American Cattlemen Podcast

Cade Nichols Sees Bright Future for Commercial Producers - Big Texas Event

While attending the recent Texas Wagyu Association event in Fort Worth, Texas, I had the opportunity to sit down with Cade Nichols, President of the American Wagyu Association and owner of Nichols Ranching. We covered a lot of ground during our conversation, from commercial cattle production and Wagyu genetics to the future of the breed and the opportunities available for cattle producers looking to add value to their operations. 
One thing I appreciate about Cade is that he comes at the business from a commercial cattleman’s perspective. His family background is rooted in commercial cattle production, and even though Wagyu has become a major part of their operation, he still views many opportunities through the lens of what works for commercial producers.
Today, Nichols Ranching remains heavily involved in the cattle business through seedstock production, bull sales, and cattle marketing programs designed to help commercial producers capture additional value.
Building Programs Around Commercial Producers
Nichols explained that while his family once fed a significant number of cattle annually, their operation has evolved over time.
Today, much of their focus revolves around genetics and working with commercial producers through bull sales and marketing programs. They sell and lease bulls to commercial cattlemen, particularly those looking for calving ease and added carcass value.
Many of those calves eventually come back through Nichols’ marketing channels, allowing him to maintain relationships with producers while helping them access premium markets.
That commercial focus has also expanded into special cattle sales.
After launching a successful event last year, Nichols Ranching is preparing for another commercial female sale in Sulphur Springs, Texas. The offering will feature primarily Angus-based females from operations known for producing high-quality cattle.
In addition, Nichols plans to offer select groups of fullblood Wagyu females for producers interested in entering the breed.
Leading the American Wagyu Association
In addition to running a ranching operation, Nichols serves as President of the American Wagyu Association, a position he admits he never expected to hold.
After serving on the Texas Wagyu Association board and later becoming involved with the national organization, he now finds himself helping guide one of the fastest-growing sectors of the beef industry.
Nichols spoke highly of American Wagyu Association Executive Director Jerry Reeves and credited Reeves and the association’s board with helping move the organization forward.
Their focus remains centered on supporting members, improving services, and growing opportunities for Wagyu producers across the country.
Why Commercial Producers Matter
One topic that generated considerable discussion during last year’s American Wagyu Association Convention was the role commercial cattle producers will play in the future growth of the breed.
Nichols doesn’t hesitate when discussing that subject.
As he pointed out, nearly all cattle producers operate within the commercial sector. Ignoring that market would limit growth opportunities for the breed.
From his perspective, Wagyu bulls have earned a place in commercial production systems.
While some producers still remember early-generation Wagyu crosses as smaller-framed cattle with lower weaning weights, today’s genetics tell a different story.
Nichols shared that comparison within his own operation show Wagyu-influenced calves typically wean only 20 to 25 pounds lighter than their Angus counterparts. When premiums for Wagyu-cross calves are factored into the equation, those numbers become very attractive.
For many producers, especially those breeding heifers, Wagyu bulls offer another important advantage—calving ease.
As Nichols explained, producers can turn Wagyu bulls out with confidence and expect few calving problems while still producing calves that qualify for value-added marketing programs.
Changing Perceptions About Wagyu
Like many cattlemen who grew up around traditional beef breeds, Nichols admits he was skeptical when his family first entered the Wagyu business nearly two decades ago.
His opinion has changed significantly since then.
The breed has made tremendous progress in terms of performance, efficiency, and market acceptance.
While phenotype remains one of the biggest hurdles for some producers, Nichols believes the industry is steadily overcoming those perceptions.
He joked that Wagyu cattle may never be considered “front pasture cattle” by traditional standards, but emphasized that the breed’s value lies in its ability to consistently produce superior marbling and premium beef.
As genetic selection continues, breeders are also making progress in improving growth, efficiency, and overall cattle performance.
Better Genetics, Better Beef
One of the biggest changes Nichols has witnessed involves feeding performance and carcass development.
When he first entered the breed, fullblood cattle often required significantly longer feeding periods before harvest.
Today’s genetics have improved dramatically.
Producers are now seeing cattle reach desirable carcass endpoints much earlier while still delivering the exceptional marbling that Wagyu is known for worldwide.
Those improvements are helping create new opportunities not only for purebred breeders but also for commercial producers utilizing Wagyu crossbreeding programs.
The result is a product that continues gaining recognition among consumers, restaurants, and beef marketers throughout the country.
Plenty of Room for New Producers
For producers considering Wagyu, Nichols believes there is still significant opportunity within the breed.
His advice is simple.
Attend events.
Talk to breeders.
Ask questions.
Develop a business plan that fits your operation.
Whether a producer manages five acres or fifty thousand acres, Nichols believes there are multiple ways to participate in the Wagyu business successfully.
More importantly, he emphasized the willingness of Wagyu breeders to help newcomers learn and find their place within the industry.
Looking Ahead
As our conversation wrapped up, Nichols remained optimistic about the future of Wagyu cattle in the United States.
Consumer awareness continues to grow. Commercial producers are becoming more familiar with the advantages of Wagyu genetics. Youth programs are gaining momentum, and breed organizations are focused on expanding opportunities for members.
Most importantly, the industry continues telling its story.
And as more producers see the economic potential of Wagyu genetics, that story is likely to reach even more ranches across the country.
I want to thank Cade Nichols for taking the time to visit with us and share his perspective on the future of the Wagyu industry. His practical, commercial-minded approach offers valuable insight for producers looking to add value and explore new opportunities within the beef business.
 
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Texas Wagyu Association Builds Momentum Through Genetics, Education, and Industry Collaboration

One of the great things about attending cattle industry events is the opportunity to spend time with the people helping shape the future of their breed and their industry. During the 2026 Big Texas Event in Fort Worth, Texas, I had the opportunity to sit down with Bryan Milburn, President of the Texas Wagyu Association, to discuss the growth of the Wagyu industry, the importance of genetic advancement, and the opportunities available for both seedstock and commercial cattle producers.
Milburn and his wife, Anna, own Milburn American Wagyu and operate on a ranch rich in family history. The ranch, originally purchased by his grandfather in 1946, has come full circle after years of family dedication and hard work. Today, the operation represents five generations of ranching heritage and serves as a foundation for their commitment to producing high-quality Wagyu cattle. One of the most significant developments discussed during our conversation was the partnership between the Texas Wagyu Association and the Australian Wagyu Association through the International Wagyu Corporation. According to Milburn, the collaboration began several years ago with a simple email and has evolved into a relationship that provides tremendous value to Wagyu producers on both sides of the globe. The Australian Wagyu Association has long been recognized for its extensive data collection and advanced genetic evaluation systems. Through the partnership, Texas Wagyu producers gain access to valuable genetic information that helps improve selection decisions, carcass quality predictions, and overall breed advancement. While many cattlemen have traditionally relied on phenotype and practical experience when making breeding decisions, Milburn explained that the integration of genetic data has become an important tool for modern producers. As tissue sampling, genomic testing, and performance analysis continue to align with real-world results, confidence in the technology continues to grow. Education remains a major focus for the Texas Wagyu Association as well.
The Big Texas Event featured presentations covering genetic evaluation, nutrition, mineral programs, animal health, and management strategies designed to help producers maximize the potential of their cattle operations. Another area receiving increased attention is youth involvement. Like many breed organizations, the Texas Wagyu Association recognizes the importance of developing the next generation of cattle producers. Efforts continue to expand youth participation through educational events, networking opportunities, and breed-focused activities that introduce young people to the Wagyu industry. Of course, one of the highlights of the event was the highly anticipated Big Texas Sale. What began several years ago as a smaller sale has quickly grown into one of the premier Wagyu marketing events in the country. Through a stringent selection process, only elite cattle and genetics earn a place in the sale catalog. Milburn credits the success of the event to strong leadership, quality consignments, and a venue that attracts buyers from across the nation. The sale continues to showcase top-tier females, herd sire prospects, and frozen genetics that represent some of the breed’s most sought-after bloodlines.
Beyond the seedstock sector, the conversation also focused on the growing opportunities for commercial cattleproducers. Wagyu genetics continue to gain attention for their ability to improve marbling and carcass quality when crossed with commercial beef cattle. The benefits of hybrid vigor, combined with the premium carcass traits associated with Wagyu, are creating new marketing opportunities for producers seeking additional value from theircalf crops. The beef-on-dairy segment also continues to expand. Producers across the country have discovered that Wagyu genetics can add significant value to dairy-influenced cattle, creating an additional avenue for growth within the industry. As consumer demand for premium beef products continues to increase, the future appears bright for Wagyu producers. Through strategic partnerships, advanced genetic tools, educational outreach, and innovative marketing programs, organizations like the Texas Wagyu Association are helping position the breed for long-term success.
After visiting with Bryan Milburn and learning more about the direction of the breed, one thing became very clear: the future of Wagyu cattle in America is being built on a foundation of quality genetics, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement. For producers interested in learning more about Wagyu cattle, genetics, and upcoming industry events, the Texas Wagyu Association continues to serve as a valuable resource for breeders, seedstock producers, and commercial cattlemen alike.
 
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Medicine Tree Ranch Red Wagyu Complete Cowherd Dispersal

The latest episode of Genetics and the Gavel, powered by American Cattlemen Media, features Jeff Hawkins of Medicine Tree Ranch in Clinton, Montana, discussing the upcoming Medicine Tree Ranch Red Wagyu Complete Cowherd Dispersal scheduled for June 30, 2026, at 1:00 PM CDT. 
Hosted by Gail McKinney, the episode provides listeners with an inside look at one of the most respected Red Wagyu programs in the country. Hawkins shares the history of Medicine Tree Ranch, the family's dedication to developing elite Red Wagyu genetics, and the breeding philosophies that have guided the operation for years.
During the conversation, Hawkins explains what first attracted him to Red Wagyu cattle and why the breed continues to generate interest among both seedstock and commercial cattle producers. He discusses the advantages that Red Wagyu genetics offer, including exceptional carcass quality, maternal strength, feed efficiency, and access to premium beef markets.
The discussion also covers the difficult decision to disperse the herd and the significance of offering a complete program that represents years of careful genetic selection and management.
If you are searching for elite Fullblood Wagyu genetics, herd sire prospects, replacement females, or productive F1 cattle, this sale represents a unique opportunity to acquire genetics from a proven and respected program.
Be sure to listen to this episode of Genetics and the Gavel to learn more about Medicine Tree Ranch, the Hawkins family, and the cattle selling in this premier Red Wagyu dispersal event.
For additional information, view the sale catalog, register to bid, and access sale details through Live-Ag.com or contact Wagyu 365.
 
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Bull Health Monitoring with 701X

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 Scott Holt, the Strategic Account Manager for 701X. In this episode, Dustin and Scott will dive into some Bull Health monitoring systems, and their benefit, provided by 701X. 
They will then get into, 701X’s pro tag, a monitoring ear tag that combines health and location data delivered via cellular or satellite connectivity. Holt explains that once tags are applied and synced to the company’s software, producers can see where their cattle are, whether they remain inside designated pastures, and receive alerts when animals are transported or move at abnormal speeds. More importantly, the system builds a seven-day behavioral baseline and flags deviations, generating health alerts that can indicate lameness, injury, or other issues before they are obvious to the naked eye.
The pro tag tracks mounts and movement patterns, helping commercial cattlemen verifies bull health, that they are actively working, detect problems early, and protect both bull value and calf crops. Estrus alerts for females provide additional real-time insight into heat cycles, late or unexpected returns to heat, and overall fertility trends, enabling better decisions about bull rotation, treatment, and culling.
Scott emphasizes that the technology is designed to be simple to adopt, comparing its use to basic smartphone functions. Tags can be linked to animal records via QR codes, daily step graphs are easy to interpret, and layered reporting allows users to drill into specific bull or herd metrics. He concludes with an example of a large range operation that dramatically reduced the time required to locate and gather females by using the system, illustrating the practical, labor-saving impact of integrated monitoring technology in extensive grazing environments.
 
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Specialty Risk Insurance

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 Jake Charleston, Livestock Risk Protection agent with Specialty Risk Insurance. 
Jake describes the market as very strong and notably resilient despite multiple challenges. At the same time, he urges producers to watch key factors such as beef imports, plant uncertainty, and the broader cattle cycle as the industry moves toward 2027. He highlights specific risk windows, including cattle coming off Flint Hills grass later in the summer, as times when producers should be especially attentive to price movements.
The core of the episode is Jake’s explanation of Livestock Risk Protection (LRP). He characterizes LRP as a government-subsidized put-style tool that establishes a price floor tied to an expected marketing date while leaving the upside open if the market rallies. Jake stresses that LRP is not about setting a final sale price but about guarding against severe downside moves. He explains that LRP can be used across segments, from unborn calves and cow-calf herds to stocker and fed cattle, with added weight classes and related tools such as Livestock Gross Margin providing further precision for feeding operations.
When advising on coverage, Jake focuses on each producer’s age, financial position, and risk tolerance, often recommending stronger coverage for younger or more leveraged operators who cannot afford a major setback. The conversation closes with Dustin and Jake underscoring the importance of the June 30 deadline for switching LRP agents and the value of working with an insurance partner that brings daily market insight from across the cattle industry.
Specialty Risk Insurance
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Sitz Angus

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 Lane and Tucker Sitz with Sitz Angus. 
Tucker, currently studying farm and ranch management at Northwest College, describes growing up in the Dillon division of the ranch alongside his parents and siblings, noting the advantages and occasional challenges of working within a large family. Lane explains his path through automotive technology school and his decision to return full time to the Harrison division, emphasizing that ranch life has always been his long-term goal.
Both guests highlight major changes they have witnessed in the cattle industry, especially the rise of technology. They recall working cattle with pen and paper before transitioning to EID tags and electronic record-keeping systems, which have significantly improved data accuracy and management. They acknowledge that this shift can be daunting for older generations, but has become essential to modern operations.
Lane and Tucker outline the scale and structure of the Sitz Angus program. The ranch conducts two annual production sales, marketing over 800 registered Angus bulls each year, split between a March yearling sale in Dillon and a December coming two-year-old sale in Harrison. They also offer bred commercial heifers in the fall and yearling open heifers in the spring, which helps distinguish their program within the industry.
In terms of breeding philosophy, the Sitz program focuses on balanced EPD profiles and a consistent, functional phenotype known internally as the “Sitz look.” They stress maternal and structural traits, avoiding the temptation to chase single-trait trends. The conversation closes with discussion of AI sires they are particularly excited about, including bulls such as Sitz Prefix, Sitz Phenom, Sitz Empire, and other young sires whose early progeny appear promising. The episode concludes with appreciation for the Sitz family’s century-long contribution to the Angus business and a tease for a future episode previewing the December sale.
 
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New World Screwworm Update Cattlemen & Veterinarians

Welcome to this emergency episode of Cattlemen & Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health. Just ahead, hosts Kaid Panek and Dr. Shynia Peterman provide a timely update on the New World Screwworm following its confirmed re-emergence in the United States. Dr. Peterman reports four confirmed cases as of Monday, June 8: three in calves in Texas and one in a dog in New Mexico, noting that all warm-blooded animals, including livestock, wildlife, and pets are susceptible. 
Dr. Peterman explains that the New World Screwworm is actually a fly whose adult females lay 200–300 eggs in wounds or mucous membranes. The eggs hatch within 12–24 hours, and the larvae burrow into living tissue in a screw-like fashion, causing severe tissue damage, pain, and potentially death if untreated. After about a week on the host, larvae drop to the ground to pupate in soil for one to 54 days, depending on temperature and humidity, before emerging as adult flies and continuing the cycle.
Producers are urged to observe livestock, horses, pets, and local wildlife daily. Warning signs include irritation, excessive head shaking, foul odor of decaying flesh, bloody or abnormal discharges, non-healing or enlarging wounds, visible eggs, or larvae in tissue. Any suspicious case should trigger immediate contact with a veterinarian, followed by rapid notification of state and federal animal health officials, as this is a reportable condition.
Dr. Peterman emphasizes thoughtful management around procedures that create wounds, such as branding, castration, dehorning, ear tagging, and calving assistance, especially in at-risk regions. She notes conditional approvals for products such as Dectomax CA-1 and Exalt Cattle CA-1, along with other emergency-use therapeutics listed on the FDA website, and stresses strategic use to prevent resistance.
On the regulatory front, USDA and the Texas Animal Health Commission have established 20-kilometer infested and buffer zones, imposed movement controls, and deployed millions of sterile male flies via air and ground release. Monitoring of wildlife and fly populations is ongoing, aided by fluorescent dye markers on sterile males.
The episode closes with reassurance that the New World Screwworm has been successfully eradicated before. The key messages are to avoid panic, remain vigilant, report promptly, and remember that this is an animal health and welfare issue rather than a food safety concern.
 
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Fair Time Tips & Tricks Cattlemen & Veterinarians

Welcome back to Cattlemen & Veterinarians, a Partnership in Bovine Health, powered by American Cattlemen Media. Just ahead, we have Kaid Panek and Dr. Shynia Peterman, and they sit down with Dr. Dalton Newell, DVM of Oklahoma Beef Consultants. In this episode, they will dive into some tips and tricks for fair time to keep your animals as healthy and strong as possible.
Dr. Dalton Newell was raised on a backgrounding operation in Minco, OK, where his family preconditioned cattle, sheep, and goats. Dalton judged livestock at Redlands Community College, Oklahoma State University, and graduated from OSU College of Veterinary Medicine in 2021. Dr. Newell is a production animal veterinarian with the Oklahoma Beef Consultants; a consulting firm reaching from Nebraska to Texas and Missouri to California. Along with the services and consulting provided to producers, Newell volunteers as animal health official for Cattlemen’s Congress, the Oklahoma Youth Expo, EYO at the State Fair of Oklahoma, and the California Ag Youth Expo. Dalton, his wife Kass, who is the Executive Vice-President of OYE, and daughters Nyla and Nellie reside in Yukon, OK.
Dr. Newell begins by explaining the importance of Certificates of Veterinary Inspection (CVIs). Requirements vary by state and by show, and can change rapidly with emerging disease threats such as screw worm, Theileria, and tick-borne conditions. Exhibitors are encouraged to review each show’s rules well in advance and provide those requirements to their veterinarian to streamline CVI preparation and avoid last-minute problems. He notes that CVIs are typically valid for 30 days, but that window may shorten during disease outbreaks.
The conversation then turns to foundational husbandry. Dr. Newell stresses that preparation starts on day one of owning the project. Quarantine of new arrivals, daily observation of feed and water intake, clean bedding, appropriate vaccination protocols, deworming, and coccidia control are presented as non‑negotiable basics. At the fair, three pillars of husbandry—clean water, fresh feed, and a comfortable environment—are described as essential across species. Timing hauls to avoid heat stress, pre‑bedding stalls, running fans, managing water familiarity, maintaining feeding schedules, and using hay strategically all help keep show cattle eating, drinking, and coping with stress.
For terminal shows, Dr. Newell highlights the critical importance of drug withdrawal times and meticulous treatment records to protect food safety. He recommends simple, consistent recordkeeping systems such as spreadsheets or shared digital documents, noting that documentation is vital if an animal ever tests positive on drug screens.
Biosecurity when bringing animals home is addressed through quarantine, close observation for 7–10 days, and attention to equipment, trailers, and footwear to reduce disease spread. Dr. Newell closes by underscoring the life skills, work ethic, and human–animal bond developed through 4‑H, FFA, and showing livestock, encouraging families and educators to prioritize both animal welfare and biosecurity while enjoying the show barn lifestyle.
Fair Time Tips & Tricks Cattlemen & Veterinarians
 
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Larry Gran & Jamie Wolf with Jorgensen Land & Cattle

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Larry Gran and Jamie Wolf with Jorgensen Land & Cattle. In this episode, they will dive into Jorgensen’s data-driven Angus program, the role of genomics in commercial cow herds, succession planning, and the broader state of the beef industry. 
Gran explains his responsibilities for cattle procurement, DNA program oversight, and managing relationships with Jorgensen’s genetic partners. Wolf describes his work in marketing, genetic sales, and customer consulting, emphasizing the operation’s commitment to telling its story through video, social media, and educational content about technology in use on the ranch.
The conversation highlights Jorgensen’s long-term data collection, dating back to handwritten cow cards from the 1950s, which underpins their Ideal Beef Evaluation (IBE) developed in partnership with Zoetis. Gran and Wolf stress that genomic testing is particularly powerful for smaller producers who cannot afford to keep the wrong replacement heifers. By identifying top and bottom performers early, producers can cull unproductive females sooner and design complementary matings that accelerate herd improvement, regardless of herd size.
The pair also discuss tools like Ag Boost, which simplifies EPD interpretation into a one-to-ten scoring system, making genetic decisions more accessible for time-pressed producers. They emphasize that Jorgensen’s team routinely works with customers to analyze data, align bull selection with herd goals, and ultimately improve sale-day checks.
On the industry outlook, Gran notes historically strong cattle prices but urges caution due to high interest rates, limited grass availability, and inevitable market corrections. Both guests underscore the importance of having the best cows in place before a downturn and of using technology and planning—rather than emotion—to guide culling and investment decisions. Wolf adds concerns about generational transition and describes Jorgensen’s structured succession planning and robust internship program as models for bringing capable young people into the industry.
They close by stressing that beef demand remains strong, and that sustained success depends on producing a high-quality product while continuing to tell the beef industry’s story and its multi-generational, land-based heritage.
 
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Merck Animal Health with Austin Woltemath

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, he's the owner of American Cattlemen Media, and he sits down with Austin Woltemath with Merck Animal Health. 
Merck Animal Health’s SenseHub technology supports both cow-calf and feedlot operations through continuous, data-driven monitoring. SenseHub is an overarching livestock monitoring platform built around wearable devices that function like a smartwatch or Fitbit for cattle. These tags collect biometric and behavioral data, establish baselines for “normal,” and flag outlier activity so producers can make earlier and more accurate management decisions.
On the cow-calf side, SenseHub Cow Calf is positioned as a reproductive efficiency and labor-saving tool. The system is self-installed by the producer and relies on pairing a monitoring ear tag and an electronic ID to each animal via computer or mobile app. Once online, it provides 24/7 monitoring for activity patterns associated with heat and estrus. This allows artificial insemination and embryo transfer programs to pinpoint optimal breeding windows, increase the percentage of females settled in the first 21-day cycle, and track cyclicity in heifer development. The technology also acts as an ongoing heat-checking tool after breeding, helping identify animals that may have come back into heat. A light on the tag simplifies locating specific animals, making the system especially valuable for producers juggling off-farm jobs or limited hired help.
For feedlots, SenseHub Feedlot uses an ear tag that measures inner ear temperature and activity to identify cattle that may be in the early stages of disease, often one to three days before visual signs emerge. Rather than diagnosing conditions, the system flags animals that deviate from their normal behavior and generates actionable pull lists. This supports earlier intervention, improved treatment outcomes, and reduced mortality. Unlike the cow-calf system, the feedlot platform requires a four- to six-week installation handled by Merck’s technical team, followed by onboarding support from a customer success group. Across both segments, Woltemath emphasizes that SenseHub does not replace people but enables operations to do more with less skilled labor, enhancing accuracy, timeliness, and overall herd health and productivity.
 
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