The Angus Conversation

an Angus Journal podcast
  • 4.5 (35)
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There are some pasture chats or bull sale discussions that are just too good to keep to ourselves. In this Angus Journal podcast, we’ll bring you interesting and entertaining chats with fellow breeders, researchers, marketers and more. Keep up on all things Angus. Be part of the conversation.

  1. DEC 16

    From One Dream Job to the Next — Worthington on Serving Customers, Building Demand

    When Josh Worthington was driving up and down the highway, working with Angus breeders across the state, he couldn’t imagine a better job than executive director of the Missouri Angus Association. But then he and his wife, Corry, started raising their family, and he knew he needed a job that kept him at home more often. Worthington Angus was born and quickly grew to include two production sales a year. Today, he’s focused on helping his customers market their calves, whether that’s by providing genetics that will be in demand by the ultimate consumer or by offering an outlet for bred females. This conversation covers everything from Josh’s journey to the Angus breed and mentors along the way to how he defines balance in his breeding program and who does chores on Christmas.   HOSTS: Miranda Reiman and Mark McCully   GUEST: Josh Worthington  Josh Worthington is a first-generation Angus breeder who calls Dadeville, Mo., home. Josh runs Worthington Angus with his wife and childhood sweetheart, Corry, and three sons, Wriston, Grayson and Corbin. They started the operation in 2005 and now breed around 350 females and transfer upwards of 400 embryos annually. He was recently named the American Angus Association 2025 Young Breeder of the Year.   RELATED CONTENT: Worthington Named Angus Young Breeder of the Year SPONSORS:   As you plan your spring production sale, Superior Purebred Auctions has cut broadcast rates in half with a new $3,000 flat rate fee, making it easier than ever to showcase your genetics nationwide. Backed by Superior Livestock Auction, your sale reaches the largest commercial cattle buyer and seller base in the country. Visit SuperiorLivestock.com to learn more.     Your bull is worth the hype. With the Angus Bull Book: Spring 2026 Angus Sire Directory, your customers will know it, too. The Angus Bull Book will be mailed along with the March Angus Journal, reaching 27,500 readers. It will also be published online through Pasture to Publish, with live EPDs updated weekly. Give your bull the attention he deserves. Secure your advertising spot today. Contact your regional manager or Rachel Hunter at 816-383-5226.  Don't miss news in the Angus breed. Visit www.AngusJournal.net and subscribe to the AJ Daily e-newsletter and our monthly magazine, the Angus Journal.

    1h 11m

  2. DEC 3

    Safe to Fail vs. Jumping in with Both Feet — Barb Downey Shares Approach to Business, Breeding and Life

    The balance between applying the gas pedal and the brake — that’s what Barb Downey has spent her career as an Angus breeder perfecting. She and her family ranch near Manhattan, Kan., where they work hard each year to make their “built for the long haul” tagline true. The cattle they breed have to last, and their business plans ensure their ranch will, too. Downey talks about her “safe to fail” approach to innovation, why being replaceable is a good thing and the key to being a good business partner.   HOSTS: Miranda Reiman and Mark McCully GUEST: Barb Downey Barb Downey and her husband, Joe Carpenter, manage a family Angus seedstock operation near Manhattan, Kan. A graduate of Kansas State University, Barb has served as president of the Kansas Livestock Association and president of the Kansas Angus Association. At Downey Ranch Inc., they focus on using science-based tools, conserving their resources and leading their customers toward meeting the beef demand of the future. They are founding members of U.S. Premium Beef, 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award Winners and were named Beef Improvement Federation’s Commercial Producer of the Year in 2010. RELATED CONTENT: The Symphony's Final Note Fire: An Ally to Flint Hills Ranchers SPONSOR: Join Cardinal Cattle Company on Dec. 13, in Wyoming, Ill., for their annual Program Female Sale. At Cardinal, the emphasis is always on all-around quality, longevity and balance. They’ll offer 105 premium bred females at their all-new sale facility. Learn more at cardinalcattlecompany.com  Don't miss news in the Angus breed. Visit www.AngusJournal.net and subscribe to the AJ Daily e-newsletter and our monthly magazine, the Angus Journal.

    1h 9m

  3. NOV 18

    Those Who Gave Them a Chance — McCaleb, Williams on Starting Out in the Angus Business

    What starts as a dream takes both capital and creativity, paired with a strong dose of hard work, to make it a reality. Sometimes the extra “umph” is someone else who helps along the way. For both Calli Williams, Mitchell, S.D., and Jake McCaleb, Gordonsville, Tenn., they had a passion for the Angus business that industry veterans helped them cultivate. Hear how these producers in opposite parts of the country started small, what they’ve done to grow their business, how they learned the ropes and what they found they could do without until the timing was right. Whether you’re a longtime breeder or just beginning, this episode is full of inspiration on how to offer help to the next generation or how to get started on your journey. HOSTS: Miranda Reiman and Mark McCully  GUESTS: Calli Williams and Jake McCaleb Calli Williams and her husband, Tate, are first-generation Angus breeders from Mitchell, S.D. They operate TW Angus, where they sell bulls and run a direct-to-consumer beef business. Calli also works remotely for an ag-based company, balancing her off-farm career with ranch life. Calli and Tate are raising their two young boys, who enjoy helping on the ranch.   Jake McCaleb, Gordonsville, Tenn., bought his first Angus cow in 2012 and started McCaleb Bros. Angus, which he hopes to pass on to his sons one day. He currently serves as vice president of the Upper Cumberland Angus Association and is a fleet manager for his family’s trucking business.   RELATED CONTENT: A Ring and a Ranch Loan SPONSOR: A good sale book can make or break a sale. Pasture to PublishSM gives you control, and access to Angus Media’s exclusive mailing list, global search features, sale book requests, live EPDs and lot QR codes.  Upgrade your experience with Pasture to Publish today.  Create your free account by visiting www.pasturetopublish.com. Reach the right audience, every time. With Angus Media’s Pasture to Publish, our online sale book portal, you can use a customized mailing list to put your genetics in front of targeted customers. We'll give you real-time analytics to ensure your marketing plan is driving people to your offering. It’s a program designed with you in mind; call 816-383-5200 today to get started.  Don't miss news in the Angus breed. Visit www.AngusJournal.net and subscribe to the AJ Daily e-newsletter and our monthly magazine, the Angus Journal.

    1h 11m

  4. NOV 4

    ‘The Party’s Over’ — How Randy Daniel Got His Start and Built His Angus Legacy

    From his early years growing up as “Dr. Dan’s son” to paving his own way in the cattle business, Randy Daniel, Colbert, Ga., has always had a keen eye for cattle. Combining that with Angus tools, he grew his cow herd and his reputation in the business — and he shares many solid bits of wisdom from that growth in this episode. A long sought-after judge, Daniel has been all across the globe evaluating cattle and gives some insight on the show ring today. This conversation covers everything from raising kids in the Angus breed to looking back on a successful career. HOSTS: Miranda Reiman and Mark McCully GUEST: Randy Daniel, Colbert, Ga., grew up in the cattle business, active in the National Junior Angus Association and learning from his dad, Dan Daniel, who was a well-respected animal scientist. He attended the University of Georgia, met his wife, Beth, after graduation, and together they grew the Partisover Ranch from the ground up. Early on they made a purchase from Spur Ranch, which included the Burgess cow that most of their genetics still trace back to today. Daniel has judged cattle shows across the United States and globally, and he has a heart for sharing his industry knowledge and mentoring the next generation. Daniel and Beth raised their two children in the Angus business and now enjoy time with their grandchildren. RELATED CONTENT:  Securing the Next Generation   Survival Skills SPONSOR: This episode is brought to you by Deer Valley Farms, where for more than 20 years, they've focused on the form and function needed to improve the bottom line. Join them on Saturday, Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. in Fayetteville, Tenn., for their 19th annual production sale. Check out what they have to offer, including 128 females and 136 18-month-old bulls.   Don't miss news in the Angus breed. Visit www.AngusJournal.net and subscribe to the AJ Daily e-newsletter and our monthly magazine, the Angus Journal.

    55 min

  5. NOV 3

    The Angus Advantage: Discussing the Market, Research and What's Important to Breeders

    In this bonus episode, new American Angus Association president Jim Brinkley joins fellow Board members Darrell Stevenson and Ron Hinrichsen to recap Angus Convention, what they learned and the conversations had among Angus breeders in Kansas City. The 142nd Annual Convention of Delegates concluded the weekend of education, fellowship and celebration. The group shares updates about newly elected leadership, strategic plans and what’s ahead. HOST: Mark McCully  GUESTS: Jim Brinkley, 2026 president and chairman, has served on the American Angus Association Board of Directors for the past seven years. Along with their children, Crystal and Justin, Brinkley and his wife, Sherry, own 1,300 acres and 400 registered Angus cattle at Brinkley Angus Ranch (BAR) near Milan, Mo. Darrell Stevenson, 2026 vice president and vice chairman of the American Angus Association Board and native of White Sulphur Spring, Mont., holds strong ties to the Angus breed and a history of activity in the Montana Angus Association. In 2019 Stevenson and his wife, Sara, expanded from Hobson onto a new unit in White Sulphur Springs to establish a later-calving herd operating as Stevenson Down T. Although separated by a mountain range, Darrell continues to breed and market genetics with Stevenson Angus Ranch. Ron Hinrichsen, director on the American Angus Association Board, has been involved in multiple sectors of the beef cattle industry throughout his professional career and is a third-generation Angus breeder. Ron and his wife, Lynne, established R&L Angus/Hinrichsen Ranch in the Flint Hills of Kansas near Westmoreland, upon graduating from Kansas State University. While raising high-quality cattle, Ron and his wife, Lynne, have two children — Cale and Eva. Along with the cattle operation, Ron's professional career started in semen sales and later moved into animal health sales. RELATED READING: President's Letter Angus Genetics Inc. research projects American Angus Association Annual Report   Don't miss news in the Angus breed. Visit www.AngusJournal.net and subscribe to the AJ Daily e-newsletter and our monthly magazine, the Angus Journal.

    40 min

  6. OCT 21

    Transforming the Beef Industry: Gary Smith on Asking the Right Questions and Solving Problems

    HOSTS: Mark McCully and John Stika GUEST: Gary Smith Gary Smith had no plans to become a meat scientist. In this episode, Smith shares how he found his path in the industry to dedicating more than six decades helping transform the beef industry through research, education and mentoring. He highlights how far the industry has come, including the development of vacuum packaging and the important work of the National Beef Quality Audit helping shape today’s quality-focused beef industry. Smith also provides some insights on the future and the importance of delivering a consistent, quality eating experience for consumers. GUEST: Oklahoma native Gary Smith, with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural education and a master’s in animal breeding, was tapped to fill a vacant meat science professor position at Texas A&M University where he completed a doctoral degree in meat science. Smith was at the forefront of industry-changing research, including studies on beef palatability, food safety, product packaging, beef shelf life, transoceanic shipment of meat, and food safety, including mitigation of E. Coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Listeria in packing plants. He has been an advocate of value-based marketing and worked to keep ranchers profitable. Alongside a team of researchers from Texas A&M and Colorado State University, Smith pioneered the National Beef Quality Audit. Other notable industry research projects include the International Beef Quality Audit, National Consumer Retail Beef Study and exploring USDA beef quality and yield grade standards. RELATED CONTENT: Purpose Follows Passion SPONSOR: Ingram Angus is committed to producing high-quality, proven genetics that perform for real-world cattle producers. You’re invited to their Annual Production Sale on Friday, Nov. 7, on the farm in Pulaski, Tenn. For more information on some of the breed’s most proven cow families, visit ingramangus.com.  Don't miss news in the Angus breed. Visit www.AngusJournal.net and subscribe to the AJ Daily e-newsletter and our monthly magazine, the Angus Journal.

    1h 10m

  7. OCT 7

    James Coffey: ‘Customer First’ Mentality Wins in Business and Breeding

    HOSTS: Miranda Reiman and Mark McCully   GUESTS: James Coffey James Coffey’s granddad discouraged him from returning to the farm. But he did it anyway. This episode covers Coffey’s path from business owner back to the Hustonville, Ky., farm, and details his No. 1 focus: the commercial customer. Knowing their needs turned into a large customer buyback program, which is an additional source of both revenue and data for Branch View Angus. Coffey covers how the tobacco industry shaped the cattle business in recent decades, lessons from his outside business that he can apply to his Angus operation and how he views progress.  GUESTS: James Coffey is a fifth-generation Angus breeder raised on the family’s cattle and tobacco farm, Branch View Angus, near Hustonville, Ky. Coffey has spent his life working alongside his father and grandfather helping with the cattle, and previously the tobacco operation. After graduating from the University of Kentucky with a bachelor’s degree in accounting, James worked for Coopers and Lybrand, Louisville, Ky., a Big Six accounting firm. With a desire to be closer to the farm, he joined Kerbaugh and Rodes, CPAs, Danville, Ky., and finished his CPA certification. In 1993 he purchased Pitman Creek Wholesale (PCW), a sporting goods distribution company. While expanding PCW, James set out to grow the family Angus operation. Since 2011 the family has hosted the largest annual Angus sale in Kentucky, one of the largest sales in the east. James and his wife, LuAnn, have a son, David Reid, who is the sixth generation to grow up on the farm. James also has two sons, Addison and Bennett.  RELATED CONTENT:    Cornerstone Cattle   MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Looking for your next influential sire? The Angus Bull Book: 2025 Angus Sire Directory is your resource for some of the top genetics in the breed.   View this inaugural sire directory for updated EPDs as you make breeding and semen purchasing decisions at www.angus.to/angusbullbook02025api.   Don't miss news in the Angus breed. Visit www.AngusJournal.net and subscribe to the AJ Daily e-newsletter and our monthly magazine, the Angus Journal.

    1h 9m

  8. SEP 23

    Always Improving: How Optimism, Connections, Faith and Family Shape Varilek Angus Ranch

    HOSTS: Miranda Reiman and Mark McCully  GUESTS: Mick and Ross Varilek Varilek Angus Ranch was Angus when Angus wasn’t the norm.  After a rough dehorning experience, Elvern Varilek turned to the breed in the 1940s, and the family has never looked back. Mick Varilek returned to the ranch after graduating from South Dakota State University, with his new bride, Lynn, and they raised three children alongside the Angus cattle. Now their son Ross and his family have done the same. They are gearing up to host their 74th annual Angus production sale this spring, but for all the heritage their southeast South Dakota ranch holds, it’s also a place of innovation. The Varileks have embraced new technologies like DNA testing, ultrasound, and video sales to improve their herd and reach more customers. Listen to this episode to find out why they do what they do, how their involvement in the local rodeo scene has helped shape their business and their thoughts on the future. GUESTS: Mick Varilek is a lifelong Angus breeder and rancher from Geddes, S.D. Varilek Angus consists of 500 registered Angus females, 4,000 acres of native pasture and 1,000 acres of grass hay, irrigated alfalfa and cropland. The ranch markets 175 registered Angus bulls and 30 registered females to commercial and seedstock producers each February. His son Ross returned after graduating from South Dakota State University, and he and his wife are raising their family on the ranch.  Don't miss news in the Angus breed. Visit www.AngusJournal.net and subscribe to the AJ Daily e-newsletter and our monthly magazine, the Angus Journal.

    53 min
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About

There are some pasture chats or bull sale discussions that are just too good to keep to ourselves. In this Angus Journal podcast, we’ll bring you interesting and entertaining chats with fellow breeders, researchers, marketers and more. Keep up on all things Angus. Be part of the conversation.

Information

  • Creator
    an Angus Journal podcast
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    89
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 The Angus Conversation
  • Show Website
    The Angus Conversation

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