American Cattlemen Podcast

High Point Genetics

Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Coming up, we have Gale McKinney, the Publisher of American Cattlemen, Brian and Mindy Oswald from High Point Genetics from Osceola, Iowa. Brian's passion for cattle began in childhood, where he would spend most of his time in the barn, caring for cows and calves. After marrying Mindy in 1992 and working in banking, they gradually built their cattle operation, purchasing their first 30 acres and acquiring initial breeding stock from Dick Bell's Angus dispersal in the late 1990s. Their operation now encompasses 475 registered females, with 75% Angus and 25% Simmental-Angus crossbreeds. They will host their 17th annual bull sale, featuring 171 Angus and Simmental-Angus bulls, including 80 age-advantage bulls that will be 20 months old at spring turnout. These bulls are developed on pasture, emphasizing size, length, and robust frame. The Oswalds pride themselves on a balanced genetic approach, selecting for multiple traits and highlighting EPDs in the top 35 percentile. They maintain a rigorous culling program, removing cows that do not consistently produce high-quality calves. This "survival of the fittest" methodology ensures their herd continually improves. Beyond genetics, Brian and Mindy value customer relationships. Many of their long-term clients have become close friends, and they prioritize treating customers with respect and reliability. Their sale offers a comprehensive package: heated barn, breakfast and lunch, free delivery within hundreds of miles, and boarding bulls until April. The sale will feature notable sire groups like Big Country and Sits Galactic, offering a diverse range of bulls with strong genetic potential. Their commitment to producing functional, adaptable cattle that perform well in commercial settings sets High Point Genetics apart in the seed stock industry.
 
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
 
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
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Eblen Simmental

Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Coming up, we have Gale McKinney, the Publisher of American Cattlemen, Scott Eblen and Kadee Calhoun from Eblen Simmental. Scott's father, Doug Eblen, originally started the cattle breeding program in the late 1970s and early 1980s, which Scott and his daughter Katie have continued to develop and expand. The family runs both a cattle operation and row crop farm, experiencing an above-average corn crop that year despite some dry conditions. The Eblen Simmental bull sale on February 22nd will feature 34 purebred Simmental and Sim-Angus bulls with a focus on growth, frame, and functionality. Scott emphasizes breeding cattle with substantial growth potential, preferring larger-framed bulls that maintain practical working characteristics. He feeds his bulls a low-corn ration designed to help them transition smoothly to pasture without losing condition. The bulls demonstrate impressive performance metrics, with some gaining nearly 4.5 pounds per day and showing strong genetic potential. Several notable bulls were highlighted during the discussion, including a March-born calf weighing 1,340 pounds with a 39.5-inch scrotal measurement, and bulls from Canadian and Nebraska bloodlines that show exceptional growth and structural soundness. Scott and Katie pride themselves on producing cattle with good feet, strong bone structure, and eye appeal. The sale will be a live auction held in their heated garage, with Cam Hart as the auctioneer. They offer free delivery and will keep purchased bulls for 30 days at no additional cost. Their breeding philosophy centers on producing functional, high-performing cattle that can add value to commercial producers' herds by putting pounds on calves - which ultimately translates to increased profitability. The podcast showcased a family committed to continuous improvement in their cattle breeding program, blending traditional farming values with modern genetic selection techniques.  
 
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
 
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
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Lucky 7 Angus

Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector, the Director of Business Development for American Cattlemen, and Jim Jensen with Lucky 7 Angus. Lucky 7 Angus, established in 1895, began focusing on registered Angus bulls approximately 30 years ago after struggling to find cattle that could survive their harsh conditions. Jensen's approach centers on developing extremely feed-efficient genetics through a "survival of the fittest" methodology. By testing cattle using advanced systems like Grow Safe, they have created a breeding program recognized globally for producing cattle that are not only economically efficient but environmentally sustainable. The ranch's key breeding objectives include improving three critical areas: longevity, reducing sickness, and minimizing death loss. Jensen emphasizes that profitability starts with live calves, bred cows, and cattle that can remain productive for extended periods. Their bulls are uniquely designed to breed for nine years, potentially producing 150-200 calves, compared to traditional bulls that might only generate 35 calves. A distinctive feature of Lucky Seven Angus is their four-year bull guarantee, which challenges industry norms and encourages other breeders to develop more robust, long-lasting cattle. This guarantee reflects their commitment to creating cattle that can genuinely perform in challenging environments. The ranch has gained international recognition for its approach, recently participating in speaking tours in the United Kingdom to discuss how cattle breeding can address environmental concerns. By creating feed-efficient cattle that produce less greenhouse gas emissions, Jensen believes ranchers can demonstrate that agriculture is part of the environmental solution, not the problem. Their annual bull sale, held each March in Riverton, Wyoming, provides an opportunity for ranchers to access these unique genetics. With a focus on scientific testing, environmental sustainability, and practical ranching needs, Lucky Seven Angus represents an innovative approach to cattle breeding.
 
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.  

Deppe Angus Upcoming Feb. 21st 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 Dennis Depee, owner of Deppe Angus. Dennis, an agricultural education teacher and FFA advisor, and Jennifer, with a background in agricultural communications, have developed a thriving cattle breeding program focused on functional, high-quality genetics. Their operation has grown organically through customer referrals and a commitment to producing superior Angus cattle. The Deppes have carefully selected and developed their herd, keeping their female base private for the first decade and focusing on creating consistent, reliable genetics that perform well in diverse environments. The upcoming sale on February 21st showcases their breeding philosophy, featuring 73 yearling and aged bulls, 18 spring-bred pairs, and 25 open elite females. Highlights include two exceptional Glacier Sun bulls from a premium embryo purchase and a set of daughters sired by their top-selling Duracell 279 bull. The sale will offer genetic opportunities, including embryo and IVF cycles from their most promising females. What sets Deppe Angus apart is their holistic approach to cattle breeding. They prioritize functionality, longevity, and performance, testing their bulls at third-party stations and maintaining close relationships with feed yards to track their genetics' real-world performance. Their cattle have proven adaptable, successfully raising offspring in environments ranging from Utah's deserts to the southern United States. Dennis emphasizes their commitment to customer success, focusing on creating genetics that will help commercial producers improve their herds. By offering consistent, well-structured cattle with strong genetic potential, Deppe Angus has built a reputation for reliability and excellence. The sale represents an opportunity for producers to access top-tier Angus genetics from a program dedicated to producing functional, high-performing cattle that can thrive in various conditions.
 
 
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.  

Schiefelbein 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 Don Schiefelbein with Schiefelbein Farms from Kimball, MN. Founded in 1955 by Frank and Frosty Schiefelbein, the farm began with two city residents who had no prior knowledge of cattle farming. Over the decades, the operation has grown to become Minnesota's largest registered Angus operation and the 30th largest seed stock operation across all breeds. Today, the farm is a remarkable family enterprise, with seven of nine brothers working full-time, six grandchildren actively involved, and approximately 115 total family members. Their upcoming annual production sale on February 15, 2025, will feature 400 bulls, 50 elite bred registered Angus heifers, and two donor opportunities. What sets Schiefelbein Farms apart is their aggressive genetic improvement strategy. They utilize an extensive embryo transfer program where 25% of their registered cows serve as recipients, allowing them to upgrade average genetics to top-tier genetic lines. Don Schiefelbein explains that this approach allows them to make genetic progress three times faster than traditional breeding methods. The farm takes a unique approach to genetics, being open to using superior sires from various sources rather than limiting themselves to only their own bloodlines. They emphasize both genetic performance and visual appeal, believing producers should not have to compromise between numbers and looks. A key component of their business model is a comprehensive buyback program, which ensures producers investing in their genetics receive fair value. This program, started 30 years ago, demonstrates their commitment to supporting commercial cattlemen and connecting genetic potential with market performance. The farm's philosophy centers on understanding and responding to consumer demands, recognizing that value-based beef production and programs like Certified Angus Beef have revolutionized the industry by rewarding quality and performance.
 
 
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.  

Rousey SimAngus

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 Tyrell & Deandra Rousey of North Platte, Nebraska. Tyrell's journey into the cattle industry began on his family's dairy farm, where he developed a passion for cattle genetics and breeding. After studying animal science at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he interned and then worked for Burgers Herd Masters, a specialized SimAngus cattle operation. In 2018, Tyrell and his wife Deandra were given the opportunity to lease the ranch and cow herd, establishing Rousey SimAngus LLC. Their upcoming annual bull sale, scheduled for February 8, 2025, at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds, will feature 90 black SimAngus and 70 red SimAngus bulls with diverse genetic backgrounds. The Rousey breeding philosophy centers on three key principles: practicality, functionality, and heterosis. They focus on creating balanced, easy-working cattle that can thrive in various ranch environments. Their approach emphasizes producing high-quality females, believing that exceptional bulls are a byproduct of exceptional cow herds. Their bull offerings showcase a variety of composite genetics, including quarter SimAngus, three-quarter Angus, and half-blood variations. Tyrell highlighted several sire groups, including flush brothers, Myers Fair and Square progeny, and Bruin Envisage lines, each bringing unique characteristics to the breeding program. The operation takes pride in creating cattle with strong maternal traits, good disposition, and adaptability. They carefully select bulls that contribute to herd improvement, focusing on traits like muscle definition, growth potential, and ease of management. Their goal is to provide commercial ranchers with genetics that can improve herd performance and reduce labor-intensive management. The podcast emphasized the Rousey SimAngus commitment to producing practical, functional cattle that can help ranchers improve their herds through hybrid vigor and thoughtful genetic selection.
 
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.  

K-Ler Cattle

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 Seth Kaehler with K-Ler Cattle out of St Charles, Minnesota. Seth represents the fifth generation to live on their family farm, with plans to raise the sixth generation in the original household. The Kaehler family's agricultural journey began when their great-great-grandfather, a wagon maker, started the operation through an unusual loan transaction. The Kaehler's have a rich history in cattle breeding, initially working with Shorthorn, Angus, and Simmental breeds. Seth and his brother were both actively involved in the Junior Simmental Association, gaining early experience and passion for the industry. K-Ler Cattle focuses on breeding high-quality cattle with an emphasis on both performance and appearance. At the National Western Stock Show in Denver, the Kaehlers had a successful showing, securing reserve champion for five purebred Simmental bulls and three in the Performance, Genetics, and Economics (PNG) show. Their sale will feature 48 Simmental and Simangus bulls, five Angus bulls, 40 bred heifers, and some donor cows. The Kaehlers pride themselves on breeding cattle that not only have strong EPDs and indexes but also look exceptional. They focus on attitude, feet and leg structure, and offer a four-year feet and semen guarantee on their bulls. Their approach combines genetic performance with visual appeal, targeting both purebred and commercial cattle producers. Their sale offerings include bulls from notable bloodlines, with some coming from high-value cow families that have previously sold for significant prices. They also offer commercial replacement heifers, demonstrating their commitment to serving diverse market needs. The Kaehlers' philosophy centers on breeding cattle that will ultimately help their customers make money, providing ongoing support and marketing assistance beyond the initial sale.
 
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.  

Ceres Tag

Welcome to another edition of the American Cattlemen Podcast.  Just ahead we have Dustin Hector, the Director of Business Development, who sits down with the Founder& CEO of Ceres Tags David Smith. Smith, an engineer with a background in agriculture and international business, brings a unique perspective from Australia to the U.S. cattle industry. The podcast explored how Ceres Tag's satellite-enabled animal health intelligence platform can help ranchers improve productivity and profitability. The key technology is a sensor attached to a cow's ear that tracks multiple critical data points, including feed intake, movement, and location. One of the most significant advantages of the Ceres Tag is its ability to measure feed conversion efficiency. By tracking how much grass each individual animal consumes and correlating that with weight gain or milk production, ranchers can make more informed breeding and management decisions. This technology allows producers to optimize land carrying capacity and identify the most efficient animals in their herd. Security emerged as another crucial aspect of the technology. With satellite connectivity, ranchers can monitor their herds 24/7, regardless of their physical location. The system can set virtual boundaries and immediately alert owners if animals move outside designated areas or if unusual activity suggests potential theft. Livestock theft is a significant concern, with over 95% of incidents going unreported. Ceres Tag's technology provides real-time tracking and alerts, increasing the likelihood of preventing or recovering stolen animals. This capability not only protects ranchers' investments but could also potentially lower insurance and banking risks. Smith emphasized that this technology is becoming an essential tool for modern ranching, offering both financial insights and peace of mind. By providing comprehensive data on animal performance and location, Ceres Tag helps producers make better-informed decisions, ultimately improving their operational efficiency 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.  

Loonan Stock Farms

Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, the Publisher of the American Cattlemen, along with Judy Loonan and Rick Thompson with Loonan Stock Farms. The Loonan family's cattle operation began in 1864 with commercial cattle production, and Judy's father, Dick Lowen, started the seed stock business 50 years ago with a vision of helping commercial producers maximize their profits. Judy explained how she transitioned from education to full-time cattle farming after college, joining her parents in developing the seed stock operation. In 1989, they added Red Angus to their existing Simmental cattle line. Rick Thompson, who has been with the farm for 31 years, has played a crucial role in bull selection and farm management, especially after Dick Lowen's passing in 2011. The upcoming sale will feature 100 bulls, with approximately 60 Red Angus and the remainder Simmental and hybrid bulls. The farm focuses on breeding cattle with specific genetic traits, emphasizing cavity size, rapid growth, marbling, and ribeye area. They meticulously match bull EPDs to ensure predictable breeding outcomes and minimize calving difficulties. Loonan Stock Farms bulls are typically six to six-and-a-half frame size, with an emphasis on good feet and legs, high weaning and yearling weights, and superior marbling. The sale will use a unique private treaty auction format, allowing buyers to select bulls in a structured bidding process. A notable highlight is the recent development in the Red Angus market, with new packing plants offering premiums for Red Angus cattle similar to those traditionally given to Black Angus, which could provide additional value for producers. The sale will be held on Saturday, February 1st at 1 PM, with lunch served beforehand and bulls available for viewing. The farm offers comprehensive information in their catalog, including ultrasound data, sibling performance, and detailed genetic information to help commercial producers make informed purchasing decisions.
 
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.  

Safety Zone Calf Catcher

Welcome to another edition of the American Cattlemen Podcast.  Just ahead we have Dustin Hector, the Director of Business Development, who sits down with the owner of the Safety Zone Calf Catcher Dan Leo. Leo, a 77-year-old rancher, developed the Safety Zone Calf Catcher out of a genuine need to make calving season safer and more manageable for producers of all ages and experience levels. The Safety Zone Calf Catcher is a specialized unit that attaches to four-wheelers or side-by-sides, allowing ranchers to safely catch and handle newborn calves without risking injury from protective mother cows. The device features a front-opening door and a rear compartment that minimizes stress for both calves and cows during processing, tagging, and medical treatments. What began as a solution for older ranchers has evolved into a product appealing to producers across generations. The Safety Zone Calf Catcher addresses multiple challenges in modern cattle operations, including labor shortages and the inherent risks of handling newborn calves. Leo shared numerous testimonials demonstrating the product's versatility, from helping inexperienced ranch hands to enabling truck drivers' spouses to safely manage cattle during their partners' absences. Manufactured entirely in Nebraska, the Calf Catcher is built with durability in mind. Leo takes pride in creating a product that can be passed down through generations, with one customer noting his grandchildren would likely still be using the unit years from now. The company has expanded its reach significantly, shipping units across the United States and even internationally to countries like Australia and France. The podcast highlighted how the Safety Zone Calf Catcher represents more than just a piece of equipment – it's a solution that helps keep ranchers safe, extends their ability to work with cattle, and provides an opportunity for younger generations to participate in ranch operations more safely and confidently.
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.