind the curtain, unveiling the power of collaborative learning that has captiv...
Jul 22, 2024•15 min•Season 7Ep. 30
Season 7 || Episode 29 Let's take a trip to learn about the beef industry around the world! Join rancher and podcaster Shaye Wanner as she invites Andrew Uden, a seasoned industry professional, to share his multifaceted experiences spanning continents and cultures. From Scotland to Brazil and A LOT of other countries in between, Andrew's captivating experiences offer a new perspective to how we operate as cattlemen and women in the United States. Andrew shares what he learned about overcoming la...
Jul 15, 2024•47 min•Season 7Ep. 29
In an era where the narratives surrounding agriculture are often shaped by misinformation and disconnection, a refreshing voice emerges – one that harnesses the power of storytelling to bridge the gap between producers and consumers. Cheramie Viator is a trailblazer, whose journey from the corridors of Congress to the heart of Texas ranching has ignited a profound passion for nurturing the next generation of agricultural advocates. Through her captivating "Not Your Ordinary Cattle Clinics," Cher...
Jul 08, 2024•31 min•Season 7Ep. 28
Have you heard these myths about grazing cover crops for cattle? Myth 1: Cover crops are not profitable. Myth 2: Grazing cover crops destroys the soil. Myth 3: It's impossible to build successful partnerships with neighboring farmers for grazing cover crops. Keith Berns debunks these myths and shares an immense amount of knowledge about diversified cover crops during this conversation. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the benefits of cover crops in cattle grazing and how they can e...
Jul 01, 2024•39 min•Season 7Ep. 27
The United States beef industry is a leader in today’s world and that’s no accident. The industry is filled with proactive individuals spanning from researchers to ranchers. It’s nothing short of exciting to be an American rancher today. Amanda Radke is an example of a rancher, industry leader and innovator in the beef industry. Her experiences as a rancher and speaker allow her to see not only the challenges ranchers face today but also how they overcome them to create successful businesses tha...
Jun 24, 2024•35 min•Season 7Ep. 26
In an industry where it seems large-scale operations often dominate, a refreshing story emerges from the heart of San Diego County. Alli Fender, a dynamic force within the beef industry, invites you to explore the boundless potential of small-scale cattle ranching. Alongside her husband Bryce, Alli has forged a path that defies conventional wisdom, leveraging the inherent advantages of their small operation to craft a truly remarkable success story. Alli's infectious enthusiasm captivates, as sh...
Jun 17, 2024•26 min•Season 7Ep. 25
Scott Sandquist, is a trailblazer who is reshaping the local meat processing landscape in a rural community. In this conversation, Scott shares the challenges and rewards that accompanied his bold vision: establishing NoDak Meats, a small meat locker in Steele, North Dakota. From navigating the labyrinth of financing and regulations to labor hurdles, Scott's candid insights offer a rare and unvarnished look at the grit, resilience, and unwavering determination required to breathe life into such ...
Jun 10, 2024•24 min•Season 6Ep. 24
This captivating and thought-provoking discussion unveils how commercial cow-calf producers can leverage their position in the beef supply chain to add more dollars to their bank accounts. In this engaging episode, rancher and podcast host Shaye Wanner weaves together the perspectives of industry luminaries Ian Wheal and Nick Jorgensen, as they discuss the importance of collaboration and just how powerful it can be. As the conversation unfolds, you'll be immersed in a realm where data-driven dec...
Jun 03, 2024•53 min•Season 6Ep. 23
In this thought-provoking episode, we embark on an exploration of legacy – and what it means for farmers and ranchers. Vance Crowe is an amazing storyteller who helps families capture their legacy by interviewing their loved ones about family stories, life challenges and other experiences that influenced their actions and decisions. As we journey through this captivating conversation, you'll discover: - The transformative power of knowing your family legacy - Insights into how to uncover your fa...
May 27, 2024•43 min•Season 7Ep. 22
Imagine unleashing the full potential of your beef operation, one mineral at a time. In this informative episode, rancher Shaye Koester-Wanner invites renowned nutritionist Cadra Krueger to share her wealth of expertise on crafting strategic pre-breeding mineral programs. This conversation unveils the profound impact minerals can have on conception rates, calf health, and ultimately, your bottom line. Cadra illustrates the intricate connections between mineral intake, reproductive success, and l...
May 20, 2024•24 min•Season 7Ep. 21
