American Cattlemen Podcast

Smith Valley Angus Production Sale

Today, we learned more about the Smith Valley Angus Production Sale on October 10, 2025, at Noon in Salem, Missouri. I had a great time interviewing our guests, Brian and Kim Smith, owners of Smith Valley Angus in Salem, Missouri. 
This couple is deeply passionate about their cattle and the beef industry as a whole. Smith Valley Angus ranch has rolling hills and the rocks that build cows with muscle and grit. They joke that if their cattle can survive on their farm in Salem, Missouri, then it will be like heaven wherever they go.
This interview is about more than their upcoming sale; it's a story of their determination and hard work in achieving a particular lifestyle. Its also a story of service. Make sure and listen to Kim explain Sacred Selections! Sacred Selections is an organization that helps raise funds for Christian families to adopt. It is a total work of love.
Brian is from upstate NY. Grandparents had a farm with dairy and beefalo. His father worked for mining companies which eventually landed him in Salem, MO. Kim is a lifelong resident of the community of Jadwin, just south of Salem. The farm they currently run has been in their family for about 80 years. Kim’s family ran commercial cattle operations, operated a canoe rental business on the Current River, and also owned a sawmill and engaged in logging operations. Brian and Kim purchased their first Registered Angus bull in 2011, a time when DNA was still gaining momentum. They got hooked!!! They sold all their commercial cows and started their Reg—Angus herd. They held their first Angus production sale in 2018. They have learned a tremendous amount since then, made changes and improvements, and this year will mark their 8th annual Production Sale.
It’s hard to believe this is our 7th sale! We are so appreciative of all the support and the great relationships we have built on this path. We always hope what we have to offer will have great appeal and the potential intriguing. There is more diversity in this offering than in the past. We will say “our cattle” or “our offering” but in reality, it is all God’s!! We are all stewards of His blessings while we are here on His earth. I have a T-Shirt with Psalms 50:10 on it, and it is one of my favorites. It is a humbling verse if you ever say “look what I’ve accomplished.” If we die today, someone else will be stewards of “our” cattle and land. The Meaning of Life is to make it to Heaven and take as many with us as we can!!! Know and do God’s will, and you have to read the Bible to get the instructions. One such instruction is James 1:27. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. The word “visit” carries more meaning than stopping by to check on every one once in a while. It is caring for their needs and sometimes that is adoption. Every year we sell a heifer, and the proceeds go toward a couple, through Sacred Selections, that is adopting a baby. Most times saving that child from abortion. This year we have a couple that has adopted in the past and are now in the process of adopting four siblings!!! This is extraordinary!! They are without question answering the call! Sacred Selections is an organization that helps raise funds for Christian families to adopt. It is a total work of love. So open up your hearts and bid high on Lot 4!! 100% of the proceeds on Lot 9 will go toward helping Ann & Casey pay for the expenses to adopt FOUR Siblings — what great hearts. We want to thank everyone for considering our offering. We appreciate every one of you!!
Brian and Kim have also begun selling meat products directly to consumers, and it was interesting to listen to how they conceptualized this division of their operation.
Just a great discussion with another family living the lifestyle of an American Cattlemen!
Make sure to attend the Smith Valley Angus Production Sale on October 10, 2025, at 12 Noon!
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
DMTC Consulting
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

FerAppease & Weaning Practices

We had a great interview with Dr. Rodrigo Carvalho Bicalho today discussing FerAppease and Weaning. Dr. Bicalho is a highly gifted speaker who presents information in a clear and easily understandable manner. 
Our guest today is Dr. Rodrigo Carvalho Bicalho, DVM, PhD, an accomplished veterinarian, scientist, and entrepreneur specializing in dairy production medicine and biotechnology. As the President and Chairman of Fera Diagnostics and Biologicals Corp., Dr. Bicalho leads innovations in animal health, focusing on diagnostic solutions and therapeutic products that enhance livestock productivity and welfare globally.
Dr. Bicalho earned his DVM from the Federal University of Goiás in Brazil and completed his residency and PhD at Cornell University, where he specialized in comparative biomedical sciences with a concentration in epidemiology and animal science. Throughout his career, he has made significant contributions to veterinary research, securing multiple patents for groundbreaking technologies, including vaccines and diagnostic methods that address essential challenges in livestock health. Dr. Bicalho has a prolific research portfolio of over 130 peer-reviewed publications.”
Our conversation with Dr. Bicalho focuses on FerAppease and its effectiveness during the weaning process. FerAppease® can and should be used every time animals are exposed to management and physiological stressors. Stressful management strategies include weaning, dehorning, castration, branding, transportation, commingling, and vaccination—stressful physiological events such as parturition, interruption of lactation (dry-off), and breeding. Its application has dramatically improved the weaning periods of many producers.
Did you know that stress shifts your cattle's metabolism into survival mode? Stress may lead to decreasing weight gain and feed conversion and worsening health outcomes. Stress is a major obstacle keeping the cattle industry from becoming a more profitable endeavor. You can overcome stress with FerAppease. The active ingredient of FerAppease is a synthetic analogue
of the Maternal Bovine Appeasing Substance (mBAS). mBAS is a naturally occurring substance that is secreted by the skin of the mammary gland of lactating animals, reducing stress in all cattle treated.
Following the segment with Dr. Bicalho, Dr. Shynia answers a broad array of questions from our listeners. She provides you with advice and even challenges you to become better at developing a strong weaning program.
Don’t miss this one!
Cattlemen & Veterinarians, A Partnership in Bovine Health
For Future or Previous episodes visit our websites:
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Cattlemen and Veterinarians: A Partnership in Bovine Health Sponsored by:
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The Screwworm Fly With Kylie Sherrill

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, He's the Director of Business Development for the American Cattlemen Media group, and he sits down with Kylie Sherrill with Central Life Sciences. Holding undergraduate and master's degrees from Oklahoma State University's Entomology and Plant Pathology Department, Kylie has a robust background in livestock entomology. Her academic work included research on various parasites, including biting flies, ticks, lice, and internal parasites, with her master's thesis focusing on horse flies and eastern red cedar in Oklahoma.Based in north central Oklahoma, Kylie supports Central Life Sciences' sales team across North America, working with livestock operations including beef cattle, dairy, swine, poultry, sheep, and goats. Her professional role involves developing pest management plans, conducting efficacy trials, and providing technical support for various livestock pest control products. The Screwworm fly represents a significant challenge that Kylie knows intimately. The pest is not a new threat, but one the United States successfully eradicated in the 1960s through an innovative sterile insect technique. By releasing sterilized male flies, researchers prevented female flies from producing viable offspring, gradually reducing the population and pushing them back to the Panama Canal.Currently, the screw worm fly remains contained in Mexico, with the most northern reported case located north of Mexico City. The Screwworm fly presents a serious threat to livestock, as females lay eggs in open wounds, with larvae consuming living tissue and continuously enlarging the injury. Each female fly can lay eggs throughout her approximately 30-day lifespan, making rapid containment crucial.The United States and international partners are working diligently to prevent the fly's northward spread. Strict animal import protocols involve multiple veterinary inspections, insecticide treatments, and quarantine procedures. Producers are advised to maintain vigilant wound care, increase pest control efforts, and communicate closely with veterinarians.Kylie's expertise highlights the complex, collaborative effort required to manage this persistent agricultural challenge.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
DMTC Consulting
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences 

Pollard Farm

Today, we're excited to share details about the 28th Annual Pollard Farm Angus Female Production Sale, scheduled for noon on September 20, 2025, at the ranch in Waukomis, OK.
Dr. Barry and Roxanne Pollard own Pollard Farm. Dr. Pollard, a Board Certified Neurosurgeon, started his Angus herd in 1992, and since then, Pollard Farms has become one of the industry's leading producers.
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Jeremy Leister, the Ranch Manager of Pollard Farms. Jeremy, who has been with Pollard Farms since August 2022, will be starting his fourth year in this role. Before this, he managed the Oklahoma State Purebred Beef Cattle Center for 10 years and holds a bachelor's degree in animal science from OSU. Jeremy and his wife, Summer, have two daughters, Avery (7) and Georgia (3).
Our interview with Jeremy highlighted that Pollard Farm is dedicated to building "Elite Cow Power." Jeremy and Dr. Pollard carefully select cattle with outstanding pedigrees and strong phenotypes, ensuring visual performance before considering other metrics.
Jeremy shared that the 28th Production Sale will feature a deep offering from the heart of their herd, truly providing something for everyone. The sale will include young fall pairs and heavy breds, fall yearling open heifers, spring open heifer show and donor prospects, donor dams, spring bred cows with calves, and spring bred heifers.
This is a must-attend event! We encourage you to make it a multi-day experience by stopping by on Friday for a cattle viewing, a certified Angus beef steak dinner, and live entertainment. Jeremy and Dr. Pollard look forward to meeting new customers and welcoming back returning ones.
This is a truly remarkable set of Angus cattle. We hope you attend this female production sale at the ranch in Waukomis, OK. If you are unable to attend in person, you can still participate by placing bids on liveauctions.tv.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
DMTC Consulting
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

NEMO Feed LLC. With Alvin Burkholder

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, He's the Director of Business Development and he chats with Alvin Burkholder, the CEO of NEMO Feed LLC. They will lead the interview off with Alvin sharing his personal and professional background, highlighting his early experiences on the family farm and the entrepreneurial journey that led to the founding of NEMO Feed in 2000. Over the past 25 years, NEMO Feed has grown from a small family operation into a full-service feed manufacturing facility in Bering, Missouri, now employing around 30 people and producing approximately 500 tons of feed per day. Alvin explains that NEMO Feed provides a wide range of nutrition and feed services throughout the Midwest, offering both conventional and non-GMO feeds for multiple species, including cattle, dairy, swine, sheep, goats, and horses. The company emphasizes high-quality production standards, strict protocols to prevent cross-contamination, and holds certifications for HACCP, organic, and non-GMO feeds. NEMO Feed works closely with independent nutrition consultants to ensure unbiased, farm-specific recommendations, and delivers feed through a broad dealer network across several states.The conversation delves into NEMO Feed’s specialized programs, such as the Degree Dairy Feed Program, which offers customizable nutrition solutions for dairy operations, from calves to lactating cows, with options for on-farm mixing and organic or non-GMO formulations. On the beef side, NEMO Feed has developed a premium dairy beef line, particularly for Holstein calves, focusing on efficient feed conversion and serving a diverse customer base, including many Amish farms.A key highlight is the Ranger Minerals Program, a comprehensive line of free-choice minerals for cattle, developed through extensive analysis of Midwest forage samples to ensure precise trace mineral supplementation. The episode concludes with appreciation for NEMO Feed’s commitment to quality and service, and a look ahead to future expansion plans to meet growing demand.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
DMTC Consulting
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

Wye Angus With Henry Spies

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the Director of Business Development, and he sits down with Henry Spies, Herd Manager for Wye Angus. Henry shares his personal journey from growing up on a grain farm to developing a passion for cattle, which led him to pursue a degree in animal science and eventually manage his own cattle company focused on sustainable, direct-to-consumer beef production. After his family sold their home farm, Henry joined Wye Angus, a historic and unique Angus genetic program known for its strict line breeding practices and commitment to functional, efficient cattle. Wye Angus stands out in the industry due to its closed genetic herd, which has not introduced outside genetics since 1959. This approach emphasizes longevity, maternal ability, and comprehensive data collection, including detailed records on bull performance, cow efficiency, and calf development. The breeding philosophy at Wye Angus is rooted in the principles established by Jim Lingle, focusing on structural correctness, udder quality, and the belief that function follows form. The herd is managed with a strong emphasis on rotational grazing, minimal supplementation, and developing cattle that thrive on pasture without creep feed.Heifer development is a critical aspect of the operation, with all heifers raised under uniform nutritional conditions to ensure fair selection based on structural soundness, disposition, and maternal lineage. Selection decisions are data-driven and sometimes difficult, as the goal is to maintain only the most productive and efficient females. Wye Angus primarily serves two types of customers: commercial cow-calf producers seeking maternal traits and longevity, and grass-fed beef producers looking for efficient, moderate-framed cattle.The operation hosts an annual production sale each April, offering a select group of bulls and a few females, all backed by extensive performance data. Wye Angus’s commitment to functional, data-driven breeding and sustainable management continues to attract customers seeking reliable genetics for commercial and grass-fed beef production.
 
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
DMTC Consulting
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

The American Wagyu Association With Jerry Cassady

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 Jerry Cassady the Executive Director of The American Wagyu Association. 
Jerry and his wife Ellen both have deep roots in seed stock beef cattle operations. They will then get into the 2025 Annual General Meeting and Conference of the American Wagyu Association. Jerry highlights the “Take Back Prime” initiative, a campaign designed to ensure Wagyu producers are properly rewarded for their premium genetics and to promote the value of Wagyu beef within the industry. He explains the importance of the Authentic Wagyu Program, which assures consumers and restaurant owners of the quality and authenticity of Wagyu beef, protecting the breed’s reputation and providing confidence in the product. Jerry also discusses the association’s new progeny test program, developed in partnership with AgriBeef, which aims to improve data reliability and selection accuracy for Wagyu genetics. They then discuss, the launch of the American Wagyu Heritage Fund, a nonprofit supporting youth, education, research, and preservation of historical information. The inaugural Youth Leadership Camp, held at West Texas A&M University, was a notable success and will continue next year at Colorado State University. Operational improvements within the association, such as streamlined member services and enhanced educational resources, are also covered. The conference itself promises a robust lineup of educational sessions, expert speakers, and engaging events like the Best Wagyu Steak in America contest and a signature genetics auction. Jerry concludes by expressing optimism about the future of the beef industry and the unique role Wagyu genetics can play in sustaining profitability and quality.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
DMTC Consulting
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

Hardware Disease in Livestock - Cattlemen and Veterinarians

Hardware disease in livestock is a traumatic puncture of the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in the spread of infection caused by the ingestion of a sharp, hard object, usually a piece of hardware (hence the name). These pieces of metal settle in the reticulum and can irritate or penetrate the lining of the stomach. It is most common in dairy cattle but is occasionally seen in beef cattle. It is very rarely reported in any other ruminants. It can be challenging to diagnose, but it can be prevented by administering a magnet orally around the time the animal reaches one year of age. Depending on where the infection spreads, the medical names for it include bovine traumatic reticuloperitonitis and bovine traumatic reticulopericarditis. 
Join Dr. Shynia Peterman and Gale McKinney as they discuss hardware disease and best grazing practices with Dr. Grant Dewell, offering valuable tips and practical information for producers. Care in pasture management is a critical component of your operations plan. Make sure to listen to this episode.
Dr. Grant Dewell received a DVM, a Master's in Agricultural Economics, and a PhD in Epidemiology from Colorado State University. He has practiced in central South Dakota, served as a Clinical Instructor at the Great Plains Veterinary Education Center, and has been the Beef Cattle Extension Veterinarian at Iowa State University since 2008. Dr. Dewell’s research interests are health management of cattle, animal welfare, and economic considerations for beef production operations.
Come back to American Cattlemen Podcasts for all your industry news. No one is in touch with the industry more than we are! Our information is fresh, not staged, and most of it comes from your fellow producers. Please share our podcast link with your friends and neighbors.
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

Ambrook With Paige Wyler

Welcome back to The American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, he's the director of business development, and he sits down with Paige Wyler from Ambrook. Paige, originally from Vermont and now based in California, brings a background in economics and mathematics to her role. Her passion for agriculture and understanding business numbers led her to Ambrook, where she helps producers gain clearer financial insights into their operations.The Ambrook software is designed to make bookkeeping more accessible and user-friendly for producers, recognizing the complex financial landscape of ranching. Unlike traditional accounting software, it caters specifically to operators who may not have extensive accounting backgrounds while providing sophisticated tracking capabilities.A key feature of the software is its ability to help producers analyze the profitability of different enterprises within their operation. By breaking down costs and tracking expenses across various segments, producers can make more informed decisions about equipment maintenance, hay production, and overall business strategy.Paige emphasizes the importance of regularly reviewing financial data and removing emotional decision-making from business operations. The software allows producers to track expenses, understand interest costs, and evaluate the performance of different aspects of their business with greater precision.The company's approach involves working closely with producers to understand their unique needs, using case studies and real-world experiences to continually improve their software. They recommend at least a year of data collection to establish meaningful baselines for decision-making.For producers interested in gaining more financial clarity and making data-driven decisions, Ambrook offers a flexible solution that adapts to the diverse needs of agricultural operations. The software aims to provide tools that help producers not just manage their books but truly understand and improve their business performance.
Ambrook's Input Costs and Expenses Tracking Software
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
DMTC Consulting
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech, Inc.
Central Life Sciences

New World Screw Worm - Cattlemen and Veterinarians

Today's topic is the New World Screw Worm. This is likely the most widely discussed health issue in the livestock industry today. Our guest was Dr. Thach Winslow, a technical consultant for beef cattle at Elanco Animal Health. 
Hello everyone, welcome to Cattlemen & Veterinarians, a partnership with Bovine Health. Our mission is to provide producers with timely information and solutions regarding herd health issues. I am Gale McKinney, owner of American Cattlemen, and my co-host is Dr. Shynia Peterman, DVM, from Lyons Vet Clinic in Lyons, Kansas.
Dr. Thach Winslow resides in Virginia. In his role as a veterinarian, he works with cow-calf and stocker operations throughout the U.S. and is responsible for research and technical support for sales reps and producers. Dr. Winslow earned his bachelor’s degree in animal science from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine.
The New World Screw Worm, which burrows into live tissue and jeopardizes animal welfare, may once again pose a threat to U.S. cattle production.
Dr. Winslow led us through a detailed discussion of the most recent potential migration of the Screwworm Fly into the United States. Beginning with the history of the Old World Screwworm Fly and contrasting it with the New World Fly, our discussion addresses potential risks, USDA tracking and intervention, as well as common-sense guidance on reporting.
Dr. Winslow indicated he believed the USDA was implementing good monitoring and planning. The following paragraph from the USDA was suggested as a strong statement of the USDA’s vigilance in this matter.
“At USDA, we are focused on fighting the New World Screwworm’s advancement in Mexico. We have made significant progress with our counterparts in Mexico to enhance vital pest surveillance efforts and have intensified sterile fly dispersal efforts. These quick actions by the Trump Administration have improved the conditions to allow the phased reopening of select ports on the Southern Border to livestock trade,” said Secretary Rollins. “We are continuing our posture of increased vigilance and will not rest until we are sure this devastating pest will not harm American ranchers.”
While the Douglas, AZ port presents the lowest risk, based on the geography of Sonora and a long history of effective collaboration between APHIS and Sonora on animal health issues, the USDA intends to reopen additional ports in New Mexico. If it is proven safe to do so, in Texas, over the coming weeks. Additional port openings will be based on APHIS’ continuous reevaluation of the number of cases and potential northward movement of NWS, Mexico’s continued efforts to curb illegal animal movements, and implementation of further rigorous inspection and treatment protocols.
Please make sure to listen to this episode of Cattlemen & Vets. Dr Winslow is a very knowledgeable and engaging industry professional. He provides practical teaching points and advice on this highly watched industry health issue.
 
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