The Future of Beef Show

Jim Johnson, Jessica Sperber and Ian Wheal
  • 5.0 (7)
  • BUSINESS
  • UPDATED DAILY

This is the place to connect with the people and ideas shaping the future of the cattle industry. Together with an inspiring lineup of guests, we’ll share stories from the forefront of modern beef production - and show you how technology and data can make all the difference - while staying true to the values that define our industry. Most importantly, we’ll help you figure out how to adopt these practices in a way that works for your operation, whatever it’s size. Join your hosts Jim Johnson, Jessica Sperber and Ian Wheal. www.TheFutureofBeef.com

  1. 5D AGO

    E18: Sustainability and the Global Beef System with Justin Sherrard

    Sustainability has become one of the biggest conversations shaping the future of agriculture—and few people have a clearer global perspective than Justin Sherrard, our first guest from Australia. In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Justin joins hosts Jim Johnson, Dr. Jessica Sperber, and Ian Wheal to explore how the beef industry fits into the broader sustainability conversation. Drawing on his experience with the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef and years analyzing global protein markets, Justin explains why cattle remain essential to feeding a growing population while working within environmental limits. What You’ll Learn: Why cattle still play a critical role in feeding a growing global populationHow the beef industry is addressing sustainability and methane emissionsWhy engaging with critics and stakeholders is necessary for agricultureThe importance of data in telling the beef industry’s storyHow consumer perceptions influence the way beef is marketedWhy sustainability improvements often align with better productivity and profitabilityThe role producers play in advocating for the future of beef Links: Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com Learn more about the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef: https://grsbeef.org/ Read more from Drovers: www.drovers.com Learn more about Breedr: www.breedr.co Learn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com

    1h 4m
  2. E17: 2026 Market Predictions with Patrick Linnell

    FEB 17

    E17: 2026 Market Predictions with Patrick Linnell

    Record-high calf prices, tighter herds, and strong consumer demand—what’s next for U.S. beef? Patrick Linnell, Director of Market Research at CattleFax, breaks it all down. In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Patrick joins Jim Johnson, Dr. Jessica Sperber, and Ian Wheal to explore the trends shaping the cattle market today and tomorrow. From herd rebuilding and carcass weights to international trade and the role of AI in market research, Patrick gives producers and feeders the insights they need to make informed decisions. What You’ll Learn: • Why beef demand remains strong despite record prices • What’s slowing herd expansion and how it affects the cattle cycle • How carcass weights, feeding strategies, and genetics impact profitability • The influence of packing capacity and Mexican cattle imports on markets • How international trade supports U.S. beef supply • Ways AI is changing—but not replacing—market research Links: Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com Connect with Patrick Linnell & CattleFax: www.cattlefax.com Read more from Drovers: www.drovers.com Learn more about Breedr: www.breedr.co Learn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com

    50 min

  3. JAN 13

    E16: Grazing with Dr. Jeff Goodwin

    Managing grass, cattle, and the land drives more of beef production than ever — and few people know it better than Dr. Jeff Goodwin. In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Dr. Goodwin breaks down why grazing management sits at the center of modern cattle production. From regenerative grazing and soil carbon to linking cattle genetics with pasture quality, he shows how planning, adaptability, and system-level thinking boost profitability while supporting long-term sustainability. Whether you manage a small ranch or a large operation, these strategies demonstrate how smart grazing decisions can pay off for both the land and the bottom line. What You’ll Learn: • Why regenerative grazing isn’t slowing down — and what it means for producers • How ecosystem services like soil carbon, water, and wildlife habitat follow good grazing practices • The importance of system-level thinking: managing grass, cattle, and the environment together • How planning and adaptability drive long-term success on ranches Links: Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com Learn more about the Center for Grazinglands and Ranch Management: https://cgrm.tamu.edu/ Read more from Drovers: www.drovers.com Learn more about Breedr: www.breedr.co Learn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com

    1h 2m

  4. 12/15/2025

    15. The Future of Breed Associations with Brett Spader

    Breed associations have long played a foundational role in the beef industry—but their purpose, value, and responsibilities are rapidly evolving. Few people understand that transformation better than Brett Spader, President of the American-International Charolais Association. In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Brett joins hosts Jim Johnson, Dr Jessica Sperber and Ian Wheal to discuss how data, governance, and producer-focused service are reshaping the future of breed organizations. Drawing on a diverse career across the Kansas Livestock Association, DV Auction, Angus Media, and his own digital startup, Brett shares a unique perspective on how technology and transparency can help associations stay relevant and drive real value for cattle producers. From the rise of online bidding to the importance of records, collaboration, and connected data, Brett explains why modern breed associations must be both innovative and accountable—and how they can continue to empower breeders in an increasingly data-driven industry. What You’ll Learn: Why breed associations still matter—and how their role is changingHow technology, performance data, and governance shape producer trustThe impact of complementary breeds and genetic diversity on the beef supply chainHow online bidding and digital tools transformed seedstock marketingWhy transparency and data connectivity are essential for the industry’s future Links: Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com Connect with the American-International Charolais Association: www.charolaisusa.com Read more from Drovers: www.drovers.com Learn more about Breedr: www.breedr.co Learn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com

    1h 21m

  5. 11/13/2025

    E14: Genetic Selections with Marty Ropp

    Genetic progress is only as valuable as the profitability it creates, and few people understand that connection better than Marty Ropp, founder and executive officer of Allied Genetic Resources. In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Marty joins hosts Ian Wheal, Jess King, and Jim Johnson to discuss how data, genomics, and collaboration are reshaping the business of beef genetics. From lessons learned in the pork and dairy industries to the future of service-driven breeding programs, Marty shares what it takes to help producers capture more value across the entire supply chain. What You’ll Learn: • How Allied Genetic Resources built a network to support genetic improvement across the beef industry • Why connecting genomic data to real-world profitability is the next frontier • What the beef sector can learn from pork and dairy’s approach to efficiency and consistency • The importance of collaboration and feedback between breeders, feeders, and packers • How service, education, and transparency drive long-term genetic success Links: Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com Connect with Marty Ropp: www.alliedgeneticresources.com Read more from Drovers: www.drovers.com Learn more about Breedr: www.breedr.co Learn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com

    1h 3m
  6. E13: Beef on Dairy with Lorna Marshall

    10/07/2025

    E13: Beef on Dairy with Lorna Marshall

    13. Beef on Dairy with Lorna Marshall Beef-on-dairy is transforming how we think about efficiency, genetics, and profitability in cattle production—and few people have influenced that evolution more than Lorna Marshall, Vice President of Beef Genetics at Select Sires. In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Lorna shares how she’s bridging the worlds of dairy precision and beef performance to drive genetic progress across the industry. From genomic testing to smarter sire selection, she lays out how technology and collaboration can help producers raise more consistent, high-value cattle—whether they’re working with commercial herds or crossbreeding programs. What You’ll Learn: How genomic testing is reshaping replacement heifer selection Why beef-on-dairy is redefining efficiency for both sectors Key genetic trends driving profitability in modern herds How data and technology are changing breeding decisions Lessons from Select Sires’ approach to innovation and industry collaboration Links: Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok Connect with Lorna Marshall: www.selectsires.com Read more from Drovers: www.drovers.com Learn more about Breedr: www.breedr.co Learn more about Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com

    50 min

  7. 09/22/2025

    E12: Ranching Advocacy with Tucker Brown

    fd Ranching isn’t just about raising cattle—it’s about telling the story of where beef comes from and why it matters. Few do that better than Tucker Brown of R.A. Brown Ranch in Texas. In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, Tucker shares how he’s using humor, transparency, and digital storytelling to connect consumers with the people behind their food. As a sixth-generation rancher, he’s bringing fresh energy to ranching advocacy while still grounded in the values that built his family’s operation. What You’ll Learn: Why advocacy matters for the next generation of ranchersHow Tucker uses storytelling to connect with consumers and urban audiencesThe role of humor and authenticity in building trustWays producers can amplify their own voices to support the beef industryWhy transparency and openness are powerful tools for ranching’s future Links: Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com Connect with Tucker Brown: instagram.com/tuckerbrownrab/ Learn more about R.A. Brown Ranch: www.rabrownranch.com/ Breedr: www.breedr.co Farm Journal: www.farmjournal.com Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com

    1h 9m
  8. E11: Beating the Beef Market with Dave Weaber

    08/26/2025

    E11: Beating the Beef Market with Dave Weaber

    Markets don’t have to be a mystery. Dave Weaber breaks down the numbers—and how producers can use them to stay ahead of the game. In this episode of The Future of Beef Show, we sit down with beef industry analyst Dave Weaber, who brings decades of experience helping producers, packers, and retailers understand the economics that drive our business. Dave breaks down the market forces shaping cattle prices, consumer demand, and packer margins—and explains what those numbers really mean for cow-calf producers, feeders, and everyone along the chain. From the value of grid marketing to the impact of consumer trends on your bottom line, Dave makes complex economics plainspoken and practical. His insights challenge us to think beyond the ranch gate, connect our herds to the bigger beef business, and capture more value from the cattle we produce. If you’ve ever wondered how to make sense of cattle markets—and how to use that knowledge to make better decisions for your operation—this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Links: Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com Connect with Dave Weaber: www.linkedin.com/in/dave-weaber-a87bb34/ Terrain Ag: www.terrainag.com Farm Credit Services of America: www.fcsamerica.com Breedr: www.breedr.co Farm Journal: www.farmjournal.com Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com

    1h 36m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

This is the place to connect with the people and ideas shaping the future of the cattle industry. Together with an inspiring lineup of guests, we’ll share stories from the forefront of modern beef production - and show you how technology and data can make all the difference - while staying true to the values that define our industry. Most importantly, we’ll help you figure out how to adopt these practices in a way that works for your operation, whatever it’s size. Join your hosts Jim Johnson, Jessica Sperber and Ian Wheal. www.TheFutureofBeef.com

Information

  • Creator
    Jim Johnson, Jessica Sperber and Ian Wheal
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jim Johnson, Jessica Sperber and Ian Wheal
  • Show Website
    The Future of Beef Show

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