The Future of Beef Show

Jim Johnson, Jessica Sperber & Ian Wheal

The Future of Beef Show is THE place to connect with the people and ideas shaping the future of the cattle industry. Hey, folks! I’m Jim Johnson from the Bra...

  1. E1: Connected Beef with Lamar Steiger

    Episode 2

    E1: Connected Beef with Lamar Steiger

    Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Future of Beef podcast! In this episode, host Jim Johnson, along with co-hosts Dr. Jessica Sperber and Ian Wheal, sits down with Lamar Steiger, owner of 808 Ranch and founder of Ranch to Retail, to explore how the beef industry is evolving through supply chain collaboration, data-driven management, and stronger producer partnerships. Lamar shares his experience working with Walmart’s Prime Pursuits program to create a more transparent and connected beef supply chain. From tales of growing up on his family's ranch to leading large-scale supply chain innovations, Lamar discusses how producers can benefit from working together instead of staying isolated. We also dive into key challenges like inconsistency in cattle quality, the role of digital technology, and the power of communication between producers, feed yards, and retailers. What You'll Learn in This Episode: -Why data sharing and transparency are essential for modern beef production -How Lamar helped Walmart create a connected beef supply chain -How to improve consistency and performance with the right partnerships -The critical role of consumer trust and how producers can meet those expectations -Why "we jump from one thing to another like a junior high girl in fashion" needs to change   Key Quotes "We're fiercely independent. We jump, like, we jump from one thing to another like a junior high girl in fashion." – Lamar Steiger "In God we trust. Everyone else, bring data." – Ian Wheal "Grocers want to look the consumer in the eye and truthfully say they know where that beef came from." – Lamar Steiger   Links Here are key resources to help you learn more about what was discussed in this episode: Check out our Website - ⁠www.thefutureofbeef.com⁠ Connect with Drovers: ⁠www.drovers.com Explore the Breedr App:⁠ www.breedr.co⁠ The 808 ranch: ⁠www.the808ranch.com⁠ Learn more about Prime Pursuits: ⁠www.primepursuits.com

    1h 28m
  2. E4: Genomics with Nick Jorgensen

    Episode 5

    E4: Genomics with Nick Jorgensen

    Welcome to the fourth episode of The Future of Beef Show: Genomics with Nick Jorgensen.   In this episode, host Jim Johnson, alongside co-hosts Dr. Jessica Sperber and Ian Wheal, sits down with Nick Jorgensen, CEO and CFO of Jorgensen Land & Cattle, to explore how genomics and cutting-edge data tools are shaping the future of sustainable beef production.   Nick shares how his family operation has evolved into one of the most innovative beef and seedstock producers in the U.S., leveraging soil health, genetic selection, and business diversification to stay resilient and profitable. As always, you’ll find additional resources and tools at TheFutureofBeef.com, including a 6-month free trial of the award-winning Breedr app.   What you will learn in this episode: 1️⃣ How genomics can enhance profitability and environmental sustainability. 2️⃣ Why data, genetics, and long-term thinking are essential for ranch success. 3️⃣ Lessons from one of America’s most progressive multi-generational ranch operations.   Links: 🌐 Visit the show page at www.thefutureofbeef.com 🐂 Learn more about Jorgensen Land & Cattle at www.jorgensenfarms.com 📱 Explore the award-winning Breedr App at www.breedr.co 💻 Connect with Drovers: ⁠www.drovers.com

    1h 14m
  3. E5: Succession with Alan Hojer

    Episode 7

    E5: Succession with Alan Hojer

    Welcome to the fifth episode of The Future of Beef Show: Succession with Alan Hojer.   In this episode, host Jim Johnson, alongside co-hosts Dr. Jessica Sperber and Ian Wheal, sits down with Alan Hojer—succession expert and advocate for legacy ranching families—to explore one of the most emotional and vital topics in the beef industry: succession planning.   Alan brings over a decade of hands-on experience helping agricultural families navigate the complexities of generational transition. From guiding honest conversations over coffee to building long-term, values-based succession plans, Alan emphasizes that true legacy is not just about assets—but about giving the gift of knowledge, clarity, and time.   As always, you’ll find additional resources and tools at TheFutureofBeef.com, including a 6-month free trial of the award-winning Breedr app.   What you will learn in this episode: 1️⃣ Why successful succession is more about communication than contracts. 2️⃣ How early planning and transparency preserve both business and family bonds. 3️⃣ Real-world advice on navigating emotions, expectations, and leadership transitions.   Links: 🌐 Visit the show page at www.thefutureofbeef.com 🐂 Learn more about Alan’s mission to “Keep Farmers Farming” 📱 Explore the award-winning Breedr App at www.breedr.co 💻 Connect with Drovers: ⁠www.drovers.com

    1h 7m
  4. E8: Calf Health with Dr Taylor Engle

    Episode 10

    E8: Calf Health with Dr Taylor Engle

    Welcome to the 8th episode of The Future of Beef Show: Connected Calf Health with Dr. Taylor Engle. What if the best way to raise healthier, better-performing calves didn’t start with treatments, but with trust—trust in your environment, your protocols, and your team? In this forward-looking conversation, we’re joined by Dr. Taylor Engle of Four Star Veterinary Services to explore how producers can improve calf health outcomes by rethinking everything from birth to bunk. Dr. Engle draws on her unique background across swine, poultry, and beef production systems to break down calf health into manageable, practical steps. From pre-birth cow care to the critical first 60 days of a calf’s life, she reveals why environment and communication are just as important as vaccines—and why treating symptoms without context often does more harm than good. Whether you’re managing beef-on-dairy calves across multiple phases or fine-tuning your cow-calf operation, this episode is full of real-world advice and refreshing honesty. It’s a masterclass in proactive, connected care. What You’ll Learn: Why calf health starts before birth and how maternal conditioning impacts outcomes How environment and management shape lifetime performance more than genetics alone Practical strategies for beef-on-dairy systems and high-touch calf care When and how to use antibiotics and vaccines—judiciously The power of cross-sector communication in building trust and market value Links: 🌐 Visit the show page at www.futureofbeef.com 🔬 Learn more about Dr. Taylor Engle’s Four Star Veterinary Services at www.4starvets.com 📱 Explore the award-winning Breedr App at www.breedr.co 💻 Connect with Drovers: www.drovers.com To explore more success stories, get early access to tools, and claim your free Breedr trial, head over to www.futureofbeef.com. Better calf health starts with better connection—and it starts here.

    1h 15m
  5. E10: Feedlot Health with Dr Dan Thomson

    Episode 12

    E10: Feedlot Health with Dr Dan Thomson

    Welcome to the 10th episode of The Future of Beef Show: Feedyard Health with Dr. Dan Thomson. From the feedlot pen to the packer line, every decision made around cattle health ripples through performance, profitability, and public trust. In this foundational episode, Dr. Dan Thomson—a PhD nutritionist, DVM, and managing partner at PAC—joins Jim Johnson, Dr. Jessica Sperber, and Ian Wheal to map the entire lifecycle of animal health and welfare in modern beef systems. With decades of feedlot consultation experience and influence on industry standards from McDonald’s to Cactus Feeders, Dr. Dan shares what it really takes to build a connected, resilient health system: early data capture, strong veterinary relationships, consistent animal handling, and a shift from reactive treatments to proactive management. From vaccine timing and calf colostrum to labor shortages and AI-driven health tags, this episode connects dots across cow-calf, backgrounding, and feedyard stages in ways few others can. What You’ll Learn: How feedyards can reduce death loss with early detection and low-tech fixes Why trust and acclimation are essential to spotting disease before it’s too late The truth about antibiotic stewardship—and how to manage use without sacrificing care How technology (from wearable tags to AI) enhances, not replaces, human expertise What “whole lifecycle” animal health really means—and how it pays off Links: 🌐 Visit the show page at www.futureofbeef.com 🐄 Learn more about PAC at www.pacdvms.com 📱 Explore the award-winning Breedr App at www.breedr.co 💻 Connect with Drovers: www.drovers.com For more stories about advancing animal health, diagnostics, and sustainability across the beef supply chain, visit www.futureofbeef.com.

    1h 16m
  6. 12. Ranching Advocacy with Tucker Brown

    Episode 13

    12. Ranching Advocacy with Tucker Brown

    12. Ranching Advocacy with Tucker Brown 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 ranchers - How Tucker uses storytelling to connect with consumers and urban audiences - The role of humor and authenticity in building trust - Ways producers can amplify their own voices to support the beef industry - Why transparency and openness are powerful tools for ranching’s future   Links: Future of Beef Show: www.futureofbeef.com Follow us on Facebook - Instagram - TikTok Connect with Tucker Brown: instagram.com/tuckerbrownrab/  Learn more about R.A. Brown Ranch: https://www.rabrownranch.com/ Breedr: www.breedr.co Farm Journal: www.farmjournal.com Corteva Agriscience: www.rangeandpasture.com

    1h 9m
  7. 13. Beef on Dairy with Lorna Marshall

    Episode 13

    13. 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
See All Season 1 (7)

About

The Future of Beef Show is THE place to connect with the people and ideas shaping the future of the cattle industry. Hey, folks! I’m Jim Johnson from the Bra...

Information

  • Creator
    Jim Johnson, Jessica Sperber & Ian Wheal
  • Episodes
    23
  • Seasons
    1
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Future of Beef Show

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