Being in the cattle business means you need to be mindful of the environment and your economic viability. The way data is collected on operations today looks dramatically different than it did 50 or even 15 years ago with new technology held literally in your fingertips. But it can be daunting to look at this data and determine what is useful to ensure that generations after you can ranch. Lane spoke with a local Wyoming rancher and a data expert to talk about the best way to start and how to us...
Jan 10, 2023•54 min
Some farmers and ranchers are beginning to test the waters of virtual fencing with their cattle, especially those in rough, rugged country. Montana rancher Leo Barthelmess describes the way virtual fencing technology has changed his operation and given him more knowledge about his herd.
Dec 27, 2022•1 hr
Take a page out of the Grinch’s book and carve up the roast beef this holiday season. Steve Wald and Alex Reitz, masterminds of NCBA’s Culinary Center, look at trending holiday beef dishes and reflect on popular recipes of the past. If you’re looking for a new recipe to impress your guests this season or are just looking for a way to spice up a timeless, traditional recipe, tune in to this episode for tips from the experts themselves.
Dec 13, 2022•42 min
A good glass of wine pairs well with a steak dinner. But wine grapes might also pair well with your cattle herd. Avenales Ranch in San Luis Obispo, California, is a family-run ranch that has been in California for more than 140 years. Steve Sinton and his son Daniel speak with us about the ranch’s diverse business model which includes grapes, organic and grassfed beef, commercial cattle, and a hunting club. Hear how they decided to branch out into new ventures and the trials and success they hav...
Nov 29, 2022•55 min
We are joined by NCBA Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane and NCBA member and campaign consultant David Watts to take a deep dive into the 2022 midterm elections. Nothing is final yet, but Ethan and David discuss how the Senate and House will likely look for the next two years and how this will affect cattle producers on issues like the 2023 Farm Bill, cattle markets, trade and more. They examine which state races had surprising results and, of those elected, who will be allies to ca...
Nov 11, 2022•58 min
The U.S. beef supply and cattle population is the safest in the world, but that doesn’t mean we are immune to what is happening outside our borders. Foreign animal diseases, specifically Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), could have drastic impacts on our industry. Dr. Julia Herman is on the show to talk about preventative measures, the Secure Beef Supply Plan, and her personal experience seeing FMD up close.
Oct 24, 2022•56 min
How do you hire in today’s job market? The long-term viability of U.S. cattle production is largely dependent on our workforce, and it is important for employers to know what their employees value to retain quality and skilled staff. Nick Jorgensen, South Dakota cattle producer, and Dr. Russell Plaschka, with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, discuss what is causing a labor shortage, how it provides a challenge to cattlemen and women, and what opportunities employers can use to their advanta...
Oct 11, 2022•1 hr 22 min
Jonathon Black, a young West Virginia cattle farmer, balances an off-farm job with raising commercial cattle. While his family has experience in farming, he has ventured off into production agriculture on his own. His passion for the industry has led him to advocate on behalf of beef production. Raising cattle is not for the faint of heart, and Lane and Jonathon talk about the challenge being a young, new producer presents and how he is overcoming those hurdles.
Sep 26, 2022•30 min
Cryptocurrency is making its way into the cattle industry and food production. Jaclyn Wilson, with Flying Diamond Beef, tells us about her trial using Non-Fungible Tokens to monitor and track a group of steers. How could this technology impact production and provide added value to you? Listen now to find out.
Sep 07, 2022•52 min
The elected leaders of the cattle industry, NCBA President Don Schiefelbein, President-Elect Todd Wilkinson, and Vice President Mark Eisele, talk with Lane about grassroots policy being shaped at the Cattle Industry Summer Business Meeting. These three cattlemen share what their year of service has looked like, the topics most important to cattle producers right now, and what we can expect from Washington, D.C., in the next six months.
Aug 22, 2022•41 min
Kendall Whatley, Kendra Orozco and Terryn Drieling all share their experiences and love for the cattle industry through different avenues. Whether it be through photography or owning a small business, these ladies use their outlets to tell consumers about the benefits of beef and highlight the responsible practices of cattlemen and women. Kendall, Kendra and Terryn were ambassadors for the 2022 Cattle Industry Convention, giving them the chance to encourage their peers to attend the top cattle e...
Aug 09, 2022•50 min
Cattlemen and women know what it means to live in harmony with the land, the wildlife, and the livestock. And no one knows it better than the Environmental Stewardship Award Winners. 2021 Region IV (Texas) and Region VI (Utah) ESAP winners share the history of their family operations and how they have overcome obstacles to ensure they can continue to do what they love – raise cattle.
Jul 18, 2022•50 min
The National Corn Growers Association and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association are committed partners on education and conservation. Cattle feed is one of the largest uses of corn byproducts, and like U.S. cattle producers, corn growers prioritize caring for the land and reducing their footprint. Hear from Troy Schneider, cattle rancher and farmer, and NCBA President Don Schiefelbein to hear the unique advantages of the corn and cattle combination.
Jul 05, 2022•42 min
Fourth-generation Iowa cattle farmer Kellie Lasack shares the “real side of farming” with consumers and producers alike on social media and through her blog. Lasack shares why it’s important for cattle producers to live their best lives through an appreciation for agriculture and the rural lifestyle.
Jun 21, 2022•47 min
Clinicians Curt Pate and Ron Gill have decades of experience between them on how to safely handle livestock and create environments for proper animal handling. Curt and Ron share important tips that can improve the way you handle your cattle and can increase consumers’ trust. Hear about the upcoming Stockmanship and Stewardship tours that you can attend and see Curt and Ron present live demonstrations.
Jun 06, 2022•51 min
John Fargher grew up on an expansive cattle and sheep ranch in South Australia, and he knows the importance of having a proper calf management plan. Steve Wooten, 2020 ESAP Winner from Colorado, can sympathize with the severe drought and wildfires Fargher has seen in Australia. These two cattle ranchers join Lane to discuss why tools and technology have dramatically improved their operations. With AgriWebb’s technology, preparing and managing all dimensions of raising cattle – from calf manageme...
May 23, 2022•1 hr 13 min
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s not easy to talk about, but we need to. Stress is common amongst farmers and ranchers due to price uncertainty, weather, rising input costs and more. Kate Downes with New York Farm Net and Maggie Hanna with Colorado Cattlemen’s Ag Land Trust tell us why farmers and ranchers are driven to depression, drug addiction and suicide, and they share signs that you or someone you love is struggling. There are resources across the country for rural mental health ...
May 09, 2022•1 hr 15 min
In these unprecedented times, there are many factors that you can’t control – like weather and markets. So why wouldn’t you take advantage of the things you can control? Horn flies are a key insect of concern for cattle on pasture. Central Life Sciences representative Paul Kropp gives advice on how to manage these pests and describes how you can mitigate losses in the process. Take control of your herd’s health and minimize any horn fly problems you may have.
Apr 26, 2022•30 min
During the 2022 Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show, Staci, Macey and Emma Hurst joined us to discuss what it looks like to be a woman-owned and run cattle operation. Macey and Emma, along with their mother, Staci, run a registered Black Angus herd in Missouri and sell their beef direct-to-consumer. These ladies also have a heart for the blue and gold FFA jackets. Listen to their unique story and perspective on the cattle industry.
Apr 19, 2022•54 min
Weather conditions have created a variety of obstacles for cattle producers in the last year. Ongoing drought has left grazing lands vulnerable to weed infestations. It’s critical for producers to stay ahead of weed troubles early in the season, so resources go to nutritionally valuable forages. We are joined by Will Hatler, field scientist with Corteva Agriscience, as we discuss management strategies to help land recover from drought and other challenges producers may face this year.
Apr 12, 2022•32 min
Cattlemen and women have been conserving and stewarding the land for decades. They know the importance of leaving the land better than they found it so it can be passed on to their children and grandchildren. Lane Nordlund visits with 2021 Region V (Montana), III (Iowa), and VII (South Dakota) Environmental Stewardship Award Program winners as they describe what sustainability looks like on their operations, and the challenges each of them face in different parts of the country. Each of these fa...
Mar 21, 2022•1 hr 2 min
NCBA, as a contractor to the Beef Checkoff, provides training and resources for consumers and producers alike to become strong advocates for the beef industry through the Masters of Beef Advocacy program. We sit down with Paul Dybedahl and Chandler Mulvaney from NCBA to discuss the opportunities of the MBA and to share an exciting new program – the Trailblazers. Markie Hagerman, 2022 Advocate of the Year, shares her journey to influence and encourages others to share their story!
Mar 01, 2022•38 min
The Federation of State Beef Councils, on behalf of the Beef Checkoff, has once again partnered with the Daytona International Speedway to sponsor the 41st season-opening race for the NASCAR Xfinity Series - the Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner.® 300. NASCAR Xfinity Series driver, Jeb Burton, joins us ahead of the big race to talk about continuing his father and uncle’s racing legacy, and the impact family tradition has on him, much like many cattle ranchers across the country can relate to.
Feb 14, 2022•13 min
Don Schiefelbein, a seed stock breeder and cattle feeder from Minnesota, took the role of NCBA president at the 2022 Annual Cattle Industry Convention and NCBA Trade Show. Owning and operating Schiefelbein Farms with his father, seven brothers and three nephews, Schiefelbein knows how to work collaboratively with others and lead a team to success. He sits down with Lane to share his expectations and aspirations for NCBA in the year ahead.
Feb 08, 2022•38 min
As catastrophic wildfires continue to impact the Western U.S., ranchers like Mark Roeber and their livestock play a critical role in fuels reduction on the nations public lands. Roeber is the fourth generation on his family’s ranch in Paonio, Colorado, which was homesteaded in 1889 by his great grandfather. Mark is Vice President of the Public Lands Council and gives his insight on the role ranchers and livestock play in the management of the nations public lands.
Jan 25, 2022•31 min•Season 1Ep. 1
Happy New Year! The cattle industry saw a lot of changes in 2021 under the Biden administration from the passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to the implementation of a trade deal with Japan and much more in between. We talk with NCBA CEO Colin Woodall and Vice President of Government Affairs Ethan Lane to hear their expectations for the coming year. What has changed since the beginning of 2021? What challenges can cattle producers expect to face in 2022? What goals will NCBA pr...
Jan 04, 2022•44 min
The holiday season is the perfect time to reflect on memories shared with family and friends that might inspire tears of gratitude or tears of laughter. Everyone has stories to tell about holiday shenanigans or heartfelt traditions shared with loved ones. On this episode of Cattlemen’s Call, we are joined by NCBA President-Elect Don Schiefelbein and Policy Division Chair Mark Eisele as they recount holiday tales from their ranches. Hear what anecdotes come to mind when they think of the holiday ...
Dec 21, 2021•30 min
Cattlemen and women are working together to open small, locally-owned processing facilities across the U.S. We are joined by Derek Thompson, one of the owners of NextGen Cattle Co. and co-owner of Missouri Prime Beef Packers in Pleasant Hope, MO. After facing processing difficulties that hurt many cattle producers during COVID-19, Missouri Prime Beef Packers opened in early 2021 to offer custom processing and safe, fresh meat to their clients.
Nov 23, 2021•26 min
Today, we recognize the veterans who have served our country and given time to protecting us and our loved ones. We are joined by brothers John and Peter Lehning from New York who followed in their father’s footsteps and joined the U.S. Air Forces. Both brothers became pilots — John flew aerial refueling tankers and Peter flew medical evacuation helicopters. Their brotherly banter is a debate between which is better — planes or helicopters. Now, the brothers work together to manage Lehning Farms...
Nov 11, 2021•39 min
Marvin Frink served 15 years in the U.S. Army, risking his life in various tours across the world. After returning home, Marvin wasn’t the same. But with the help of his father, Marvin found purpose and companionship through raising cattle in Red Springs, N.C. Agriculture and raising beef gave Marvin a sense of responsibility and value again. Today, Marvin runs Briarwood Cattle Farm with his wife, Tanisha, and their children. Listen to how they are expanding their business and giving back to the...
Nov 09, 2021•56 min
