American Cattlemen Podcast

Old Three Wagyu with H. Kerr Taylor and Emily Searle

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of the American Cattlemen and he sits down with H. Kerr Taylor and Emily Searle with Old Three Wagyu. 
Kerr Taylor's profound appreciation for the world's premier beef began during his junior year aboard the University of the Seven Seas and World Campus Afloat. This global journey, with over 20 international stops, led to a decisive culinary experience in Kobe, Japan. There, he sampled genuine, 100% Fullblood Kobe steak—an unparalleled epiphany of flavor, tenderness, and marbling. This singular taste transformed him into an enduring enthusiast.
 
Upon returning to the United States, however, he found authentic Kobe beef virtually inaccessible. This deficit created a long-term goal.
 
Years later, guided by his commitment to "investing in the irreplaceable™," Kerr Taylor sought not just to import, but to replicate its caliber. This endeavor led him and his family to acquire 500 acres of fertile land near the historical birthplace of Texas, offering an optimal environment.
 
The next vital step was genetics. Inspired by the Kobe memory, he sourced some of the finest Wagyu genetics available globally. His goal was to honor Japanese quality while utilizing Texas's superior resources.
 
Today, this initiative is a thriving enterprise. The ranch is home to a magnificent assemblage of Wagyu cattle—best-bred and recognized as some of America's most content. Reared with meticulous animal welfare, the final product embodies the identical rich flavor, profound marbling, and delicate texture that first captivated him in Kobe, successfully repatriating that unparalleled delicacy. We hope you enjoy this episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast. 
Old Three Wagyu
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

Marda Angus Farms with Cody Quam

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of the American Cattlemen and he sits down with Cody Quam with Marda Angus Farms. 
Marda Angus Farms represents a multi-generational family cattle breeding operation in Lodi, Wisconsin, with a rich history spanning over seven decades. Founded when Dave Quam purchased his first Angus female for a 4-H project, the farm has evolved into a sophisticated breeding enterprise managed by Cody Quam, alongside his 94-year-old grandmother and father.
The farm recently expanded by acquiring Miller Farm Shorthorns while carefully preserving the heritage of both operations. Their breeding philosophy emphasizes producing balanced, high-quality cattle that deliver both substantial weight and premium carcass characteristics. This approach reflects a deep understanding of commercial producers' needs, focusing on creating cattle that not only look attractive but also generate meaningful economic value.
The upcoming November 15th production sale showcases the farm's genetic excellence, featuring a comprehensive offering of bred heifers, bred cows, fall pairs, open heifers, and Shorthorn heifers. The sale represents a carefully curated selection of their top genetic lines, including offspring from notable sires like BMW Nobility and College Congress.
Cody Quam's breeding strategy prioritizes cow longevity, with examples like a 14-year-old cow still actively breeding, and a commitment to maintaining robust, efficient cattle. The farm partners with other respected cattle operations and participates in innovative breeding programs, including feed efficiency trials and advanced genetic selection.
A distinctive aspect of Marda Angus Farms is their commitment to industry development. They demonstrate this through initiatives like donating a portion of their sale proceeds to the Angus Foundation, supporting youth and research programs that have historically benefited their own family.
The sale is more than a commercial transaction; it's a testament to the Quam family's dedication to advancing cattle genetics, supporting agricultural innovation, and maintaining a proud family farming tradition that spans multiple generations.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

Keyes Angus Dispersal Sale with Kevin Keyes

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale Mckinney, he's the owner of the American Cattlemen and he sits down with Kevin Keyes, owner of Keyes Angus. In this episode, they will dive into the Keyes Angus Dispersal Sale held on November 15th, 2025.
Following the loss of his wife to cancer a year ago, Kevin has made the decision to semi-retire and focus on what matters most: being a full-time grandfather to his grandchildren.
The episode delves into Kevin's remarkable journey in the cattle industry, highlighting his unique approach to cattle breeding and ranch management. After relocating from Springfield to Brewster, Nebraska, Kevin transformed his ranching methods, shifting from traditional January calving to a more flexible April through June calving season. His innovative approach includes raising two-year-old bulls and managing cattle in expansive pastures that allow natural growth and development.
The centerpiece of the conversation is the upcoming Keyes Angus dispersal sale, scheduled for November 15th at Valentine Livestock Auction. This comprehensive sale offers a rare opportunity for cattle producers, featuring 185 registered Angus spring pairs, 40 registered and 40 commercial Angus bred heifers, 70 registered Angus 18-month-old bulls, and 25 registered Angus herd sires. Kevin's commitment to quality is evident in his breeding philosophy, which prioritizes overall animal performance and characteristics over pure genetic metrics.
More than just a cattle sale, this episode is a testament to resilience, family, and the evolving nature of agricultural life. Kevin's story reflects the deeply personal decisions that shape ranching careers, demonstrating that sometimes the most courageous choice is to pivot and embrace a new chapter of life.
Keyes Angus Website - HOME | keyes-angus
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

Renew Livestock Company with Jim Skartvedt

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney at the American Wagyu Conference, and he chats with Jim Skartvedt, co-owner of Renew Livestock Company. 
Jim began his livestock journey at age seven when he bought his first ewe from his father. With a background in animal science and a master's in ruminant nutrition and meat science from Iowa State University, he now lives in Azle, Texas, with his wife and five children. He operates Renew Livestock Company, managing cattle supplies for niche market meat companies, and runs a small cow-calf operation alongside his business ventures.
Jim discussed the unique characteristics of the Wagyu breed, highlighting its distinct phenotypic traits. Unlike traditional American cattle, Wagyu are flatter boned, have a unique structural design, and possess exceptional longevity, with cows potentially producing for 10-15 years.
A key focus was the breed's genetic advantages. Wagyu cattle demonstrate remarkable vigor when crossbred, with calves showing exceptional early vitality. The breed naturally produces high levels of omega-3 fatty acids, potentially offering health benefits that challenge traditional perceptions of beef consumption.
The discussion emphasized the breed's marbling potential, noting that Wagyu cattle continue to develop marbling linearly with age, unlike other breeds. Currently, the industry sees about 10% prime cattle, but Wagyu-influenced herds can achieve 70-80% prime grades, often harvesting at 18-24 months.Jim also addressed the breed's potential in beef-on-dairy programs, particularly when using the right Wagyu bull. While they might not consistently produce top-tier A5 grades, they consistently generate high-prime quality meat.
Looking forward, Jim sees opportunities in direct consumer marketing, smaller herds, and addressing labor challenges in agriculture. He believes the Wagyu breed offers potential for younger generations entering ranching, with possibilities for small-scale, direct-to-consumer beef production.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

The Premium Power Bull Sale

The Premium Power Bull Sale was started in 2021 by some Beefmaster Breeders who saw a need for an elite Beefmaster bull sale in the heart of the Florida cattle industry. 
It was a great pleasure to visit with Lauran Lyssy, with Lyssy Beefmasters, and Colson Cannon, with Cannon Cattle, about the Premium Power Bull Sale.
Not only do they sell the bulls in Florida, but they are also developed in the Florida climate from weaning through sale time. Their bulls are born and raised along the Gulf Coast and are ready to work in any environment. Their priority is to raise bulls for the commercial cattleman, with an emphasis on longevity, fertility, and natural muscling. The bulls are raised on a forage-based diet and undergo a feed efficiency test at the Southern Beef Performance Center in Williston, FL, at Etheridge Cattle Company. When their bulls come out of the efficiency test, they are turned into grass traps and developed as naturally as possible until sale time. The genetic base for Premium Power Bulls is among the longest-tested performance genetics in the breed, and they continue to performance-test their bulls for their customers. Bulls from their sale come with all their weights and measures, carcass ultrasound, and efficiency data, such as RFI and ADG. This year's Premium Power Bull Sale is held on November 7th at 1 PM ET at the Cattleman's Market of Okeechobee in Okeechobee, FL, and will be broadcast on DV Auctions, Inc.
The Premium Power Bull Sale
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

The American Wagyu Association Interns with Jacob Ellerbusch

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, He's the Publisher of the American Cattlemen and he sits down with Jacob Ellerbusch, Intern at The American Wagyu Association. 
As a first-generation cattle industry participant, Jacob shares his unique journey into agriculture, which began at the age of four when he fell in love with cattle after encountering a massive, gentle bull at a ranch in Goliad, Texas.
Currently a junior at Tarleton State University studying animal science with a production concentration, Jacob is deeply committed to the agricultural sector. He purchased his first female cattle at 13 and his first full-blood female at 17, demonstrating his early entrepreneurial spirit in the industry. His college experience has been enriched by involvement in organizations like the farmhouse fraternity and student government association, where he has developed professional skills and networking capabilities.
Jacob's future aspirations focus on reproductive technologies in agriculture. He is considering pursuing a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree with a specialization as an embryologist. He sees significant potential in reproductive technologies, noting an expected 17% job growth in the field by 2030. His internship with the American Wagyu Association represents a key step in his professional development.
Throughout the interview, Jacob emphasizes the importance of technology in modern agriculture and offers advice to young people interested in the industry. His key recommendations include never giving up, taking advantage of internships, gaining hands-on experience, and most importantly, asking questions. He believes that engaging with experienced producers and showing genuine interest can open numerous opportunities.
I hope you enjoy the episode and Jacob's passion, dedication, and optimistic outlook on the future of agricultural production, particularly in cattle breeding and reproductive technologies.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

JJ Scheckel Angus

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of the American Cattlemen and he chats with Josh Scheckel, co-owner of JJ Scheckel Angus. Married for over 20 years with seven children, Josh embodies a true family-oriented agricultural entrepreneur who started from scratch, building both an equipment business and a cattle operation without inheriting family land or livestock. 
His cattle philosophy centers on practicality and commercial viability. Josh emphasizes "meat and potatoes" breeding, focusing on problem-free, profitable traits that create functional cattle requiring minimal management. Having started as a commercial cattleman, he understands the importance of cows that breed back consistently, raise substantial calves, and maintain longevity with minimal intervention.
The upcoming JJ Scheckel Angus 2025 Black Friday Production Sale on November 28th will feature 30 bred heifers and a collection of aged-advantage bulls. The heifers, bred to drop calves between February and April, come from top-tier genetics including LD Capitalist, Connealy King Air, and Coleman Rock bloodlines. The 18-month-old bulls are carefully selected, grown slowly to ensure sound feet and immediate breeding readiness.
Sire groups include impressive lineages like Ellington Three Rivers, LD Capitalist, Coleman Bravo, and SAV Allegiance, with some bulls descending from world champion efficiency sires. Josh prides himself on transparency, reputation, and customer satisfaction, offering aggressive multi-bull discounts and free nationwide delivery.
The sale will be held at their farm in Bellevue, Iowa, managed by the American Angus Hall of Fame, with world champion auctioneer Matt Lauer. Potential buyers can participate through DV Auction and Superior Livestock platforms, with Josh emphasizing an open invitation for cattlemen to visit, view cattle, and enjoy an all-day lunch featuring Angus beef.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

The Role of The Sale Barn Veterinarian

Welcome back to Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health. In this episode we discuss how The Role of The Sale Barn Veterinarian is one of the most essential aspects of bovine healthcare. Our guest today is Dr. Stacy Rugan. Dr. Rugan received her doctorate in veterinary medicine from Kansas State University and is a veterinarian and owner at Animal Clinic P.A., a rural mixed-animal practice in northeast Kansas. Most of her cattle clients are cow-calf or backgrounding feeders. In addition to extensive animal services, Dr. Rugan has a well-established reputation for canine reproductive services. In today's episode, Dr. Rugan and Dr. Peterman cover a wide range of topics, including: 
Where is your barn located, and what range of cattle do you see mostly?
What is your role as a Veterinarian at the sale barn?
What are you looking for in contagious diseases?
How is it determined which cows get preg checked and which do not?
What animals need eIDs and why?
Why are health papers needed to cross state lines?
What kind of protocol would you follow when buying cows at the Sale Barn before putting them into the herd?
If I am buying calves for backgrounding through a barn, how should I handle calves from different farms?
What is the producer's responsibility as a buyer or seller in stock health?
Please enjoy this informative discussion. Don't forget to follow Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine health on your favorite podcast platform so you don't miss a single episode in the series. Thanks for listening.
The Role of The Sale Barn Veterinarian 
Cattlemen & Veterinarians, A Partnership in Bovine Health
For Future or Previous episodes visit our websites:
American Cattlemen
American Dairymen
Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health Sponsored by:
Elanco Animal Health
Central Life Science

Pharo Cattle Company's November Bull Sales 2025

Gale and Kit Pharo discuss Pharo Cattle's 4 upcoming bull sales this November in today’s podcast. They also share insights into the Pharo Cattle philosophy that ensures their bulls perform exceptionally in the field. Be sure to listen and visit Pharo Cattle to explore all of their upcoming sales. 
Kit and his spouse, Deanna, grew up near each other on the central high plains of eastern Colorado, where they attended school together in the small town of Arapahoe, located just southeast of their current residence. Kit graduated from Colorado State University in 1974, and shortly after, he and Deanna got married. For four to five years afterward, Kit pursued a living as a full-time bull rider while also working part-time as a feedlot cowboy. After they were blessed with two wonderful sons, Trapper and Tyson, Kit decided to transition away from rodeo.
In 1985, Kit and Deanna had the opportunity to return to their roots. They leased a significant piece of grassland and purchased Kit's father's commercial cowherd, which consisted of a closed herd of red and black baldy cows. This herd benefited from over 30 years of pedigree information and 20 years of performance records.
Pharo's philosophy for raising cattle is centered on the principle of OPTIMUM SIZE, which is far more profitable than focusing on maximum size. POUNDS PER ACRE determines profit, not pounds per animal. In fact, maximizing PROFIT is our sole objective!
Pharo ranch-raised bulls embody a unique breeding philosophy and program. They are carefully bred to meet the demands of the commercial cowman. The team maintains extensive records on cattle and adheres to a rigorous selection and culling process based on factual data, frequent observations, and evaluations.
Pharo Cattle will host four remarkable bull sales this November. Be sure to attend or bid online through Superior Productions:
- Saturday, Nov 1, 2025, at 1:00 PM CT – Valentine, Nebraska- Monday, Nov 10, 2025, at 1:00 PM MT – Burlington, Colorado- Saturday, Nov 15, 2025, at 1:00 PM CT – Letohatchee, Alabama- Saturday, Nov 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM MT – Three Forks, Montana
If you have any questions about this exceptional set of bulls, please call (800-311-0995).
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

Henke Farms 2025 Fall Female Sale

Henke Farms 2025 Fall Female Sale will be held on November 5, 2025, at the Farm. 
I had a great conversation with Charles Henke discussing Henke Farms' upcoming Female Sale. The Henkes are outstanding producers and even better people. Charles is a knowledgeable breeder who brings an exceptional understanding of genetics to his customers' herds.
Henke Farms is a multi-generational row-crop and premium livestock operation.
They believe in cattle that can do it all—researching expected progeny differences (EPDs) for high docility and maternal stay ability. Yearling weight, high fertility, soundness, and functionality are essential, as are calving ease and end-product merit. In short, their philosophy is to breed cattle as entirely as we can make them.
In 2018, they were honored with the Century Farm Award. This is a glimpse into their farm, their history, and the generations that have built it into what it is today.
Charles Henke explains how his Great-Grandfather Ben Henke and his Grandfather Ray Henke established a farm near Salisbury, where his father, Ron Henke, raised him. A farm that Charles works hard to continue the tradition for the next generation.
Thank you for taking the time to review our offering. We are in unprecedented territory with phenomenal cattle prices. We have brought our absolute best for this sale. We will lead off with the progeny of one of the best cows in the business. Barbara 0169 has started putting her stamp on the breed. She is an outstanding source of a combination of phenotype and genotype. Lot 1A is a tremendous, hardworking donor that is ready to start flushing eggs immediately. It is very rare to find a female with as much $M and $B as what she has, and still add calving ease, weaning, yearling, heifer pregnancy, calving ease maternal, and foot quality. She is definitely one to make a significant impact on the breed going forward.
The Lot 1B heifer, Barbara 4052, is quite the specimen in her own right. This female adds as much muscle, shape, and as cool a hip as any female we have found. She will go on to be a phenomenal bull producer. Lots 3,4, and 5 are the next generation of Barbaras. They are following in their dams’ footsteps, with some incredible predictions that look to be very promising. The Lot 6s are from the Robyn cow family. For those of you who are not familiar with them, keep your eyes on this family as they are making a big name for themselves in our cow herd. The dam of these heifers is the dam of Henke Historic. He sold to Knoll Crest Farms in Virginia and has done well for them. These three heifers, we feel, will do an excellent job as well.
We are especially excited about the 6a heifer we are offering a half-interest in. We would love to remain partners and explore the opportunities she will bring to the breed. We feel the sky is the limit with her. Lot 7, D313, has been a prolific donor for us. She produces many high-quality embryos that have resulted in excellent calves at our past sales. Her daughters led off an incredible set of bred heifers that we are happy with. This is a complete set of bred heifers for phenotype, balance, and functionality. They will make a great set of brood cows. The open heifers in this sale have incredible potential. We look forward to seeing what they will do. After the female sale, we will sell 16 stout and robust young bulls. Feel free to come by anytime before the sale to review the cattle. Please call with any questions you might have.
We look forward to seeing you on November 5th at 5 pm.
A NOTE FROM COLIN: Welcome to our third fall female sale. I am very excited about it. Leading off with the Barbaras, Lot 1A is a great female with an awesome Powercat bull calf on her side. Lot 1B is a phenotype standout with a Breakaway heifer due in January. I am especially excited about these lot 2s out of the great 0169 cow. This Hennessy bull, as well as the Wizard bull, are two of my favorite breakthrough sons. I even bought a Wizard 0169 pregnancy. Then these Historic embryos are very exciting, with Historic being a half-brother to the lot 6s.
The Lot 3, 4, and 5 are some standout young 0169 granddaughters that I love. This 6a heifer is promising out of the great 9149 cow, who will eat corn out of my hand. Going to the D313 cow, who was a staple donor for us, she averages about 22 embryos per flush. Lot 8 is a bred heifer I love overall. The Lot 9 heifer is a phenotype standout, as well as Lot 12, which is very similar. Lot 14 brings the whole package from phenotype to genotype. Lot 15 is at the top of my favorite heifers list, and I hate to sell her. The lots 21 and 23 heifers are two heifers that are hard to sell as well, and are excellent bull makers. Lot 45 is a heifer that makes you go WOW when you are in the pen. Then, Lot 51 is a special heifer with a bright future ahead of her. When you get to the lot 56 heifer, she stands out from everything with her bold look and great dollar values. Rounding off with the bulls, this lot 81 is an absolute stud. He and the rest of the bulls are ready to hit the pasture and breed some cows.
Henke Farms 2025 Fall Female Sale
Henke Catalogue
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences