American Cattlemen Podcast

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Welcome to the American Cattlemen Podcast with Gale McKinney, the ultimate platform for connecting with the heart of the cow/calf industry! As the Publisher of American Cattlemen, Gale expertly brings to light the dynamic intersection of business and lifestyle, spotlighting everything from the latest production sales to the excitement of your local county fair. Join us as Gale conducts engaging interviews with the passionate individuals who truly shape our industry, making you a vital member of our community. Our audience includes dedicated cow/calf producers across the United States and industry professionals from every corner of the globe, all part of our thriving social media network of over 500,000 unique followers. Don’t miss out—each episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast is promoted through our extensive digital platforms, the American Cattlemen magazine, and our newsletter, ensuring you stay informed and connected. Tune in and elevate your engagement in this vibrant community!

  1. 13H AGO

    Graystone Cattle 2026 Annual Production Sale

    Welcome back to Genetics & the Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Stuart Gilbert, Owner of Graystone Cattle Company. In this episode, Stuart and Gale will dive into the Graystone Cattle 2026 Annual Production Sale, held on March 27th, 2026, at 4PM CDT, at Graystone Cattle Company, Stockport, Iowa.   At Graystone Cattle Company, they take pride in heritage and commitment to quality. Their Family has been raising Angus cattle for generations, ensuring that each bull sold meets their high standards. Stuart explains that the farm he operates today is the same piece of ground his ancestors settled in the early to mid‑1800s, before land was formally patented. They built a log cabin, then a barn and house, and have grazed cattle there continuously ever since. A great‑great‑grandmother was a notable Shorthorn breeder, adding an early legacy of focused cattle breeding to the operation’s history. Building on that heritage, Stuart describes how their Red Angus herd, established more than thirty years ago, is managed to reflect real‑world commercial conditions. Graystone Cattle Co.'s philosophy is that seedstock cattle must thrive under the same environment as a commercial herd. Aside from a more intensive AI program, in‑house ultrasound, and frequent weighing, the cattle are not pampered. They graze endophyte‑infected fescue through the summer, live on hay in the winter, and receive salt, mineral, and what nature provides. If they cannot perform there, Stuart believes they will not work for commercial customers. The heart of the program’s 2026 sale is a strong set of 18 yearling bulls. Stuart emphasizes their depth, thickness, structural soundness, and performance, noting that many will be just turning a year old yet weighing in the 1,200–1,300 pound range. He describes the influence of key Canadian genetics, particularly highly maternal cow families and sires that have anchored the herd. Bulls are developed for longevity, not pushed to be overly fat. A proven herd sire, used successfully on heifers and mature cows and noted for his maternal strength, is also being offered. Stuart then outlines a select group of open heifers from premier cow families, along with semen packages from influential sires within and outside the herd. The episode closes with an emphasis on Graystone’s commitment to standing behind their cattle and providing a hospitable sale experience that reflects their long‑standing dedication to the beef industry. For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com. American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing Central Life Sciences

    20 min
  2. 17H AGO

    SweetPro Cattle Con 2026

    Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast and our series at Cattle Con 2026. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the director of business development for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Dr. Abe Schafer with SweetPro. In this episode, Dr. Schafer and Dustin will dive into SweetPro and how their cattle supplements can help in heifer development.  Dr. Schafer explains that Sweet Pro is a supplement company focused on cattle grazing or consuming forage-based diets. Their core products are self-limited lick blocks designed so that intake is controlled by hardness and formulation. The key objective is to match each supplement to the forage available, complementing rather than competing with the base diet. Dr. Schafer, who works on formulations, plant operations, and quality control, describes how Sweet Pro uses ethanol co-products—corn distillers solubles and distillers grains—as the foundation of these blocks, adjusting the blend and hardness to achieve targeted consumption. The discussion then shifts to bypass protein, a concept Dr. Schafer believes many producers have heard of but may not fully understand. He defines bypass protein as protein that is not broken down in the rumen but passes to the small intestine for digestion. Unlike typical forage protein, which is largely converted to microbial protein in the rumen, bypass protein delivers a more direct, targeted effect on the animal. This typically supports muscle deposition and skeletal growth rather than fat accumulation. Because of this, bypass protein can be strategically applied at specific production stages to achieve desired outcomes. Heifer development becomes the central application example. Dr. Schafer stresses that a strong cow herd begins with carefully developed heifers. Ideal replacement heifers are not necessarily the biggest; rather, they are those that reach 55–60 percent of their mature weight at breeding without becoming overly fleshy, which can compromise future lactation. Bypass protein, integrated into a balanced supplement like Sweet Pro’s formulations, supports proper skeletal growth, reproductive development, and ovarian function. For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com. American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing Central Life Sciences

    14 min
  3. 1D AGO

    Calving Setup for Lifelong Success Cattlemen & Veterinarians

    Welcome back to Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Today, Gale and Dr. Peterman chat with Dr. Roger Osinchuk to discuss calving setup for lifelong success through sound cow and calf management.  They begin with cow management before breeding and calving, emphasizing pre-breeding vaccinations and scours vaccines. Dr. Osinchuk explains that reproductive diseases, including BVD and IBR, are largely preventable with correctly timed and administered vaccines, and that effective vaccination supports both pregnancy maintenance and colostral immunity for calves. He stresses reading labels, understanding the differences between killed and modified-live vaccines, and vaccinating four to six weeks prior to calving so protective antibodies are concentrated in colostrum. Colostrum is highlighted as the single most important factor in neonatal calf health. Calves are born without antibodies and must absorb immunity through colostrum within the first 24 hours, especially the first few hours of life. Failure of passive transfer predisposes calves to scours, pneumonia, joint and navel infections. Both veterinarians strongly advocate early intervention in dystocia, rapid colostrum supplementation when there is any doubt, and judicious use of high-quality commercial colostrum replacers. The discussion then moves to recognizing and managing calf scours, hypothermia, heat stress, and dehydration. Early fluid therapy, proper use of electrolytes, and appropriate antibiotics under veterinary guidance are key. They note that prevention through sound vaccination, hygiene, and timely intervention is far cheaper and more profitable than treatment. Later, they cover calf processing: early castration and dehorning to reduce stress and long-term performance losses, strategic respiratory and clostridial vaccinations, and management of pinkeye and other region-specific issues. They also address bottle calf management, stressing colostrum status, controlled milk feeding, rapid transition to high-quality starters, and meticulous sanitation. The episode concludes with a discussion of udder and teat quality, mastitis recognition, and culling criteria, all framed around the goal of producing healthy, efficient calves and ultimately higher-quality beef. For Future or Previous episodes visit our websites: American Cattlemen American Dairymen Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health Sponsored by: Central Life Science

    55 min
  4. 4D AGO

    Pig Brig Trap Systems Cattle Con 2026

    Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast and our series at Cattle Con 2026. Just ahead, we have Kaid Panek and he chats with Aaron Sumrall, with Pig Brig Trap Systems.  Feral hogs pose a widespread and often underestimated threat to agriculture, livestock production, and broader natural resources across North America. Aaron explains how feral hogs impact virtually everyone who relies on food, fiber, or land, regardless of whether they see pigs locally. He emphasizes that the belief that cold climates or northern regions are protected is dangerously misleading, noting that several Canadian provinces already have established feral hog populations that can move southward. A major driver of feral hog expansion is not natural migration but illegal transportation. The scattered “freckles” on hog distribution maps are clear evidence that pigs are being hauled across state lines and released, often to create local hunting opportunities. Once on the landscape, their adaptability, intelligence, and reproductive capacity enable populations to establish and grow quickly. While common myths overstate their ability to have three litters per year, their reproduction is still extremely high compared to other large mammals, especially when they benefit from good nutrition intended for domestic livestock. Economically, feral hogs cause significant damage to crops, pastures, hay equipment, and stocking capacity. Studies in states like Texas and Oklahoma have estimated hundreds of dollars in damage per pig per year, and those figures are likely increasing as agricultural land shrinks and commodity values rise. Land fragmentation and inconsistent management between neighboring properties create sanctuaries where hogs can avoid pressure and then move out to damage surrounding lands. Aaron argues that effective response requires accurate information, early action, cooperative landowner efforts, and supportive policy that removes financial incentives around feral hogs. He describes Pig Brig’s role as both educational and practical, offering research-based net trap systems that are lightweight, adaptable to difficult terrain, and suitable for users ranging from small producers to national programs. By integrating trapping with other tools like shooting and dogs, and by aligning wildlife agencies, soil and water conservation groups, and private landowners around shared goals, he believes feral hog populations can be meaningfully reduced before they become unmanageable in new regions. For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com. American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing Central Life Sciences

    37 min
  5. 4D AGO

    Jorgensen Land & Cattle

    Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast and our series at Cattle Con 2026. Just ahead, we have Kaid Panek and he chats with Jamie Wolf and Cody Jorgensen, with Jorgensen land and Cattle. In this episode, they will dive into Jorgensen Land & Cattle and their philosophy on raising top of the line cattle.  Cody explains that he is a fourth-generation member of the family business, with the fifth generation already involved. He traces their breeding philosophy back to his grandfather in the early 1950s, who was an early adopter of performance testing. Using handwritten “cow cards,” his grandfather tied calf, weaning, and yearling data back to individual cows and used that information to make disciplined, maternal-based selection decisions. This foundation evolved into what they now call the Mother Lode breeding philosophy, emphasizing trouble-free, high-quality cows as the basis for strong bulls. Cody describes their “Smart Bull” concept, where Angus bulls are developed and leased for two consecutive breeding seasons in a five-state area before returning to Jorgensen. After reconditioning and semen evaluation, those bulls are then marketed into the southern United States. This system ensures buyers receive fully tested, mature bulls proven under real-world conditions, particularly important in challenging environments. Jamie outlines their advanced genomic work under Ideal Beef Genetics. Partnering with Zoetis, they built a proprietary evaluation backed by more than 60 years of performance data. They then collaborated with AgBoost to convert complex EPD and genomic information into an easy-to-read 1-to-10 scoring system, visualized as trait “wheels” for maternal, heifer bull, and terminal indexes. This helps both new and experienced bull buyers quickly match bulls to their specific goals. The Jorgensen team extends this genomic testing to commercial customers’ females, then consults with them on replacement selection and optimal bull choices, positioning the relationship as a true partnership. They also assist with marketing calves through collaboration agreements with various feedyards. Looking ahead, they highlight their annual yearling bull sale each April and their Mother Lode female sale each November, and mention that they offer embryos and pheasant hunting experiences tied to the ranch. For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com. American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing Central Life Sciences

    21 min
  6. 5D AGO

    Caraway Red Angus Annual Production Sale

    Welcome back to Genetics & the Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Jon Caraway, Owner of Caraway Red Angus. In this episode, Jon and Gale will dive into the Caraway Red Angus Ranch 2026 Annual Production Sale, held on March 21st, 2026, at 1PM CST, at the Darr Feedlot Bull Development Center, in Cozad, Nebraska.  At Caraway Red Angus, they take pride in heritage and commitment to quality. Their family has been raising Red Angus cattle for Generations, ensuring that each bull sold meets their high standards. Generations of Jon’s family have been involved with the breed, and the ranch focuses on ensuring that every bull offered for sale meets their rigorous standards of performance and reliability for commercial cattle producers. Jon explains that their operation is a true family effort. He grew up in Minnesota, while his wife is originally from Nebraska. After serving 23 years in the military, Jon retired in 2021. At that time, his father-in-law, who did not have a successor for the ranch, offered Jon and his family the opportunity to take it over. They moved the cattle south about five years ago, with the goal of creating a life where their children could ranch without needing multiple jobs, something Jon himself had to juggle while previously working full-time for the National Guard and running cattle in Minnesota. This is more than just a one-day sale; it is an ongoing program that has been built to serve commercial cattlemen over the long term. The setting at the Darr Feedlot Bull Development Center further reinforces that the bulls have been managed with careful development in mind, providing buyers with animals that are ready to go to work while still being set up for longevity. The sale is portrayed as a chance for repeat and new customers alike to tap into a program that values integrity, data-driven decision-making, and customer success. For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com. American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing Central Life Sciences

    29 min
  7. 5D AGO

    2 Bar Angus 10th Annual Bull Sale

    Welcome to Genetics & the Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of American Cattlemen Media, and he chats with Steve and Laura Knoll, Owners of 2 Bar Angus. In this episode, they will dive into the 2 Bar Angus 10th Annual Bull Sale, held on March 18th, 2026, at 1PM CDT, at the Hereford Vet Clinic, Hereford, Texas.  At 2 Bar Angus, they take pride in heritage and commitment to quality. Their family has been raising Angus cattle for generations, ensuring that each bull sold meets their high standards. Steve explains that 2 Bar Angus began roughly 28 to 29 years ago and has always operated as a family enterprise. From the start, their core business has been raising bulls for commercial cattlemen. He emphasizes that the bulls are the centerpiece of the program, while females are treated as a byproduct of that effort, although many of those females still turn out to be particularly valuable in their own right. The guiding philosophy is straightforward: produce bulls that help commercial customers make money and stand up to practical ranch conditions year after year. Steve describes how they prioritize low birth weight combined with strong growth, aiming to balance calving ease with performance. Carcass merit is also a key objective; they work to build in as much carcass quality as possible so customers can capture added value further down the production chain. At the same time, he stresses that cattle must remain structurally sound and adapted to their environment. The cows need to breed back regularly, deliver a live calf each year, and have the maternal instincts to raise that calf successfully. Common-sense functionality underpins every selection decision. Gale and Steve also touch on the family dimension of the ranch. Steve notes that he and Laura have two sons and two daughters, with one son and one daughter still actively involved in the operation. Aside from one hired hand, the ranch is essentially a family-run outfit, with day-to-day work and long-term decisions handled by the family.   For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com. American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing Central Life Sciences

    20 min
  8. 701X Cattle Con 2026

    6D AGO

    701X Cattle Con 2026

    Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the Director of Business Development for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Chip Kemp, Chief Strategy Officer for 701X, Cattle Con 2026.  Chip frames the bull as a ranch’s “most important employee,” noting that producers invest heavily in him but historically have had little real-time insight into his activity, health, or location. With 701X devices, producers can continuously monitor bulls and other cattle, knowing where they are, when they are mounting cows, and when early signs of health issues emerge—often before they are visible to the human eye. The conversation broadens to the role of technology in ranching. Chip acknowledges the nostalgia for earlier, simpler times but compares modern tech adoption to choosing a cab tractor over an old Ford 8N: once the benefits are clear, most people would not go back. He stresses that skepticism often stems from past overpromises by “charlatans,” and contrasts that with 701X’s engineering-first, ranch-informed approach that actually delivers on what it claims. Dustin and Chip emphasize that good technology allows producers to be proactive instead of reactive. Examples include integrated water monitoring, calving alerts, and stress or no-movement alerts that can prevent death loss or losses from breeding inefficiencies. Chip shares a story of an alert that allowed a family member with physical challenges to save a calf from a dangerous waterway, turning what would have been a loss into preserved value for the operation. Throughout, Chip returns to the idea of “technology enhancing tradition.” The goal is not to replace hands-on animal husbandry, but to use data and smart tools to allocate time and labor more efficiently, support multi-generational continuity, and help small family outfits remain viable and competitive in a modern marketplace. For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com. American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By: Moly Manufacturing Central Life Sciences

    18 min

Ratings & Reviews

4
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Welcome to the American Cattlemen Podcast with Gale McKinney, the ultimate platform for connecting with the heart of the cow/calf industry! As the Publisher of American Cattlemen, Gale expertly brings to light the dynamic intersection of business and lifestyle, spotlighting everything from the latest production sales to the excitement of your local county fair. Join us as Gale conducts engaging interviews with the passionate individuals who truly shape our industry, making you a vital member of our community. Our audience includes dedicated cow/calf producers across the United States and industry professionals from every corner of the globe, all part of our thriving social media network of over 500,000 unique followers. Don’t miss out—each episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast is promoted through our extensive digital platforms, the American Cattlemen magazine, and our newsletter, ensuring you stay informed and connected. Tune in and elevate your engagement in this vibrant community!

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