American Cattlemen Podcast

J-H Trading Company Akaushi Cattle

Had a great visit with Brandee Howell, Manager, and Jerrod Miksell, Lead Butcher of J.H. Trading, LLC. JH Cattle Company, Waco, Missouri. Brandee and Jerrod are high-energy and love what they do!J-H Trading, LLC is a family-owned cattle farm in Waco, Missouri. They raise American Wagyu Akaushi and Angus cattle. 100% all-natural, grass-fed, and grain finished with no hormones or antibiotics. Roger Hines has been raising cattle since the mid-80s. They own J-H Cattle Co. Meat Store in Joplin, Missouri, where they feature farm-to-table beef along with other Missouri-raised proteins such as pork and chicken. They are members of the American Akaushi Association and have been voted the 2024 Best Butcher Shop in the Four States Area. Their products are also available online for shipping to the lower 48 states.My primary responsibility is that of Herd Manager. I manage our cattle records, including DNA, breeding history, calving records, and feedlot records, as well as all in-house supplies for treating cattle and coordinating the pickup and delivery of our fat cattle, among other tasks. On the meat store side of our business, I work closely with our store staff and butchers to coordinate inventory, pricing, marketing, and advertising. I also take care of all our social media posting and positioning, program and manage our online meat store, and handle our part of the Rogers Arkansas Farmers Market on Saturdays. Our Mobile Meat Store trailer is my home away from home when I am not at the farm.I love our farm and my life here in Southwest Missouri. Jeremy and I have started our own little Akaushi herd, and this past year, we joined the American Akaushi Association as Life Members. We are members of the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association, R-Calf, and stand behind supporting American Farmers and Ranchers.I love the Akaushi Breed. I am thankful for my 20 years of real estate experience. The life lessons I learned during that phase of my life taught me the skills needed to be a good leader, communicator, and manager, despite my aversion to the word “manager.”
By the way, J-H Trading was just awarded the 2025 Best of Southwest Missouri Gold Award for “place to buy meat” for their farm-to-table meat store in Joplin, where they feature their farm-raised Akaushi beef—a true labor of love.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast please check out the website:  www.americancattlemen.com
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
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Akaushi Cattle That Are Legendary

 I had a great conversation with Steve Cottrell, one of the bright new minds in our industry, about Akaushi Cattle.  Steve will be the first to tell you he was not born a cattle rancher.  However, his keen mind and desire to become one of the industry's top seedstock producers are quickly allowing him to earn the title of cattleman!
Stephen M. Cottrell has over 40 years of experience in the automotive industry, including 15 years of specialization in automotive data and information integration. Over the last 18 years, Steve has built Authenticom into a thriving, multi-million-dollar enterprise that integrates with over ten thousand automotive dealerships—connecting them with hundreds of solution providers and OEMs throughout North America.  
 
In addition to all that success, Steve is the owner of Legendary Akaushi Genetics, established in 2015, which is dedicated to preserving and enhancing the foundation genetics of Akaushi Cattle. Under new ownership by Steve Cotrelle, we honor this legacy while leveraging data-driven breeding to advance the breed and are dedicated to advancing Akaushi genetics.  With rare foundational animals, we are uniquely positioned to develop superior maternal lines based on rigorous performance metrics, helping producers improve efficiency, profitability & overall herd performance.
 
Legendary Akaushi Genetics breeds female Akaushi cattle to uphold the breed's prestigious lineage. These live females are descendants of the cattle that played a pivotal role in advancing the American beef industry. We take great pride in selecting and preserving only the highest-quality females that exemplify our core values in terms of functionality and breed type.
 For those seeking genetic diversity through semen, Legendary Akaushi Genetics provides an opportunity to access premium Red Wagyu genetics. Meticulously sourced from superior bulls, our Akaushi semen ensures the optimization of calving ease, improvement in carcass quality, and the infusion of diverse genetic traits. This investment promises to elevate your cattle operation to new heights.
Legendary Akaushi Genetics offers a unique opportunity to invest in the future of Red Wagyu excellence. Through carefully selected matings, our Akaushi embryos carry the legacy of superior maternal qualities, enhanced carcass quality, and the genetic diversity necessary for a thriving cattle operation. This investment in Akaushi embryos is a forward-looking step towards excellence in Red Wagyu breeding. 
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
 
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
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Jorgensen Land & Cattle Company With Larry Gran

It was my sincere pleasure to talk to one of the cattle industry's great people today, Larry Gran with Jorgensen Land & Cattle Company!  Larry Gran was as enjoyable as he was educational!  Larry is a self-professed “worn-out cowboy”, but there is still a lot of work left in this cowboy!
Larry Gran is an experienced Specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the pharmaceutical industry. Skilled in Negotiation, Business Planning, Market Planning, Sales, and Sales Operations. Strong professional with a B.S. focused on Ag Economics from the University of Wyoming.
Larry provides insight into the United States' largest Seedstock producer’s philosophy on genetic excellence!
History 
The Jorgensen operation began in 1909 when Martin Jorgensen, Sr. and his wife Gertrude homesteaded land near Ideal, South Dakota.
Nearly 50 years later, his son Martin Jorgensen Jr. adopted the pioneering beef cattle performance breeding concepts of the late Dr. Jay Lush (Iowa State University). By the 1960s, the Jorgensen’s performance-based, line-breeding program had established their herd as “the source” for performance beef cattle genetics in the U.S. Today, the 3rd- and 4th-generations of the Jorgensen family continue the legacy of innovation through farming and cattle operations. We remain at the forefront of performance measurement, genetic analysis, and conservation. As a result, cattlemen, farmers, and hunters continue to look to “the source.”
Over the past 100 years, we’ve grown from a family homestead to an operation known nationwide for its superior Angus herd, excellent certified seed, being a leader in soil health, and prime pheasant hunting. But don’t let our 12,000 acres fool you. We’re proud to remain a family operation rooted in a tradition of excellence and innovation.
Martin Jorgensen
Martin F. Jorgensen, Jr. was a pioneer. He once told an interviewer, “I’ve never liked tradition for tradition’s sake, nor have I feared new approaches.” Martin was always searching for a better way to do things and was not afraid to swim upstream if he was convinced that was what needed to be done.
Always analytical, Martin’s analysis of his own commercial cattle operation in the 50s was that he had been doing things the way most ranchers did — producing good but average cows that produced good but average calves, and “average” wasn’t good enough for Martin. Since he couldn’t find the kind of bulls that would do what he wanted bulls to do, he decided to make bulls that would improve commercial cattle herds. He purchased some high-quality registered cows, consulted with the leading geneticists who understood what needed to change, and was determined to produce the kind of bulls he had wanted to use in his commercial herd.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
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Stay-Tuff Livestock Fencing

What a great informational and practical conversation with two fencing professionals from Stay-Tuff!In 2000, Bill Daugherty, a visionary with a deep understanding of the fencing industry, saw an opportunity to revolutionize wire fencing. He founded Stay-Tuff with a clear mission: to create stronger, more reliable fences. From a humble beginning in a small factory in New Braunfels, Texas, the revolutionary Stay-Tuff Fixed Knot Fence was born, setting the stage for a new era in fencing innovation.In 2006, Stay-Tuff joined the DEACERO family, a leading North American steel manufacturer. This partnership provided the resources to expand our product line and solidify our leadership in the fencing industry.With additional looms and improved access to raw materials, we increased production and created more jobs within the community.Stay-Tuff is recognized in the agricultural market for our expertise in fencing and installation training. We manufacture one of the broadest lines of high-tensile and low-carbon fencing in the market, along with a comprehensive range of fencing tools and accessories. Our fences are renowned for their impact resistance, durability, and lower total installation cost compared to other agricultural fences. Our superior wire coatings ensure our products will stand the test of time. 
Today, Stay-Tuff is one of the most renowned steel fencing product brands in the agricultural and construction markets.As a valued member of MID-CONTINENT STEEL AND WIRE, our headquarters are located in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, and Houston, Texas. Our service to the agricultural and construction markets consists of superior fence products manufactured at our facilities in Houston, Laredo, and Mexico. We have expanded our product portfolio, from manufacturing the best-in-class Fixed Knot Fence to offering a comprehensive range of fencing solutions for the retail market. We also carry a premium line of fence tools and accessories designed to efficiently erect, tension, splice, and anchor your Stay-Tuff fence.Kyle Bading is the Senior Sales Manager for Stay-Tuff fence and has been with thecompany for 15 years. During that time, he has worked in several different roles, including Inside Sales, Customer Service, and Western US Sales Manager. Howard Athasis the South Texas Territory Sales Manager for Stay-Tuff and has been with the companysince it was founded in 2000. Howard was instrumental in the company’s early successand has also worked in several roles for the company, including Inside Sales andCustomer Service. Both Kyle and Howard have worked with the rest of the Stay-Tuff team to expand the Stay-Tuff brand across the United States as one of the leaders in thefencing industry. Their focus is on educating today’s farmer, rancher, and fencecontractor on a wide range of fencing products and best installation practices for long-lasting and low-maintenance fencing.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
DMTC Consulting
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Udder Tech, Inc.

Beef and Greet Celebration

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 Larry Gran, the VP of Genetic Services for Jorgensen Land and Cattle, and Nichole Bechtel with Moly Manufacturing. Beef and Greet emerged as an innovative platform designed to bring beef producers together from across the United States. The primary goal extends beyond simply showcasing equipment and genetics; it's about creating meaningful connections among cattlemen, facilitating discussions about industry challenges, sharing potential solutions, and gaining new connections. This year's event in Bentonville, Arkansas marked a significant milestone with record attendance, nearly doubling last year's participation from 75 to over 100 participants. The organizers are strategic about growth, aiming to maintain an intimate setting that allows for genuine interaction, with an ideal participant range of 150 to 200 producers.The 2025 event promises an engaging agenda, including tours of the 808 Ranch and Vance Keaton's property, discussions about JLC's genetic programs, and an evening entertainment featuring singer-songwriter Claire Dunn. The organizers are committed to a regional approach, carefully curating participants who can contribute meaningful insights and learn from one another.Looking forward, the Beef and Greet team is exploring potential locations for future events, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and meaningful engagement. They are passionate about creating an environment where beef producers can network, share experiences, and collectively advance the industry.The podcast highlighted the event's organic growth, driven by a genuine desire to strengthen connections within the beef production community. By focusing on quality interactions and regional representation, Beef and Greet is positioning itself as a unique and valuable platform for cattlemen nationwide.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
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Jim Dyer Akaushi Cattle

What a great visit with Jim Dyer about his cattle and trailer company!  Such a friendly man with a great sense of humor.  Jim not only tells a great story, but he tells a story with great content! Jim Dyer started their transition to raising Akaushi cattle in 2010. They were one of the first producers to purchase bulls from Heartbrand. After years of carefully selecting for desirable genetics, we now sell our own Akaushi bulls as well as females.
We raised El Padrino, the first heterozygous polled bull in the Akaushi breed, and are very excited about his progeny so far.
Big Bend Trailers was founded in 2003 after I identified a real need for a tough, user-friendly ranch trailer. I had spent years using various brands of stock trailers on my family’s ranch in the rugged Big Bend area of Texas, and I found that they all fell short in terms of durability and efficiency. Throughout the years of working with cattle, I developed a mental checklist of improvements I would like to see on a stock trailer. For instance, there was one trailer my family used that had rectangular tubing sides; we welded on every part of that trailer except the sides. I told myself that if I ever built a trailer, I would use square and rectangular tubing, and that is one of the features that sets our trailers apart today. It just so happened that in 2003, I was introduced to a family that owned a manufacturing company. I asked them if they could build livestock trailers, and they told me they could build whatever I could come up with. With their expertise in manufacturing and my experience in ranching, we developed a product that makes my life easier on the ranch, and it has slowly evolved into a business that we operate as a family. We have incorporated several ideas into these trailers to make them more durable and user friendly including the clean out gap to prevent rust, the handle to unhook from outside the truck bed, the slam latches on our rear and center gates as well as options such as the roller pins on the back bumper and the floating center gate. We constantly innovate and improve our trailers because we use them ourselves and figure out what works and what doesn’t. I think you will find the Big Bend to be a very tough and practical trailer that you can use in the harshest conditions, and it will hold up for you.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
 
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
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Christensen Genetics

The voice of the American Cattlemen, Gale McKinney, sits down with Seth Christensen at the American Akaushi Convention in Kansas City, Missouri, to talk about the cattle industry. Seth is an enthusiastic participant, and these two industry professionals pushed the chairs back and provided you with some great feedback on our industry! What a great conversation with Seth Christensen of Christensen Genetics. A bright young man with a passion for helping his clients find genetics that will assist them in building the cattle they want in their herd. We delve into the need for better education of the consumer market, with a thorough discussion on the importance of the entire cattle industry's participation in this critical area. Seth Christensen has owned and operated a cattle business since 2004, making his living from cattle.  With 20 years of experience in genetic and business management, in addition to a degree in Economics from Utah State University, Seth is well-qualified to answer your questions and help you reach your goals for your herd.  Seth's days are spent identifying and selecting the best beef cattle genetics in the world, and helping his clients incorporate them into their herds. Christensen Genetics exists to help you build your dream herd.  Cattlemen and women are as unique as the environments in which they operate, with distinct business models and genetic needs.  With clients in 40 states and 12 countries, representing over 21,000 head of cattle, Christensen Genetics understands the importance of matching the right genetic package with the right ranch.  Regardless of your herd size, breed of choice, or point of sale, Christensen Genetics is here to help move your herd towards your established goals. Seth also hosts a great podcast called “Got Any Cows,” which can be found on most major podcast platforms.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast please check out the website:  www.americancattlemen.com
Sponsors:
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Udder Tech Inc.

Akaushi Beef the Texas Way

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, He's the publisher of the American Cattlemen, and he sits down with the Martinez family with the 2F Akaushi Ranch. The Martinezes are a great family, and 2F Akaushi Ranch is a model of raising beef for the consumer! I had a great time interacting with this family at the American Akaushi Convention!  They are excited about the cattle industry, and this multi-generational ranch will continue to serve the cattle industry long into the future.  Felo, Stephanie, and Alyssa, thank you for being one of my very favorite interviews!
This cattle ranch family is charting its course and sustainability in the industry by selling beef.
Rancho Santa Fe is home to Felo and Stephanie Martinez, located south of San Isidro, Texas. Their family-owned and operated ranching business has been breeding, producing, and raising commercial cattle since 1984. They have improved the quality of South Texas beef by implementing Certified Akaushi Wagyu genetics. To make sure every cut of meat meets their standards, they oversee our cattle from our ranch to your table. We are proudly offering our premium Wagyu beef to local restaurants and households in the Rio Grande Valley.
“The Martinez family has been breeding and raising commercial cattle since 1984 on the family’s 1927 Rancho Santa Fe. Using certified Akaushi Wagyu genetics, the 2F Akaushi Ground Beef is a special 80/20 blend of chuck, rump, and steak trimmings, and is all-natural, hormone-free, and contains no antibiotics. 2F Akaushi Beef offers premium Wagyu beef to restaurants and households.” 
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
 
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
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Wieser Concrete With Dan McKinney

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 Dan McKinney, Ag Sales Rep with Wieser Concrete. With 60 years of family ownership, Wieser Concrete has established itself as a versatile concrete manufacturer serving commercial, residential, and agricultural markets. The conversation centered on underground manure storage systems, which have become increasingly popular among both dairy and beef producers. Dan explained the comprehensive process of creating these storage solutions, including precast walls, floors, and specialized dry cast slats with exceptional durability. These underground pits offer significant advantages over traditional storage methods, including better nutrient retention, reduced real estate requirements, and improved environmental management. For cattle operations, these controlled housing environments provide numerous benefits. Cattle experience improved comfort, with dry living conditions that promote better hoof health. The underground storage systems minimize odors and environmental impact, making them neighbor-friendly and compliant with agricultural regulations. The concrete used in construction features self-consolidating techniques with added fiber, ensuring uniform strength and longevity. Dan highlighted the growing trend of beef producers adopting controlled housing, noting the efficiency gains in cattle weight gain and overall farm management. While initial investment costs are higher, producers can recoup expenses through improved operational efficiency over time. The systems work for various cattle operations, from dairy to beef, with adaptable designs that can accommodate different management styles. Wieser Concrete's product range extends beyond manure storage, including bunker silos, feed bunks, cattle guards, grain storage, water tanks, and specialized cattle foot baths. The company's commitment to engineering quality, NRCS approval, and customer service has been key to its 60-year success. The podcast concluded by promoting an upcoming open barn event where interested producers could learn more about Wieser Concrete's innovative agricultural solutions.
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
DMTC Consulting
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AgSights with Betty Jo-Almond

Welcome back to the American Cattlemen Podcast. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, He's the publisher of the American Cattlemen, and he sits down with Betty Jo-Almond with AgSights. Betty Jo-Almond, with a background in animal science and genetics, shared her journey from growing up on a beef farm to working with AgSights, an organization focused on making data capture along the food supply chain more efficient and valuable.AgSights offers four distinct services: Bio Track, Bio Links, Processor Links, and Genetic Services, all designed to help farmers and ranchers make more informed decisions. The organization's core philosophy centers on simplifying record-keeping, leveraging technology, and providing meaningful insights that can improve farm profitability.The cooperative's approach is unique, as clients own the company and directly influence its development. By taking a consultative approach, AgSights helps producers transition from manual record-keeping to digital systems, making data collection and analysis more accessible and useful. Their genetic services include evaluations across all breeds, helping commercial herds make more strategic breeding decisions.One of AgSights' most innovative offerings is Bio Links, an inventory and sales solution for small to medium-sized businesses. This system allows producers to track products from pasture to plate, providing detailed information about animal management and helping businesses tell their product's story to consumers.The organization emphasizes the critical connection between farm data and end-product quality. By linking on-farm records with processing information, they help producers understand how factors like health challenges can impact meat quality and ultimately, profitability.
Throughout the podcast, Betty highlighted the importance of data-driven decision-making in modern agriculture. AgSights aims to transform how farmers collect, interpret, and utilize information, providing tools and insights that can help livestock producers improve their operations and create higher-value products.
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.