Casual Cattle Conversations

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Casual Cattle Conversations is the podcast for beef cattle producers and ranchers to explore new ideas and hear stories that will help them improve their current management practices. Shaye Koester - Wanner connects listeners to other cattle producers and beef industry experts to discover what management practices, industry trends, current events and inspiring stories are impacting today’s beef cattle industry.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Finding the Best Tags for Your Cattle

    On today’s episode of the Casual Cattle Conversation, Shaye welcomes Brittany Kelsey, a Missouri-raised cattle industry professional, wife, and mom who leads a remote team at CattleTags.com. They discuss why a solid animal identification system is the foundation for effective herd management, accurate record keeping, and improved profitability. Brittany covers how to choose the right tag by animal and purpose (large/calf tags vs. maxi and super maxi for mature cattle), color-coding strategies, and the advantages of Allflex laser-engraved, inked tags for lifelong readability versus marker-written tags that fade. They also discuss layout options (phone number, brand, birth date, sire info), one-piece vs. two-piece tag preferences and retention, and how to build practical management code/numbering systems that are easy to interpret and avoid duplicates—especially when retaining heifers. The conversation explores EID benefits including reducing human error, USDA compliance considerations in some states and markets, common misconceptions about what EIDs store, and matched EID/visual tag sets and TSU DNA sampling workflows. Brittany explains what to consider when purchasing EID readers, including desired data capture features, barcode scanning for DNA samples, ISO low-frequency compatibility, and avoiding proprietary systems. The episode highlights cattletags.com’s producer support, including help designing systems, creating spreadsheets for random numbers and EID imports into software like CattleMax, and proactive order checks, and closes with a takeaway that animal ID is about building a management foundation beyond tags or compliance.  Learn more about CattleTags here: https://bit.ly/3Lf8yE3  Catch more conversations like this one and learn more at https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/  00:00 Welcome to Casual Cattle Conversations + Today’s Guest Brittany Kelsey  01:33 Why Animal ID Systems Matter: Records, Management & Profitability  03:09 Choosing the Right Ear Tag: Size, Color & Readability in the Field  04:45 Laser Engraved vs Marker Tags + Custom Layout Options  06:53 One-Piece vs Two-Piece Tags: What Retains Best?  08:21 Building a Numbering/Management Code System (and Avoiding Duplicates)  12:33 Maxi Tags for Replacement Heifers: Longevity & Labor Savings  14:22 EID Tags 101: Benefits, Compliance & Common Misconceptions  16:34 Matched Sets + DNA/TSU Sampling: Keeping IDs Connected  17:55 Picking an EID Reader: Features, Compatibility & ISO Standards  20:25 Why Producers Choose CattleTags.com: Ranchers Helping Ranchers  22:20 Key Takeaway + Wrap-Up, Links, and How to Support the Podcast

    24 min

  2. 9 FEB

    Tips for Uniform Calf Crops

    In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye speaks with Dr. Emma Briggs about the significance of calf uniformity in the beef industry. Dr. Briggs, a faculty supervisor at Kansas State University Ag Research Center, dives deep into strategies for achieving uniform calf crops, discussing elements like calving windows, genetic selection, reproductive strategies, and management practices. The episode provides practical insights into how producers can enhance calf uniformity to improve overall herd management and productivity.   Links & Resources Learn more about CattleTags here: https://www.cattletags.com/   Sign up for the Profit Foundations for Ranchers here: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/profit-foundations-for-ranchers   Learn more about the Ranch Channel here: https://bit.ly/ranchchannel   Catch more conversations like this one and learn more at https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/    00:00 Introduction to Casual Cattle Conversations 00:40 Guest Introduction: Dr. Emma Briggs 02:25 Understanding Calf Uniformity 07:52 Genetic Selection for Uniformity 10:58 Management Strategies for Uniform Calf Crops 12:52 Final Thoughts and Resources

    18 min

  3. 2 FEB

    Risk Management Ideas for Ranchers

    In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye talks with Dr. Josh Maples about price risk management strategies for cattle producers. Dr. Maples discusses the importance of understanding risk tolerance and the various tools available to manage price risk, such as futures and options, and livestock risk protection (LRP). The conversation emphasizes the need for cattle producers to plan proactively rather than reactively. Topics include the financial and mental aspects of risk management, the role of diversification, and common mistakes producers make. Dr. Maples also shares useful resources for further information.   Links & Resources   Learn more about Ranching.com at https://bit.ly/3LMAizU   Sign up for the Profit Foundations for Ranchers here: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/profit-foundations-for-ranchers   Learn more about the Ranch Channel here: https://bit.ly/ranchchannel   Catch more conversations like this one and learn more at https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/   00:44 Meet Dr. Josh Maples 02:26 Importance of Risk Management 04:58 Financial Considerations for Risk Management 07:50 Price Risk Management Tools 15:46 Common Mistakes and Best Practices 18:47 Final Thoughts and Resources

    22 min

  4. 26 JAN

    How to Find Your Most Profitable Cows

    In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye interviews Shane White from Ceres Tag. They discuss new features aimed at maximizing cow performance, focusing on fertility, estrous alerts, and calving alerts. Shane highlights how Ceres Tag's technology automates cow behavior tracking via satellite, providing valuable data for improving reproductive efficiency and profitability. They also cover how the new subscription model makes this technology more accessible to ranchers. The episode emphasizes the importance of data-driven decisions to enhance the future of ranching.  Learn more about Ceres Tag here: https://bit.ly/45WlwfW Catch more conversations like this one and learn more at https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ 00:15 Guest Introduction: Shane White from Ceres Tag  01:10 The Importance of Ag Technology  02:13 Overview of Ceres Tag's Offerings  03:48 Maximizing Cow Efficiency with Data  05:37 New Features: Fertility and Reproductive Capabilities  08:35 Natural Service and Mounting Scores  10:33 Synchronization and AI in Cattle  14:27 Calving Alerts and Behavior Metrics  18:51 Business Model and Cost Structure  22:43 Impact on the American Beef Industry  33:52 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

    33 min

  5. 19 JAN

    Profit Tips for Managing Yearlings

    In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye talks with Doug Ferguson, known as Mr. CattleMaster, about profitable strategies for selling, buying, and managing stocker cattle. The discussion covers various aspects of Doug's sell-buy marketing approach, the importance of managing high-risk cattle, and recognizing value in different cattle groups. Doug shares his insights on animal health protocols, the significance of knowing market trends, and the need for experience in handling different cattle types. The conversation also touches on common mistakes in the industry, how to make informed purchasing decisions, and strategies for maximizing profits in fluctuating markets.  Catch more conversations like this one and learn more at https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ Links & Resources Start your free trial or learn more about CattleMax here: https://bit.ly/4aG7K5q Get a head start on your year with our Profit Foundations for Ranchers Course here: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/profit-foundations-for-ranchers Learn more about the Ranch Channel here: https://bit.ly/ranchchannel  00:00 Welcome to Casual Cattle Conversations  00:18 Introducing Doug Ferguson: Mr. CattleMaster  02:36 The Sell-Buy Marketing Approach  03:19 Why Stocker Cattle?  04:17 Key Considerations for Buying Stockers  08:12 Appraising and Managing Stocker Cattle  15:28 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Stockers  19:19 Marketing and Selling Strategies  25:28 Final Thoughts

    28 min

  6. 12 JAN

    New Year, New Goals: How to Increase Ranch Efficiency with CattleMax

    In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye interviews Terrell Miller, founder and CEO of CattleMax, the leading cattle management software. They discuss the importance of setting New Year’s resolutions for ranchers, focusing on long-term profitability, goal-setting frameworks, and the significance of organized herd records. Terrell also shares insights on transitioning to digital records, using electronic IDs, integrating genomic testing, and the role of data in ranch management. Miller emphasizes the need for efficient data management to improve decision-making and ensure the sustainability of ranching operations for future generations. Learn more about CattleMax and start your free trial here: https://bit.ly/4aG7K5q  Catch more conversations like this one and learn more at https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/  00:16 Meet Terrell Miller: Founder of CattleMax 00:59 The Importance of New Year's Resolutions for Ranchers 02:49 Setting Goals for Long-Term Profitability 03:35 Effective Frameworks for Goal Setting 06:34 The Role of Organization in Ranching 08:52 Features of CattleMax Software 18:56 Electronic IDs and Genomic Testing 22:36 Data Sharing and Privacy in Ranching 25:14 Transition Planning for Ranchers 27:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    29 min

  7. 5 JAN

    Spring Calving Health Tips

    In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye discusses calf health during the calving season with Dr. Troy Dutton and Dr. Joseph Hochhalter, owners of Steele Veterinary Clinic. They delve into the importance of good nutrition, ensuring timely and adequate colostrum intake, and maintaining proper sanitation in calving barns to prevent diseases like scours and pneumonia. The conversation also covers differences in calving strategies based on seasonal weather conditions, emphasizing the need for preventive measures and good animal health practices year-round. This episode is filled with valuable insights for ranchers looking to improve calf health and overall herd productivity.  Catch more conversations like this one and learn more at https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/    Links & Resources  Start your free trial or learn more about CattleMax here: https://bit.ly/4aG7K5q  Get a head start on your year with our Profit Foundations for Ranchers Course here: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/profit-foundations-for-ranchers   Learn more about the Ranch Channel here: https://bit.ly/ranchchannel  00:00 Introduction to the Podcast  00:17 Meet the Experts: Dr. Troy Dutton and Dr. Joseph Hochhalter  01:14 Importance of Calf Health During Calving  04:14 Challenges of Winter Calving  08:47 Spring Calving: Adjusting to Weather Changes  15:04 Preventative Measures for Calving Season  16:25 Year-Round Animal Health Strategies  18:16 The Critical Role of Colostrum  20:33 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways  23:24 Conclusion and Podcast Support

    26 min

  8. 29/12/2025

    Why We DNA Test Commercial Heifers

    In this episode of the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast, Shaye discusses the importance and benefits of genomic testing for commercial heifers, a practice she uses on her ranch with her husband and father-in-law. Shaye explains the ease and process of taking tissue samples from the ear for DNA testing, the valuable data it provides, and how it helps in making informed decisions about heifer selection and bull selection, ultimately improving herd quality and productivity. She also shares personal insights into adapting to these advanced techniques on your own operation. Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts!     Catch more conversations like this one and learn more at https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/ Learn more about Profit Foundations for Ranchers here: https://www.casualcattleconversations.com/profit-foundations-for-ranchers   00:00 Introduction to the Podcast  00:17 Personal Insights on Genomic Testing  05:23 The Process of Genomic Testing  07:58 Benefits and Challenges of Genomic Testing  16:39 Conclusion and Contact Information

    17 min
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About

Casual Cattle Conversations is the podcast for beef cattle producers and ranchers to explore new ideas and hear stories that will help them improve their current management practices. Shaye Koester - Wanner connects listeners to other cattle producers and beef industry experts to discover what management practices, industry trends, current events and inspiring stories are impacting today’s beef cattle industry.

Information

  • Creator
    casualcattleconversations
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    268
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2019 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Casual Cattle Conversations

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