American Cattlemen Podcast

One of the things I enjoy most about this business is the people you get to know along the way. 
I've known Jeremy Leister for quite a while, and I always enjoy the opportunity to catch up and talk cattle with him. Jeremy manages Pollard Farms in Waukomis, Oklahoma, and when you stat talking about the Pollard program, it doesn't take long before the conversation gets back to one thing - the cow families. 
That seems especially appropriate as Pollard Farms prepares for its annual female production sale on September 19. 
Most Angus producers are familiar with the Pollard Farms name. Dr. Barry and Roxanne Pollard have spent more than three decades building a program recognized across the Angus breed for producing cattle that combine strong numbers, phenotype, and, most importantly, usefulness. 
But it stated pretty simply. 
Barry grew up in Hennessey, Oklahoma, where his father taught vocational agriculture, and his mother was a schoolteacher. He went on to become a board-certified neurosurgeon, returning home to Oklahoma and opening his medical practice in Enid in 1982. 
Ten years later, he purchased several bred heifers and yearlings and started an Angus herd. 
A lot has changed since 1992, but I think one of the strengths of Pollard Farms is that the basic objective has remained pretty straightforward: to produce better cattle that can help their customers be more profitable. 
Jeremy and I talked about the depth of this year's female offering, and there is certainly plenty to talk about. But something Pollard Farms hears repeatedly from its bull customers says more about the program than any sale listing ever could. 
They buy Pollard bulls because they believe in the cow families standing behind them. 
I think that's pretty powerful. 
We spend a lot of time in the seedstock business talking about the bull- and rightfully so. A bull can influence a lot of calves in a hurry. But behind every good bull is a cow, and behind the most consistent breeding programs are generations of females that have proven their ability to work. 
That's what makes a female sale like this interesting. 
You're not simply looking at individual females. You're getting an opportunity to buy into cow families that have been developed and tested over generations.
Pollard Farms has worked Hard to build those families without losing sight of the commercial cattleman. They want females that stand out numerically and phenotypically, but they also want females capable of producing the kind of bulls their commercial customers come back to buy. 
That balance matters. 
There are plenty of ways to make cattle impressive on paper. There are plenty of ways to make one look good standing in a picture pen, The challenge is putting everything together in cattle that go home, reproduce, raise a calf, and ultimately make somebody money. 
That's still the business we're in. 
This year's Pollard offering reflects that philosophy, with females representing several ages and stages of production. There are young fall pairs and heavy-bred females, fall yearling open heifers, spring open heifer show and donor prospects, donor dams, spring-pred cows with calves, and spring-bred heifer. 
That gives cattlemen an opportunity to study the Pollard program from several different angles and find females that fit their own breeding objectives. 
Knowing Jeremy, I also know how much work goes into getting to sale day. 
A program like Pollard Farms doesn't happen because of one person. Barry and Roxanne have built something special, but Jeremy is quick to recognize the crew behind it. Raising cattle, developing them, collecting the data, preparing for a sale, and taking care of customers takes a teak -- and it takes a lot of days when nobody outside the operation is watching. 
That's part of what I enjoy about these Producer Profiles. we get to talk about the cattle, but we also get to talk about the people behind them. 
And Pollard Farms has always understood that side of the cattle business. 
Sale weekend isn't simply about selling cattle. It's also a chance to get customers and friends together, talk cattle, enjoy some fellowship, and renew relationships that, in many cases, have been built over the years.
That's the cattle business I know, and I hope we never lose that part of it. 
The Pollard Farms Annual Female production Sale will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at noon at the ranch in Waukomis, Oklahoma. Online bidding will also be available through LiveAuctions.TV.
If you're in the market for Angus females this fall, take a look at the offering. There will certainly be some impressive individuals in the sale. 
But I'd spend just as much time studying the cow families behind them.
After all, that's what Pollard Farms' bull customers keep telling them matters. 
It was great catching up with Jeremy again. I appreciate his friendship, I appreciate what the Pollard family and their crew contribute to our industry, and I always enjoy talking cattle with him. 
Take care!
Gale McKinney 
American Cattlemen
 
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The American Wagyu Association is preparing to welcome producers from across the country to its 2026 Annual General Meeting, Conference and Tour, scheduled for September 9-12 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, with an optional Post-Conference Tour on September 13-14.
While the annual conference serves as the Association's official business meeting, this year's event reflects something much larger—the continued evolution of the American Wagyu industry.
Under the theme "Born to Be Prime," attendees will explore topics that are shaping the future of premium beef production. Educational sessions will cover genetics, DNA technology, selection indexes, artificial intelligence, camera grading, food safety, branded beef programs and beef marketing. The program also features presentations from industry leaders representing USDA, NCBA, Oklahoma State University, Neogen and other respected organizations.
Beyond the classroom, the conference offers numerous opportunities for networking and collaboration through its trade show, producer receptions, the popular Best Wagyu Steak in America Contest, the new Everything BUT Steak Contest and Saturday evening's Gala Dinner.
For producers interested in seeing innovation firsthand, the optional Post-Conference Tour includes visits to Oklahoma State University's Meat Science Facilities, Genesis Enterprises, the American Wagyu Association's new headquarters and G$ Grasslands Wagyu.
During a recent American Cattlemen Podcast interview, Executive Director Jerry Cassidy discussed not only the conference itself but also the direction of the Association and the opportunities ahead for Wagyu producers. As consumer demand for premium beef continues to grow, the Association remains focused on providing members with the education, technology and industry connections needed to remain competitive.
Whether you're an established Wagyu breeder or simply interested in learning more about one of the fastest-growing segments of the beef industry, the 2026 American Wagyu Association Conference offers valuable insight into where the breed—and the business—is headed.
For registration information, conference details, and the complete schedule of events, visit www.wagyu.org
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There is something to be said for developing cattle in the same kind of environment where you expect them to perform. That philosophy has been at the heart of Rhoades Ranch in Cambria, California, since the program began in 2006. 
Rhoades Ranch develops its cattle in rough country that asks them to travel, stay sound, and prove their ability to perform. The goal is straightforward: produce bulls with the durability and athleticism to cover country and reach cows while combining those practical traits with strong phenotype and a balanced EPD package.
The result is a powerful set of Angus genetics made for the seedstock breeder and commercial producer alike.
I really enjoyed talking with Justin Rhoades for this episode of Genetics & the Gavel. One thing became apparent very quickly during our conversation: Justin genuinely wants to help improve his customers' genetics. He isn't simply interested in selling bulls. He thinks about where those genetics are headed, what his customers are trying to accomplish, and how Rhoades Ranch cattle can help advance their programs.
I think that mindset says a lot about the Rhoades program.
Today's cattle producers have access to more genetic information than ever before, and Rhoades Ranch embraces the opportunity to make genetic progress. At the same time, Justin understands that the numbers have to translate into cattle that work in the real world.
For seedstock producers, that means genetics with the potential to complement a breeding program and create the next generation of cattle. For commercial cattlemen, it means bulls expected to travel, remain durable, breed cows and sire calves that can add value.
It's about finding balance between genetic progress and practical performance.
That philosophy will be on display at the Rhoades Ranch Annual Production Sale on September 5, 2026, in Cambria, California. Justin and I talked about the depth of this year's offering and the opportunities available for cattlemen with different breeding objectives.
But the sale isn't limited to Angus genetics.
Rhoades Ranch will also offer working horses and working cow dogs, and I think those animals add another dimension to the story of this operation. Anyone who has spent much time around a working cattle ranch understands the value of a dependable horse and a good cow dog. They aren't there for decoration—they are part of getting the job done.
In many ways, that fits perfectly with the philosophy behind the Rhoades cattle. Whether you're talking about bulls, horses or dogs, usefulness matters.
What I appreciated most from my conversation with Justin was his focus on the people who ultimately put these genetics to work. There is plenty of excitement surrounding a powerful set of Angus genetics, but behind the pedigrees, EPDs, and phenotype are cattlemen trying to make their next calf crop better than the last.
Justin understands that.
For anyone considering the Rhoades Ranch offering, I encourage you to listen to our conversation on Genetics & the Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Media, spend some time studying the offering, and visit with Justin about what you're trying to accomplish in your own program.
The Rhoades Ranch Annual Production Sale is on September 5, 2026, at 1:00 PM Pacific in Cambria, California.
Whether you're looking for Angus genetics to advance a seedstock program, bulls to strengthen a commercial cow herd, or working horses and cow dogs for the ranch, there is plenty worth taking a look at.
At the end of the day, the Rhoades Ranch philosophy is pretty simple: develop genetics with a purpose and help customers make their cattle better.
 
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Bovine respiratory disease remains one of the cattle industry’s most persistent and costly health challenges. Despite decades of vaccines, treatments, and management practices, BRD rates have not declined—and some reports suggest mortality is increasing. In this episode of the American Cattleman Podcast, host Dustin Hector sits down with Dr. Bob Gentry of MedGene to examine why respiratory disease continues to demand producers’ attention and how emerging tools may help them respond more effectively. 
With 45 years of veterinary experience spanning mixed-animal practice, cattle reproduction, technical service, and animal health innovation, Dr. Gentry brings a practical perspective to the conversation. He explains why calves become especially vulnerable as maternal antibodies fade, often just as weaning and other stressful management events approach. Listeners will learn why preconditioning and vaccinating before stress remain essential parts of a herd health strategy.
The discussion explores both familiar and frequently overlooked contributors to the BRD complex. Dr. Gentry reviews established pathogens such as IBR, BVD, BRSV, and PI3, then examines the growing importance of bovine coronavirus, now a leading respiratory virus detected by diagnostic laboratories. He also discusses bovine influenza D, bovine rhinitis virus, bovine astrovirus, and bovine adenovirus 3, along with the bacterial threats that may follow viral infection.
Producers will hear which early warning signs deserve attention, including nasal discharge, coughing, depression, reduced appetite, and poor performance. Dr. Gentry also explains “summer pneumonia,” why apparently low-stress nursing calves may still develop disease, and how unprotected animals can break with BRD after weaning.
Finally, the episode highlights advances in prevention and diagnostics. Dr. Gentry discusses MedGene’s prescription platform vaccines for coronavirus and influenza D, as well as rapid PCR testing that can identify pathogens from nasal swabs collected from live animals. With results potentially available within 24 to 48 hours, producers and veterinarians can make faster, more targeted intervention decisions.
Whether you raise calves, manage a backgrounding operation, or oversee feedlot health, this episode offers timely insight into recognizing BRD, strengthening prevention, using diagnostics, and staying ahead of respiratory threats before they become costly losses. Tune in for guidance supporting healthier cattle and resilient operations.
 
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Female sales are easy to describe with numbers. This many open heifers. This many bred females. This many pregnancies and embryo packages. But numbers alone do not explain what has made the Next Generation Foundation Female Sale last for 28 years. That story is about cattle, but it is also about people. It is about consignors willing to offer their best, buyers willing to trust the program, and a sale team that stays involved long after the final lot leaves the ring. 
I recently visited with Nick Dwyer of Dwyer Cattle Services about the 2026 sale, set for Sunday, August 30th, at the home farm in Roseville, Illinois. This marks Nick’s fifth year leading the event and the 28th year he and his dad, Bob, have hosted it together. Nick believes this is the deepest offering they have ever assembled. That is a strong statement after nearly three decades, but the catalog supports it. More than 200 head and genetic opportunities represent show-ready heifers, commercial bred females, elite cow prospects, pregnancies, embryo packages and herd bulls. What makes the sale different is not simply the size of the offering. It is the range. A buyer can find a heifer built for the show ring and then turn the page to a female designed to become the kind of cow that produces herd bulls and replacement females for years. That kind of diversity does not come from one herd. This year’s sale represents 61 consignors, each bringing different cow families, breeds and breeding goals to the offering. Nick and Bob’s work managing sales across the country gives them the opportunity to evaluate cattle from many programs and identify genetics that can add value in different ways.
Just as important is what happens after sale day. Nick does not believe the job ends when a female changes hands. Much of his spring and early summer is spent visiting past customers, evaluating cattle and following the progress of genetics purchased through previous sales. Many of the lots in this year’s catalog trace back to earlier Next Generation purchases. That may be the best measure of the sale’s success. Some customers have earned banners in the show ring. Others have generated meaningful genetic and financial returns in their breeding programs. Both matter. The cattle business is built on relationships, and the best sale programs understand that a satisfied buyer is more valuable than a one-time sale. The customer-success pages in this year’s catalog make that point better than any advertisement could.
Last year, cattle sold into 23 states and Canada. That reach says something about the quality of the cattle, but it also says something about the confidence buyers have in the people behind them. Nick encourages buyers to arrive early, walk through the offering and visit with the consignors. That is good advice. A catalog can provide pedigrees, EPDs and footnotes, but a conversation with the breeder can tell you how a cow family performs, what kind of calves it produces and where those genetics may fit in your own program. The Next Generation Foundation Female Sale is not built around one type of buyer or one definition of success. It is designed to offer cattle that can work in the show ring, the pasture and the donor pen. For producers looking to improve their herd, add a proven cow family or find a female with the potential to make an impact for years, the trip to Roseville may be well worth the time. And if the weather turns warm, Nick says there will be an ice cream truck waiting. After 28 years, they apparently have the sale-day details figured out too.
More Than a Female Sale: Building Customer Success One Generation at a Time
 
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Welcome back to Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Today, join hosts Kaid Panek and Dr. Shynia Peterman as they sit down with Dr. Ryan Fairbairn, DVM, of Trans Ova Genetics to explore the rapidly evolving world of bovine embryo transfer and Cattle Genetics.
Dr. Fairbairn shares how his upbringing on a small Angus cow-calf operation in Pennsylvania inspired his interest in reproductive physiology and biotechnology. After graduating from Purdue University’s veterinary school in 2015, he joined Trans Ova Genetics, where he now serves as professional services manager for the Western region.
Throughout the conversation, Dr. Fairbairn explains how embryo transfer can help cattle producers accelerate genetic improvement, multiply the influence of their best donor cows, and make better use of recipient females. He walks listeners through conventional embryo flushing, including superovulation, breeding, collection, grading, freezing, and fresh transfer. He then compares that process with IVF, explaining how technicians collect unfertilized oocytes directly from a donor’s ovaries before fertilizing and developing them in a laboratory.
The discussion breaks down the advantages and limitations of both methods. Conventional flushing may offer lower costs, stronger conception rates with fresh embryos, and easier access to international markets. IVF can provide faster collection intervals, use less semen, work effectively with sexed semen, and allow producers to collect oocytes from pregnant donors during an appropriate window of gestation.
Dr. Fairbairn also explains embryo staging and grading, factors that influence embryo quality, and why donor performance should help determine the best collection strategy. Just as importantly, he emphasizes that recipient cows cannot be treated as an afterthought. Proper body condition, nutrition, mineral supplementation, vaccination, low-stress handling, and thoughtful synchronization are all critical to a successful pregnancy.
The episode also examines the growing accessibility of IVF through Trans Ova’s laboratories, satellite locations, on-farm collections, and partnering veterinarians. Whether producers want to preserve genetics from a favorite cow, purchase elite embryos, select for heifer or bull calves, or advance an entire herd, this episode provides a practical introduction to reproductive technology and the planning required to use it successfully in commercial and seedstock cattle operations across America today.
 
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Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the Director of Business Development for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Dr. Wayne Ayers, Senior Beef Cattle Technical Consultant with Elanco Animal Health, for an informative discussion on Bovine Congestive Heart Failure (BCHF), also known as bovine pulmonary hypertension or right-sided heart failure. As the disease continues to affect cattle at both high and low elevations, Dr. Ayers explains why producers across the country should become familiar with its causes, symptoms, and risk factors. 
Drawing from decades of veterinary experience in private practice, academia, and animal health research, Dr. Ayers breaks down the science behind Bovine Congestive Heart Failure in practical terms. He discusses how pulmonary hypertension places increasing stress on the heart, eventually leading to heart failure in affected cattle. Listeners learn to recognize common warning signs, including brisket edema, bottle jaw, fatigue, labored breathing, and jugular vein distension, while also understanding why early recognition is critical since the disease is almost always fatal once clinical signs appear.
The conversation explores the growing body of research surrounding the condition, including the discovery of genetic markers that significantly increase an animal's risk of developing Bovine Congestive Heart Failure. Dr. Ayers explains how genetic testing can help producers make more informed breeding decisions and reduce the prevalence of susceptible animals over time. He also discusses the connection between bovine respiratory disease (BRD) and heart failure, highlighting how previous lung damage can dramatically increase the likelihood of cattle developing BCHF later in life.
Beyond genetics, Dustin and Dr. Ayers examine practical management strategies that may help reduce risk throughout the production cycle. Topics include implementing strong vaccination programs, minimizing handling stress, preventing respiratory disease, reducing heat and cold stress, providing adequate shade and bedding, and adjusting feeding programs for higher-risk cattle. They also discuss how communication between cow-calf producers, backgrounders, and feedlots can improve long-term herd health by identifying at-risk bloodlines and sharing valuable performance data.
Whether you're a commercial cattle producer, feedlot manager, veterinarian, or anyone involved in the beef industry, this episode delivers valuable insights into one of the industry's emerging health challenges. Dr. Ayers provides practical recommendations that can help producers better understand Bovine Congestive Heart Failure, improve herd management decisions, and protect the long-term health and profitability of their cattle operations.
 
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One of the highlights of the Big Texas Event, hosted jointly by the Texas Wagyu Association and Australian Wagyu Association, is the opportunity to reconnect with some of the industry’s most progressive breeders. Among them is Emily Searle of Old Three Wagyu, a Texas-based operation known for elite Fullblood Wagyu genetics, premium beef production, and a strong commitment to producer education. During the event, Searle sat down with American Cattlemen to discuss the growth of Old Three Wagyu, the opportunities Wagyu genetics create for commercial producers, and the lessons learned from the ranch’s first production sale. 
Searle grew up in Washington County, Texas, often referred to as the birthplace of Texas, where her roots in agriculture began with commercial cattle production. After earning a degree in Agricultural Education from Texas A&M University, she joined Old Three Wagyu and quickly became involved in marketing, sales, genetics, and day-to-day ranch operations. Today, Old Three Wagyu is part of a diversified agricultural business that includes both cattle and wine production through Rowland Taylor Vineyards. “We run about 300 head of Fullblood Wagyu cattle and grow approximately 200 tons of wine grapes annually,” Searle explained. “The Wagyu and wine combination have been a unique opportunity for us and allows us to connect consumers directly to agriculture.”
Old Three Wagyu owner Kerr Taylor purchased the Washington County property nearly two decades ago after building a successful career in Houston real estate. What began as a commercial cattle operation evolved into a nationally recognized Wagyu breeding program. “Kerr wanted to continually improve the cattle herd,” Searle said. “When he discovered Wagyu genetics and the quality of beef they could produce, that became the foundation for what Old Three Wagyu is today.” The ranch continues to focus heavily on genetic advancement, utilizing carcass data, feeding programs, and performance information to guide breeding decisions. Wagyu Genetics and the Commercial Producer One topic gaining significant attention throughout the Wagyu industry is the use of Wagyu bulls in commercial cow- calf operations. Searle believes the benefits are substantial. “When you introduce a Wagyu bull into a commercial breeding program, you’re improving marbling while still maintaining strong growth performance,” she explained. “You’re creating cattle that can achieve Prime and Prime Plus carcass grades while continuing to add value throughout the beef supply chain.” In addition to carcass quality, Wagyu cattle offer several practical advantages, including:
 Improved marbling Enhanced beef quality grades Lower birth weights Calving ease Greater consumer satisfaction
“As an industry, we should always be striving to improve beef quality,” Searle said. “Wagyu genetics provide producers with another tool to help accomplish that goal.” Data-Driven Decisions Drive Genetic Progress While premium beef remains the end goal, Searle emphasized that meaningful genetic progress requires measurable data. Old Three Wagyu maintains a feeder and finishing program that allows the ranch to collect carcass information and evaluate performance from pasture to plate. “You can’t make genetic advancements without real-world data,” she said. “Following cattle through the feeding phase and collecting carcass information helps us make better breeding decisions within our seedstock program.” This commitment to data-driven selection continues to position the operation among the industry’s leading Wagyu programs.
One recurring theme throughout the Big Texas Event was the collaborative culture within the Wagyu breed. For producers considering Wagyu for the first time, Searle offered reassurance. “There are so many people in this breed willing to help,” she said. “The data, registration process, genetics, and breeding decisions can feel overwhelming at first, but there are experienced producers who are happy to answer questions and share what they’ve learned.” That culture of mentorship and collaboration has become one of the breed’s greatest strengths. “The relationships within the Wagyu industry are truly special,” Searle added. Lessons Learned from the First Old Three Wagyu Production Sale Earlier this year, Old Three Wagyu hosted its inaugural production sale, known as the Irreplaceable Showcase. The event represented far more than simply selling cattle. “It was really about telling our story,” Searle said. Months of planning, genetic selection, breeding decisions, photography, video production, catalog development, and customer outreach all culminated in a single event showcasing the ranch’s best genetics. “We were able to share Kerr and Jill Taylor’s vision, our breeding philosophy, and the direction of our program,” she explained. The sale also provided an opportunity to connect with both experienced Wagyu breeders and commercial cattle producers interested in incorporating Wagyu genetics into their operations.
As Old Three Wagyu prepares for its second production sale scheduled for April 10, 2027, the team is already making breeding decisions and evaluating future sale offerings. The long-term goal remains consistent: produce superior cattle, improve beef quality, and continue building relationships throughout the industry. For Searle, one of the most rewarding aspects of the business remains introducing consumers to Wagyu beef for the first time. “Watching someone experience Wagyu and seeing their reaction when that steak melts in their mouth is something special,” she said.
As consumer demand for premium beef continues to grow, Old Three Wagyu appears well-positioned to help shape the future of both the Wagyu breed and the broader beef industry.
 
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At the Big Texas Event in Fort Worth, hosted in partnership by the Texas Wagyu Association and the Australian Wagyu Association, American Cattlemen had the opportunity to sit down with one of the most unique guests of the conference: Gregg Brazzell of Spring Street Farms in Louisiana. Brazzell came to the Wagyu business with a story unlike most cattle producers. Before building his Louisiana farm and beef program, he spent decades in the film industry as a stuntman, stunt coordinator, and second unit director. 
Brazzell has worked in the stunt industry for more than 46 years. His path began early, with a chance meeting at a hotel in Dallas during the premiere of the John Wayne film Chisum. There, as a young boy taking photos in the lobby, Brazzell met western actor and cowboy Ben Johnson. Years later, that early connection came full circle. At age 21, Brazzell was asked to step in as a stunt double for Johnson, launching a long and successful career in film. Brazzell trained in judo, kung fu, Tae Kwon Do, and other martial arts, eventually finding his niche in fight scenes and car work. Over the years, he worked with well-known names in the movie business, including Chuck Norris and Aaron Norris, and traveled internationally for film projects. He also learned the hard, practical side of stunt work: building ramps, welding roll cages, turning cars over, learning fire stunts, and studying how to safely choreograph action scenes.
Today, Brazzell is semi-retired from the film industry and focused on restoring and expanding Spring Street Farms in Louisiana. While he still works on a couple of movies a year, much of his energy now goes into the farm, which carries deep family meaning. Brazzell described walking into an old barn on the property and seeing trees growing through the middle of it. The roof was gone, and the structure needed major work. Rather than walk away, he saw a chance to honor his father and brother by restoring the farm and creating something lasting. He has since rebuilt the barn, added pipe fencing, designed corrals, and continued improving the operation. Brazzell is also building an 80-by-100-foot feed barn and has planted rye, oats, and white clover to support his cattle program.
Although Brazzell grew up around cattle, he said Wagyu was new territory. A friend encouraged him to consider raising Wagyu, and that led him to seek out producers and industry leaders who were already doing the work every day. That is one reason he values events like the Big Texas Wagyu Sale. For Brazzell, the conference is not only about buying cattle; it is about learning genetics, marbling scores, feeding strategies, and best practices from experienced Wagyu breeders. Brazzell said he has only been involved with Wagyu for about two years, but he has already purchased cattle through the Big Texas Sale and continues working to improve his herd. One female he purchased carried a marbling score that represented an important step forward for his program.
One theme Brazzell returned to throughout the conversation was the willingness of Wagyu producers to help one another. He compared it to the stunt business, where experienced professionals often pass knowledge down to the next person willing to learn. Brazzell said the ranchers and breeders he has met are generous with information, open about what they have learned, and eager to help newcomers understand the details of genetics, management, and beef production.
Spring Street Farms currently runs about 45 head of cattle, including four bulls, with plans for continued growth. Brazzell has also begun selling Wagyu beef into local markets, including restaurants and a butcher shop in the Shreveport area. He said three restaurants are currently featuring his beef, allowing them to use it for special dishes or limited offerings. While the operation is still small, Brazzell sees opportunity in producing high-quality beef and building demand carefully. In addition to cattle, Brazzell is developing other parts of the farm, including honeybees, an orchard, and loblolly pine production. The broader goal is not just revenue, but stewardship, restoration, and honoring the legacy of his father, Lester Brazzell.
For Brazzell, Spring Street Farms is personal. The restored barn will carry his father's initials, LB, as a tribute to the man who helped shape his love for cattle and the land.
 
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Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the director of business development for American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Kyle Peters, the General Manager and President of Linn Post & Pipe. In this episode, Kyle and Dustin sit down to discuss the company's rich history, commitment to innovation, and its continued impact on the cattle industry. Growing up in the family business, Kyle shares how his early experiences sweeping shop floors and working in manufacturing helped shape his appreciation for craftsmanship, hard work, and the importance of serving agricultural communities. 
Kyle reflects on the origins of Linn Post & Pipe, a company founded more than 50 years ago by his grandfather with a vision of creating jobs and strengthening rural America. What began as a small welding and fabrication shop evolved into a leading manufacturer of continuous fencing, gates, portable corrals, and livestock handling equipment. Throughout the conversation, Kyle explains how that original mission of supporting cattle producers remains at the heart of everything the company does today.
The discussion highlights the evolution of livestock handling equipment and the growing demand for portable, efficient systems that meet the needs of today's ranchers. Kyle provides an inside look at the development of the Wrangler Pro Series Portable Corral, explaining how years of customer feedback, field experience, and innovative engineering led to a system designed to improve operator safety, increase efficiency, and simplify cattle handling. From redesigned adjustable alleyways to enhanced safety features and improved mobility, the Pro Series reflects the company's dedication to solving real-world challenges faced by producers.
Dustin and Kyle also explore broader trends shaping the beef industry, including larger operating footprints, labor efficiency, and the increasing need for equipment that can move with producers as grazing operations expand. Kyle emphasizes that successful product development starts by listening to customers and understanding the day-to-day realities of life on the ranch.
Whether you're managing a commercial cow-calf operation, expanding your livestock facilities, or simply interested in the future of cattle handling technology, this episode offers valuable insights into innovation, rural entrepreneurship, and the importance of designing equipment that helps producers work smarter, safer, and more efficiently while preserving the values that have guided family-owned agricultural businesses for generations.
 
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