American Cattlemen Podcast

Thill Cattle Co

Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Just ahead, we have Gale McKinney, the Publisher of American Cattlemen, along with Bryan and Riley Thill from Thill Cattle Co. The Thill family's journey in cattle breeding began when Brian and his wife purchased 26 Angus-based cows early in their marriage, starting with affordable, older cows and gradually improving their herd's genetics through strategic breeding techniques. Brian, who has a background in animal science and dairy science from Iowa State University, spent most of his career in cattle consulting, which helped shape the Thill Cattle Co's approach to incorporating new technologies and innovative breeding strategies. Over the past 30 years, they've implemented artificial insemination and later expanded into embryo transfer, focusing on developing high-quality genetic lines. The operation has recently become particularly interested in the dairy-beef cross market, recognizing an opportunity to improve dairy cattle genetics. Thill Cattle Co. aims to produce bulls that can create more marketable crossbred calves with desirable characteristics like moderate frame size, excellent foot quality, and superior carcass traits. Riley, a pre-veterinary student at Iowa State University, is actively involved in the family business and has conducted research on early life impacts of beef-dairy cross calves. The family plans to showcase six animals at the Iowa Beef Expo, including four fall-born bulls and two show heifer prospects. These animals represent their commitment to both show stock and commercial cattle markets. Their breeding philosophy emphasizes diversity, with separate genetic lines for show cattle and commercial producers. They prioritize traits like homozygous black and polled genetics, good carcass characteristics, and adaptability for different market needs. The Thill Cattle Co. sees their approach as a way to serve multiple markets and respond to evolving industry demands, particularly in the growing beef-on-dairy sector.
 
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.  

Vet Services for Large & Small Animals

Welcome to another edition of the American Cattlemen Podcast.  Just ahead we have the Publisher of the American Cattlemen, Gale McKinney, who sits down with Dr. Shynia Peterman with Lyons Veterinary Clinic to discuss vet services for large and small animals. A native of Lions, Kansas, Dr. Peterman graduated from Kansas State University and obtained her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Oklahoma State University. Her passion for vet services began early, driven by a love for animals and a desire to work in rural veterinary practice. Lions Veterinary Clinic, founded in 1960, operates as a mixed animal practice serving Rice County and surrounding areas. The clinic handles both small and large animals, with a 50/50 split between small and large animal care, and occasionally treats exotic animals. Dr. Peterman and her colleague Dr. Scott Randolph lead a team of veterinary technicians and support staff. Her particular interest lies in beef cattle production, which originated from her experiences showing cattle in 4-H and developing her own cow-calf herd. The clinic provides comprehensive services for cattle producers, including ultrasound pregnancy checking, breeding soundness exams, processing, surgery, and even cattle hospitalization. Dr. Peterman emphasized the importance of safe, low-stress cattle handling, highlighting their state-of-the-art facility with a Silencer Max chute and turret gate system. She also discussed critical care for farm animals, particularly dogs and cats, stressing the importance of vaccinations, parasite prevention, and awareness of potential farm toxins like antifreeze and rat bait. When discussing recruitment into veterinary medicine, she advised aspiring veterinarians to understand it's a lifestyle commitment. She encourages internships and emphasizes the importance of finding a workplace that feels like family. Her clinic actively seeks to attract and retain veterinarians in rural areas by creating a supportive, collaborative environment. The podcast underscores the vital role veterinarians play in agricultural communities, particularly in supporting cattle producers and maintaining animal health.
 
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.  

Drake Simmental

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 Flint Drake with Drake Simmental as they discuss the upcoming Bull & Female on January 31 at the Drake Sale Facility in Centerville, IA. Now in their 125th year on the home farm, the Drake Simmental operation is a multi-generational enterprise comprising four distinct farms: Drake Simmental, Drake Cattle Company, Iron Creek Cattle Company, and Harlan Cattle Company. The operation is guided by four core principles established by Charlie Drake: finding the best genetics, using advanced science in selection, maintaining an artistic eye for cattle structure, and providing honest service to customers. Today, they've evolved from pulled Herefords to a focus on Simmental and Simmental-Angus crossbreeding. Their upcoming sale on January 31, 2025, features an impressive lineup of bulls and bred heifers. The bull offering includes fall and yearling bulls with diverse genetic backgrounds. Highlights include sons of top-performing sires like Deadwood, Jackson, and Hooks Eagle, with a mix of purebred Simmental and Angus-cross bulls. Special attention has been paid to addressing breed-specific challenges, such as improving foot quality in Angus cattle. The 28 bred heifers represent a carefully selected group from their "keeper" lines, bred to their top bulls. Many of these heifers come from notable donor lines and offer comparable genetic potential to the bulls being sold. Flint Drake emphasizes their commitment to developing cattle that excel in multiple traits - combining calving ease, growth, maternal characteristics, and carcass quality. They've achieved this through disciplined breeding strategies, sourcing genetics from across the country and using advanced reproductive technologies like embryo transfer. The sale will be held at their facility near Centerville, Iowa, with live online bidding available. Bulls will be kept and fed until April, reflecting the family's commitment to service and supporting their commercial customers.
 
 
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.  

Long Simmentals

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 Rob Long with Long Simmental as they discuss their Champion Pen of 3 Heifers at the National Western Stock Show! With nearly 40 years of experience, the Long family has transitioned from Herefords to Simmentals, now managing approximately 300 cows and hosting their fifth annual production sale. The upcoming February 3rd sale will showcase a comprehensive offering of Simmental, Sim-Angus, and Red Angus bulls and females. A standout feature is their donor cow Carmen, who has generated over half a million dollars in progeny sales in just four crop years. The sale will include five elite open females, bred females, and unique genetic opportunities like IVF cycles and embryos. Long Simmentals distinguishes itself by breeding truly functional cattle that excel in both commercial settings and national competitions. Their approach focuses on developing working animals that can thrive in real-world conditions, producing high-quality feeder calves that perform exceptionally in local markets. The sale will be professionally managed, with bulls receiving comprehensive care until April 15th, including breeding soundness exams and vaccinations. The Long family remains dedicated to customer support, continuously seeking ways to help producers find ideal genetics for their operations. Their recent success at the National Western Stock Show, winning the grand champion pen of three females, further underscores the quality of their breeding program.They will sell February 3 at the farm!
One of the perks of the agricultural lifestyle is the freedom and pleasure of living it as a family unit. The Rob Long Family has done that for decades, and they have no intention of doing it any other way.  Each family member has a role and responsibilities to ted to every day, and when one member needs assistance completing a task, the rest of the team is there to lend a hand. It’s a well-run outfit that has made considerable strides in land acquisition and adding numbers to the cow herd. The annual offering will grow as they forge ahead, but quality will never be sacrificed.
Attend the Long Simmentals Fifth Annual “The Gates Are Open” Production sale on February 3 at 1:00 p.m. at the Farm near Creston, Iowa.
 
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.  

Apex Cattle

Welcome to another episode of the American Cattlemen Podcast and our Producer Profile. Just ahead, we have Dustin Hector the Director of Business Development of American Cattlemen, and Dan Leo with Apex Cattle as they discuss the upcoming Apex Cattle Annual Sale that starts on Monday, January 27th at 12:30. With over 50 years of experience in the cattle industry, Apex Cattle specializes in Sim Angus genetics and is committed to producing high-quality seed stock that enhances profitability for cattle producers. The sale will feature approximately 300 head of cattle, including 140 bulls and 115 bred heifers. The bull offering consists of two-year-old and yearling bulls, carefully developed to be sound, hardy, and adaptable to various regions. These bulls are sired by top-performing genetics, with many ranking in the top percentiles of the breed for multiple traits. A highlight of this year's sale is the first-ever offering of their top seven heifer calves. Many of these heifers are bred to Magnifique, a bull in the top 1% of the breed for API and calving ease, with exceptional marbling characteristics. The sale will also include three-in-one fall pairs, featuring the mother of last year's top-selling female. Apex Cattle has a strong focus on heterosis, believing it provides significant advantages in cattle breeding. Their Sim Angus approach aims to improve calving ease, vigor, female fertility, and overall herd productivity. The operation uses genomics extensively, particularly for improving marbling traits. The sale will be conducted online through CCI Live, with two-thirds of last year's cattle sold via internet bidding. Customers from 18 states have previously purchased from Apex Cattle. The operation offers a volume discount program, with discounts ranging from 3% to 10% based on the number of bulls purchased. Dan Leo emphasizes the company's commitment to customer service, including nationwide delivery options and comprehensive genetic information. With a long-standing reputation in the industry, Apex Cattle continues to provide genetics that help producers improve their operations 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.  

Scott 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 Marlin, Kelly & Abby with Scott Angus as they discuss the upcoming 3rd Annual Production Sale on Wednesday, January 29th. The family's ranching history dates back to the 1930s, when Leonard Scott first settled in the area and raised draft horses and Hereford cattle. Over the decades, the operation has evolved, with Ron Scott continuing the commercial cattle business and now Marlon, Kelly, Abby, and her husband AJ working together to manage the ranch. The Scotts have developed a strategic approach to cattle breeding, focusing on genetics, carcass testing, and embryo development. They began by purchasing high-quality cows at dispersal sales and eventually transitioned to artificial insemination to improve their herd's genetic potential. Their breeding philosophy centers on what Marlon calls the "3C and 6F" approach: creating comfortable cattle with content, conception, feet, foundation, fertility, and fellowship. The Scott Angus upcoming third annual production sale on January 29, 2025, will feature nearly 100 lots, almost double their previous sale. The offering includes various sire groups, including Baldridge Pappy, Keneally Craftsman, Jameson Milestone, and Sim Angus bulls. They've carefully selected bulls with excellent traits, focusing on moderate birth weights, good feet, and strong marbling potential. The family emphasizes the importance of disposition, nutrition, and working together. They collaborate closely with a nutritionist and ensure their cattle are well-cared for and comfortable. Abby, who brings modern technological skills to the operation, and her husband AJ have become integral parts of the ranch, helping with tasks like clipping and photography. Their goal is to provide commercial producers with high-quality, genetically superior cattle that can perform well in various environments and contribute to the overall improvement of the beef industry.
 
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.  

Gale sits down and talks with Ross Havens, Marketing Coordinator for Nichols Farms About Upcoming Bull 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 Ross Havens with Nichols Farms as they discuss the upcoming Opening Day Private Treaty Bull Season that starts on January 25th at 1:00 PM. Founded by Dave Nichols and his father in the late 1950s, Nichols Farms has evolved to offer a diverse range of genetic options, including Angus, purebred black Semitalls, and purebred black South Devon bulls. The upcoming private treaty bull sale on January 25, 2025, will feature approximately 480 bulls across three categories: the best of the best (top herd sires), fall yearling bulls, and yearling bulls. Priced in three ranges from $4,750 to $5,750, these bulls offer flexibility for producers, with the option to purchase and have the bulls kept until needed. A significant innovation at Nicholas Farms is their implementation of cutting-edge technologies. They've introduced Green Feeds systems to measure methane output, demonstrating their commitment to sustainable breeding practices. The farm has also made substantial progress with their Health Shield program, dramatically reducing bull treatments by focusing on bovine respiratory disease resistance. The farm's approach goes beyond simply selling bulls. They provide comprehensive support to customers, including market listing services, assistance with calf marketing, and connections to top feedlots. Their three-way crossbreeding program, particularly incorporating South Devon genetics, has proven successful for both small and large producers. In addition to their bull sale, Nicholas Farms will host a heifer sale on February 19, offering approximately 100 open heifers that are fully vaccinated, genomically tested, and accompanied by two units of semen. This sale reflects the farm's commitment to providing high-quality genetics and supporting cattle producers. Ross Havens, the marketing coordinator, emphasizes that their primary goal is helping customers be profitable by continually advancing genetic technologies and providing exceptional service. Nichols Farms remains dedicated to its passion of improving beef cattle genetics and supporting agricultural producers.
 
 
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.  

Bar J Ranch

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 Jake Reed with Bar J Ranch as they discuss the upcoming Angus Bull and Heifer sale on Sunday, February 16th. Founded by Jake Reed's parents in the mid-1970s, the ranch has evolved from a small operation to a respected breeding program that produces high-quality, functional Angus cattle. Jake Reed, who holds a degree in ruminant nutrition, returned to the family ranch in 2008 and began developing the herd. In 2014, he initiated their first annual bull sale, transitioning from private treaty sales to a more structured marketing approach. Today, the ranch sells approximately 70-75 bulls annually, with around 60 sold during their primary sale and 10-15 through private treaty. The ranch's philosophy centers on producing real-world efficient cattle with a focus on maternal traits, structural integrity, and performance. Jake emphasizes the importance of creating cattle that can thrive in challenging environments like the Dakotas, prioritizing functionality over extreme growth metrics. Their upcoming sale on February 16, 2025, will feature 60 registered Angus bulls sired by notable bloodlines including Ellingson, Brick House, and their own herd sire. The offering will showcase bulls with excellent feet, balanced growth, and strong maternal characteristics. Additionally, the sale will include nine registered Angus heifers, primarily Keneally Craftsman daughters, and a selection of commercial heifers and pairs. Jake's background in nutrition and extensive industry connections allows Bar J Ranch to offer comprehensive support to customers. They provide free delivery, a bull guarantee for animals over $3,000, and ongoing consultation in nutrition and marketing. The ranch represents a multi-generational commitment to producing high-quality Angus genetics, with Jake's four children already showing interest in continuing the family tradition. Their approach combines scientific understanding, practical experience, and a dedication to creating cattle that perform efficiently in real-world 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.  
 

Hoover Angus 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 Landi Livingston with Hoover Angus Farms discuss the upcoming 97th Anniversary Sale on Tuesday, February 4th at 12:00 noon. Located near Elston, Iowa, the Hoover Angus Farms was originally established by F.W. Hoover when he purchased his first Angus cows, marking the beginning of one of the nation's oldest Angus herds. The current operation is a family-run business managed by David and Joy McFarland, along with their daughter Landy Livingston and her husband Andrew. What sets Hoover Angus Farms apart is their singular focus on Angus genetics, with a commitment that spans generations. The farm's unique approach includes maintaining cow families that trace back up to 18 generations, all bred and raised on the same southern Iowa fescue land. Historically, the farm's bulls carried the H and K prefix, representing Hoover and Kibbutz, with the current generation using the Hoover prefix. All female cattle born on the farm now bear the Elston name, signifying their home origin. This deep-rooted commitment to genetic continuity and regional adaptation demonstrates the farm's dedication to producing high-quality Angus cattle. The podcast episode, hosted by Gail McKinney, was part of a broader discussion about the farm's upcoming 97th annual sale, scheduled for February 4, 2025. The conversation highlighted the farm's long-standing tradition, emphasizing their specialized approach to cattle breeding and their deep connection to the land and livestock. Interspersed throughout the podcast were sponsorship segments from companies like Utter Tech, offering specialized workwear for agricultural professionals, and DMTC Consulting, which provides mineral supplements for livestock. These segments underscored the broader agricultural ecosystem supporting operations like Hoover Angus Farm. The interview provided listeners with insights into a multi-generational agricultural enterprise that represents the best of American cattle breeding traditions.
 
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.  
 

701X, Traceability, Data & Herd Management and More!

Welcome to another edition of the American Cattlemen Podcast.  Just ahead we have the Publisher of the American Cattlemen, Gale McKinney, who sits down with Dr. Joseph Massey and Sam Fischer with 701X. 701X was founded in 2020 by Kevin Bifford, who grew up on a ranch in North Dakota, with the mission of solving challenges faced by cow-calf producers. The company has developed four core products: a comprehensive herd management app, X Watson remote water sensors, XT light smart ear tags, and the XT Pro smart ear tag with advanced tracking capabilities. The podcast highlighted a significant merger between 701X and Digital Beef, bringing together cutting-edge technology and robust registry programs. Dr. Massey, with over 30 years of experience in agricultural technology, emphasized the importance of real-time data and connectivity for producers. The merger aims to create seamless integration between herd records and registry information, making data collection and management more efficient for both seed stock and commercial producers. A key focus was bridging the education gap in the industry. Both Massey and Fisher stressed the importance of transparent communication about technological advancements. They believe producers will ultimately drive technology adoption by finding innovative ways to utilize new tools. The XT Pro smart ear tag represents a significant technological leap, offering standalone communication through Verizon cell reception. It provides GPS tracking, health alerts, and potential features like estrus and calving detection. This technology addresses long-standing producer requests for more comprehensive animal monitoring. The discussion also touched on the dairy industry's technological leadership and how beef producers are rapidly catching up. By providing accessible, user-friendly technology and comprehensive customer support, 701X aims to empower producers with better data-driven decision-making tools. Ultimately, the conversation highlighted technology's potential to increase transparency, improve animal management, and connect producers more effectively with end consumers.
 
 
For previous episodes of the American Cattlemen Podcast, please visit:  www.americancattlemen.com.
 
American Cattlemen Podcast is Sponsored By:
Rawhide Portable Corrals  
Lewis Cattle Oiler 
Udder Tech, Inc.