American Cattlemen Podcast

Hawkeye Breeders Cattlemen & Veterinarians

Welcome back to Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead, we have our hosts Kaid Panek and Dr. Shynia Peterman and they chat with David Jensen and Cesar Melgar with Hawkeye Breeders. 
Jensen explains that Hawkeye Breeders is a custom bull collection facility that does not own or market bulls but provides semen collection services for artificial insemination, embryo transfer, and IVF for a global customer base. He traces the history of artificial insemination from cooled semen shipped in milk fat on milk trucks to modern frozen semen, sexed semen, genomic tools, and advanced reproductive technologies.
Jensen outlines the semen collection process using trained teaser steers and artificial vaginas, emphasizing the importance of evaluating motility, morphology, and concentration. He stresses that breeding soundness exams are critical “cheap insurance” to ensure bulls are structurally sound, reproductively normal, and capable of settling cows, especially given today’s high cattle prices and demand for herd growth.
Melgar details laboratory evaluation, including microscopic assessment and computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA), along with verification of concentration using a nuclear counter. He explains dose differences between beef and dairy semen and the importance of progressive motility. Jensen then describes the industry’s adoption of sexed semen, the role of flow cytometry, and collaboration with major providers. Because of extensive quality control, bacterial testing, DNA verification, and packaging steps, turnaround time for sexed semen is typically about two weeks, compared to roughly a day for conventional semen.
The discussion shifts to health, disease testing, and nutrition. For domestic use, tuberculosis and brucellosis testing are standard; for export, bulls and semen undergo extensive testing for leukosis, BVD, IBR, Campylobacter, trichomoniasis, and more. Vaccination strategy becomes more complex when export is anticipated, since some markets restrict vaccinated animals. Melgar emphasizes deworming plans, vitamin supplementation, and comprehensive mineral programs, highlighting key trace elements such as zinc, selenium, copper, and manganese, and treating bulls like athletes ahead of breeding or collection. Listener questions cover age at first collection, bull longevity in the breeding battery, mineral timing before turnout, and protocols for retesting bulls that initially fail a breeding soundness exam. Dr. Shynia Peterman closes by reinforcing proactive health, testing, nutrition, and early planning as essential to a successful breeding season.
 
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Lytle Red Angus Last Chance

Welcome back to Genetics & the Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead, we have Aaron McKinney, he's the field editor for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Zeb Lytle, Owner of Lytle Red Angus. In this episode, Zeb and Aaron will dive into the Lytle Red Angus Best Last Chance Sale, online only, April 27th through May 1st, 2026. 
At Lytle red Angus Farm, efficiency and performance remain top priorities. Their herd is managed on a disciplined breeding schedule - 30 days for yearlings and 45 days for cows - and continues to excel even in challenging conditions. Despite dry summers, the cattle required very little supplemental hay, grazing well into early February. Repeat customers frequently highlight the durability and low-maintenance qualities of the bulls, a testament to the farm's dependable program.
Zeb begins by sharing the multi-generation story of his family in western South Dakota. His grandfather came to the area in the 1930s, initially leasing the place from Senator Francis Case and making a living cutting cedar trees and selling posts before eventually becoming a dentist in Rapid City. In the mid-1970s, his grandfather was able to purchase the ranch that Zeb’s father, Rusty, later operated. Today, Zeb, his dad, and his brother Clancy run the operation, with Zeb focused on the cattle, Rusty building a dairy-quality alfalfa market, and Clancy handling much of the physical labor.
The ranch emphasizes running yearlings with mature cows so young females “learn how to be cows,” forage effectively, and adapt to the environment. Yearlings typically come off grass at 1000–1100 pounds and mature around 1250 pounds, with an emphasis on cows weaning roughly 45% or more of their body weight. This fast growth to mature size allows more energy to go into milk production and calf performance over the cow’s lifetime.
Their Red Angus bulls are primarily home-raised, natural-service sires, selected for moderate frame, soundness, docility, calving ease, and calf vigor rather than extreme birth weights. Customer experiences from varied environments, including rugged mountain country, reinforce the program’s focus on durability, low maintenance, and long-term bull usability. The sale offering reflects this philosophy, presenting a set of functional, work-oriented yearling bulls designed to make commercial producers’ lives easier while improving herd efficiency and longevity.
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Wedge Tent Ranch 22nd Annual Bull Sale

Welcome back to Genetics & the Gavel, Powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead, we have Aaron McKinney, he's the Field Editor for American Cattlemen Media, and he chats with Bart Carmichael, owner of Wedge Tent Ranch. In this episode, Bart and Aaron will dive into the Wedge Tent Ranch 22nd Annual Bull Sale, held on April 22nd, 2026, at 1PM MT, in Faith, South Dakota. 
Wedge Tent Ranch originated with Bart's grandparents Ver and Aldene Carmichael purchasing the ranch in 1945, where they raised 6 kids. They ran cattle here up until Bart started leasing it right out of high school in 1993. In 1995, he met his wife Shannon, and they were blessed with 4 wonderful children and were able to buy the ranch in 1996.
Wedge Tent Ranch holds the philosophy of focusing on the female—the cow—and making her work in a low-input, year‑round grazing system. He emphasizes fertility, easy keeping, and the ability to graze 11–12 months of the year. Their breeding program features tight, disciplined seasons: yearling heifers are bred for only 30–35 days, and cows for 45 days, using mass AI followed by a short bull exposure. This approach has driven open rates as low as 2% and significantly improved herd fertility and efficiency. Bart notes that by concentrating on the right kind of cow, they have also gained carcass quality and tenderness, with grass‑finished yearlings grading about 97% choice or better.
The Wedge Tent Ranch breeding program features tight, disciplined seasons: yearling heifers are bred for only 30–35 days, and cows for 45 days, using mass AI followed by a short bull exposure. This approach has driven open rates as low as 2% and significantly improved herd fertility and efficiency. Bart notes that by concentrating on the right kind of cow, they have also gained carcass quality and tenderness, with grass‑finished yearlings grading about 97% choice or better.
Genetics and cow families are discussed in detail. Bart highlights home‑raised sires like Beaver Creek and his son Holistic, known for producing excellent, long‑lived females with strong feet, good disposition, and masculinity in their sons. He stresses docility as essential for modern family operations and describes how hard they cull for bad temperament. Longevity is another key goal; many featured sale bulls come from 11‑ to 14‑year‑old cows still in production, which Bart sees as proof of fertility, production, and structural soundness.
 
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Welcome to Cattlemen & Veterinarians. Today, Dr. Peterman and Gale will dive into the Veterinary Client Patient Relationship.

Welcome back to Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, the Owner of American Cattlemen Media, and Dr. Shynia Petermen, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and they chat with Blaze Mullhagen and Dan Schweitzer about the Veterinary Client Patient Relationship.
Blaze describes his background as a fifth- or sixth-generation cattleman involved in farming, ranching, and building cattle handling equipment. His operation centers on a black cow-calf herd, using cattle both for production and to test handling systems. Dan shares that he is a fourth-generation farmer and cattleman, raising crops such as wheat, milo, corn, and alfalfa alongside a cow-calf operation, working with multiple generations of his family.
Dr. Shynia will then dive deeper into the Veterinary Client Patient Relationship and how it is legally required in most states before a veterinarian can ethically and legally prescribe medications for any species, large or small. Key elements include the veterinarian assuming responsibility for animal health and treatment, the client agreeing to follow instructions, the veterinarian having sufficient knowledge of the animals through recent exams or farm visits and being available for follow-up care and record keeping.
From the producers’ perspective, the VCPR is “everything” because it underpins having a solid, efficient herd health plan. They emphasize planning ahead with their veterinarian, staying informed about new products, and tailoring protocols to their specific herd history, disease challenges, and management style. They highlight the economic importance of precision and efficiency, given the high value of cattle and the cost of pharmaceuticals.
Dr. Shynia notes that herd health programs differ between operations due to varying disease pressures and goals. She stresses the value of producers being prepared when the vet arrives: cattle caught and sorted, equipment functional, products on hand, and all team members aware of the plan. While a written herd health protocol is not a legal requirement for VCPR, it is presented as a powerful tool for elevating herd performance and ensuring consistent, efficient care. The episode concludes by reinforcing that a strong VCPR enhances animal welfare, operational efficiency, and the producer–veterinarian partnership.
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Sandrock Ranch Herefords 8th Annual Production Sale

Welcome back to Genetics & the Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the Owner of American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Kevin Bennett, Owner of Sandrock Ranch Herefords. In this episode, Kevin and Gale will dive into the Sandrock Ranch Herefords 8th Annual Production Sale, held on April 12th, 2026, at 1PM CST, in Benton Wisconsin. 
Sandrock Ranch Herefords, based in Southwest Wisconsin, offers top-tier purebred Hereford Cattle. Specializing in genetics for strong, consistent performance, they held both registered and commercial producers improve their herds with quality cattle raised in diverse environments.
Kevin explains that their cattle must be sound, able to travel in the rougher country of the Fever River Valley and backed by strong maternal traits. What differentiates Sand Rock Ranch from many seedstock outfits is that they finish all their cattle on the ranch and ship them to Greater Omaha, placing heavy emphasis on carcass traits, grading, and yield. Customers have reported that cattle from Sand Rock Ranch routinely top local sale barns and perform exceptionally well at harvest.
The sale offering includes 48 yearling Hereford bulls and five age-advantaged 18‑month‑old bulls. After building a new bull feeding facility, the ranch has been able to track monthly weights and average daily gains on a high‑roughage ration, achieving impressive gains—some bulls exceeding four and even five pounds per day—without overfattening. Kevin discusses key sire lines such as the calving‑ease heifer bull Long Haul, the stout, moderate Bodybuilder calves that work well on dairy‑cross cows, and other high‑growth, carcass‑oriented sires.
Beyond the bulls, the sale features embryo packages from high‑marbling Churchill Cattle Company females bred to Haviland, four registered yearling Hereford heifers selected straight from the replacement pen to represent the cow herd, a set of in‑demand black baldy yearling heifers known for their performance and maternal quality, and a group of commercial Hereford yearling heifers.
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Prairie View Farms 16th Annual Spring Production Sale

Welcome back to Genetics & the Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Theresa Miller, Co-Owner of Prairie View Farms. In this episode, Theresa and Gale will dive into the Prairie View Farms 16th Annual Spring Production Sale, held on April 10th, 2026, in Gridley, Illinois.
Prairie View Farm is a third generation purebred Angus Ranch owned by Alan and Theresa Miller in Gridley, Illinois, in close partnership with Alan's sister and her husband, Brandon and Cathy Jones. The farm raises donor-quality purebred Angus Females and Herd Sire Prospects to both Angus breeders and commercial cow producers.
Theresa outlines PVF’s breeding philosophy: to produce Angus cattle that excel both in the show ring and in practical, real-world production environments. The operation is known for influential cow families such as Proven Queen, Missy, and Blackbird, as well as herd sires whose impact extends beyond show cattle. Alan has been deeply involved in breed improvement through service on the American Angus Association board and leadership within its genetics arm, emphasizing EPDs and forward progress in Angus genetics.
The discussion then centers on PVF’s 16th Annual Spring Production Sale on April 10, 2026, at the farm. Theresa describes a diverse offering that includes elite summer- and fall-born heifer calves, later-calving bred heifers, herd sire candidates, and multiple embryo lots. PVF calves nearly year-round and uses in vitro fertilization extensively, supported by several cooperator herds, allowing them to market cattle across age groups and showcase consistency within key cow families. Embryos are produced and managed in partnership with a major reproductive technology provider, enabling buyers to access PVF genetics and replicate successful matings. Theresa emphasizes the value of viewing cattle in person before the evening sale and notes that interested buyers can also participate remotely through online bidding and phone support.
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Panther Creek Ranch 32nd Annual Production Sale

Welcome back to Genetics & the Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead, we have Aaron McKinney, he's the field editor for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Mike McClelland, Owner of Panther Creek Ranch. In this episode, Mike and Aaron will dive into the Panther Creek Ranch 32nd Annual Production Sale, held on April 4th, 2026, at 1PM CDT, in Bowen, Illinois. 
Panther Creek Ranch's humble beginning originated when Larry McClelland purchased his first two purebred Angus heifers in 1953 at the age of 15. Throughout the years, their goal has never wavered - the selection of quality cattle that will thrive in the fescue-based environment that they call home. They look for and retain cattle that are pleasing to the eye coupled with exceptional numbers and real-world performance.
The sale offering includes 64 yearling Angus bulls from a diverse set of sire groups, including Kingston, Craftsman, Iconic, Stinson Intuition, Rise Above, Deadwood, Saratoga, Pendleton, Milestone, Ultra, and Armstrong. Mike notes that this diversity provides outcross options for many programs. Several bulls are described as combining calving ease with performance, strong EPD packages, and attractive phenotype. He also emphasizes the presence of bulls with a bit more frame, arguing that the industry still needs size to match current finishing weights.
In addition to the yearlings, the sale features older fall-born bulls noted for their uniformity, docility, and stoutness. There is also a small but elite group of open heifers drawn from the top of the replacement pen, including a flush mate to one of the standout bulls. A highlight of the offering is a proven four-year-old donor cow with a strong EPD profile and a high-value track record in frozen genetics, selling with a Baldridge Grindstone heifer calf at side.
Rounding out the sale are powerful spring pairs, including many first-calf heifers with strong udders and attractive calves, and a large group of young fall-bred purebred cows, mainly three- to six-year-olds, bred and adapted to fescue conditions. A handful of commercial pairs and bred cows are also included, many of them former recipients and proven calf raisers. The overall emphasis is on sound, functional, docile cattle that will work in demanding environments and offer value to commercial and registered buyers alike.
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Old Three Wagyu Irreplaceable Showcase Wagyu Production Sale

Welcome back to Genetics & the Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the Owner of American Cattlemen Media, and he chats with Kerr Taylor, the owner, and Emily Searle, Genetics & Sales Manager of Old Three Wagyu. In this episode, they will dive into the Irreplaceable Showcase Full Blood Wagyu Production Sale, held on April 11th, 2026, at 1PM CST, in Brenham, Texas. 
Old Three Wagyu, a key component of Rowland Taylor's Agricultural investments, is more than just a cattle operation; it's a tribute to the rich heritage of Texas and the enduring values that drive the company. Located in Brenham, Texas, the birthplace of Texas, The Name "Old Three" is inspired by the Old Three Hundred, the original settlers of the Republic of Texas. This name reflects the farm's deep commitment to heritage, tradition, and excellence. Just as those early settlers laid the foundation for a new republic, Old Three Wagyu aims to preserve and enhance the Wagyu breed, ensuring that the cattle they raise embody the best qualities of this irreplaceable lineage.
The sale offering is broad and carefully curated. They highlight spring calving females and fall pairs that provide “two-for-one” and “three-for-one” opportunities through heavy-bred cows, calves at side, and pregnancies, all tied to proven sires such as Ida Guni, Yasutani lines, and influential herd bulls like 87118. Emily emphasizes rare and valuable maternal lines and traits such as double A10 tenderness markers and longevity, with foundation cows still producing at advanced ages.
The program’s open females represent the next generation of elite genetics, intentionally bred to be better each year and left open so buyers can align matings with their own goals. Select embryo packages from cornerstone cows and a tightly chosen group of bulls are designed primarily for commercial producers who want to elevate marbling, tenderness, and carcass quality through crossbreeding, especially given Wagyu’s exceptional calving ease and low birth weights.
The event itself is structured as a two-day experience with cattle viewing, meals, and a wagyu-and-wine evening, underscoring Old Three Wagyu’s focus on long-term relationships and community-building with fellow breeders and customers.
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Triple T Land & Livestock 2026 Annual Production Sale

Welcome back to Genetics & the Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead. we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with David Tysdal, Co-Owner of Triple T Land & Livestock. In this episode, David and Gale will dive into the Triple T land & Livestock 2026 Annual Production Sale, held on April 8th, 2026, at 1PM MDT, at the Buffalo Livestock Market, Buffalo, Wyoming. 
Triple T Land & Livestock began as several family homesteads in Weston County, Wyoming, in 1891. Today, Triple T Land & Livestock, Inc. is a working ranch located in Northeastern Wyoming. They raise moderate-framed Angus Cattle that can survive in a harsh environment with little supplemental feeding. Triple T Focuses on genetics that will deliver the most profit and value from the ranch to the consumer.
At Triple T Land & Livestock, cattle must thrive in a harsh range environment with minimal supplemental feeding, while still performing well in the feedlot and ultimately satisfying consumer demands. They emphasize moderate-framed Angus cattle with strong maternal traits, docility, and the ability to gain efficiently and produce high-quality carcasses. Rather than single-trait selection, Triple T aims to “check every box,” balancing growth, carcass quality, maternal ability, and phenotype. Phenotype remains especially important in their region, where buyers expect cattle with thickness, shape, and visual appeal.
The 2026 annual production sale offers 58 yearling Angus bulls and 30 commercial replacement heifers from their program. David walks through the main sire groups, highlighting bulls sired by Ellingson Prolific, Jamison, Rapport, Congress, Craftsman, Kenealy Commerce, and Top Gun lines. He describes Prolific sons as powerful, high-growth cattle with good feet, and notes that they used Rapport and Congress on first-calf heifers, producing bulls with style, shape, growth, and carcass merit. Craftsman progeny are praised for both popularity and the quality of females they produce, while the Commerce and Top Gun cattle are characterized as rancher-friendly, growthy, and strong in carcass traits. David singles out the first two sale lots—both Prolific sons—as especially exciting individuals that combine calving ease, power, and carcass quality.
The replacement heifers come from the heart of their own program, and some years they rival the bulls in popularity.
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Turtle Creek Angus 2026 Annual Bull Sale

Welcome to Genetics & the Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Ty Dieters, with Turtle Creek Angus. In this episode, they will dive into the Turtle Creek Angus 2026 Annual Bull Sale, held on April 8th, 2026, at 1PM MDT, at the Faith Livestock Commission Company, Faith, South Dakota. 
At Turtle Creek Angus, they are first generation, black angus seedstock producers. Located in the Western plains near Faith, South Dakota. They strive to keep the angus cow at the forefront, by producing complete, balanced-trait cattle that will perform for their ranch as well as their customers.
At Turtle Creek Angus, their philosophy is raising cattle with the commercial producer in mind. In the Faith area, cattle are the primary enterprise, and Ty wants his herd to function in the same kind of no‑frills environment that commercial ranchers face. Their cows are expected to perform under practical, real‑world conditions, not pampered scenarios. A major emphasis is placed on disposition and stockmanship. Ty is adamant that they do not make excuses for bad attitudes in cattle. From branding onward, the cattle are handled quietly and consistently, which he believes trains them to be calmer, easier to manage, and more enjoyable to be around.
The offering this year includes 55 yearling Angus bulls and six age-advantaged Angus bulls. Ty highlights the LT Clarion sire group as central to their program, describing this sire as one of the safest cow builders available and noting how well his daughters are turning out. He also emphasizes the Baldridge Badger group, praising the bulls for their substance and performance, and noting that they have been used heavily again after a strong first impression. Additional bulls come from other sires, including home‑raised herd bulls, contributing to a very consistent, uniform offering.
Ty explains that the age‑advantaged bulls are fall‑borns from a small fall‑calving effort that has found solid demand. Many producers, he notes, are increasingly interested in older bulls, especially after strong cull bull prices and concerns about relying solely on yearlings. He encourages potential buyers to view the bulls ahead of sale day or visit the ranch to see the cow herd and evaluate the program in person.
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