Cattle Innovation Station - Profitable Beef Cattle Production

Baxter Whitworth | Be Profitable in the Cattle Industry

Have you ever been told you can't be profitable as cow calf producer? Stop and think, would you like to raise cattle for profit? And if you already do than would you like to be more profitable. If your answer to those questions was yes than this is the show for you. If you are a cow calf producer (seedstock or commercial) you will learn how to breed and raise good cattle and how to run your operation as a business. We will keep you current on beef cattle industry events, help you innovate your herd to turn a profit and, innovate the beef cattle industry so we can feed more people on less land.

  1. Not Using these 2 Tactics in Your Cattle Ranch Could Put Your Cattle Business at Risk

    FEB 10

    Not Using these 2 Tactics in Your Cattle Ranch Could Put Your Cattle Business at Risk

    Unlocking Profits in Your Cattle Operation: Diversify, Breed Smart, and Breed for Profit. If you are ranching, for profit, you might be tired of unpredictability crushing your cattle business' profit? This happens a lot in the cattle industry. This episode cuts through the noise — revealing how strategic diversification, sharp breeding decisions, and a bold mindset can transform your cattle business into a consistent profit machine. If you want to feed more people on less land through cattle production, you need actionable insights that hit hard. Diversifying incomes is key for profitable ranching in the cattle industry. In this episode, we dive deep into: Breeding/ Ranching for profitHow defining your cattle ranch shapes your breeding and marketing strategiesThe critical traits that mitigate risk and boost profitability in your herd, like birth weight, docility, and foot qualityCreative ways to diversify income streams: semen, embryos, merchandise, land leasing, and moreWhy having multiple levels of income (high, medium, low) protects you from market shocksPractical tips for managing and expanding your herd with purpose and confidence Keywords: cattle profitability, breed for profit, income diversification, risk mitigation, cattle traits, embryo transfer, herd management, beef industry innovation, beef industry, cattle business, cattle production, cattle industry, profitable ranching, ranching, cattle ranching Follow us on the streaming platform of your choice, share this episode, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more impactful cattle industry insights! Timestamps: 00:00 - How to Protect Your Cattle Business from Market Fluctuations 02:55 - Defining Your Operation: The Key to Strategic Cattle Breeding 04:38 - Breeding Cattle for Profit: Productive vs. Commercial Cattle Strategies 06:23 - Niche Down: Focus or Diversify — What’s Best for Your Ranch? 09:49 - Traits That Minimize Risk: Birth Weight, Docility, Foot Quality 13:46 - The Truth About Foot Quality and Calving Ease 17:50 - Setting Up for Success: Purpose-Driven Breeding Decisions 18:20 - Finding Your Niche in the cattle business and Preparing to Expand or Diversify 20:00 - Creating Year-Round Income Streams in Cattle Business 24:39 - Creative Income Opportunities: Semen, Embryos, Merchandise, Land Use 28:42 - Building a Multi-Level Income Model with Cattle Genetics and Products 32:36 - Strategy Tips: Knowing Your Breakeven and Selling at the Top Market Price 34:32 - Pro Tips for Honest Dealings & Maintaining a Money Mindset 36:54 - The Real Goal: Profitability as the Ticket to Feeding More on Less Land Remember: Success in the cattle industry is about making smart moves that protect and grow your income. Be bold, yet be smart, and mitigate risk.

    39 min
  2. From Hobby Herd to Profitable Cattle Business: Mastering Cattle Budgeting for Growth

    FEB 1

    From Hobby Herd to Profitable Cattle Business: Mastering Cattle Budgeting for Growth

    Unlock the Power of Budgeting in Your Cattle Operation: Profit, Pricing & Growth! Are you tired of running your cattle operation blindly? Wondering why profits seem elusive? This episode hits HARD with the truth — creating a clear, strategic budget is your KEY to profitability, smarter cattle pricing, and sustainable growth. Whether you're a seasoned rancher or just starting out, learn how intentional financial planning transforms your passion into a thriving business. In this episode, we dive deep into: The critical role of budgeting for cattle operations How to create a realistic, seasonally adjusted budget Tips on managing variable costs and unexpected expenses The art of pricing cattle based on quality and market demand Strategies to balance growth without sacrificing profit The importance of tracking expenses from seed stock to sale Practical steps to build a profit-driven mindset Keywords: cattle budgeting, cattle pricing, profit in ranching, financial planning, livestock sales, ranch management, profit margin, expense tracking, beef cattle industry, land-efficient feeding Timestamps: 00:00 - Why profit in cattle starts with a solid budget 02:39 - Introducing the importance of budgeting in beef cattle success 03:33 - How passion shifted to profitable cattle management 05:02 - Building a budget that balances growth and profitability 06:12 - The key expenses to include in your cattle operation budget 07:10 - Small steps toward intentional financial stewardship 08:32 - Typical categories and level of detail in cattle budgets 09:51 - Seasonal and variable expenses: planning for ups and downs 14:27 - Handling unexpected costs: the 25% buffer rule 16:33 - Budgeting frequency: monthly, quarterly or annual — what works best? 18:46 - Preparing for market fluctuations and input cost changes 20:00 - Creating a cash flow buffer and managing margins 21:54 - Projecting cattle sale income: how to set realistic expectations 25:42 - Pricing cattle based on quality and market situation 29:31 - Calculating break-even points to avoid underselling 34:44 - Knowing when to cut losses on underperforming cattle 37:51 - Pricing strategies for seed stock producers and marketing nuances 40:18 - Final thoughts: Using budgeting as a foundation for success Remember: Success in cattle ranching isn’t just about passion — it’s about planning, discipline, and knowing your numbers. Start today, tell your dollars where to go, and watch your operation thrive! beef production, animal husbandry

    41 min
  3. How Boundaries Keep Your Cattle Herd Innovative and Sustainable

    JAN 18

    How Boundaries Keep Your Cattle Herd Innovative and Sustainable

    This episode of the Cattle Innovation Station podcast delves into the importance of setting boundaries in cattle operations to ensure sustainability and innovation. The discussion features insights from Brandon and Rachel Cutrer, who share their experiences and pro tips on record-keeping, networking within the industry, and balancing personal values with professional responsibilities. The episode emphasizes the need for innovation to be productive, efficient, and ethical, and highlights the role of faith and family in guiding business decisions. cattle operations, sustainability, innovation, record-keeping, networking, personal values, faith, family, ethical innovation, cattle industry Implement boundaries for sustainable cattle operations. Innovation must be productive, efficient, and ethical. Record-keeping is crucial for managing cattle operations. Networking helps in building industry connections. Balancing personal values with professional duties is essential. Faith and family guide business decisions. New technologies should be adopted with caution. Positive interactions foster better industry relationships. Moral strength is vital in the cattle industry. Setting boundaries aids in maintaining work-life balance. Sustainable Cattle Operations: The Role of Boundaries Innovative Yet Ethical: Cattle Industry Insights Balancing Faith, Family, and Cattle Operations Pro Tips for Effective Record-Keeping in Cattle Networking in the Cattle Industry: A Guide Ethical Innovation in Cattle Operations The Importance of Moral Strength in Ranching Boundaries: Key to Sustainable Cattle Operations Faith and Family: Pillars of Cattle Business Navigating New Technologies in Cattle Industry "Boundaries keep cattle operations sustainable." "Innovation must be productive and ethical." "Record-keeping is crucial for cattle management." "Networking builds industry connections." "Balance personal values with professional duties." "Faith and family guide business decisions." "Adopt new technologies with caution." "Positive interactions foster industry relationships." "Moral strength is vital in cattle industry." "Set boundaries for work-life balance." 00:00:00 Introduction to Sustainable Cattle Operations 00:00:00 Pro Tips on Record-Keeping 00:00:00 Networking and Industry Connections 00:00:00 Balancing Personal Values and Professional Duties 00:00:00 Ethical Innovation in Cattle Industry 00:00:00 Conclusion and Key Takeaways

    25 min
  4. JAN 8

    Create Margin Through Cost Effective Marketing -Brandon and Rachel Cutrer

    In this episode of the Cattle Innovation Station podcast, host Baxter Whitworth interviews Brandon and Rachel Cutrer, owners of BRC Ranch, about strategies for running a profitable cattle operation. They discuss the importance of record-keeping, selecting quality cattle, and effective marketing techniques. cattle industry, profitability, record-keeping, cattle marketing, BRC Ranch, cattle breeding, Angus, Hereford, Brahman, cattle genetics Cost-effectiveness is crucial for cow-calf producers.Pedigree and production records are key in selecting cattle.Average prices help determine cattle investment returns.Some cattle take longer to pay off than others.Diversifying breeds can enhance market opportunities.Honesty in marketing builds long-term customer relationships.High-quality photography is essential for cattle marketing.Social media is a cost-effective marketing tool.Face-to-face networking is valuable for low-budget marketing.Reinvesting a percentage of sales into marketing is recommended. Maximizing Profit in Cattle OperationsThe Role of Record-Keeping in Cattle SuccessFinding Hidden Gems in Cattle BreedingMarketing Strategies for Cattle RanchersThe Importance of Pedigree in Cattle SelectionDiversifying Breeds for Market AdvantageHonesty: The Best Policy in Cattle MarketingUsing Social Media to Boost Cattle SalesNetworking Tips for Cattle ProducersInvesting in Cattle: What You Need to Know "Cost-effectiveness is key for profitability.""Pedigree matters in cattle selection.""Honesty builds customer loyalty.""High-quality photos boost sales.""Social media is a powerful tool.""Networking opens new opportunities.""Reinvest in marketing for growth.""Diversify breeds for market advantage.""Record-keeping drives success.""Invest wisely in cattle operations." 00:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:01:00 Cost-Effectiveness in Cattle Operations00:02:00 Selecting Quality Cattle00:03:00 Marketing and Honesty00:04:00 Photography and Social Media00:05:00 Networking and Budget Marketing00:06:00 Conclusion and Pro Tip

    31 min
  5. How Keeping Records Keeps Your Herd Profitable -Brandon and Rachel Cutrer

    JAN 1

    How Keeping Records Keeps Your Herd Profitable -Brandon and Rachel Cutrer

    In this episode of the Cattle Innovation Station podcast, host Baxter Whitworth is joined by Brandon and Rachel Cutrer to discuss innovative strategies in the cattle industry. They explore topics such as record-keeping, financial management, and breeding techniques to enhance profitability and sustainability. cattle industry, innovation, record-keeping, financial management, breeding techniques, profitability, sustainability Ranching and raising cattle require significant time and effort.Rachel and Brandon Cutrer enjoy dining out together, especially at steakhouses.Brandon prefers leaner cuts of steak, like flat iron, cooked medium rare.The Cutrer's emphasize the importance of foundational traits in cattle breeding.Maintaining breed standards is crucial for the Cutrers' Brahmin cattle.The Cutrers also focus on Angus and Hereford breed standards.Financial and production metrics are essential for cattle profitability.Every animal in the Cutrers' operation is tracked for efficiency.Land is a fixed asset, so maximizing cattle productivity is key.The Cutrers use detailed financial tracking to identify wasteful spending. Innovating Cattle Breeding for ProfitabilityMastering Record-Keeping in Cattle RanchingSustainable Practices in the Cattle IndustryEnhancing Cattle Productivity and ProfitThe Cutrer's Approach to Cattle InnovationFinancial Strategies for Cattle RanchersBreeding Techniques for Better CattleMaximizing Land Use in Cattle RanchingTracking Efficiency in Cattle OperationsThe Future of Cattle Industry Innovation "Ranching takes a lot of time.""We love dining out at steakhouses.""Flat iron steak, medium rare.""Foundational traits are key in breeding.""Breed standards are non-negotiable.""Every animal is tracked for efficiency.""Maximize productivity on limited land.""Financial tracking reveals wasteful spending.""Innovation drives cattle industry success.""Efficiency is crucial for profitability." 00:00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction00:01:00 Favorite Activities Outside Ranching00:02:00 Steak Preferences and Dining00:03:00 Cattle Breeding Foundations00:04:00 Breed Standards and Innovations00:05:00 Financial and Production Metrics00:06:00 Tracking and Efficiency in Operations00:07:00 Pro Tips and Financial Management

    39 min
  6. Unlocking the Power of Crossbreeding: Boost Your Herd's Productivity -Dr. Jon DeClerck

    12/15/2025

    Unlocking the Power of Crossbreeding: Boost Your Herd's Productivity -Dr. Jon DeClerck

    In this episode of the Cattle Innovation Station podcast, host Baxter Whitworth and guest Dr. John DeClerk explore the benefits of crossbreeding in the cattle industry, the versatility of Simmental cattle, and the importance of data collaboration through the International Genetic Solutions (IGS). They discuss strategies for improving herd profitability and adapting to diverse environments. Keywordscrossbreeding, Simmental cattle, IGS, cattle industry, herd profitabilityTakeaways Crossbreeding increases cow productivity by 23%.Simmental cattle offer versatility in growth and maternal traits.IGS collaboration enhances data accuracy for the beef industry.Muscle development is more feed-efficient than fat.Risk management is crucial for market volatility.Select cattle breeds that match environmental conditions.Innovation requires reevaluating traditional practices.Integrity is key to long-term success in cattle business.Engage with industry publications for valuable insights.Strategic crossbreeding creates robust, marketable cattle.Unlocking the Power of CrossbreedingSimmental Cattle: Versatility UnleashedData Collaboration in the Beef IndustryFeed Efficiency: Muscle vs. FatNavigating Market Volatility with Risk ManagementAdapting Cattle Breeds to EnvironmentsInnovating Tradition in the Cattle BusinessIntegrity in the Cattle IndustryEducational Resources for Cattle ProducersCreating Marketable Cattle through Crossbreeding00:00:00 Introduction to Crossbreeding Benefits00:00:00 Versatility of Simmental Cattle00:00:00 Data Collaboration with IGS00:00:00 Feed Efficiency Insights00:00:01 Risk Management Strategies00:00:01 Adapting Breeds to Environments00:00:01 Innovating Traditional Practices00:00:02 Integrity in Cattle Business00:00:02 Educational Resources for Producers00:00:02 Strategic Crossbreeding for Marketability

    37 min
  7. Navigating Market Changes in the Beef Industry -Dr. Jon DeClerck

    12/01/2025

    Navigating Market Changes in the Beef Industry -Dr. Jon DeClerck

    In this episode of the Cattle Innovation Station podcast, we delve into the complexities of feed efficiency and its impact on cattle health. Join host Baxter Whitworth and guest Dr. Jon DeClerck, Executive Vice President of the American Semantall Association, as they explore the balance between breeding for efficiency and maintaining robust cattle health. Discover insights into the global beef market dynamics, including the role of imports and exports in meeting consumer demand. Learn how economic resilience is maintained despite rising beef prices, and understand the challenges faced by the cattle industry, such as limited harvest capacity and the need for new packing plants. This episode answers commonly searched questions like "How does feed efficiency affect cattle health?" and "What are the current trends in the beef market?" SummaryIn this conversation, Jon DeClerck discusses the current state of the beef industry, focusing on demand and supply dynamics, the impact of plant closures, inflation's effect on beef prices, and the political climate's influence on market trends. He emphasizes the importance of building a resilient cattle market that benefits all stakeholders, including producers and packers. TakeawaysIf I only breed for feed efficiency alone, I'm going to end up with cattle with really small organs. We've got the highest consumer demand for beef. We can harvest all the cattle we need in the United States in 32 hours a week. I doubt we ever get back to 32 million beef cows. It's extremely expensive to build a packing plant. Beef prices aren't out of control as you would think. The big jumps in the market in terms of the incline are probably done. The Packers made a lot of money when there was more cattle than harvest capacity. We want to make sure that everybody makes money. We have to feed more people on less land. TitlesThe Future of Beef: Demand and Supply Insights Navigating Plant Closures in the Beef Industry Keywordsbeef demand, cattle industry, inflation, market trends, packing plants, supply chain, cattle prices, political impact, beef production, consumer behaviorFeed efficiency, cattle health, beef market dynamics, economic resilience, cattle industry challenges Sound Bites"We need to build a resilient cattle market." "We need somebody to harvest our cattle." "We have to feed more people on less land." Key PhrasesBreeding for efficiency, global beef market, consumer demand, economic resilience, harvest capacity Commonly Searched QuestionsHow does feed efficiency affect cattle health? What are the current trends in the beef market Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cattle Innovation Station Podcast 03:22 Improving Feed Efficiency in Cattle 07:24 Breeding for Organ Size and Health 10:23 Challenges in Breeding and Nutrition 11:53 Understanding Beef Imports and Market Dynamics 15:04 Consumer Preferences and Beef Pricing Trends 17:54 The Impact of Supply and Demand on Cattle Prices 20:52 Long-term Projections for the Cattle Industry 25:03 Political Influences on Beef Pricing 28:25 The Role of Packers in the Cattle Market 32:22 Building a Resilient Beef Industry 35:55 null (1).mp3 36:55 Feed back.mp3 37:31 riverside_paul_& baxter — take 19 _ jun 1, 2025 001_cattle_innovation s.wav

    38 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Have you ever been told you can't be profitable as cow calf producer? Stop and think, would you like to raise cattle for profit? And if you already do than would you like to be more profitable. If your answer to those questions was yes than this is the show for you. If you are a cow calf producer (seedstock or commercial) you will learn how to breed and raise good cattle and how to run your operation as a business. We will keep you current on beef cattle industry events, help you innovate your herd to turn a profit and, innovate the beef cattle industry so we can feed more people on less land.