CattleUSA Daily

Lauren Moylan | Cattle USA
  • 4.6 (14)
  • Daily News
  • Updated Daily

CattleUSA Daily delivers fast, factual insight into cattle markets, sale barn results, and beef industry trends across the U.S. Hosted by producers and professionals who live the business, each episode breaks down feeder and fat cattle prices, futures movement, packer demand, weather impacts, and export shifts shaping today’s beef economy. From ranch-level realities to national market drivers, CattleUSA Daily is the trusted source for livestock news, market analysis, and ag insight that helps producers make confident, informed decisions every day.

  1. 361: Why Canadian Cattle Matter More Than Most U.S. Producers Realize with Curtis Vander Heyden

    8h ago

    361: Why Canadian Cattle Matter More Than Most U.S. Producers Realize with Curtis Vander Heyden

    On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by Canadian cattle producer Curtis Vander Heyden for a conversation about the similarities—and important differences—between the U.S. and Canadian beef industries. While separated by a border, producers in both countries face many of the same challenges: rebuilding the cow herd, navigating volatile markets, managing drought, and producing high-quality beef for consumers around the world. Curtis shares insights into Canada's cattle industry, how cross-border trade strengthens North America's beef supply, and why collaboration between producers on both sides of the border is more important than ever. The conversation also explores consumer demand, Country of Origin Labeling, herd rebuilding, sustainability, and the future of beef production across North America. Links: Curtis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-vander-heyden-ab141326a/ Canadian Cattle Association: https://www.cattle.ca/ CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m ⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/ CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759 CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_share Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/ Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9g CattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/ Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/ Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco The Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/ Key Takeaways: The U.S. and Canadian beef industries are deeply connected through tradeProducers on both sides of the border face many of the same challengesCross-border cattle movement helps strengthen the North American beef supplyHerd rebuilding remains a slow process in both countriesConsumer demand continues driving optimism throughout the beef industryCountry of Origin Labeling remains an important topic for producers and consumersCanadian cattle producers are focused on efficiency, sustainability, and profitabilityBeef quality and food safety standards remain priorities across North AmericaTrade partnerships create opportunities for both U.S. and Canadian producersStrong collaboration benefits the entire North American beef industryThe future of beef depends on innovation, producer resilience, and consumer trustDespite different policies and production systems, producers share the same end goal Chapters: 00:00 Meet Curtis Vander Heyden and the Canadian cattle industry 03:15 Comparing Canadian and U.S. cattle production systems 07:10 Why cross-border cattle trade matters to both countries 11:30 Country of Origin Labeling and common misconceptions about Canadian beef 16:00 Herd rebuilding challenges north and south of the border 20:15 Consumer demand, exports, and the global reputation of North American beef 24:45 Sustainability, efficiency, and adapting to changing industry expectations 29:00 What U.S. and Canadian producers can learn from one another 33:15 The future of the North American beef industry Canadian cattle, Canadian beef, U.S. cattle industry, U.S. beef industry, North American beef, Canada cattle producers, American cattle producers, beef trade, cattle trade, cross-border cattle trade, Canadian ranching, Canadian ranchers, beef exports, beef imports, cattle markets, cattle industry, beef industry, herd rebuilding, cattle inventory, beef quality, food safety, cattle profitability, ranching in Canada, beef supply chain, cattle operations, agricultural policy, North American agriculture, livestock markets, beef exports, cattle podcast, agriculture podcast, Curtis Vander Heyden

    39 min
  2. 360: Before You Buy More Cows, Fix These 10 Things First

    1d ago

    360: Before You Buy More Cows, Fix These 10 Things First

    On today's episode of the podcast, Lauren breaks down one of the biggest misconceptions in the cattle business: that improving profitability always requires expansion. While adding more cows or more acres can grow an operation, the greatest return often comes from tightening the small inefficiencies already hiding within it. Lauren walks through a practical 10-point ranch efficiency audit, covering everything from feed management and hay waste to labor flow, grazing distribution, equipment utilization, and financial tracking. If you're looking to improve margins without dramatically changing your operation, this episode provides simple, actionable strategies that can have a lasting impact on your bottom line. Links: CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_shareFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9gCattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/ Key Takeaways: Small operational improvements often create the biggest financial gainsFeeding accuracy can significantly reduce unnecessary feed costsHay waste quietly drains thousands of dollars from many operationsUnproductive cows consume resources without generating adequate returnsShorter calving seasons improve efficiency and marketing consistencyBetter labor flow saves valuable time and reduces daily inefficienciesEquipment should earn its keep—not simply take up spaceProper grazing distribution maximizes forage production Chapters: 00:00 Why expansion isn't always the answer to higher profits 02:20 Feeding accuracy and the hidden cost of overfeeding 05:15 Reducing hay waste and improving feeding efficiency 08:30 Identifying unproductive cows that hurt profitability 11:45 Why tighter calving seasons improve the bottom line 14:45 Labor flow, daily routines, and saving valuable hours 17:45 Equipment ownership versus equipment profitability 20:30 Grazing distribution and making every acre work harder 23:45 The cost of delayed decisions and poor timing 26:30 Hay testing, mineral programs, and nutrition management 29:15 Building a simple system to track costs, margins, and profitability ranch management, ranch profitability, ranch efficiency, cattle operation, cattle business, beef industry, cattle producers, cow-calf operation, ranch audit, ranch efficiency audit, ranch profit, cattle profitability, operational efficiency, farm management, agricultural business, agricultural management, cost of production, break-even analysis, feed management, feeding accuracy, hay waste, hay feeding, hay testing, forage testing, cattle nutrition, mineral supplementation, cow productivity, culling decisions, calving season, calving management, weaning weights, labor efficiency, ranch labor, equipment management, machinery costs, equipment depreciation, grazing management, rotational grazing, pasture management, forage utilization, stocking rate, carrying capacity, financial management, ranch finances, business planning, cattle economics, livestock management, ranch sustainability, producer education, agriculture podcast, cattle podcast, beef cattle management

    8 min
  3. 359: The Dirty Secret About Who Really Controls the Cattle Market… Packers Exposed

    4d ago

    359: The Dirty Secret About Who Really Controls the Cattle Market… Packers Exposed

    On today's episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by cattle market analyst John Campbell for one of the most eye-opening conversations yet about who really controls today's cattle market. John breaks down Alternative Marketing Agreements (AMAs), how fed cattle are priced, why negotiated cash trade continues to shrink, and what many producers don't realize about Certified Angus Beef premiums. Drawing from his own recent feedyard closeouts, he explains how plant averages, carcass grids, and packer leverage impact producer profitability. The conversation also explores why so many feedyards participate in AMAs despite the frustrations, how market concentration has changed the industry, and what could happen if cattle numbers eventually begin to rebuild. Links CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/ CattleUSA App IOS:https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759 CattleUSA App Android:https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_share Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamedia Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/ Subscribe to our newsletter -https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9g CattleUSA Media -https://www.cattleusamedia.com/ Lauren's Instagram -https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/ Lauren's YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@Showboatmediaco The Next Generation Podcast Website -https://www.thenextgenag.com/ Key Takeaways How Alternative Marketing Agreements (AMAs) actually work Why many producers never receive the premiums their cattle earn The truth behind Certified Angus Beef qualifications How plant averages determine premiums and discounts Why negotiated cash trade has become such a small percentage of the market How packers have gained significant leverage over fed cattle pricing Why many feedyards feel they have no alternative but to participate in AMAs The risks producers face if cattle supplies eventually rebuild Why market concentration continues to be one of the biggest issues facing the cattle industry today What producers need to understand before marketing finished cattle Chapters 00:00 John returns to the podcast03:10 Current fed cattle and feeder cattle market update06:45 What is an Alternative Marketing Agreement (AMA)?10:15 The truth about Certified Angus Beef premiums15:45 How packers calculate premiums and discounts21:00 Why negotiated cash trade keeps shrinking26:30 Why producers still participate in AMAs31:40 Could today's cattle market structure survive herd rebuilding?37:15 Final thoughts on the future of cattle marketing Alternative Marketing Agreements, AMA cattle, cattle markets, fed cattle, feeder cattle, cattle pricing, packers, beef packers, negotiated cash trade, Certified Angus Beef, CAB premiums, cattle grids, carcass premiums, carcass pricing, cattle industry, beef industry, cattle marketing, fed cattle pricing, livestock markets, ranching, cattle producers, beef production, feedlots, independent cattle producers, cattle economics, John Campbell, CattleUSA Podcast, agriculture podcast

    38 min
  4. 358: Stretching Grass Isn't the Goal, Protecting Your Operation Is

    5d ago

    358: Stretching Grass Isn't the Goal, Protecting Your Operation Is

    When drought sets in, most producers aren't just trying to stretch grass, they're trying to stretch time. Time until the next rain, the next flush of growth, or the next opportunity to avoid making a difficult decision. In this episode, Lauren breaks down the practical strategies that actually help preserve pasture productivity during dry conditions and explains why many common drought management practices can end up doing more harm than good. From stocking rate and rotational grazing to supplementation, pasture recovery, and decision making, this episode focuses on protecting both this year's operation and next year's forage base. Links: CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_shareFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9gCattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/ Key Takeaways: Stocking rate is the foundation of every successful drought planEarly decisions preserve more options than delayed reactionsRest periods become even more important during drought conditionsOvergrazing today reduces forage production for future seasonsGrazing distribution can significantly improve pasture utilizationStrategic supplementation supports cattle but cannot replace grassProtect your most productive pastures for long-term recoveryDrought management requires prioritization, not perfection Chapters: 00:00 Why drought is really about managing time, not just grass 02:15 Stocking rate: the foundation of every grazing strategy 05:10 Why making early decisions always beats waiting 08:15 Rest periods, pasture recovery, and avoiding overgrazing 11:40 Improving grazing distribution with water and fencing 15:05 Supplementation: when it helps—and when it becomes expensive 18:30 Protecting your best ground during drought conditions 21:45 The myth of "just getting through" a drought 24:45 Building a ranch that's ready to recover when the rain returns drought management, drought strategies, cattle drought management, ranch drought planning, grazing management, rotational grazing, pasture management, forage management, pasture recovery, overgrazing, stocking rate, cow-calf operations, cattle producers, ranchers, beef cattle, beef industry, forage utilization, grass management, pasture health, grazing distribution, temporary fencing, water placement, cattle supplementation, hay feeding, drought nutrition, cattle condition, herd management, destocking, culling decisions, ranch profitability, ranch management, agricultural management, livestock management, carrying capacity, pasture resilience, drought recovery, regenerative grazing, sustainable ranching, forage production, livestock nutrition, cattle operation, ranch planning, drought preparedness, agriculture podcast, cattle podcast

    8 min
  5. 357: 7 Hidden Costs Quietly Killing Ranch Profit

    5d ago

    357: 7 Hidden Costs Quietly Killing Ranch Profit

    On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren dives into one of the most overlooked topics in the cattle business: the hidden costs that slowly erode profitability. While most producers closely monitor major expenses like feed, land, labor, and equipment, many of the biggest threats to long-term profitability come from small inefficiencies that often go unnoticed. Lauren breaks down seven common profit leaks found in cattle operations, including underperforming cows, poor time management, hay quality mismatches, equipment costs, grazing inefficiencies, delayed decision-making, and the importance of knowing your numbers. This episode is a practical reminder that improving profitability isn't always about finding more revenue—sometimes it's about identifying where money is quietly slipping away. Links: CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_shareFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9gCattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/ Key Takeaways: Underperforming cows can quietly reduce herd profitability year after yearSmall inefficiencies compound into significant financial losses over timeTime management is one of the most overlooked resources in ranchingHay testing helps eliminate costly nutrition guessworkEquipment ownership should be evaluated based on profitability, not convenienceGrazing distribution directly impacts forage utilization and carrying capacityDelayed decisions often create larger financial consequences down the roadUnderstanding production costs and break-even points is critical for successProfitability is often lost through small leaks rather than major mistakesAwareness and consistent adjustments drive long-term operational improvementData-driven management leads to stronger business decisionsRanch profitability requires both production and business management skills Chapters: 00:00 Why hidden costs matter more than most producers realize 02:05 The true cost of carrying "almost good enough" cows 04:30 How untracked time quietly drains profitability 07:15 Hay quality mismatches and nutrition mistakes 10:10 Equipment ownership versus equipment profitability 12:45 Grazing distribution and maximizing forage utilization 15:40 Why delayed decisions become expensive decisions 18:30 Understanding your numbers and finding profit leaks 21:00 Small changes that can improve ranch profitability ranch profitability, cattle operation profitability, ranch management, cattle business, beef industry, cow-calf operation, ranch economics, agricultural economics, farm management, cattle producers, ranchers, ranch efficiency, operational efficiency, profit leaks, hidden costs, cattle production, beef production, cost of production, break-even analysis, business management, ranch finances, cattle herd management, culling decisions, cow productivity, weaning weights, cattle nutrition, hay testing, forage quality, supplemental feeding, grazing management, rotational grazing, pasture management, forage utilization, carrying capacity, ranch labor efficiency, time management, agricultural leadership, ranch planning, farm profitability, equipment costs, machinery costs, cattle operation expenses

    7 min
  6. 356: Cash Cattle Hit New Highs While Risks Keep Building with Dan and Samantha

    6d ago

    356: Cash Cattle Hit New Highs While Risks Keep Building with Dan and Samantha

    Dan Gerhold and Samantha Cozza-Wright join Lauren once again today for a deep dive into the cattle market as prices continue pushing into uncharted territory. Cash cattle continue setting new highs, feeder cattle remain historically strong, and optimism remains widespread across much of the industry. But beneath the surface, questions are beginning to emerge about what comes next. Dan and Samantha discuss cash market strength, feeder cattle demand, basis levels, beef demand, imports, processing capacity, and the risks producers should be paying attention to as the industry moves through the second half of the year. They also examine the growing global appreciation for U.S. beef, why consumers continue supporting high beef prices, and how producers can position themselves for success while protecting against future market uncertainty. Links: CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_shareFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9gCattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/ Key Takeaways: Cash cattle continue finding support at historically high price levelsFeeder cattle futures have recovered significant ground following recent volatilityStrong beef demand remains one of the market's biggest bullish driversWide basis levels continue creating opportunities and challenges for producersVideo auction prices reflect continued confidence in future cattle marketsPacker capacity and plant closures remain important long-term concernsBeef imports continue increasing despite historically tight cattle inventoriesRisk management remains critical even during record-setting marketsExport opportunities could expand as more consumers discover U.S. beefProducer optimism remains high, but future market risks cannot be ignoredDeferred futures continue creating difficult hedging decisionsMarket fundamentals remain supportive, but uncertainty still exists beyond the near term Chapters: 06:00 Feeder cattle futures, basis levels, and video sale activity 10:00 The challenge of managing risk in a historically strong market 13:00 LRP opportunities and protecting fall cattle sales 16:00 Herd rebuilding, cow slaughter, and long-term supply concerns 20:00 Why foreign visitors are falling in love with American beef 23:00 Beef demand, exports, imports, and global market opportunities 26:00 Checkoff dollars, consumer perception, and industry promotion 30:00 Grain markets, feed costs, and outside market influences 33:00 The biggest risks facing cattle producers heading into 2026 36:00 What Dan and Samantha are watching most closely moving forward cattle market, cattle market update, cattle prices, record cattle prices, cash cattle market, cash cattle prices, feeder cattle market, feeder cattle futures, live cattle futures, feeder cattle index, beef demand, beef industry, cattle industry, cattle producers, ranchers, cow calf producers, cattle feeding, feedyard economics, cattle marketing, risk management, livestock risk protection, LRP insurance, cattle hedging, basis levels, video cattle sales, cattle cycle, herd rebuilding, heifer retention, cow slaughter, beef exports, beef imports, global beef demand, profitability, cattle market outlook, agriculture podcast, cattle podcast, Dan Gerhold, Samantha Cozza-Wright

    27 min
  7. 355: The Next 60 Days Could Make or Break This Year's Crop with Gary Lezack

    Jun 23

    355: The Next 60 Days Could Make or Break This Year's Crop with Gary Lezack

    On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by meteorologist Gary Lezak for a timely look at the weather patterns shaping the remainder of the growing season. As summer officially begins, producers across the country are seeing dramatically different conditions—from excessive rainfall and flooding concerns in parts of the Midwest to ongoing drought challenges in portions of Nebraska and Colorado. Gary breaks down why the next 60 days will be critical for crop development, what producers should watch during corn pollination, and where the greatest weather risks remain as we move deeper into summer. The conversation also covers heat waves, severe weather, long-range forecasting, and how shifting weather patterns could impact both crop and livestock producers in the months ahead. Links: Weather 20/20 Dashboard Discount⁠ - https://www.weather2020.com/partner/cattle-usaSubstack - https://weather2020.substack.com/The Global Predictor App ⁠- ⁠https://www.weather2020.com/global-predictor-mobile-appYoutube⁠ -https://www.youtube.com/@Weather2020Follow Gary on X ⁠- https://x.com/glezak CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9gCattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/ Key Takeaways: The next 60 days will play a major role in determining final crop yieldsCorn pollination season is one of the most weather-sensitive periods of the yearParts of the Corn Belt are entering summer with excellent soil moisture conditionsDrought concerns continue across portions of Colorado and western NebraskaExcessive rainfall has created both opportunities and challenges in some regionsA July heat wave remains a possibility across portions of the PlainsSevere weather risks will continue before gradually tapering off later this summerWeather conditions can shift quickly from too wet to too dry during the growing seasonThe LRC model continues to point toward regional differences in temperature and rainfallLivestock and crop producers alike should closely monitor weather trends through August Chapters: 00:00 Summer officially arrives across cattle country 03:00 Rainfall totals and drought conditions across the Midwest 07:00 Why the next 60 days are so important for crop yields 10:00 Corn pollination and weather-related production risks 13:00 Heat wave potential heading into July 16:00 Severe weather, tornado season, and regional outlooks 19:00 Long-range forecasting and what producers should watch next Gary Lezak, Weather 2020, weather forecast, agriculture weather, farm weather, ranch weather, crop yields, corn pollination, corn production, soybean production, Midwest weather, Corn Belt weather, summer weather outlook, drought conditions, drought monitor, rainfall forecast, severe weather, tornado season, heat wave forecast, July weather outlook, agricultural forecasting, long-range weather forecast, LRC model, weather patterns, crop conditions, soil moisture, farming outlook, cattle country weather, livestock weather, hay production, forage conditions, pasture management, grazing conditions, crop stress, weather risk management, agriculture markets, corn belt forecast, Nebraska drought, Colorado drought, Kansas weather, Iowa weather, Missouri weather, Illinois weather, flood concerns, excessive rainfall, weather trends, agricultural producers, cattle producers, farmers, ranchers, agriculture podcast, cattle podcast.

    18 min
  8. 354: Why It's Harder Than Ever to Get Started in the Cattle Business with Dr. Jennifer Hammack

    Jun 19

    354: Why It's Harder Than Ever to Get Started in the Cattle Business with Dr. Jennifer Hammack

    On today’s episode of the podcast, Lauren is joined by Dr. Jennifer Hammack, agriculture instructor at Western Oklahoma State College and lifelong cattle producer, for a conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing today's beef industry. From growing up on one of the largest ranches in Texas to building her own cow-calf operation from the ground up, Jennifer shares her perspective on genetics, herd rebuilding, land ownership, technology, and the future of agriculture. The discussion dives into why it has become increasingly difficult for young producers to enter the cattle business, how rising land prices and competing land uses are reshaping rural America, and what today's producers can do to position themselves for long-term success. Jennifer also offers valuable insight into educating the next generation and why she remains optimistic about the future of the cattle industry despite the challenges ahead. Links: Western Oklahoma State College - https://www.wosc.edu/ WOSC Ag - https://www.wosc.edu/index.php?page=agriculture2#agabout Dr. Jennifer Hammack - https://www.wosc.edu/index.php?page=jennifer-hammack CattleUSA Insurance - https://info.cattleusainsurance.com/l/1102253/2025-06-04/288f5m⁠CattleUSA Website - https://www.cattleusa.com/CattleUSA App IOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/cattleusa/id1673147759CattleUSA App Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.edgarmcbee.cusamobile&pcampaignid=web_shareFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/cattleusamediaInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/cattleusa.media/Subscribe to our newsletter - https://www.cattleusa.shop/products/cattleusa-drive-premium-daily-newsletter?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&brid=YWdncwFNXt0EmdzFy5cJJBp84J9gCattleUSA Media - https://www.cattleusamedia.com/Lauren’s Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/_laurenmoylan/Lauren’s Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@ShowboatmediacoThe Next Generation Podcast Website - https://www.thenextgenag.com/ Key Takeaways: Building a cattle operation takes more time and capital than ever beforeRising land prices continue creating barriers for young producersData centers and competing land uses are changing rural communitiesGenetics and EPDs remain valuable tools for improving herd performanceHerd rebuilding remains difficult despite historically strong cattle pricesTechnology adoption continues to reshape cattle productionBusiness management skills are just as important as production knowledgeThe next generation of producers remains eager to learn and get involvedCommunity colleges play an important role in agricultural educationExperience, patience, and long-term planning are critical for successDrought and weather cycles continue influencing expansion decisionsThe future of the cattle industry depends on bringing new people into agriculture Chapters: 00:00 Growing up on one of Texas' largest ranches 06:00 How the cattle industry has changed over the last decade 09:00 Genetics, EPDs, and improving commercial cattle herds 13:00 Technology's growing role in cattle production 15:00 Educating and inspiring the next generation of agriculture 19:00 Data centers, land prices, and rural America 23:00 Herd rebuilding and heifer retention challenges 29:00 What the future holds for the cattle industry 32:00 Advice for young producers trying to get started Dr. Jennifer Hammack, Western Oklahoma State College, cattle industry, beef industry, cattle producers, ranching, ranch management, young ranchers, beginning farmers, beginning ranchers, next generation agriculture, agricultural education, animal science, beef cattle genetics, EPDs, expected progeny differences, herd rebuilding, heifer retention, cow-calf operations, commercial cattle, Angus cattle, cattle production, cattle technology, precision agriculture, agricultural technology, ranch succession, land ownership, ranch land, rural America, data centers

    33 min
See All (363)

4.6
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

CattleUSA Daily delivers fast, factual insight into cattle markets, sale barn results, and beef industry trends across the U.S. Hosted by producers and professionals who live the business, each episode breaks down feeder and fat cattle prices, futures movement, packer demand, weather impacts, and export shifts shaping today’s beef economy. From ranch-level realities to national market drivers, CattleUSA Daily is the trusted source for livestock news, market analysis, and ag insight that helps producers make confident, informed decisions every day.

Information

  • Creator
    Lauren Moylan | Cattle USA
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    363
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Lauren Moylan | Cattle USA
  • Show Website
    CattleUSA Daily

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