American Cattlemen Podcast

Kenny Angus Annual Bull & Female Sale

Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, the Publisher of American Cattlemen, and Dru Kenny with Kenny Angus from Odebolt, Iowa.   Drew, a fifth-generation beef producer, shared how his parents started Kenny Angus in 1990 by carefully selecting replacement cattle from local sales and building a solid cow base. The upcoming sale on March 14, 2025, will feature an impressive lineup of 65 yearling Angus bulls, 24 elite open heifers, and several bred cows. Drew emphasized their breeding philosophy of creating balanced, high-performance cattle that excel in multiple areas including calving ease, maternal traits, and carcass quality. Specific bulls like those sired by Balders Jordan and Kenny Rogers showcase the ranch's commitment to producing versatile, top-tier genetics. A unique aspect of the sale is the focus on providing opportunities for both large commercial producers and smaller operations looking to build their herds. Drew shared his own experience of starting with a single cow and gradually building his herd through strategic purchases and advanced breeding technologies. The sale will be conducted via video auction, with cattle available for viewing anytime. Kenny Angus offers several buyer-friendly terms, including a first breeding season guarantee, sight-unseen guarantee, and volume discounts for multiple purchases. An additional highlight is the keynote speaker, Britt Reid, son of Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid, who will share a powerful story of personal redemption and perseverance. This speaks to the Kenny Angus approach of not just selling cattle, but supporting their community and providing inspiration. Drew's passion for cattle breeding shines through as he describes their goal of creating genetics that allow producers maximum flexibility - whether selling at weaning, retaining heifers, or feeding out to yearling. The ranch's commitment to producing well-rounded, profitable cattle makes this sale a must-attend event for serious cattle producers.
 
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
 
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
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Caraway Red Angus

Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, the Publisher of American Cattlemen, and Jon Caraway with Caraway Red Angus from Lexington, NE. John Carraway's journey in cattle ranching began in Minnesota, where his family transitioned from Herefords to Red Angus in 1995. After serving in the Marine Corps and National Guard for 18 years, John retired from military service and focused on expanding his family's cattle operation.  Caraway Red Angus is a family-run operation where John's children, aged six to eleven, actively participate in ranch activities. They maintain both registered and commercial herds, with an annual bull sale that has become a cornerstone of their business. The upcoming sale on March 15, 2025, will feature 40 bulls from carefully selected sire groups. The ranch focuses on producing high-quality Red Angus bulls with exceptional genetics. John emphasizes not just the physical attributes of their bulls, but also their temperament and performance. The bulls are ultrasound tested and selected for traits like marbling, ribeye area, and growth potential. Key sire lines include STR Relentless, Brunswick, a Letty Redemption son, and a bull nicknamed "Spud." What sets Caraway Red Angus apart is their commitment to customer service. John believes in building long-term relationships with buyers, offering support beyond the sale. He prides himself on bulls that are safe around families, perform well in commercial settings, and come with a guarantee of quality. The sale will be conducted via DV auction, with Matt Prince as the auctioneer. Bulls will be available for viewing before the sale, with detailed information and videos posted on their website. John's approach reflects his military background - hard work, reliability, and a dedication to helping others succeed. For commercial producers seeking reliable, well-bred Red Angus bulls, Caraway Red Angus offers a compelling option backed by years of careful breeding and a genuine commitment to customer satisfaction.
 
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
 
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
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Chap Ramsey Sits Down With Gale McKinney to Discuss The Backside of the Business

Welcome to the American Cattlemen Podcast…glad you’re ridin’ along today. Coming up some news about rural living, the cattle industry…and things are moving fast…we’ll also take a look at what to expect in the next edition of the American Cattlemen Magazine…which you can also view online…and a conversation with the founder, publisher and content creator for American Cattlemen, Gale McKinney. You’re going to learn a bunch about the backside of the business and why/how they get results for the folks who advertise in the magazine and here on the AmericanCattlemen Podcast…ready?
 
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast please check out the website:  www.americancattlemen.com
 
Sponsors:
DMTC Consulting
Rawhide Portable Corrals
Udder Tech Inc.

2K Cattle Enterprises

Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, the Publisher of American Cattlemen, and Kelsi Retallick with 2K Cattle Enterprises from Glen Haven, Wisconsin.  Kelsey shared the history of her family's Angus cattle operation, which began approximately 35 years ago when her parents purchased a local Angus herd. Starting with just 40 cows, the operation has since grown to 250 cows, with 50 replacement females kept annually. Kelsey, who returned to the family farm seven years ago after working as a teacher, now farms full-time with her father. Her sisters are also involved in the operation, with one working for the American Angus Association and another supporting the farm when possible. The podcast highlighted 2k Cattle Enterprises' upcoming 27th annual performance-tested Angus bull and female sale, scheduled for March 16, 2025, at the Bloomington Livestock Exchange. The sale will feature a diverse and comprehensive offering, including 60 bulls, a featured female, 10 bred heifers, approximately 17 bred cows, and two elite show heifers. The bulls represent a uniform set with various sire groups, including Community Commerce and Wilkes Regiment lines. Kelsey emphasized the importance of not just genetic numbers, but also phenotype, soundness, and feed efficiency. The featured female is particularly notable, being out of a KCF Bennett Exponential and accompanied by a promising heifer calf sired by Ka Kindred. The sale also includes bred heifers and cows, primarily bred to high-growth bulls like HPCA Vision. Two elite show heifers are included, reflecting the family's long-standing involvement in junior Angus associations. Kelsey stressed that their primary focus is providing quality bulls for commercial producers, with an emphasis on producing cattle that are docile, efficient, and capable of generating maximum value for buyers. The sale will be conducted as a live auction with online bidding options available through DV Auction.
 
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
 
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
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Rawhide Portable Corrals  
Udder Tech, Inc.  

De-Su Angus

Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, the Publisher of American Cattlemen, and Darin Meyer with De-Su Angus based out of New Albin & Fremont, Iowa.  The ranch is a comprehensive agricultural enterprise spanning approximately 6,000 acres, with a dairy farm and around 1,700 breeding age beef females. The family operation involves Darren, his brother Dustin, and their extended family, including children and key employees like Andrew Williams and Tom, who manage the ranch's southern location. De-Su Angus has evolved from a commercial cow operation to a focused purebred Angus breeding program over the past seven years. The upcoming sixth annual "No Weak Links" Angus bull sale will feature 232 bulls, carefully selected through extensive embryo transfer and artificial insemination programs. Darren emphasized their breeding philosophy of not pushing bulls too hard for rapid growth, instead focusing on developing sound, well-structured animals that can perform effectively in commercial herds. Several notable bulls were highlighted, including Statesman, a bull Darren uses extensively in his own program, and Lot 64, a ratified bull with a pedigree featuring popular rancher and cattleman bloodlines. The breeding program prioritizes both terminal and maternal traits, ensuring balanced genetic improvement across generations. Meyer stressed the importance of phenotype alongside genetic data, believing that bulls should not only have strong EPDs but also be visually appealing, easy to work with, and capable of servicing herds effectively. The sale reflects their commitment to producing high-quality, versatile Angus genetics. The sale will take place on March 8, 2025, at 12:30 PM in Fremont, Iowa. Potential buyers are encouraged to view the bulls beforehand and can expect a transparent, customer-focused approach from the De-Su Angus team.
 
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
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Swanson Cattle Company

Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, the Publisher of American Cattlemen, and Jeff Swanson from Swanson Cattle Company from Oxford, Nebraska. Jeff's grandparents arrived in the early 1900s, and his father, a World War II veteran, began raising cattle in the 1950s. Jeff expanded the family business in the early 1980s, focusing on developing a unique cattle breeding program. Swanson Cattle Company specializes in balancer and Angus cattle, with a strategic approach to breeding that emphasizes moderation and adaptability. Their cattle genetics are designed to work across diverse environments, from the Sandhills of Nebraska to West Texas and even parts of Canada. The ranch prides itself on producing versatile cattle that can be used for multiple purposes - from breeding replacements to producing high-quality beef. The company's upcoming 39th annual production sale will be held on March 4, 2025, featuring a diverse offering of bulls and females. Their balancer bulls are particularly notable, typically ranging from 40-60% Gelbvieh genetics. The ranch has an impressive track record of producing cattle that grade 90-100% choice, with some lines achieving up to 18% prime quality. Jeff highlighted the ranch's commitment to sound cattle with good structure, emphasizing the importance of feet, legs, and maternal traits. The operation has expanded to include Angus, Red Angus, and even Wagyu genetics, demonstrating their innovative approach to cattle breeding. The Swanson family's approach is deeply rooted in creating versatile, high-quality cattle that can meet the needs of commercial producers. Their genetics are designed to produce cattle that can be sold off the cow, background, grow well, and ultimately provide excellent beef quality. With three generations of experience and a commitment to continuous improvement, Swanson Cattle Company represents a modern, adaptive approach to cattle ranching.
 
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
 
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
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Rawhide Portable Corrals  
Udder Tech, Inc.  

Fushimisake Wagyu

Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Coming up, we have Gale McKinney, the Publisher of American Cattlemen, and Mike Broussard with Fushimisake Wagyu of Bowie, Texas.  Mike's journey began with owning a steak and seafood restaurant in Galveston, Texas, where he developed a deep appreciation for high-quality meat. Mike and his partner Rusty Morgan have created a sophisticated Fushimisake wagyu breeding operation spanning two properties - a breeding facility in Bowie, Texas, and a birthing facility in Orange County. Their approach is highly scientific, focusing on precise genetic selection and advanced reproductive techniques like embryo transfers and artificial insemination. A key highlight of their program is the Breeder Feeder Index (BFI), a comprehensive genetic scoring system that evaluates wagyu cattle. The BFI considers multiple factors including marbling, birth weight, fertility, and post-weaning weight gain. Their flagship bull, Captain America, exemplifies exceptional genetics with a marble score of 3.7 (compared to the breed average of 1.2) and a carcass weight score of 59 (versus the breed average of 20). The upcoming Fushi Misaki Elite Event on March 8, 2025, in Bowie, Texas, will showcase their top-tier wagyu genetics. The event includes a Friday night kick-off party with a wagyu dinner, open bar, live music, and representatives from the Australian Wagyu Association. Potential buyers can view animals, explore livestock equipment, and participate in an auction featuring high-performance bulls, embryo sets, and unique cattle pairs. Mike emphasizes their commitment to helping both experienced and novice buyers, offering comprehensive support and transparent information about their wagyu genetics. The sale promises to provide elite genetic options for cattlemen looking to enhance their breeding programs with scientifically selected, high-performance wagyu cattle.
 
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
 
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
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Mead Farms

Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, the Publisher of American Cattlemen, and Alan Mead, owner of Mead Angus in Versailles, Missouri. Alan represents a third-generation cattle breeding operation that has been in business since 1942, focusing on producing high-quality, functional cattle. Mead Farms currently raises four breeds: Angus (comprising 80% of their herd), Charolais, Red Angus, and Herefords. They are recognized as a leading Pathfinder herd in Missouri, known for their commitment to breeding cattle with exceptional fertility, longevity, and practical traits. The farm's breeding philosophy centers on producing sound, functional bulls that can help commercial producers improve their bottom line. They employ comprehensive genetic testing, including genomic testing, parentage verification, and screening for genetic defects. Each bull undergoes extensive evaluation, including birth, weaning, and yearling weight measurements, as well as scrotal and ultrasound assessments. During their annual sale, Mead Farms offers approximately 600-700 bulls, organized into sire groups to help buyers find the most suitable genetics for their operations. They pride themselves on providing detailed information in their sale catalog, including genomic-enhanced EPDs, actual DNA information, and comprehensive bull videos available online. Customer service is a critical component of their business model. Alan emphasizes that they aim to gain long-term customers rather than simply selling bulls. Their approach has resulted in a high repeat customer rate, with around 80% of buyers returning to their sales. The upcoming sale will be conducted through a live auction with DVA online bidding, allowing buyers multiple options for purchasing. Bulls will be run through the ring traditionally, with videos available for remote buyers. Alan personally stands behind every sale, offering satisfaction guarantees even for sight-unseen purchases. Mead Farms represents a modern, data-driven approach to cattle breeding while maintaining a commitment to functional, profitable genetics that serve commercial producers' needs.
 
 
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
 
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
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Rawhide Portable Corrals  
Udder Tech, Inc.  

Kester Herefords

Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, the Publisher of American Cattlemen, Tyler Kester with Kester Herefords from Clearwater Nebraska. Tyler discussed the ranch's origins, which began when his father was encouraged by a local rancher to lease cattle and learn valuable life lessons by raising them. Starting with just 12 Hereford heifers in the late 1980s, the operation has grown significantly. Today, Kester Herefords is a partnership between Tyler, his wife Lindsay, his brother Cody, and his wife Katie. The ranch now manages approximately 200 spring females and 50-60 fall females, with Cody working full-time on the ranch. Their upcoming annual production sale on March 3, 2025, at the Atkinson Livestock Market will feature 60 Hereford bulls, 40 Hereford heifers, and 50 F1 heifers. The Kester breeding program focuses on performance and maternal traits, with an emphasis on creating bulls that can produce calves that outperform black cattle in weight. They prioritize genetics that provide value to commercial cattlemen, with many bulls ranking in the top 1% of the industry for weaning and yearling weights. Tyler highlighted several notable aspects of their sale offering, including bulls from their top donor cows and a diverse selection of genetics. They've even expanded their perspective by traveling to the United Kingdom to study Hereford breeding and understand global cattle markets. The sale will be conducted by auctioneer Corey Curtis, with online bidding available through DV Auction. As an added attraction, they're hosting a preview weekend on February 22nd, where potential buyers can enjoy certified Hereford prime rib and inspect the cattle before the sale. The Kesters pride themselves on their western heritage, small-town values, and commitment to maintaining handshake integrity in their business relationships.
 
 
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
 
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
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Rawhide Portable Corrals  
Udder Tech, Inc.  

GG Genetics

Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, the Publisher of American Cattlemen, and Mason Fleener with GG Genetics. The business began in 1986 when Mason purchased red heifers in Montana, eventually building their own sale barn and feedlot. Over the years, they've developed a reputation for producing high-quality Angus cattle with a focus on efficiency and genetic excellence. The upcoming Superior Taste Performance Bull and Female Sale will feature 60 yearling Angus bulls, 30 Angus females, including 10 bred cows, purebred heifers, and commercial heifers. Mason emphasized the unique qualities of their cattle, particularly their focus on low dry matter intake without sacrificing growth or marbling potential. The operation prides itself on producing bulls with excellent calving ease, disposition, and carcass characteristics. A key differentiator for GG Genetics is their commitment to high-marbling bulls. Mason noted that 80% of their steers graded prime last year, highlighting the importance of marbling over simply having a large ribeye. The operation carefully selects bulls, never using one below breed average, and focuses on producing cattle that will perform well in commercial settings. The sale will be conducted through Superior Livestock, with some unique offerings including free delivery within 1000 miles and the option to keep bulls fed at the farm until July 1st. The event will feature a special lunch of Angus beef ribeye sandwiches grilled over charcoal, a tradition that has become almost as notable as the cattle themselves. Mason's approach combines scientific breeding with practical cattle management, creating a line of Angus cattle that are efficient, easy to handle, and genetically superior. The upcoming sale represents an opportunity for producers to access high-quality genetics that can improve their herds' overall performance and profitability.
 
 
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.